Video game records are set through a myriad of ways, from sales, concurrent players, longest gameplay, high scores, largest collection, and so on, and Tencent’s Honor of Kings MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) has just marked a new one, with a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance in a single esports match. 

It’s truly a title fit for a king, considering that the decade-old game, which grossed US$2.6 million globally in 2024, was recently crowned the highest-grossing mobile game in the world as well. 

The weekend of 8 November marked the Honor of Kings King Pro League (KPL) 2025 Grand Finals, held at Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium, which was transformed into a coliseum of lights and robust energy as 62,196 fans helped the game set a new Guinness World Record for the largest attendance in a single esports match. The crowd roared as two of China’s most celebrated singers, Zhou Shen (周深) and Han Hong (韩红), took the stage, with the latter performing the KPL 2025 theme song “神驰的属地” to the arena.

Originally released in 2015, the TiMi Studio title started as a China-only title before the fantasy mobile game, which borrows heavily from Chinese history, mythology, and traditional culture, took off overseas under the title Honor of Kings, where it has been launched in several key markets, including North America and Brazil. And while MOBA games have faced perceptions of being less prestigious than their PC esports counterparts, the KPL Grand Finals are now making their mark on the global stage with this record. Every warm seat in the 80,000-seater event space is a testament to the cultural and competitive power of the game.

The best-of-seven showdown featured the two finalist teams – AG Super Play and Wolves – two of the most disciplined and skilled Honor of Kings teams in China. From the opening game, Wolves pressed aggressively, securing early kills and controlling the map. Meanwhile, AG struggled initially by falling behind in kills and territory, and having their base almost wiped out by their opponent, but ultimately, their resilience shone through. By the eighteenth minute of Game One, AG turned the tide around with an impressive display of skill and defence, capturing the crucial lord and clinching the first victory in a match that set the tone for the evening.

Games Two through Five were a rollercoaster of momentum as Wolves’ aggressive early game strategies repeatedly tested AG’s composure, while AG demonstrated calmness and strategic adaptability. Fans witnessed spectacular plays, ambushes, and nail-biting close calls. 

In Game Six, the tension peaked as AG’s jungler Zhong Yi / Zoe (钟意), well-known for being the top jungler in Honor of Kings, selected his 100 per cent win-rate hero Augran (大司命), a choice reflecting confidence and trust in his own mastery, while Wolves countered with a similar strategy. Their roamer Yi Sheng / One (一 笙) picked DongHuang (东皇太一), also the players’ 100 per cent win-rate hero. Naturally, the crowd went wild over the selection of heroes, as one would have to lose their perfect hero win rate to the other at the end of the game. 

Ultimately, AG emerged victorious in a 4–2 victory to claim the championship and the top prize of ¥20,000,000 (S$3,600,000), part of a ¥70,000,000 (S$12,800,000) prize pool, with YINUO (一诺) delivering an MVP-worthy performance to earn the FMVP (Finals’ Most Valuable Player) title.

Beyond the competition, we were provided a glimpse into the meticulous preparation behind one of these elite Honor of Kings teams. Players from JDG, such as NoFear and Rong, underwent rigorous professional training, with selection processes spanning multiple phases. Rituals and preparation range from something as simple as warming up hands to a more tedious reviewing and analysing opponent footage. In JDG’s Home City, a specially made training program is made for their players to test their reflex, speed, awareness, and memory, highlighting the discipline and precision required at the highest level.

JDG’s team manager emphasised the qualities they seek in players – expertise, willingness to learn, strong communication, and an unwavering desire to win. This trait can be seen in various players across different teams.

The scale and ambition of the Honor of Kings extend far beyond China. Deputy CEO and COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, Mike McGabe, described the KPL as unique, both locally and globally, citing its diverse fandom. To them, it was incredibly important to include Honor of Kings in their list of games in EWC (Esports World Cup), and it was an easy decision, seeing how big this game is. Chief Games Officer Fabian Scheuermann noted that the growth and support for KPL clubs in China serve as a benchmark, which they hope international teams can strive for similar stability.

Tencent’s global esports vision continues to shape these milestones. Global Esports Senior Director James Yang stressed that Honor of Kings is not about exporting a copy of the KPL, but about sharing its DNA with teams worldwide. Partnerships, mentorship programs, and international competitions help close the gap between Chinese players and the global community. 

Despite Malaysia being praised as the up-and-coming country with the most potential to beat a Chinese team by Yang, Team NOVA Esports Director Tsai “Rainer” Cheng-Bang highlighted the steep learning curve. The Malaysian market’s only advantage is that it plays 王者荣耀 (China’s version of Honor of Kings), which gives them a slight edge because of its advanced server with more features, content, and a more developed player base over regional competitors like the Philippines and Indonesia, who rely on the global version. Navigating the Chinese ranking system requires creating accounts under a Chinese IP address, a hurdle that underscores the challenge of bridging regional skill gaps.

That doesn’t stop Honor of Kings from constantly pouring in effort to diversify. This year’s Women’s Open tournament in Malaysia is a prime example, providing a platform for female competitors to showcase their skills and gain international exposure. Initiatives like this not only highlight the growing presence of women in esports but also signal the game’s commitment to cultivating talent across all demographics.

The KPL 2025 Grand Finals not only crowned AG as champions but also reaffirmed the magnitude of the impact mobile esports has made on a global scale. With a record-breaking attendance, the grand finals reinforced the message that Honor of Kings is a cultural phenomenon.

Debbi Koh

Living multiple lives, Debbi is a singer-songwriter and music coach by day, FPS gamer and variety streamer by night. Let’s not forget being a full-time dog mom to her Cavapoo, Buddy. With life like this, who needs a multiverse?

www.twitch.tv/debbidooo/

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Ten years after it made its debut in China, Tencent’s epic MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) title, Honor of Kings, is now a gaming kingdom with no equal. What began as a local phenomenon has turned into a worldwide movement, as the game, from developer TiMi Studio, recently garnered 100 million monthly active users outside China in August 2025, and in just under two months, the fantasy game based heavily on Chinese history, mythology, and traditional culture, has now become the world’s most played mobile game.

In 2024, the game grossed US$2.6 million, making it the highest-grossing mobile game in the world at the time, and it wasn’t because of the larger Chinese population. Just this month, the company announced that the game surpassed 260 million global monthly active users (MAUs) across more than 200 countries and regions, with China hitting a record 139 million daily active users (DAUs), surpassing the previous record of 100 million DAUs set in 2024.

At the global Honor of Kings World Championship Grand Final or King Pro League (KPL) over the weekend, which sold out 60,000 seats in 12 seconds, Tencent announced that the event had reached a Guinness World Record of the largest attendance for an esports event – 62,196 attendees.

But this rise isn’t built on numbers alone. Behind the spectacle lies a clear mission – to build a global ecosystem where players, professionals, and communities can grow together, where the gap between international and Chinese players continues to close. Yes, there are cultural nuances in the game’s narrative that hamper the full enjoyment of non-Chinese players, which explains the stronger rollout of programs to win over more gamers from around the world. 

The game comes in 2 versions – the Chinese Version, 王者荣耀, which is limited to mainland China and a few select markets, and the global version, Honor of Kings, now available in more than 160 countries across Asia, Europe, America, the Middle East, and North Africa.

“We are not trying to copy the KPL to the world. We are sharing our Honor of Kings DNA and hope that it can be inherited,” explains Tencent’s Global Esports Senior Director James Yang,

Through initiatives like the Global Esports Power Up Program, teams around the world receive structured training and mentorship directly from China’s top-tier ecosystem and coaches. 

According to the Head of KPL Cheng Huang, the aim is to “strengthen communication channels across the world with China” by fostering an open environment where teams can learn, adapt to game mechanics, and ultimately rise to the same standard of play as the Chinese.

And the success is showing, as players from countries such as Malaysia have emerged as rising powerhouses, challenging long-held expectations of China’s dominance. For Tencent, that’s a success story in itself. 

“We want to see a global team beat us,” Cheng Huang shares. “When that happens, it means we are doing something right.”

While the competitive scene grows, the cultural heartbeat of Honor of Kings remains just as crucial. Known for its heroes inspired by Chinese mythology and folklore, the game’s expansion required more than just language translation but cultural reimagination and adjusting to an international audience.

Honor of Kings Game Producer Dean Huang explained that the goal was to always ensure that each hero “resonates and feels familiar to the rest of the world” while preserving the heart of its original story. This philosophy has led to regionally inspired heroes like Indonesia’s Garuda Khageswara and Brazil’s Luara, designed with local aesthetics that align with each country’s identity. Think of how global games infuse their pool of characters with those from different nationalities and cultures – Tencent and TiMi Studio follows the established practice made by countless developers before them, but also understands that this balance between authenticity and adaptation defines Honor of Kings’ global charm, where it’s still deeply Chinese at its core, but speaks in the language of every culture it touches.

To sustain this global movement, Tencent has invested US$15 million into developing the game’s international esports infrastructure. From professional leagues to grassroots programs, there are now seven regional professional leagues across the globe, led by the KPL in in China, followed by the MY Honor of Kings League in in Malaysia, Indonesia’s Kings Laga, Philippine’s Kings League, the Major East League (Japan, Korea, MENA and South Asia), the Major West League (America and Europe), and Brazil’s Honor of Kings League, all of which are complemented by initiatives like the Open Series and Campus Series, which provides new players a chance to learn directly from professionals.

Already, the effort looks to be paying off, as feedback from the grassroots community has been overwhelmingly positive, with players praising the mentorship programs and accessibility. Even the AI companion coach, which uses large language models to help players analyse their performance, has been met with enthusiasm. 

“This is only the beginning,” promises Honor of Kings KPL Operations and Development Lead Jiaxin, who reveals the system will continue to evolve and refine how players train. For established pro players, competition is also becoming more exciting, though the team recognises that with the long headstart that Chinese teams have, it’s unlikely that international teams have the capabilities to offer much of a challenge… for now, that is. 

“We do hope that every country will have the opportunity to beat us,” Jiaxin commented. “If a strong team defeats China’s pros, we want others to learn from them.”

There’s also the potential of the various professional leagues to become more than just events for like-minded players from the community to gather as in China, the KPL has evolved from a tournament to a celebration, as each KPL Grand Final transforms into a carnival for the growing fandom, with board games, music, comics, and crafts creating a festival-like experience that goes beyond the mobile screen.

This celebratory spirit has now reached the global stage with the Esports World Cup (EWC), where Honor of Kings made its debut as one of the core titles in 2025. Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, Mike McCabe, says it was “an incredibly easy decision” to include the game. 

“The KPL is truly unique, not just locally but globally. It’s on a different scale, one that is very diverse from an audience standpoint. When we look at it, we look at the fandom that inspired us to create the Superfans Program and work in partnership with clubs. The KPL clubs are on a different level.”

Chief Games Officer Fabian Scheuermann echoes the sentiment, pointing to the massive influence of the KPL. “We looked at the sheer size of its fanbase. The support and growth of the clubs globally is incredible, and we’re hoping that international teams will also achieve the same stability and growth as the ones in China.”

The partnership has already shown tangible results in Saudi Arabia, where the EWC introduced a new market and gave fans the opportunity to witness KPL’s best players live. “We saw a 20 to 25 per cent increase in attendance numbers, with over 460,000 visits on site,” says Fabian. “We wanted people to experience the impact and scale that Honor of Kings brings.”

For Tencent, EWC isn’t just another tournament. It’s a platform to share knowledge and raise standards worldwide. McCabe shared that the team has taken great inspiration from China’s approach to esports production, from ceremonial design to player welfare. “We look at China’s player lounges, their resilience in technology and broadcast, and even their metrics. All of which have inspired us. It’s not competition, it’s appreciation.”

Inclusivity remains another pillar of growth. James Yang notes that the Honor of King’s women’s tournament in Malaysia is just the beginning, with the team “working on the ecosystem first” to ensure long-term sustainability. Fabian also emphasises that the team is “supporting ecosystems where women are already present and creating more opportunities for them to compete on the big stage.” With plans to expand the Women’s Open and ensure aspiring female players receive equal opportunities, Honor of Kings is championing diversity on every level.

The pro players, too, are treated like professional athletes. Top-tier clubs such as JDG, Wolves, AG, Weibo, Hero Esports, and LGD train in dedicated Home City Venues equipped with gyms, wellness spaces, and recovery rooms. The focus on mental and physical support reflects Tencent’s commitment to nurturing its players as competitors and individuals.

As Honor of Kings enters its next chapter, the momentum shows no sign of slowing down. The KPL will mark its 10th anniversary in 2026, celebrating a decade of growth at Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium, a fitting stage for a game that has redefined mobile esports. It will also return to the Esports World Cup 2026 and the Asian Games 2026, cementing its place in the global competitive landscape.

Debbi Koh

Living multiple lives, Debbi is a singer-songwriter and music coach by day, FPS gamer and variety streamer by night. Let’s not forget being a full-time dog mom to her Cavapoo, Buddy. With life like this, who needs a multiverse?

www.twitch.tv/debbidooo/

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Third time’s the charm for Paper Rex. The Singapore-based esports team has walked away as the champions of Valorant Masters Toronto, clinching not only their first international title but also the Republic’s first-ever win at the event.

For Copenhagen and Los Angeles.

Third time's the charm. #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/MYItc7hhOG

— Paper Rex (@pprxteam) June 22, 2025

The latest victory follows two previous unsuccessful attempts at the Masters Copenhagen and Champions Los Angeles tournaments held in 2022 and 2023, respectively, which saw Paper Rex come in as the first runner-up. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, however, as the third seed from the Pacific region almost didn’t make it to this year’s Masters with back-to-back defeats in the group stages, only finding their stride in the play-ins and play-offs.

Once there, the newly minted champions eliminated tournament favourites G2 Esports, another top-seed from the American region, Sentiels, and dark horse Wolves Esports to secure a face-off against Fnatic in the grand finals on 23 June. The latter team, meanwhile, entered Masters Toronto as the top seed from the EMEA region, losing 1-2 to Gen.G Esports before staging a comeback against Rex Regum Qeon, Sentinels, G2 Esports, and Wolves Esports.

Alas, the crown would go to Paper Rex, who bested their opponents 3-1 and took home US$350,000. The team also scored seven VCT points, bringing their current total to 11 points — and to the top of the Pacific Championship, ahead of South Korean teams T1 (10 points) and Gen.G (nine points). As for Fnatic, its players earned US$200,000 as consolation but remain the leader of their region.

Rounding out the celebration is the announcement of Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto as MVP of the tournament, with the full Paper Rex roster as follows:

• Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto (Indonesia)
• Jing Jie “Jinggg” Wang (Singapore)
• Ahmad Khalish Rusyaidee “d4v41” Bin Nordin (Malaysia)
• Ilya “Something” Petrov (Russia)
• Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza (Philippines)
• Aaron “mindfreak.” Leonhart (Indonesia)

Paper Rex’s victory marks the third consecutive title won by a Pacific team after Gen.G Esports and T1, who emerged as the respective champions in 2024’s Masters Shanghai and Masters Bangkok held earlier this year. Next on the list is Stage 2 of the International League, kicking off on 3 July, and culminating in the biggest event for Valorant: Champions, taking place in Paris, France, from 12 September to 5 October.

A hearty congratulations to Paper Rex!

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

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Moonton Games, developer of online battle arena game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), is teaming up once again with OPPO to host the APAC grand finals of the MLBB x OPPO Smooth Legend Cup in Jakarta, assembling all-star teams from across the region with a combined US$76,500 prize pool.

Comprising two major tournaments, the Legendary Team APAC Grand Finals and the Grassroots Team APAC Grand Finals, the Cup brings together teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines and Thailand, promising an exciting showdown for both returning and new fans.

Marking the return of former MLBB greats, the Legendary Team APAC Grand Finals will see teams formed by high-profile ex-professionals duke it out for a US$52,500 prize pool. In addition, old-school MLBB esports fans can also look forward to the reunion of IDONOTSLEEP, the inaugural champions of the MLBB Mid-Season Cup (then known as the Mobile Legends: Southeast Asia Cup). Here’s the full team lineup for the Legendary Team APAC Grand Finals:

• Singapore
  • OhDeerBambi (Team Leader), Aeon, Pokemon, Potato, Remaniscent
• Malaysia
  • Ombong (Team Leader), 2ez4Jepv, Obot, Saiful, Rush
• Thailand
  • Framezy (Team Leader), May, Ampzy, Izy, Azy
• Cambodia
  • CatGod(Team Leader), LEEXIN, ATM, ATEV, HENGLOL
• Philippines
  • Rafflesia (Team Leader), Jeffqt4ever, Dysania, Killuash, kambs
  • Benthings (Team Leader), Yakou, Scyte, Fuzaken, Eyon
• Indonesia
  • Luminaire (Team Leader), Wann, Caramel, Pica, Rexxy
  • Clayyy (Team Leader), Tuturu, Liam, AyamJAGO, Banana

Showcasing the prowess of grassroots gaming talent, the Grassroots Team APAC Grand Finals will mark MLBB’s largest tournament of the type, featuring the champions of local qualifiers – which comprised almost 300 grassroots teams across the six nations – battling for the title and its US$24,000 prize pool.

“The MLBB x OPPO Smooth Legend Grand Finals is a celebration of emerging and veteran esports talent across Southeast Asia. This largest-ever grassroots event highlights the importance of fostering grassroots teams and ecosystems.” said senior partnerships manager, esports ecosystem at Moonton Games Eric Wu, “By supporting these rising stars and bringing back legendary ex-professional players, Moonton Games is not only celebrating the rich history of MLBB esports but also paving the way for the next generation of talent to thrive and make their mark on the global stage.”

What’s more, spectators can look forward to not only interactive activities during the tournament but also giveaways for the chance to win up to 5,000 MLBB Diamond in-game currency, exclusive OPPO x MLBB limited-edition gift boxes comprising of an OPPO x MLBB co-branded Mystic Sea Ollie, an MLBB skin redemption card and an MLBB official phone stand, and daily giveaways of game skins and tournament chests.

The OPPO x MLBB Smooth Legend Cup APAC Grand Finals will take place from 27 to 29 March 2025 at the Gandaria City Mall in Jakarta, with match live streams also available on on OPPO Singapore’s YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

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In the vibrant heart of Singapore, where the neon lights dance against the backdrop of a bustling city, the BLAST Premier: World Final 2024 was underway. With a staggering prize pool of USD$1,000,000, the stakes were monumental as Counter-Strike’s best clashed in the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament organised by the Denmark-based esports media production house.

The first-ever S-tiered CS2 tournament hosted in Southeast Asia, G2 Esports were crowned champions after their convincing 3-0 sweep of Team Spirit in the grand final. Riding on the energy from a sold-out event at the Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre, this also marks the team’s third addition to the trophy cabinet this year – with victories at the Intel Extreme Masters Dallas 2024 in June, and during the BLAST Premier: Fall Final 2024 in September.

The long-running tactical first-person shooting game continues to draw in new fans and players, peaking at about 100,000 concurrent live viewers on BLAST’s official Twitch livestream alone. Over the course of the tournament, we had the privilege of sitting down with players and coaches from four of the eight qualified teams – G2 Esports, FaZe Clan, Natus Vincere, and Team Vitality – each sharing their unique perspectives navigating the business end of the season.

*All interviews were conducted before the final day of the event.

G2 Esports: Humility amid Success

For G2, their last placed finish at IEM Rio last month is nothing but a distant memory. Leading up to this tournament, the team was grappling with inconsistency, despite being under the steady hand of their coach, Wiktor “TaZ” Wojtas. After an abysmal start against Team Liquid in their opener, where they bagelled the first map 13-0, G2 never looked back, and completed their Cinderella run under the wing of TaZ.

Once a household name, TaZ was part of the Golden Five, a nickname given to a tight-knit group of Polish players that dominated the Counter-Strike’s professional scene from 2006 to 2008. Having joined G2 at the start of this year – it’s been a rollercoaster journey for the 38-year-old. The world witnessed G2’s young phenom Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov put on a clinic, lighting up the scoreboard with a whopping 52 kills during the grand final – bagging the tournament MVP award for his stellar play all throughout the tournament.

TaZ had nothing but praise for his team, emphasising the importance of unsung heroes — the players who may not shine in statistics but are vital to team success with their intangible contributions. This was evident in G2’s dominant grand final performance, with role players lining up perfectly-timed flash and smoke grenades like clockwork.

In a high-pressure game like Counter-Strike, fans are quick to pay attention to the flashy plays and highlight reel manoeuvres. Through it all, Taz’s focus on sacrifice, fostering a trusting environment that puts egos aside – was the key to their success in Sentosa. A huge confidence boost, he knows that the ceiling is very high for this newly formed roster, mentioning that this team still has more in their locker.

“We’re still learning how to gel as a team,” TaZ reflected. “This lineup has only been together for a few months; it’s not long enough for everyone to find their rhythm.”

Despite his immense experience and wisdom as a player, TaZ was quick to highlight that it’s all new for him as a coach, on the back of a recent unflattering soundbite of him trying to motivate his players during IEM Rio during an in-game timeout.

“I’m still figuring things out too. I know I’m a rookie coach in many ways,” TaZ admits with humility. “I can tell you that this timeout wasn’t the best, but also, there are a lot of talks which are not released for the public,” he revealed.

Then again, having received his fair share of criticism both as a player in the past and as a coach now, TaZ knows not to take things too seriously. “We are here also for the viewers, for some memes and stuff like this. I also understand the production (value) in this sense,” he said with a smirk on his face.

“I don’t mind being in this position. I’m a coach, so hopefully all the hate will always hit me, not the players, and I’m experienced enough to deal with it.” With star player Nikola “NiKo” Kovač set to leave G2 after the Shanghai major in December – TaZ will be hoping to soak up all the pressure off of his players, and give NiKo his elusive major title win.

FaZe Clan: The Double-Edged Sword of Experience

For Finn “Karrigan” Andersen, experience is both a blessing and a burden. FaZe Clan team’s seasoned in-game leader (IGL), with nearly two decades of experience in competitive Counter-Strike, reflects on the complexities of leading FaZe under pressure.

“I wish I had the key to unlock our comeback potential from the start,” the oldest Intel Grand Slam winner muses. Despite their quarter-final exit to Team Spirit — the 34-year-old Dane remains unfazed. “This team works in mysterious ways.”

Finalists for the PGL Counter-Strike 2 Major Copenhagen earlier in March, inconsistent results and shock exits in the second half of this year saw the once number-one-ranked FaZe Clan (from February to May 2024) fall to sixth at the time of writing. Pundits and analysts believe the roster is on a knife’s edge after eight straight events without a trophy or a grand final appearance.

Despite sky-high expectations and the mounting pressure, Karrigan’s resolute reflective attitude in the face of immense criticism and adversity is arguably what keeps him at the pinnacle of Counter-Strike all these years.

Karrigan had zero interest in all the slander. He instead mulled over the difficulty talking with his team, consisting of rain, broky, ropz, and frozen, about their mental lapses.

“It’s hard for me to talk with them about frustration,” Karrigan admits candidly. “I try to protect them from faults and encourage them to focus on what they can control,” Karrigan, like a father stressing over his children.

His commitment to fostering resilience within his squad is evident as he acknowledges that while performances have improved, they still fall short of his own personal expectations. With one last chance at a major title this year in Shanghai next month, he’s ready to throw caution to the wind, making it clear to his boys that it’s now or never.

“It is for sure time to launch the red button – we need to go all in.”

Natus Vincere: The Weight of Expectations

Over at Natus Vincere (NaVi), their run of good form took a turn for the worse. After six consecutive grand final appearances, FaZe Clan was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Rifler Justinas “jL” Lekavicius, fresh off his MVP performance at the IEM Rio de Janeiro Final, spent five minutes staring blankly into the distance moments after his team crashed out of the tournament in last place. Nobody saw this result coming – especially jL himself.

Joining the NaVi roster in the middle of 2023, the 25-year-old Lithuanian has been the missing piece for NaVi, establishing himself with consistent impact and presence in the server. Many pundits and fans expect him to make the coveted HLTV list of Top 20 players of 2024. Beyond the game – his jovial and bubbly personality has brought much-needed life to NaVi. Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen, their in-game leader, said that without jL, it would feel like a “24/7 graveyard”.

“I don’t have a BLAST trophy yet. So it would be nice to have this little triangle in my HLTV profile,” jL jokes, alluding to the coveted pyramidic trophy. It’s a shame that he’ll have to wait, but there’s no doubt about his level of passion going into the BLAST Premier World Finals despite his team’s shock exit.

Sometimes things don’t go your way, but the atmosphere within Natus Vincere is charged with camaraderie — bolstered by Aleksib’s unwavering belief in his team. Despite being 10-2 down against MOUZ in the deciding round of the IEM Rio Final, Aleksib never lost faith in his team.

This tenacity permeates the team dynamic, with jL noting that Aleksib’s presence transforms their approach to adversity. “Belief is what he brings to this team. He always believes in us and himself.”

Nonetheless, NaVi can’t be too disappointed. With this resolve and belief – Singapore will hopefully be a small misstep in their already stellar year.

Team Vitality: A New Chapter with JACKZ

Finally, Team Vitality entered this tournament under unique circumstances. Veteran IGL Dan “apEX” Madesclaire led them through a last-minute roster change, with experienced utility player Audric “JACKZ” Jug standing-in for William “mezii” Merriman who had to attend to the birth of his child. ApEX views this tournament as a rare opportunity for his team to play without expectations and enjoy the game. “We’re taking this tournament to have good fun together and get in shape for Shanghai.” 

A far cry from IEM Rio last month, where he looked visibly worried and unsettled as he expressed concern over his team’s lack of preparation, the Frenchman waltzed into the media room for this interview with a weight lifted off his shoulders.

If anything, ApEX was also on a sidequest in Singapore – to show the world that his fellow countryman JACKZ has still got it. “He brings good vibes; he’s really a great guy overall,” ApEX on the energy JACKZ brings to Team Vitality. “I hope we get good results here so he can find a new team because I know he doesn’t want this chapter closed yet.”

A semifinal finish was the best Team Vitality could muster, falling 2-1 against eventual winners G2. ApEX, being the harsh critic he is, reflected on his own slump in performance. “I want to be part of it all; sometimes I want to do too well for my team.” His introspection reveals the fact that he had to forgo individual successes for the collective triumph — a sacrifice that many IGLs have had to come to terms with. “I just miss being in the fight,” ApEX admits earnestly. “As an entry fragger at heart, I need to find that fire again.”

With the BLAST Premier: World Final 2024 done and dusted, all eyes are set on Shanghai for the upcoming CS2 Major. This highly anticipated event, officially named the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, is scheduled to run from November 30 to December 15, 2024.

As teams gear up for a gruelling qualification process, they will be looking to secure one of 24 spots in this prestigious tournament, which boasts a prize pool of USD$1,250,000. With the stakes high and the competition fierce – Karrigan’s sentiments perfectly encapsulates what each team is hoping for to end their season on a high:

“You can imagine Counter-Strike as painting a picture; every player contributes with their brushstroke. As long as we stay true to ourselves and trust each other, we can paint something beautiful.” With the teams preparing for one last salvo, they carry with them the lessons learned from Singapore – and the hope of painting a masterpiece in Shanghai.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Inside The Minds Of Counter-Strike 2’s Elite At The BLAST Premier: World Final 2024 appeared first on Geek Culture.

It was three days of intense competition, but only one team can emerge victorious. After close shaves in the playoffs and strong performances during the semifinals and beyond, Malaysian team Black Shrew Esports (BSE) is now the proud owner of the 2024 Honor of Kings Championship title.

Held from 25 to 27 October in Jakarta, Indonesia, the event (quarterfinals stage and beyond) saw the newly minted champions overwhelm their Indonesian counterparts and home favourite Dominator Esports (DMT) with a 4-0 victory in the grand finals. The team’s latest triumph comes after their recent trophy-lifting moment at last July’s Honor of Kings Invitational Season 2 tournament in Malaysia, where they participated as LGD Gaming MY.

But the road to victory wasn’t all smooth sailing. BSE, comprising top laner Han Siang “Siang” Lee, junglers Jimmy “Jimmy” Tan and Tat Yann “MusangKing” Chan, farm laner Ryan “JR” Na, mid laner Chee Hong “Zhihong” Lim, and support Li Zhe “Zhe” Low, survived an early scare against Nova Esports and Fearless Esports HK in the early stages, clawing their way to a 3-2 scoreline. The squad would later land their first win against DMT in the tournament with a score of 3-1, setting the stage for their landslide sweep in the finale.

“At first, we felt a lot of pressure [to perform], but the sense of satisfaction grew as we continued to play and win, and the audience’s cheers for DMT was like music to our ears,” shared JR in a brief post-match interview with Geek Culture.

The marksman was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice during the evening: first as Sun Ce and then as his main hero, Arli, with teammate MusangKing claiming the Finals MVP accolade. As champions, BSE walked away with US$300,000 of the one million prize pool and bragging rights as the official king of kings.

The impressive feat not only puts Malaysia on the map, but also marks the country’s first world title in esports, capping things off on a celebratory note — and in more ways than one. While the MOBA title, short for multiplayer battle online arena, only launched worldwide earlier in June, it has already left a significant mark on the esports scene, feeding off its popularity in China, where it debuted in 2015 as Wangzhe Rongyao (王者荣耀), and other countries that saw pre-releases, including Brazil, the Middle East, and South Asia.

“I don’t think any game in its first year can reach this level, so we’re very proud of what we’ve done so far. However, we’re not proud enough yet, because we’re going to be much bigger next year,” said James Yang, director of Global Esports Centre at Tencent Games. “I can say that 2024 was a great year for Honor of King esports, and the competitiveness levels of all the pro teams have been increasing dramatically.”

Indeed, there’s plenty in store for its future. The third season of the Invitational will kick off in spring 2025, while the mid-season leg is set for a return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the summer. A brand-new pro-league system is expected for the Major East and West tournaments, with more information to come in due time.

Beyond the realm of competition, Honor of Kings is gearing up for a new roster addition in the upcoming year. Honouring the spirit of the 2024 Championships, the mobile game will introduce its first localised Indonesian hero Garuda Khageswara in early 2025, following an appearance on Secret Level, the animated anthology series from Amazon MGM Studios and Blur Studio.

The adult-animated show will be available for streaming on Prime Video on 19 October and chronicles 15 original short stories set across various video games, including Honor of Kings. The featured episode centres on genius Weiqi master Yixing, poised to join as a new playable character this December. According to game director John Zhang, the plan is to fill out its lineup with existing heroes and skins from the original Chinese release, such that the gap between both versions can be bridged by the next year. No specific window was given, however.

The 2024 Honor of Kings Championships kicked off on 12 October, with playoffs taking place from 18 to 19 October, and 25 to 27 October. More notably, it’s the first World Championship-equivalent tournament to exclude Chinese teams, who will participate in the KPL Grand Finals instead. This shift comes as the global ecosystem continues to find the right balance and keep its doors open to reintroducing Chinese teams into the international circuit someday.

As for this year’s affair, an electrifying atmosphere washed over the crowd across all three days, especially during victorious moments on home ground. Adding to the MOBA fever are cosplayers dressed as various heroes, including Dyadia, Mayene, Dolia, Mai Shiranui, and Ying.

The finalised list of team rankings and prize distribution is as follows:

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

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[UPDATE (as of 02/09): Ticket prices for the BLAST Premier World Final are now out, with fans able to catch the action from 1 to 3 November. The full details are as follows:

• S$38 (General Admission, 1 November)
• S$68 (General Admission, 2 November)
• S$78 (General Admission, 3 November)
• S$148 (3-Day General Admission)
• S$168 (3-Day Premium Seating)
• S$248 (BLAST Premier Bundle)

The BLAST Premier Bundle includes 1 X Premium Reserved Seat in the best seats in the house for all three live event dates and 1 X Official Blast Premier Merchandise item. Tickets can now be purchased on Ticketmaster.]

(original article begins here)

BLAST, a Denmark-based esports media production company, has announced that this year’s BLAST Premier World Final will be held from 30 October to 3 November at Resorts World Convention Centre in Sentosa, making its debut on the shores of sunny Singapore.

BLAST Premier is a Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) professional esports league launched in 2020. Since then, it’s garnered an eye-watering US$15.1 million in its cumulative prize pool. The Blast Premier World Final will serve as the finale of the 2024 Blast Premier season, seeing eight of the world’s best CS2 teams battle it out for the largest slice of a US$1 million prize pot.

Three of four teams have already been granted automatic qualification in the Blast Premier World Final — through winning S-tier CS2 events throughout the year. Winners of the PGL Major Copenhagen, Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), earned their place back in March. Team Spirit has followed in vain, and will be in attendance after their legendary run at the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice. New to the party is Team Vitality, who were recently crowned champions of IEM Cologne just last week. The last invite will be sent out to the winners of the BLAST Premier Fall Final happening at the end of September.

The last four slots will be taken by teams with the highest points on the BLAST World Ranking. With FaZe Clan and G2 Esports already having enough points to guarantee qualification, the race is on for the remaining three spots. Should the BLAST Premier Fall Final be won by Na’Vi, Spirit, or Vitality too, that spot will then go to a World Ranking team instead.

The Blast Premier World Final 2024 will be the first time an S-tiered CS2 event is hosted in Southeast Asia. However, Singapore’s no stranger to hosting major esports tournaments. In recent years, the island-state has played host to massive events in the form of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang‘s M2 and M3 World Championships. And who can forget about The International 11?

Overall, with aspirations of being considered as a world-class esports destination, hosting this final is a huge win for Singapore. Backed by the Singapore Tourism Board, one can hope that all parties will put in the work, and reaffirm Singapore’s place as a global esports and gaming hub.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Singapore To Host ‘Counter-Strike 2’ BLAST Premier World Final 2024 appeared first on Geek Culture.

The Evolution Championship Series, better known as EVO, has announced a major expansion: EVO Singapore, the SEA leg of the renowned fighting game tournament, is set for 2026.

In a surprise announcement at EVO 2024, Rick “The Hadou” discussed the future of the event, revealing that the tournament series will expand to two more locations: France in 2025 and Singapore in 2026.

While details for the upcoming event remain scarce, the announcement has already generated significant excitement within the Fighting Game Community (FGC).

Adding to the excitement, EVO 2024 featured a highlight-reel moment that has fans buzzing. In a thrilling match, a dramatic comeback in the final round showcased the skill and intensity that define the EVO experience. The clip of this moment has already gone viral, capturing the essence of what makes EVO the pinnacle of fighting game tournaments.

EVO Singapore promises to be a big boon to regional talent within the FGC. Previously, the nearest EVO event for Southeast Asian players was EVO Japan. Singapore has been an active host for the Capcom Pro Tour in recent years, including the Singapore Offline Premiere event, making it a fitting choice for EVO’s SEA debut.

With Singapore set to host this prestigious event, regional players and fans alike can look forward to showcasing their skills and passion on a global stage in 2026.

Marcus

When Marcus is not trying to full combo a song on his favourite rhythm games, he’s either reading or watching some obscure Japanese mystery show/novel. Don’t ask him how much his Arkham Horror collection costs either, it’s his most closely guarded secret.

The post EVO, SEA’s Largest Fighting Game Tournament, Marks Singapore Debut For 2026 appeared first on Geek Culture.

EVO, short for the Evolution Championship Series, is the premier annual event in the competitive fighting game community, bringing together top players from around the globe to compete in a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship across a variety of popular fighting game titles.

For many who do not follow the fighting game circuit, it’s an event that can easily fall under the radar. But, there’s a clip that has circulated the Internet for the past 20 years that any gamer would have seen at some point of their life –

What made EVO Moment #37 iconic was the feat that became famously known as the Daigo Parry. In the original clip, you’ll notice Daigo’s Ken is on the brink of defeat with no health remaining, facing Justin Wong’s Chun-Li’s devastating special move. Dodging isn’t an option, and blocking would still result in a loss because of chip damage. In a remarkable display of skill, Daigo chooses to parry, requiring him to flawlessly time his forward movements to counter each of the 17 hits in Chun-Li’s attack. At that moment, even the top players – including Daigo’s opponent, Wong – were unaware that such a precise maneuver was possible.

The sequence has been so iconic that players can practice and recreate the moment in Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online Edition in 2011.

Fast forward to 2024, and we have a moment that could top EVO Moment #37.

The subsequent EVO 2024 Street Fighter III losers’ quarterfinal saw HAYAO returning with Hugo to face FRANKIEBFG on his Ken. HAYAO was focused on his mission to fight back to the grand finals. The match culminated in a spectacular moment where HAYAO executed a flawless air parry against FRANKIEBFG’s assaults after baiting FRANKIEBFG into launching an air Tatsumaki (Hurricane Kick). In a desperate attempt, FRANKIEBFG whiffed his super after HAYAO executed one of Hugo’s worst attack normals to clear Ken’s attack by a hair. This then allowed HAYAO to seize the opportunity with an EX command grab, clinching the win.

Interestingly, it was a Ken who was on the receiving end of this spectacular win against a much weaker Hugo and Justin Wong (a key character in EVO Moment #37) was on the shoutcaster’s table as well commenting on the match.

It seems that history tends to repeat itself.

Despite Daigo’s best efforts, he ended up in second place at EVO 2004. In the same beat, HAYAO was unable to push his way through to the finals succumbing to CHI-RITHY’s Chun-Li in the next match, he would end the tournament in a respectable fourth place with an iconic clip to his name which could possibly be crowned as EVO Moment #38 in the years to come.

Gerald

Gerald currently straddles between his love of video games and board gaming. There’s nothing that interests him more than trying out the newest and fanciest gadget in town as well. He dreams of publishing a board game sometime in the future!

The post Street Fighter Comeback Heralds Potential EVO Moment #38, 20 Years After Iconic Moment #37 appeared first on Geek Culture.

The fighting games community has come a long way, as tournaments and the glory of victory have evolved from humble arcades of the early 90s to giant stages and live streams attended by thousands today. The Evolution Championship Series (EVO) is one such organisation that provides the platform for professionals to make fighting game history as the genre careens its way toward the attention of the mainstream media.

This year, EVO has announced its official games lineup for EVO 2024 — their official global fighting games tournament — and some of these titles will be making their first appearance.

The announcement was presented in a video, detailing the touurnament to take place on 19 to 21 July 2024 at a new venue: The West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Centre. The tournaments were moved to the Las Vegas Convention Centre to accommodate a growing fighting game tournament audience, with the previous EVO 2023 having hosted over 11,000 spectators and much more will be expected this year.

The featured game lineup shows that fans of eight different titles will gather and witness the next bout of fighting game glory, with half of the titles making their debut. It will be the first time contenders vie for first place and prize monies in Tekken 8, Mortal Kombat 1, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, and Under Night In-Birth II Sys: Celes. Returning titles include Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear: Strive, and The King of Fighters XV. Finally, for nostalgia’s sake, Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike will grace the arena for the 7th time as EVO 2024’s Throwback Tournament series. 

To entice players to get in the fight, the esports organisation promised an increased minimum guaranteed prize pool of US$30,000 (about S$40,000) per title. Attendees are not left behind as they are also promised upgrades to the attendee experience like a new dedicated stage for panels and interviews, and the largest free-play arcade for the community to engage in couch battles.

Priming up to EVO 2024, the tournament giant has also organised EVO Japan from 27 to 29 April 2024, where fans can spectate their favourite fighting game pros contend for a collective prize pool of ¥14 million (about S$127,000) for all 8 titles.

As the fighting games community prepares for the world’s largest global fighting game event, EVO has already opened registration for players to get their foot in their battle of choice. Players from around the world and from all walks of life can purchase tickets for EVO 2024 or join in as contenders via EVO’s official website. Should gamers be unable to attend the tourneys physically, they can spectate the fights through EVO’s new YouTube or TikTok channels. 

Regardless of how you choose to enjoy this season of EVO, everyone can agree that so much love is invested in fighting games today. It’s hard to imagine that a genre like fighting games had to face a bad rep for their depiction of ultra-violence in the past, and yet, they still stand the test of time. With EVO, everyone’s a winner.

Joey Leong

Crack open a cold one with Joey, because the moment you approach him, he will start talking about film and video games for days. He spends his waking moments during the weekends meditating on how the latest movie he’s watched or game he’s played has impacted his worldview.

The post ‘Mortal Kombat 1’ & ‘Tekken 8’ To Debut In EVO 2024 Global Fighting Game Tournament appeared first on Geek Culture.

Following six years of ups and downs, Blizzard’s ambitious venture appears to have run its course. In a statement to IGN, Blizzard officially announced that it was “transitioning from the Overwatch League (OWL)”, marking the end of what was once touted as the future of esports.

“We are transitioning from the Overwatch League and evolving competitive Overwatch in a new direction,” an Activision Blizzard spokesperson said. “We are grateful to everyone who made OWL possible.”

This comes after Overactive Media, owners of the professional esports team Toronto Defiant, announced its exit from the OWL. According to Activision Blizzard, the dissolution of the current league required two-thirds of franchisees to vote to leave and take a previously announced payout of US$6 million. Overactive Media confirmed that “the vote was held and that the league Team Participation Agreements (TPAs) have been terminated.”

Riding high off the widespread attention and success of Overwatch’s 2016 launch, the OWL rode the wave of the game’s surge in popularity. Pioneering the concept of city-based teams, franchise ownership came with a hefty US$20 million price tag, with Blizzard backing the OWL as a fresh new entry in a growing esports scene.

It’s the latest of setbacks for the esports industry, which has seen owners in the red, plummeting revenues, and team buyouts despite strong viewership numbers. 

Despite this, Activision Blizzard says that they “remain focused on building our vision of a revitalized esports program”, so one can only wait and hope that things only go up from here. Whatever happens from here, thanks for the memories, OWL.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Overwatch League Officially Over, Blizzard Looks Towards ‘New Direction’ appeared first on Geek Culture.

The Intel Extreme Masters Sydney 2023 (IEM Sydney) has concluded in the land Down Under, with FaZe Clan making history and taking home Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)’s first-ever major trophy, along with US$100,000 in prize money.

Pipped as one of the teams we were keeping an eye on, FaZe overcame an early elimination by beating favourites Team Vitality in the lower bracket. Their momentum grew with each match, featuring a historic 13-0 win in the quarterfinals against ENCE. It culminated in a nail-biting final, where they beat underdogs Complexity 2-1 in a double-overtime rubber match. They were carried by a stellar performance by Robin “ropz” Kool, who was also named the tournament’s MVP.

Aside from FaZe’s epic return to form, surprising upsets, and an electric 9,000-capacity crowd cheering the teams on in Sydney, one particular gun stole the entire show – the P90.

The submachine gun (SMG) has seen extensive use throughout the tournament, with many pros opting for a run-and-gun tactic to outwit and baffle their opponents. This has resulted in some of the most aggressive gameplay we’ve seen in competitive Counter-Strike play so far.

It comes hand-in-hand with a myriad of factors. In a video interviewing teams just before IEM Sydney, BetBoom Team said that they now have a dedicated P90 player rather than an Arctic Warfare Police (AWP) specialist, as the new game made it nearly impossible to hold angles, the team was going to barge their way into bombsites and wide-peek all their enemies. Whether it was said as a joke or not, BetBoom, the 29th-ranked team in the world at the time, sprayed and prayed their way to the quarterfinals of IEM Sydney, a result no one saw coming.

Is this just all a fad? The SMG hype will die down as CS2 grows and more pros figure out the game, but we think it’ll continue seeing more love at future main events and on the server, due to a myriad of factors.

Here’s why.

1) Smokes are more interactive and responsive

Utility has seen extensive reworking in CS2, with the biggest changes being in how smoke grenades work. Smokes now grow to fill spaces in the map, and all players will now see the same effects of the smoke on their respective screens. No more one-way smokes. More significantly, the plumes of smoke can now be carved through by shooting at them, creating tunnels of vision for players, and the smoke can be entirely dissipated with a high-explosive grenade.

As such, IEM Sydney saw plenty of teams get nifty and more cautious around smokes, allowing many players to close the distances between them and their opponents, entering the SMGs’ effective ranges and facilitating more close-quarter combat.

2) Inconsistent spray patterns and gunplay

Mastering spray patterns has always been a big part of the Counter-Strike series, making the difference between a deftly-placed headshot, and an embarrassing whiff.

In CS2, spraying is still very inconsistent, with spray patterns being more erratic and unpredictable compared to previous iterations. This has resulted in confirmed kills being less likely, even when holding an angle. It has also led to spectacular plays, especially when G2 Esports’ Nikola “NiKo” Kovač 360- no-scoped his opponent, after what seemed like an awful spray.

With peeker’s advantage still being a thing, where players have complained about dying even before seeing their enemies on screen, going guns blazing – combined with difficult-to-manage spray patterns of traditional heavyweights like the AK47 and M4A1-S – SMGs are the way forward (both literally and figuratively).

3) Shortened match format in CS2

Matches have now been shortened to a maximum of 24 rounds per match, instead of the usual 30. Besides the main result being shorter matches, it makes economy in the game more important than ever. There are now fewer rounds for players to rack up kills and afford better guns during matches, with guns still priced similarly between CS2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

This, combined with the additional cash you get for killing an enemy with an SMG ($600 vs the $300 you get for killing someone with a rifle), it is now even more viable to pick up a light weapon during force-buy or eco rounds, to better your chances at getting a bigger-ticket weapon like the AWP before switching sides.

With the ongoing Roobet Cup, we’ll see if the SMGs reign supreme or if their popularity starts dying down in the pro scene. However, beneath the professional level, we think that the SMG will be very much alive, and stay relevant for months to come (unless Valve fixes movement and peeker’s advantage, and nerfs SMGs like crazy).

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Intel Extreme Masters Sydney 2023: Why SMGs Are Taking Over ‘Counter-Strike 2’ appeared first on Geek Culture.

NADO Italia (National Anti-Doping Organization) suspended esports athlete Luca Zanasca from competition after he tested positive for Stanozolol, a steroid that boosts muscle growth and recovery, in an anti-doping test. Popular cycling esports platforms MyWhoosh and Zwift have also followed suit, suspending the 40-year-old from future racing events. Zanasca most recently represented Italy in the 2023 Esports World Championships, where he finished in 57th place.

Amid ongoing investigations, Team Castelli, Zanasca’s former esports cycling team has also dropped him from its roster.

This begs the question: what about doping in mainstream esports? For Zanasca, it’s fair to assume that the steroid helped with his physical performance in virtual cycling. However, it’s not as straightforward for traditional esports, where cognitive and mental function is heavily prioritised over physical strength. Would having a coffee, which contains caffeine, during a competitive League of Legends match, be considered cheating as it chemically induces greater awareness and alertness in an athlete?

Despite being a billion-dollar industry, esports still lacks a regulatory body for drug testing, let alone a framework. As such, individual event organisers often come up with their own regulations on performance-enhancing drugs, leading to a lack of consistency in what is considered illegal, and how they are defined.

This discrepancy can be best seen in the esports industry’s treatment of snus, a form of dipping tobacco. It is often seen on the desks of Counter-Strike players during competition but has been banned at Valorant tournaments. Widespread controversy ensued when Na’vi’s Valorant team was penalised for consuming snus at this year’s Valorant Champions Tour (VCT). Some agreed that it was the right thing to do, while others questioned it, saying that cigarettes during breaks should then be banned too.

Both these incidents may seem unlinked and inconsequential — Zanasca seems like just any other sports athlete getting caught for cheating, but it has far-reaching implications, and could be the start of a slippery slope. Technically speaking, the Italian would be the first esports player to be suspended from competition due to doping. However, the lack of a reaction from the wider esports industry is a cause for alarm.

What about the health hazards associated with consuming too many energy drinks or shots? Will event organisers put a cap on how much supplements an athlete can consume? Such questions need to have answers that are universally agreed upon, especially given the esports industry’s Olympic ambitions.

The only way forward for the industry is the establishment of a global standard, regardless of game title or event. The good news is that it’s in the works. One can only hope that change comes sooner, putting gamers a step closer to the respect and standing they deserve in the traditional sports world.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Pro Cyclist Turned Virtual Racer Fails Doping Test, Highlighting Esports’ Drug Issue appeared first on Geek Culture.

All eyes will be on the land Down Under, as Counter Strike 2 (CS2) makes its major LAN debut at the Intel Extreme Masters Sydney 2023 (IEM Sydney) this weekend. After four long years, IEM Sydney sees 16 teams battling it out for the biggest slice of a hefty US$250,000 prize pool and more significantly, bragging rights as the champions of CS2’s first-ever LAN tournament. It will feature two groups of eight, in a double-elimination format.

IEM Sydney 2019 marked the start of Team Liquid’s legendary Intel Grand Slam run, winning four ESL tournaments in a row, and taking home a prize of US$1 million. This time around, it’s a complete toss-up. Heavily-favoured teams are experiencing some turbulence in the form of roster moves, while B-tier teams are in form, having already written some of their David-vs-Goliath narratives over the year.

Will it be business as usual for the game’s juggernauts? Or will we witness an underdog story? Here are the five teams we’ll be keeping an eye on at IEM Sydney.

Favourites – MOUZ, Team Vitality

Fresh off their victory at ESL Pro League Season 18, where they convincingly swept NAVI 3-0 in a best-of-five series to claim the title, MOUZ looks to continue their strong run of form with another victory in Sydney. A big blow will be the interim absence of their 17-year-old prodigy Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo, who was crowned MVP of the last event, due to visa issues. Despite a challenging Group A, featuring the likes of Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, and Natus Vincere, we still think that the rest of MOUZ’s well-rounded roster will step up, and advance to the playoffs as the winners of Group A.

The winning moment of @TeamVitality #BLASTTVMajor pic.twitter.com/seNpoqmFj9

— BLAST.tv (@BLASTtv) May 21, 2023

As for Team Vitality, things have been turbulent. Their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Monte two weeks ago at ESL Pro League Season 18, and the presence of Israeli players Lotan “Spinz” Gilandi and Shahar “flameZ” Shushan on their roster, cast doubts on whether the team can perform optimally this weekend. However, they’re still atop the world rankings for a reason. With perennial all-star Mathieu “ZywOo” leading their charge, his talent could carry Team Vitality to the very top, as they look to prove their doubters wrong.

Dark Horse – Complexity

North American Counter Strike has been taking a beating the last few years. For Americans, they will remember Australia fondly, as IEM Sydney 2019 marked the start of Team Liquid’s legendary Intel Grand Slam run, winning four ESL tournaments in a row, and taking home a prize of US$1 million. The one thing in common between Team Liquid 2019 and Complexity 2023? Jonathan “ELIGE” Jablonowski.

Widely considered as one of the best North American players, Complexity will have to rely on his insane mechanics and experience to weather the storm. It’s a trial by fire: they’ll have to overcome Monte in the first round, the team that narrowly defeated them a month ago. If they manage to overcome Monte, Complexity might have a shot at making a deep run at IEM Sydney.

Something To Prove – FaZe Clan, G2 Esports

Will the curtain finally close on FaZe Clan? Following a recent run of inconsistent and sub-par form, this might be make-or-break for its all-star calibre roster to prove that they still have what it takes. For them to perform this time round, we’ll have to hope that interim coach Filip “NEO” Kubski, in only his second tournament in charge, can breathe new life into FaZe Clan, and reclaim their 2022 form with greater synergy between their ageing core and young guns. With headshot magnets like Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken and Robin “ropz” Kool amongst their ranks, you can never count FaZe Clan out.

The same can be said about G2 Esports. With a roster featuring the likes of last year’s 5th best player Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, they should be consistently fighting for titles. However, their recent form has been unpredictable, narrowly losing 2-1 to both Cloud 9 and MOUZ in the last couple of weeks. Still in the running for the Intel Grand Slam, G2 Esports will need to recapture the form they had at their victory in Cologne, and hope that their wonder kid Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, delivers with more tricks up his sleeve. In a relatively easier Group B, we think G2 Esports could slingshot right to the playoffs, provided that they can beat fellow contenders to take Group B, ENCE.

IEM Sydney begins on 16 October, culminating in a grand final on 22 October.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Intel Extreme Masters Sydney: Top 5 Teams To Watch At Counter-Strike 2’s Debut Tournament appeared first on Geek Culture.

The latest in a long list of global pop superstars – K-pop five-piece sensation NewJeans and League of Legends have collaborated to drop “Gods”. Written for the upcoming League of Legends World Championship, it marks the 10th anniversary of Worlds anthems.

A highlight for music and esports fans alike, this year’s Worlds anthem adds to an extensive list of hits League of Legends has churned out over the past decade, featuring the likes of Imagine Dragons, Zedd, and Lil Nas X.

The rousing hit pairs an epic trap beat with the angelic vocal harmonies of the South Korean quintet, with a chorus that’s both catchy and compelling. “It was a new experience for all of us,” said NewJeans. “It was fun to try a new genre and sound. Through this collaboration, we are happy to present a song that incorporates both NewJeans’ and League of Legends’ unique colours. We hope it brings you a new sense of empowerment!”

The music each year is coupled with an animated video, setting the stage for the tournament to come. “Gods” features an epic cinematic, centred around the story of Korean pro player Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu from his love for the game back in high school, all the way to his team’s unbelievable run at Worlds 2022.

The upcoming League of Legends World Championship will see teams from all across the globe battle it out in a five-week-long tournament, culminating in what’s widely considered the game’s most prestigious prize. A new contender will be crowned in South Korea, with defending champions DRX failing to qualify for this year’s event.

Worlds 2023 begins on 10 September, and will run through to the final on 19 November.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post K-Pop Group NewJeans Electrifies League of Legends Worlds 2023’s Anthem appeared first on Geek Culture.