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| Page | image | image alt | tags | targets | date | author | category | game | content |
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| Disguised to Leave Challengers League (edit) | Disguised | 2025-01-16 1:26:26 PM | Dante Uzel | More | Valorant | [[Companies/Disguised|Disguised]] has announced that they will no longer participate in Challengers SEA and have disbanded their roster. Originally starting in North America, Disguised expanded to sign a Singaporean team in 2024. The team quickly became a strong contender in Challengers Malaysia/Singapore, topping the league by the end of Split 2 and securing a spot in Pacific Ascension. Despite their partnership with Ascension champions BLEED, Disguised were eliminated by BOOM Esports and were unable to repeat their earlier success. However, they closed out the year by winning Split 3 of the newly established Challengers SEA league, positioning themselves as early favorites for 2025. '''More:'''[[News/TSM Returns to VALORANT|TSM Returns to VALORANT]] Toast, the owner of Disguised, cited Riot's exclusive partnership with SOOP, which restricts co-streaming to only SOOP’s platforms, as the primary reason for their departure. The players from Disguised will continue to compete in Challengers SEA 2025 under a new team name, KIMMY KITTENS, and will face The MongolZ in their first match on January 17. | |||
| BLAST Partnership will Include FNCS and RLCS (edit) | BLAST | 2024-09-06 3:47:12 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | [[Companies/BLAST|BLAST]] has expanded its partnership with Blacklyte to include the Fortnite Championship Series Global Championships 2024 and the Rocket League World Championship 2024. Both events will take place in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, with the Fortnite championships scheduled for September 7-8 and the Rocket League championships from September 10-15. Blacklyte, already the Global Chair Partner for BLAST Premier and BLAST Rainbow Six, will now be the Official Gaming Chair Partner for these two Epic Games esports titles. This partnership marks Blacklyte’s first involvement with the Fortnite Championship Series. During both events at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Blacklyte chairs will be used by players and talent on broadcast. The chairs will also be featured in co-streamer booths, and viewers will see them on various streamers' channels. '''More:'''[[News/Gaimin Gladiators Partners with SteelSeries|Gaimin Gladiators Partners with SteelSeries]] In addition to chair usage, Blacklyte will be prominently featured in event broadcasts and physical branding. Attendees at the Dickies Arena can visit the Blacklyte demo space to test products and have a chance to win Blacklyte chairs. Alexander Lewin, SVP of Commercial Revenue for BLAST, stated '''“Blacklyte becoming the first commercial partner of the FNCS is a landmark moment for Competitive Fortnite. We are delighted to expand our partnership with Blacklyte to include two popular esports in FNCS and RLCS. During both events, Rocket League and Fortnite fans will be able to experience Blacklyte’s products first-hand at the on-site booth, while the world’s best players will compete on the chairs in front of a global audience and thousands of fans watching on at Dickies Arena. ”''' | ||||
| Anna "ramziiN"Ramsing Joins NIP Impact (edit) | Ninjas in Pyjamas | 2024-02-22 10:56:04 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Ninjas in Pyjamas|Ninjas in Pyjamas]] (NiP) has revealed the completion of their women's team, NIP Impact, with the signing of Anna "[[People/ramziiN|ramziiN]]" Ramsing. The Danish player joins the team to fill the gap left by the departure of Mayline-Joy "ASTRA" Champliaud in December. RamziiN had been seeking a new team since G2 disbanded their women's lineup at the end of 2023. With this signing, all the players from that disbanded G2 squad have now found new projects. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/NIPCS/status/1760333558025965904></a></blockquote> | |||
| Best Guns in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 (edit) | Call of Duty | 2024-11-15 6:13:04 PM | Dante Uzel | More | Call of Duty | Black Ops 6 brings a dynamic range of weapons to the battlefield, offering both nostalgic classics and new designs that fit the evolving multiplayer meta. Whether you prefer long-range sniping, close-quarters combat, or versatile all-around assault rifles, there’s a gun that fits your playstyle. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best guns in Black Ops 6, ranked based on their strengths, versatility, and overall effectiveness in multiplayer. Let us take a closer look to the best guns in Call of Duty Black Ops 6. 1. LR 7.62 – Best Sniper Rifle for Long-Range Precision If you're looking to dominate at long distances with pinpoint accuracy, the LR 7.62 is the ultimate sniper rifle. With incredible range and bullet velocity, this weapon allows you to eliminate enemies from extreme distances with minimal recoil. It delivers a one-shot kill even at stomach level, making it more forgiving than other sniper rifles. The LR 7.62 is perfect for skilled players who prioritize accuracy and range over speed, making it a top pick for precision shooting. 2. KSV – Best Early Game SMG with Exceptional Mobility The KSV is a fantastic early-game submachine gun that offers great mobility and a fast fire rate. It excels in close-quarters combat, delivering a solid time-to-kill (TTK). Its standout feature is superb hip-fire accuracy, making it perfect for running and gunning. While it lacks range and has noticeable horizontal recoil, it remains a reliable choice for players looking to engage in fast, close-range skirmishes. 3. C9 – Fast & Accurate SMG for Balanced Playstyles The C9 submachine gun is known for its speed and accuracy, making it a strong all-around choice for players who like to keep moving. With high mobility and excellent range, the C9 excels in both close and medium-range engagements. While it may not be the fastest in its class, its reliable handling and clean iron sights make it a versatile weapon for various playstyles. It’s ideal for those who want to stay agile without sacrificing accuracy. 4. Jackal PDW – Versatile SMG with Great Mobility The Jackal PDW is a highly mobile submachine gun that blends damage and fire rate, making it effective in close-range combat. While it doesn’t match the range of weapons like the C9 or Tanto .22, its high mobility makes it great for players who love to stay on the move. It’s especially effective in tight spaces, though its lower accuracy can be a downside in longer engagements. This SMG is perfect for those who like to mix mobility with raw power. '''More:'''[[News/OverActive Media Signs Agreement with Riot Games|OverActive Media Signs Agreement with Riot Games]] 5. Tanto .22 – High-Damage SMG with Slow Fire Rate The Tanto .22 stands out for its high damage and medium-range effectiveness, despite its slow rate of fire. While it sacrifices speed for power, it more than makes up for it with devastating stopping power in medium-range engagements. If you're looking for an SMG with raw damage potential, the Tanto .22 is a top contender. Its slower mobility and handling aren’t as impressive as other SMGs, but the tradeoff is a reliable kill potential with just a few well-placed shots. 6. AS VAL – Best Close-Range Assault Rifle with Stealth The AS VAL is a highly mobile assault rifle with an in-built suppressor, making it an excellent choice for close-range combat and stealthy playstyles. It delivers solid damage and has a fast fire rate, allowing for quick eliminations in fast-paced battles. Though its range is limited, it’s still a formidable choice for players who like to stay agile while avoiding detection. If you prefer close-quarters combat with the ability to move swiftly and quietly, the AS VAL is the perfect weapon. 7. AEK-973 – Burst-Fire Marksman Rifle with Massive Damage For those who favor precision shots and long-range engagements, the AEK-973 is an ideal marksman rifle. This three-round burst rifle delivers massive damage and can often eliminate enemies in just two bursts. It’s perfect for players who enjoy strategic shooting and aren’t afraid to take their time between shots. While it has slower handling, the high damage output and excellent range make it a powerful weapon in the right hands. 8. XM4 – Best All-Rounder Assault Rifle for Versatility The XM4 is an all-around versatile assault rifle that excels in almost any situation. With a balanced mix of mobility, fire rate, and accuracy, the XM4 is great for both close-range and long-range engagements. Its reliable performance across the board makes it a go-to weapon for players who want a dependable rifle without worrying about specialized stats. While it doesn’t excel in one specific area, the XM4’s versatility ensures it can adapt to any combat situation. 9. AK-74 – Hard-Hitting Full-Auto Assault Rifle The AK-74 is renowned for its devastating power and hard-hitting shots. This full-auto assault rifle boasts incredible damage, making it deadly in medium-range encounters. However, it comes with recoil that can be tough to manage for some players. The slower mobility and handling can be a challenge, but with the right attachments, it becomes a force to be reckoned with. If you're looking for a rifle that delivers massive damage and can melt through enemies at range, the AK-74 is a solid choice. 10. Model L – Powerful & Accurate Assault Rifle The Model L is a powerful assault rifle that delivers impressive damage and accuracy. While its fire rate is slower compared to other rifles, the damage per shot is substantial, making it ideal for long-range engagements. It may not have the mobility of lighter rifles like the XM4, but the Model L’s range and damage output make it a strong contender for players who prefer precision fire from a distance. It’s a great weapon for those who want to hit hard and stay accurate. Whether you're a sniper, marksman, or close-range enthusiast, Black Ops 6 offers a wide range of weapons suited for every playstyle. From the precision and range of the LR 7.62 sniper rifle to the fast, mobile KSV SMG, each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial to select the right gun for your preferred combat style. With new movement mechanics and weapon customization, you can further tailor your loadout to stay ahead of the competition. Choose wisely and dominate the battlefield with the best guns in Black Ops 6. | |||
| BLAST Partners with Underdog (edit) | BLAST | 2025-04-18 12:37:08 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | [[Companies/BLAST|BLAST]] has teamed up with Underdog, the rapidly growing sports gaming company, for three major events in 2025. The partnership sees Underdog come on board as the Official Partner for the BLAST Premier Lisbon Open, BLAST Premier Rivals, and the BLAST.tv Austin Major, taking place in the U.S. and Canada. This collaboration brings Underdog’s presence into the spotlight through various channels, including prominent integration on BLAST’s English broadcast. The brand will be featured in bespoke segments throughout the events and showcased on both physical and digital assets. Fans of Underdog will also have the chance to engage in the BLAST.tv Fantasy mini-game, a feature that allows viewers to compete in fantasy esports alongside the action. In addition to the digital and broadcast integration, Underdog will also be present at the BLAST.tv Austin Major in June, where the company will host in-person activations at its dedicated booth. This marks a significant milestone for Underdog, as this will be their first-ever participation in a live esports event. Leo Matlock, Chief Business Officer at BLAST, expressed his excitement about the partnership, emphasizing Underdog’s role as an innovative leader in the sports gaming space. “We’re really excited about this collaboration with Underdog,” Matlock said. “They are a brand who’ve been a key player in the innovative and growing sports gaming space for some years. Underdog has chosen a blockbuster time to partner with BLAST ahead of our sold-out BLAST.tv Austin Major in June. Beyond adding to our live broadcasts and events, we are thrilled that our dedicated and committed BLAST.tv fantasy fans will have the opportunity to engage with Underdog over the next few months.” '''More:'''[[News/BLAST Partners with Reliance|BLAST Partners with Reliance]] | ||||
| Danny "zonic" Sørensen and Lars Christian Robl to Leave Team Vitality (edit) | Team Vitality | 2023-10-11 4:46:46 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Team Vitality|Team Vitality]] announced their decision to part ways with head coach Danny "zonic" Sørensen and sports psychologist Lars Christian Robl. The duo will join the French side [[Companies/Falcons|Falcons]] soon. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/TeamVitality/status/1712135979442786803></a></blockquote> Team Vitality recently won IEM Rio 2023 and ESL Pro League Season 16 with Danny "zonic" Sørensen. The Danish coach won 4 majors with Astralis before. | |||
| ESL X Champion Collection Released (edit) | ESL | 2024-08-09 10:23:02 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | [[Companies/ESL FACEIT Group|ESL FACEIT Group]] has announced a second clothing collaboration with sports apparel brand Champion. The new merchandise collection, available now in the ESL store, includes eight items: hoodies, t-shirts, shorts, sweatpants, a jacket, and a hockey jersey. This line features a blend of ESL and Champion logos and incorporates graphics from Counter-Strike, including the iconic chicken from CS 1.6. '''More:'''[[News/Sony PS5 Sales Down|Sony PS5 Sales Down]] Fabio Tambosi, SVP Marketing stated '''"Embodying the iconic Champion motto, "You Don't Just Wear It. You Earn It," the new Champion x ESL 2024 collection invites you to celebrate hard-earned success in style. Whether you are competing in-game or conquering challenges beyond the screen, this collection is a tribute to the champions of the new global sport."''' | ||||
| Florian "syrsoN" Rische to Leave BIG (edit) | BIG • CS:GO | 2023-08-09 6:10:28 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | Florian "syrsoN" Rische left BIG clan. 27 year old German is linked with 00Nation according to recent reports. Florian "syrsoN" Rische joined BIG in 2020 from Sprout. He was benched in February 2023. 00Nation is rumored to be signing the "birdfromsky" roster. | |||
| FragFest Counter-Strike 2 is Coming (edit) | 2023-12-12 4:17:42 PM | Dante Uzel | More | Counter Strike | Rivalry revealed FragFest Counter-Strike 2 event in Toronto, Canada. The event prize pool will be $2500 CAD. The FragFest will be live on January 6th 2024 at the Red Bull Gaming Studio. Britt Doll, Rivalry’s Canada Marketing Director, stated '''“Not only is Launders a one-of-a-kind personality in the industry, but he’s also personally aligned with our vision to create meaningful activations and entertainment for the local esports community in Toronto."''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/rivalryca/status/1733649998926008790></a></blockquote> | ||||
| FUZED Summer Games Announced (edit) | Fuzed | Fuzed • Sweden • CS:GO | 2023-06-06 11:06:28 AM | Dante Uzel | Companies | Swedish esports company FUZED launched a new series of tournaments for kids and teens in Helsingborg, Sweden. The event will combine CS: GO and football. The tournament prize pool will be SEK 250k. The event will also be promoted by CS:GO player Patrik ‘f0rest’ Lindberg and Swedish football player Robin Quaison. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/fuzed_com/status/1664594123750244354></a></blockquote> | |||
| G2 Esports Partners with Invictus Gaming (edit) | G2 Esports • Invictus Gaming | 2023-12-08 3:08:34 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | Dota 2 | [[Companies/G2 Esports|G2 Esports]] announced a new partnership with Chinese [[Companies/Invictus Gaming|Invictus Gaming]] to create a new Dota 2 team called [[Companies/G2.iG|G2.iG]].Invictus Gaming was the winner of The International in 2012. Chief Executive Officer of G2 Esports, Alban Dechelotte, stated '''“China has continuously been a priority market for us and we’re happy to finally field a local team for our millions of Chinese fans to support. In addition to a new market, we’re also expanding into Dota 2 for the first time, which is a huge moment for us.”''' '''More:'''[[News/WISE Ventures Partners with G2 Esports|G2 Partners with Version1]] <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/invgaming/status/1733134220447674588></a></blockquote> | |||
| Guild Partners with Sky UK (edit) | Guild Esports | UK • Guild • Esports | 2023-05-25 5:03:51 PM | Dante Uzel | Business • Companies | Guild Esports and Sky UK have joined forces to tackle the issue of verbal abuse against women gamers with the launch of their new campaign. The campaign will be named #NoRoomForAbuse, the initiative aims to bring attention to the widespread problem of harassment faced by female gamers. The campaign will span multiple social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch, with female influencers at the center. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/guildesports/status/1661711481581256706></a></blockquote> | |||
| Master League Portugal Winners Crowned (edit) | Events | 2023-06-19 12:53:27 PM | Dante Uzel | More | SAW won the Master League Portugal. They managed to defeat Make Your Destiny 3-0 in the finals. The team will advance to the ESL Pro League qualifiers. | ||||
| Paraíso removed from Overwatch 2 (edit) | Overwatch 2 | 2023-06-08 1:06:27 PM | Dante Uzel | More | Overwatch | Blizzard removed the Paraíso map from Overwatch 2's live rotation due to a new Mercy bug. The bug allowed players to manipulate their opponents' frame rates, causing disruptions in the competitive servers. It is unknown when the map will be back. Mercy can still be played on other maps as the bug only affects specific locations. | |||
| Shopify Rebellion Released 3 Players (edit) | Rebellion • Valorant | 2023-06-19 2:50:31 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Valorant | Shopify Rebellion released Anthony "vanity" Malaspina, Brandon "bdog" Sanders, and assistant coach Travis "tdawgg" Regan. The team finished last in NA VCL Playoffs. The current roster is, Victor "v1c" Truong Adam "mada" Pampuch Kaleb "moose" Jayne Jared "mac" Schneider Aqib "Akki" Ali | |||
| Splitgate 2 Back to Beta (edit) | Splitgate | 2025-07-25 9:27:02 AM | Dante Uzel | Business | 1047 Games has announced that the highly anticipated Splitgate 2 will be pushed "back to beta" following player feedback, with the studio also revealing plans for a second wave of layoffs. The update was shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on July 22, where the studio’s co-founders, addressed the decision directly. According to the post, Splitgate 2 initially launched with ambitious goals that the team now recognizes were too lofty given the feedback and challenges they faced. “We’ve heard your feedback, and we agree with you,” wrote Proulx and Bagamian. “We had ambitious goals with Splitgate 2, and in our excitement to share it with you, we bit off more than we could chew.” '''More:'''[[News/1047 Games Announces Lay offs|1047 Games Announces Lay offs]] As a result of this, the game is now reverting to a beta state. The development team plans to focus on major overhauls aimed at restoring what made the original Splitgate special. These changes include reworking the progression system from scratch, improving the portal mechanics, simplifying monetization, and refining classic game modes that players have been requesting. “We’re going back to beta,” the post continued. “We’ll be heads down until early next year, rebuilding major parts of the game to capture the spirit of what made Splitgate special. That means reworking progression from the ground up, adding more portals to our maps, simplifying monetization, refocusing on classic game modes you’ve been asking for, and more, which we’ll share soon.” | ||||
| UK to Boost Gaming Industry (edit) | UK • Business | 2023-06-14 5:20:20 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | The UK Government announced a new fund for the creative industries. The fund will allocate £5m will go to the UK Games Fund. Paul Durrant, CEO of non-profit UK Games Talent and Finance Community Interest Company stated "It’s likely we’ll be supporting companies both within our existing community and also those where our present grant size hasn’t previously matched the scale of their project.” | ||||
| Valhalla Esports Lounge Shut Down (edit) | Valhalla | 2023-06-26 4:14:51 PM | Dante Uzel | More | [[Locations/Valhalla_Esports_Lounge|Valhalla Esports Lounge]] announced their decision to shut down the lounge. The venue operated in Austin, Texas for the past 4 years. | ||||
| William "mezii" Merriman to Leave fnatic (edit) | fnatic | 2023-11-02 4:36:32 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/fnatic|fnatic]] announced the departure of William "mezii" Merriman. According to reports, British player will join [[Companies/Team Vitality|Team Vitality]] soon. He is expected to fill Emil "Magisk" Reif's slot. [http://News/Fnatic%20Partners%20with%20Sony%20INZONE Fnatic recently partnered with Sony Inzone.] He stated '''“I gained invaluable experience and created so many great memories. I enjoyed every single day working alongside all the team and all the staff that work at Fnatic behind the scenes. I achieved many personal goals in my time with Fnatic, including making my first-ever Major, the Major playoffs, winning my first LAN event, and also just consistently competing at tier-one events. It has been a great time for me, to be able to represent an iconic organisation like fnatic.”''' Current fnatic roster will be, * Freddy "KRIMZ" Johansson * Fredrik "roeJ" Jørgensen * Aurélien "afro" Drapier * Christopher "dexter" Nong <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/FNATIC/status/1720062672274673807></a></blockquote> | |||
| Wilton "zews" Prado Joins Team Liquid (edit) | Team Liquid | 2023-12-06 3:36:23 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Team Liquid|Team Liquid]] announced Wilton "zews" Prado as the new head coach. He will replace Damian "daps" Steele. The Brazilian coach won BLAST Premier: Spring 2020 American Finals and ESL One: Cologne 2016. This is his second stint with the organization as he was the head coach in 2017 and 2018. Team Liquid officials stated '''"We can't wait for Wilton to bring his signature mindset to lead this team and get our squad locked & loaded."''' | |||
| "adamb" to Leave Metizport (edit) | Metizport | 2025-06-12 9:50:09 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | Metizport have officially announced that Adam "[[People/adamb|adamb]]" Ångström will part ways with the organization at the end of the month, bringing an end to a year-and-a-half tenure with the Swedish team. The 20-year-old rifler has opted not to renew his contract, choosing instead to "explore new opportunities," according to a statement released by the organization. "After several internal discussions, Adam has decided to explore new opportunities when his contract ends on June 30th," Metizport said. "We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Adam for his incredible contributions to Metizport." The news follows a turbulent period for [[Companies/Metizport|Metizport]], most notably their disappointing run at the BLAST.tv Austin Major. The team exited in the opening stage with a winless 0-3 record, failing to secure a single map victory. Despite the rough campaign, adamb stood out as the top performer for the team, posting a 0.87 rating across five maps — the highest on the squad — even as Metizport only managed to reach double digits in rounds on one occasion. Since joining the team in September 2023, adamb has been a consistent performer. He maintained a strong average rating of 1.12 throughout his stint and played a central role in Metizport's historic qualification for their first-ever CS2 Major appearance. Beyond the Major, adamb helped steer Metizport to a number of competitive milestones. The squad twice earned spots in the BLAST Premier Showdown, came close to reaching the Finals on one occasion, and claimed domestic honors by winning the Svenska Cupen 2024. Under his tenure, Metizport also briefly broke into the top 30 in both the HLTV and VRS global rankings. '''More:'''[[News/"Sapec" Joins Metizport|"Sapec" Joins Metizport]] | |||
| "adreN" Joins Nouns (edit) | Nouns • Counter Strike | 2024-04-10 1:35:31 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Nouns Esports]] has announced the appointment of Eric "[[People/adreN|adreN]]" Hoag as their new general manager and head coach. This restructuring of coaching comes as Kory "SEMPHIS" Friesen transitions to the role of performance coach and content creator for the organization. Former Team Liquid coach joined forces with Nouns at the beginning of the year, splitting responsibilities with SEMPHIS. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/nounsesports/status/1777858853872287916></a></blockquote> | |||
| "APA" to Leave Liquid (edit) | Team Liquid | 2025-11-13 10:59:30 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | League of Legends | Team Liquid has officially announced that Eain “APA” Stearns will be leaving its League of Legends roster, ending a partnership that lasted nearly three years. The North American mid laner first joined the organization in 2022, starting with Liquid Challengers before moving up to the main LCS team. ==== A Tough Season Leads to Changes ==== In a video posted on social media, APA shared that the team’s sixth-place finish in Split 3 of the LTA North 2025 season played a big role in the decision. After a season filled with ups and downs, Team Liquid decided it was time to make roster changes before the 2026 LCS season begins. The 2025 season was challenging for [[Companies/Team Liquid|Team Liquid]]. The team placed fourth in both Split 1 and Split 2, which meant they missed out on qualifying for both the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the World Championship. On social media, Team Liquid thanked APA for his hard work and growth during his time with the team, writing: “Thank you for three amazing years together. Your growth as a person and player has been incredible to watch. Our Finals MVP, our LCS and LTA champion, our First Team All-Pro Midlaner, and our friend.” '''More:'''[[News/Team Liquid Acquires Team Gullit|Team Liquid Acquires Team Gullit]] | |||
| "arrozdoce" Benched by NiP (edit) | Ninjas in Pyjamas | 2025-07-10 11:35:27 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Ninjas in Pyjamas have made a major change to their Counter-Strike lineup, benching Portuguese rifler Rafael "arrozdoce" Wing after six months with the team. Taking his place is Polish rising star Kacper "xKacpersky" Gabara, who joins the roster on loan from ENCE. NiP were in advanced discussions with ENCE to secure xKacpersky, who previously developed his skills with [[Companies/Ninjas in Pyjamas|Ninjas in Pyjamas]]’ academy team, Young Ninjas. Highly sought-after in recent months, the 19-year-old was also on G2’s radar before they opted to sign Matúš "MATYS" Šimko instead. xKacpersky’s performances in 2025 have made him one of the most promising prospects in the tier-two scene. During his time with ENCE, he emerged as their top performer, averaging a 1.15 rating and playing a pivotal role in the team’s consistent runs deep into second-tier tournaments. Meanwhile, arrozdoce’s departure from the active lineup brings a short but eventful stint to a close. The 23-year-old joined NiP at the beginning of 2025 after a breakout year with SAW in 2024. Initially sidelined while NiP fielded veteran Audric "JACKZ" Jug to earn wildcard entries, arrozdoce eventually earned his spot in the starting five. Though NiP struggled in the early months — even failing to qualify for several CCT-level online tournaments — momentum began to shift in April. The team surprised many with a strong qualifying campaign for PGL Astana, which marked a turning point in their form. A tournament victory at Fragadelphia Las Vegas, a solid playoff appearance at PGL Astana, and several respectable finishes online helped NiP climb the VRS rankings significantly. They entered the summer player break just inside the top 20, signaling a resurgence in form after a rocky start to the year. '''More:'''[[News/Ninjas in Pyjamas Partners with Socios|Ninjas in Pyjamas Partners with Socios]] | ||||
| "ash" to Stay at GamerLegion (edit) | GamerLegion • Counter Strike | 2024-04-09 6:09:50 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/GamerLegion|GamerLegion]] announced the extension of the contract of its coach Ashley "ash" Battye. The team recently played in the finals of BLAST.tv Paris Major under his guidance. 33-year-old coach has been with the team since 2020. He previously coached London and Vexed Gaming. He stated '''"I'm delighted to extend with GamerLegion for a third time,It's been a great almost four-year journey. Now it's about building towards our next step together."''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/GamerLegion/status/1777607391099437325></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Attach" Retires (edit) | CDL | 2025-05-27 12:15:33 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Dillon “Attach” Price, one of the most iconic figures in Call of Duty esports, has officially announced his retirement from professional play after an impressive 11-year career. Known for his exceptional skills and game-changing performances, Attach leaves behind a legacy cemented by his status as the youngest-ever Call of Duty world champion. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Attach reflected on his journey, from his early days as a competitive gamer to achieving his childhood dream of becoming a professional player. "After 11 years of professional Call of Duty, it’s my time to hang the jersey up," Attach wrote. "The first moment I played this game, I instantly fell in love. Once I learned about Game Battles and Competitive CoD, it was my dream to become a professional player." Attach’s standout achievement came in 2015 when, at just 18 years old, he became the youngest player ever to win the Call of Duty World Championship. This historic win, earned while playing for Denial eSports, remains one of the defining moments of his career and a milestone that many consider the peak of his competitive journey. He reminisced about this triumph in his “Story of Attach” documentary, available on his YouTube channel, and frequently cited it as a career highlight. Reflecting on the friendships and experiences gained throughout his career, Attach expressed his gratitude to the fans who supported him throughout his time in the spotlight. "The fact that I was able to live out my childhood dream and meet so many amazing people along the way will be something I cherish for life," he added. "Without you, none of this is possible." Attach’s competitive career spans several prominent Call of Duty organizations, including FaZe Clan, Minnesota RØKKR, and most recently, Cloud9 New York. He competed across multiple Call of Duty titles, from Black Ops 6 to Ghosts, cementing his place as one of the most versatile and consistent players in the scene. '''More:'''[[News/Evil Geniuses on Esports World Cup|Evil Geniuses on Esports World Cup]] | ||||
| "autimatic" Joins NRG (edit) | NRG | 2024-03-12 9:12:44 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/NRG Esports|NRG Esports]] has signed Timothy "[[People/autimatic|autimatic]]" Ta to replace Justin "[[People/FaNg|FaNg]]" Coakley in their roster. The North American organization initiated a roster revamp following their inability to qualify for the PGL Major Copenhagen and struggles in online qualifiers, including a failed RMR campaign. Colby "Walco" Walsh joined as the new IGL, replacing Damian "daps" Steele, who transitioned to the head coach role. He started his career at TSM and later moved to Cloud9. Following his time at Cloud9 he moved to Gen.G and later tried his luck in Valorant. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/NRGgg/status/1766871468145623364></a></blockquote> | |||
| "BnTeT" to Leave NKT (edit) | NKT | 2024-01-24 3:39:45 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | Indonesian player Hansel "BnTeT" Ferdinand is out of contract. The player joined NKT last year however his contract was not extended by the organization. Hansel "BnTeT" Ferdinand played for teams such as Gen.G, Extremum and TYLOO. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/BnTeTCSGO/status/1749752038811161074></a></blockquote> | |||
| "s1mple" to Koin Falcons on Loan (edit) | Team Falcons | 2024-02-20 8:06:43 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Team Falcons|Team Falcons]] announced their decision to bench Mohammad "[[People/BOROS|BOROS]]" Malhas and loan Oleksandr "[[People/s1mple|s1mple]]" Kostyliev for one month. "s1mple" joining Team Falcons came following his announcement on his return might be soon. Grant Rousseau, stated "give us the flexibility to make the permanent roster decision needed going into ESL Pro League, IEM Dallas, etc. whilst still giving us a great shot to make it out of BLAST Showdown." Falcons also announced that the assistant coach Rafael "Feldman" Rodriguez will leave the team. Falcons failed to qualify for the PGL Major Copenhagen recently. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/TeamFalconsGG/status/1759646707879407830></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Bance" Announces Retirement (edit) | Call of Duty | 2025-07-28 10:46:47 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Call of Duty | Ben ‘Bance’ Bance, one of Europe’s most decorated Call of Duty professionals, has officially announced his retirement from competitive play, drawing the curtain on a career that spanned over a decade and featured numerous top-tier placements and historic achievements. The announcement came via social media shortly after Bance and his team, Team Orchid, were eliminated from the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The post was met with an outpouring of admiration and respect from players, fans, and colleagues throughout the esports community. "Today, I’m officially stepping away from competing in Call of Duty," Bance shared. "It’s been an incredible journey—one I’ll always be proud of." [[Peope/Bance|Bance]]'s most recent stint in competition saw him competing in the Call of Duty Challengers scene following his 2023 departure from the Minnesota Rokkr. Team Orchid, his final squad, established themselves as a force in the European circuit, earning a top-four finish at the 2024 Challengers Finals and securing $12,000 (~£8,944) in prize winnings. Their strong run was capped with a top 16 finish at the Esports World Cup—Bance’s final LAN appearance. Though his recent efforts were in the amateur tier, Bance’s legacy was built on years of elite-level competition. He first broke into the professional scene in 2014 during Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, initially representing Team Infused and Exertus eSports. His breakthrough came in 2015, when he joined Splyce, a move that would define much of his early career. Bance became a household name during the Black Ops 3 season, known for his tactical brilliance and clutch performances. In 2016, he played a crucial role in leading Splyce to the Call of Duty World Championship Grand Final—marking the first time a European team had reached the final since 2011. Although they fell short to Team EnVyUs, the second-place finish was a landmark achievement for the European scene. '''More:'''[[News/Call of Duty League Format Changes Announced|Call of Duty League Format Changes Announced]] | |||
| "Banjo" to Leave HAVU (edit) | HAVU | 2024-04-02 9:52:05 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/HAVU|HAVU]] announced the departure of Matias "Banjo" Kivistö. 19-year-old player joined from fnatic Rising last year. He finished in 3rd-4th place with HAVU at Elisa Masters Espoo 2023. It is currently unknown where he might join. HAVU will compete at YaLLa Compass Spring 2024. However, the team has 4 players in their roster right now. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/HAVUgaming/status/1775085942249840802></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Biank" Joins Trace (edit) | Trace Esports • Valorant | 2024-06-12 9:13:35 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Valorant | [[Companies/Bilibili Gaming|Bilibili Gaming]] has announced the departure of veteran player Zhong "[[People/Biank|Biank]]" Jianfei, who will be replaced by Lo "[[People/Flex1n|Flex1n]]" Rui as he transfers to Trace Esports. This roster change marks a significant shift, leaving only three original members of the squad that surprised NRG Esports last year at the Champions event in Los Angeles. '''More:'''[[News/Gen.G Reveals New Facilities|Gen.G Reveals New Facilities]] Biank, like many Chinese players, sought a chance to shine amidst EDward Gaming's dominance in the regional competition in 2023. Despite missing out on Masters Tokyo, hope arose for the roster during the Chinese Champions Qualifier, where Bilibili secured one of the three spots, marking their fourth appearance on the international stage. He is a previous Counter Strike pro player. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://x.com/BilibiliGaming/status/1800457457493516310></a></blockquote> | |||
| "blameF" Benched (edit) | Astralis • Counter Strike | 2024-02-29 9:29:13 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Astralis|Astralis]] has officially announced that Benjamin "[[People/blameF|blameF]]" Bremer, has been benched. BlameF joined Astralis in November 2021. However, despite his individual prowess, the team has struggled to achieve significant success, notably only qualifying for one Major out of four attempts. He stated '''"Benched in Astralis. I'll be looking to continue playing asap but as a riffle (non IGL) so if any organisations are interested in talking with me, you can reach me through my DM. I wish the Astralis boys good luck and thank the whole organisation for my time there"''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/Astralisgg/status/1762859324529836412></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Caedrel" Signs with Red Bull (edit) | Red Bull | 2025-05-06 11:06:16 AM | Dante Uzel | Business | Marc Robert ‘[[People/Caedrel|Caedrel]]’ Lamont has officially partnered with Red Bull, becoming the newest esports personality to join the global energy drink brand’s roster. Announced on May 4 via Red Bull Gaming’s social media channels, the collaboration marks a significant milestone in Caedrel’s growing influence within the gaming and streaming space. As part of the partnership, Red Bull’s branding will now appear across Caedrel’s broadcasts, and the streamer will take part in various activations organized by the company. To celebrate the announcement, Red Bull released a welcome video on Caedrel’s Reddit page, featuring appearances from esports legend Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok and Formula One superstar Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion. '''More:'''[[News/Fnatic Partners with Red Bull|Fnatic Partners with Red Bull]] In addition to the promotional video, Caedrel received a personalized package from Red Bull, which included branded merchandise and a customized microphone to use during his streams. Red Bull has long maintained a strong presence in the League of Legends scene, where Caedrel built his reputation as a former pro player, analyst, and content creator. Since 2019, Red Bull has served as a key sponsor of the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), while also backing various players and teams within Riot Games’ flagship MOBA. The company’s involvement in the competitive scene extends to its own event organization as well. The 2024 edition of its League of Its Own event became the most-watched Red Bull esports event to date, further solidifying its commitment to the League of Legends ecosystem. | ||||
| "Ceb" Leaves Dota for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (edit) | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang • OG Esports | 2025-05-29 12:34:30 PM | Dante Uzel | More | Sébastien ‘Ceb’ Debs, co-founder of OG Esports and longtime Dota 2 veteran, has announced his departure from the organisation’s Dota 2 division to take on a new role focused on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). Ceb has been named Technical Director of SRG.OG, a collaborative MLBB team formed between OG and Malaysian esports organisation Selangor Red Giants (SRG). This marks a significant shift in his esports career as he transitions from player and coach in Dota 2 to a leadership position in mobile esports. Ceb, who initially competed under the alias 7ckngMad, began his professional journey in 2011 with Team Shakira before joining OG as a coach in 2016. After Roman ‘Resolut1on’ Fomynok’s exit in 2018, Ceb stepped in as a stand-in player and eventually secured the offlane role full-time. He gained global recognition alongside OG Founder Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein by becoming one of the first players to win The International twice consecutively, with victories in 2018 and 2019. Although Ceb officially retired from active competition in 2021, he continued to support OG’s roster as a stand-in player, participating in tournaments throughout 2024 and into early 2025. His most recent appearance was at the PGL Wallachia Season 3 event in March, where OG was eliminated during the Group Stage. '''More:'''[[News/OG Esports Partners with Valhalla|OG Esports Partners with Valhalla]] | ||||
| "DubsteP" and "lenne" to Leave Team Secret (edit) | Team Secret | 2023-09-18 2:59:13 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Valorant | Team Secret parted ways with Jayvee "DubsteP" Paguirigan and Lim "lenne" You Xiang. The organization stated that the p;layers are no longer contracted with the organization. Current Team Secret roster is, Jessie "JessieVash" Cuyco Adrian "invy" Jiggs Reyes Jim "BORKUM" Timbreza Jeremy "Jremy" Cabrera | |||
| "electroNic" Joins Virtus.pro (edit) | Virtus.pro | 2024-04-15 11:20:28 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | CIS organization [[Companies/Virtus.pro|Virtus.pro]] announced the signing of Denis "[[People/electroNic|electroNic]]" Sharipov. He will replace Nikolay "mir" Bityukov. Russian player last played for Cloud9. Denis "electroNic" Sharipov, stated '''“Virtus.pro is a top team. The core of the roster has won a Major not while ago, and all the players are in their prime and ready for victories right now. We share the same ambitions and goals. Besides, I’m also excited about the idea of playing with Jame, as he’s one of the most unique IGLs in the game. Can’t wait to adapt to my new team and start doing what I came here for — winning trophies.”''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/virtuspro/status/1779767142520394026></a></blockquote> | |||
| "enkay J" to Lead ENCE (edit) | ENCE | 2024-09-09 6:50:34 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | Niclas "[[People/enkay J|enkay J]]" Krumhorn has been appointed as the new head coach of ENCE's main Counter-Strike roster, [[Companies/ENCE|ENCE]] announced on Monday. The 35-year-old German replaces Jakub "kuben" Gurczyński, who was benched in late August following ENCE’s failure to qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major Europe RMRs and the end of their five-year Major attending streak. ENCE General Manager Niklas "Willkey" Ojalainen cited Krumhorn’s extensive experience as a former professional player, analyst, and coach as key factors in his selection for the role. '''More:'''[[News/NIP Group Reveals Entry to Game Publishing|NIP Group Reveals Entry to Game Publishing]] Niclas "enkay J" Krumhorn began his career as an analyst with mousesports from March to May 2016. He then moved to Team EnVyUs in June 2016, where he continued as an analyst until February 2017. Krumhorn joined G2 Esports as an analyst from February 2017 to September 2018 before transitioning to coaching roles. He first coached ALTERNATE aTTaX from October 2018 to August 2019, followed by a stint with Sprout from August 2019 to October 2021. Krumhorn then coached BIG from November 2021 to May 2022 and subsequently joined Gucci Academy as a coach from September 2022 to July 2023. His most recent coaching role was with Entropiq from July 2023 until June 2024, after which he took on an inactive coaching position with Entropiq in Counter-Strike 2 before being appointed as the head coach of ENCE on September 9, 2024. | |||
| "Faker" Receives Death Threats (edit) | Faker | 2023-08-11 4:01:14 PM | Dante Uzel | Drama | League of Legends | According to recent news, T1's star player Lee “Faker” Sang-Hyeok is receiving death threats. Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency received the reports on death threats recently. Currently there are no announcements from T1, however police forces stationed near the T1 HQ and LCK revealed that they will increase the security following the death threats. | |||
| "FanFan" Reveals Her Income (edit) | Twitch | 2024-02-19 8:25:02 AM | Dante Uzel | More | Twitch streamer "Fanfan" revealed her income during a stream. During her stream some of her chat claimed that she is a millionaire, however, she rejected the claims and stated '''"I love it. I am blessed, you know. Thank f**king god I make enough money and I don’t have to do much work. I just sit here and watch my videos and play games. But I make 150K a year. That’s not millionaire money.”''' She stated that she was unable to get a sponsor for 6 months and stated that people assume all streamers are a millionaire. | ||||
| "Grashog" Returns to Lineup as IGL (edit) | 500 • Counter Strike | 2024-03-06 5:34:31 AM | Dante Uzel | Business | Counter Strike | Bulgarian [[Companies/500|500]] announced roster changes. Coach Denis "[[People/Grashog|Grashog]]" Hristov will replace Ivan "Patrick" Ivanov and will be the new IGL of the team. Kaloyan "POP0V" Popov is named as the new head coach of the organization. The organization stated '''"It's been rough past few months, where we've been trying to determine what's the best way to move forward into next season. We were testing numerous lineups not only to see what works best at the moment, but what would be most long-term path towards success."''' | |||
| "H3cz" and "Scump" Sues Activision Blizzard (edit) | Activision Blizzard • Call of Duty | 2024-02-16 5:22:35 PM | Dante Uzel | Drama | Call of Duty | OpTic Gaming CEO Hector "[[People/H3cz|H3cz]] Rodriguez and former Call of Duty player Seth [[People/Scump|Scump]] AbnerIn a lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles federal court, they accused [[Companies/Activision Blizzard|Activision Blizzard]] of holding an unlawful monopoly over professional leagues and tournaments. According to the suit, including Activision, GameStop Corp., and Major League Gaming, used to organize open Call of Duty leagues and tournaments with modest entry fees. However, Activision allegedly took over the market in late 2019, closing off all leagues except for the Activision Call of Duty league. More: [[News/Activision Blizzard to Join Microsoft|Activision Blizzard Joined Microsoft]] The suit claims that playing professional Call of Duty is similar to professional football in the esports world, with top players profiting from sponsorships, endorsements, and social media attention. Since Activision took control of the leagues and tournaments, players have allegedly been unable to earn compensation from other entities. Many popular teams were reportedly cut out of competition because they couldn't agree to Activision's terms. Hector Rodriguez, CEO ofCall of Duty team OpTic, was allegedly forced into a financially devastating partnership to continue competing. Activision purportedly demanded Rodriguez partner with billionaire investors who demanded a 92.5% ownership share in his company. Rodriguez had to pay a high entry fee, share portions of his investor sponsorship with the gaming company, and couldn't seek outside sponsorships. More: [[News/Activision Blizzard to pay $54.9m Settlement|Activision Blizzard to Pay $54.9m in Settlement]] "Scump," who is among the top-winning players in the game's history, joined Rodriguez in the lawsuit. The complaint alleges that Activision's sole league system was imposed upon pro team owners and players and wasn't the product of a collaborative agreement. Activision is accused of leveraging its trademark and ownership of Call of Duty to control the downstream pro gaming market. Collectively, Rodriguez and Abner seek more than $680 million in damages. | |||
| "horvy" to Replace "JBa" (edit) | Wildcard • Counter Strike | 2024-04-08 12:13:07 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | João "[[People/horvy|horvy]]" Horvath has stepped in for his team at IEM Chengdu, replacing Josh "[[People/JBa|JBa]]" Barutt, who couldn't travel due to food poisoning. Despite the unexpected change in the line up Wildcard's coach and stand-in, horvy, is a well known player within competitive CS, boasting a six-year career as a journeyman player in Brazil and Europe from 2016 to 2022. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/horvyFPS/status/1776942265715630255></a></blockquote> | |||
| "JACKZ" Leaves NiP (edit) | NiP | 2025-02-25 2:34:15 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | Audric "[[People/JACKZ|JACKZ]]" Jug will no longer stand in for [[Companies/Ninjas in Pyjamas|Ninjas in Pyjamas]], as the team’s eligibility for wildcard invites has expired. NIP previously qualified for wildcard invites due to having a core of three players—Marco "Snappi" Pfeiffer (now with Falcons), Rasmus "sjuush" Beck (HEROIC), and JACKZ (Vitality)—who were in the top eight of Valve’s Global Standings over the past 12 months. However, a recent rule change reduced the required period from 12 months to 6 months, making NIP ineligible as of February 25. Snappi was last in the top eight on March 3, 2024. Currently ranked 158th in Valve's Global Standings, Ninjas in Pyjamas are far from securing regular tournament invites. Earlier this month, the organization was among 22 teams that signed an open letter criticizing Valve’s approach to the 2025 competitive ecosystem, arguing that the scene is overly dependent on ranking-based invitations. With wildcard eligibility gone, NIP must now rely on notoriously difficult online qualifiers to earn their place in events. As they begin 2025 with a new, unranked core, they face a long climb back up the standings. | |||
| "jkaem" Admits Mistake (edit) | jkaem • Counter Strike | 2025-03-26 6:38:09 PM | Dante Uzel | Drama | Counter Strike | Joakim "[[People/jkaem|jkaem]]" Myrbostad, the Norwegian rifler, has been publicly accused of owing $10,000 in skins to trader erlsan, with the debt originating from loans made for the Paris Major. The situation came to light after erlsan revealed the outstanding debt, which has reportedly been unpaid for over two years. erlsan claims that jkaem borrowed high-value skins for the event, but instead of returning them, he allegedly gambled them away. Despite promises to "upgrade" the skins, the debt remains unpaid, and erlsan says he has only received $1,000 of the $11,000 total debt as of March 15, 2025. In a public statement on social media, erlsan shared his frustration with the lack of resolution, saying he reached out to jkaem multiple times, only to be met with excuses such as "being on the road" or "getting paid soon." Eventually, erlsan grew tired of waiting and decided to make the issue public. '''More:'''[[News/Sylas Becomes The Symbol of Resistance for Turkish Protesters|Sylas Becomes The Symbol of Resistance for Turkish Protesters]] Following the revelation, jkaem admitted to his mistakes and acknowledged that there is more than one instance of similar behavior. In a statement, he took full responsibility for his actions and vowed to repay all debts, including both money and skins, to everyone he owes. "I don't have any excuses. I fucked up badly, and there is more than one case," jkaem said. "I will pay back everything to everyone I owe. I was an idiot, honestly. I take full responsibility and own my mistakes." In an effort to make things right, jkaem mentioned that he is working with his BC team to address the situation. He expressed gratitude for their support and said that they are helping him fix the damage caused by his actions. "I want to apologize to everyone I've taken advantage of. I am 100% in the wrong here, and I have to face the consequences of my actions," he added. The practice of skin lending is common in the professional scene, where players often borrow high-tier skins to showcase their collections on broadcast. | |||
| "Juv3nile" Banned for a Year (edit) | VALORANT • Global Esports | 2025-04-07 10:48:53 AM | Dante Uzel | Drama | Valorant | [[Companies/Riot Games|Riot Games]] has announced the suspension of [[Companies/Global Esports|Global Esports]]' head coach, Preston "Juv3nile" Dornon, for a period of 12 months, effective from April 4, 2025, following potential breaches of its Esports Global Code of Conduct. The official statement from Riot Games indicated that Juv3nile will be prohibited from participating in all Riot-sanctioned esports competitions for the entirety of his suspension. Additionally, he will be required to complete an executive training program focused on conduct, respect, and professionalism. '''More:'''[[News/Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing Partners with SCUF Gaming|Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing Partners with SCUF Gaming]] Global Esports issued a statement in response, expressing full support for Riot’s decision. “We respect and support Riot's decision fully. At Global Esports, we believe that accountability and integrity are non-negotiable. No matter how difficult or unfortunate a situation may be, the standards of conduct and professionalism — both inside and outside the game — must be upheld at all times, by coaches, staff & players,” the statement read. With Juv3nile sidelined for the next year, Global Esports’ coaching staff is currently reduced to assistant coach Elevated and performance coach Patathor8. In the event that a new head coach is not appointed before the team’s next match, it is believed that Elevated will assume head coaching responsibilities temporarily. | |||
| "k0nfig" to Leave NiP (edit) | Counter Strike | 2025-03-05 11:39:24 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | Kristian "[[People/k0nfig|k0nfig]]" Wienecke has officially parted ways with [[Companies/Ninjas in Pyjamas|Ninjas in Pyjamas]], bringing an end to a partnership that began in early 2023. The Danish rifler spent just over a year on NiP’s active roster, with one of his most notable moments being the team's run at BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, where they came within a single victory of reaching the playoffs. His time with the organization effectively ended in February 2024 after NiP struggled at the PGL Major Copenhagen Europe RMR A, finishing in last place and missing out on a Major spot for the first time since 2018. '''More:'''[[News/Tencent Acquires More Shares of Kadokawa|Tencent Acquires More Shares of Kadokawa]] The 27-year-old was close to signing with TSM during the summer, alongside Benjamin "blameF" Bremer, according to TSM’s coach, Allan "Rejin" Petersen. However, the deal collapsed after blameF opted to join Fnatic, leaving k0nfig without a team for a while longer. | |||
| "kakafu" Returns to BIG (edit) | BIG • Counter Strike | 2024-03-01 10:00:15 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/BIG|BIG]], has revealed the return of Alexander "[[People/kakafu|kakafu]]" Szymanczyk as their latest assistant coach. At 34 years old, Szymanczyk will join head coach Fatih "gob b" Dayik and assistant coach Dustin "DuDe" Großmann. Previously, "kakafu" served as an assistant coach for OG for a two-years, followed by a coaching role with Unicorns of Love between 20-21. However, kakafu is not a stranger to BIG Clan, he worked at BIG between 2017-2019. | |||
| "kakafu" to Leave BIG (edit) | BIG | 2025-03-18 12:15:53 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | [[Companies/BIG|BIG]] has announced that Alexander "[[People/kakafu|kakafu]]" Szymanczyk's tenure as the team's coach has come to an end, with Sebastian "xenn" Hoch stepping in as the interim coach. Xenn, who joined BIG as an assistant coach in January, will now take over the role on a temporary basis. "I was sad that I didn't get more time with the new roster," kakafu told HLTV in a statement. "BIG will always be a part of me, and I wish everybody the best moving forward." Kakafu, an Austrian coach, took over from Fatih "gob b" Dayik in May 2024, following a promotion from his previous assistant role. Under his guidance, the team managed to stabilize after a challenging period, marking BIG’s return to a German-speaking roster. However, despite these efforts, the team has struggled to break into the top 10 or secure playoff spots at Big Events, a performance plateau that ultimately led to kakafu’s departure. '''More:'''[[News/Fearless Draft to Stay|Fearless Draft to Stay]] This was kakafu’s second stint as BIG’s coach, having previously held the role from 2017 to 2018. During that time, the team reached the playoffs of the PGL Krakow Major, albeit with some controversy surrounding a jump bug incident. As the new interim coach, xenn comes in with experience, having secured invitations for BIG to compete at IEM Melbourne and PGL Astana. Additionally, BIG is nearly guaranteed a spot in the upcoming Major Regional Qualifiers, currently sitting 20th in the Valve Global Standings. | ||||
| "Klaus" Benched by KRÜ (edit) | KRÜ Esports | 2024-07-03 8:14:03 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Valorant | Nicolas "[[People/Klaus|Klaus]]" Ferrari is benched by [[Companies/KRÜ Esports|KRÜ Esports]] Nicolás "mta" González, previously sidelined due to injury, is set to rejoin the starting roster of KRÜ Esports, displacing Nicolas "Klaus" Ferrari to the bench. Marco "Melser" Eliot Machuca Amaro will resume his position as the team's in-game leader. "Klaus" helped lead KRÜ Esports to multiple victories throughout 2022, including securing first place in tournaments such as the VCT 2022: South America Last Chance Qualifier and the VCT 2022: LATAM Stage 1 Challengers Playoffs, where they triumphed over formidable opponents like FURIA Esports and Leviatán. Despite facing challenges, such as a second-place finish in the VCT 2022: LATAM Stage 2 Challengers Playoffs. '''More:'''[[News/First Gamer to be Canonized by Church|First Gamer to be Canonized by Church]] Klaus, who has been with KRÜ Esports since 2021, notably served as one of the few players from the Americas to maintain his tenure throughout the VCT's history with the organization. He also assumed the role of in-game leader for six out of the team's eight international events. Melser briefly held the position in 2023, but Klaus later returned to the role due to its impact on Melser's performance. | |||
| "Kylar" to Leave ENCE (edit) | ENCE | 2025-04-01 4:47:08 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | [[Companies/ENCE|ENCE]] has announced that Kacper "[[People/Kylar|Kylar]]" Walukiewicz will be departing the organization by mutual consent, bringing an end to his nearly 16-month tenure with the team. This decision follows a period of time where Kylar had been placed on ENCE's bench since October 2024, after being removed from the starting lineup as part of a roster overhaul that included the arrival of Ryan "Neityu" Aubry and Kacper "xKacpersky" Gabara. In a statement regarding the departure, ENCE expressed gratitude for Kylar's contributions, stating, "We want to thank Kylar for all of his contributions in the ENCE squad and wish him all the luck moving forward." '''More:'''[[News/GameSquare is Out of FaZe Media|GameSquare is Out of FaZe Media]] Kylar rose to prominence as a key member of the 9INE roster, a team that made waves in 2023 by breaking into the top 20 of the world rankings. This success was largely driven by deep runs in online competitions and qualification for the prestigious BLAST.tv Paris Major. The 25-year-old player joined ENCE at the tail end of 2023 when the organization recruited the core of the 9INE lineup. Kylar's time with ENCE began on a high note, with the team reaching the playoffs at IEM Katowice 2023 and securing qualification for the PGL Major Copenhagen. | ||||
| "Levi" Retires (edit) | Levi • League of Legends | 2025-11-19 9:27:02 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | League of Legends | Vietnamese League of Legends veteran Đỗ “Levi” Duy Khánh has confirmed he is stepping away from professional competition, bringing an end to a ten-year career that helped define the region’s esports scene. Levi shared the announcement in a birthday video, explaining that he had been thinking about retirement for a long time. Over the past decade, he became one of Vietnam’s most celebrated players, lifting 10 VCS trophies, earning a gold medal at the 31st SEA Games, and appearing several times at both MSI and Worlds. Even with these accomplishments, Levi said he still feels a sense of unfinished business. “There’s one thing I really wanted to do, and that is to help VCS go further in international tournaments,” he said. “For example, seeing a VCS team make it to at least the top 8 at Worlds. But right now, I have to leave without having achieved that.” In the announcement, he also revealed he has been dealing with stomach problems and, more recently, issues with his right hand. However, he emphasized that his main reason for retiring is the desire to spend more time with his parents and consider starting a family of his own. [[People/Levi|Levi]] closed the video by sharing his next steps. He plans to move into full-time streaming and content creation, and he may also co-stream official matches in the future. '''More:'''[[News/Gumayusi to Leave T1|Gumayusi to Leave T1]] | |||
| "m0NESY" to Leave G2 (edit) | G2 Esports | 2025-04-14 9:29:30 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | In a major roster shake-up, G2 Esports CEO Alban Dechelotte has confirmed the sale of Ilya "[[People/m0NESY|m0NESY]]" Osipov to Team Falcons, with the Russian AWPer set to debut for his new team at IEM Melbourne on April 21. The move follows months of speculation and negotiations between the two organizations. With m0NESY’s contract set to expire at the end of the year, G2 ultimately opted to finalize the transfer and avoid losing the player on a free deal. “Rumors are true. We have decided to accept the trade of our young goat of CS,” Dechelotte said in a statement. The transfer will see m0NESY reunite with former G2 teammate Nikola ‘NiKo’ Kovač, who recently led Falcons to a dominant 3-0 victory against G2 in the PGL Bucharest 2025 grand final—a win that secured the team’s first LAN trophy. Though Falcons had previously attempted to sign m0NESY during the winter off-season, talks fell through at the time. With just eight months remaining on the star’s contract, G2 made the call to complete the transfer immediately after PGL Bucharest. '''More:'''[[News/NRG Reveals AI Bot|NRG Reveals AI Bot]] Fans won’t have to wait long to see m0NESY in action. Following his IEM Melbourne debut, he’ll be part of the Falcons lineup for the BLAST.tv Austin Major, which kicks off on June 6. G2 General Manager Stilgar expressed mixed emotions over the departure in a social media post. “I’m very sad to see Ilya go but I wish him the best and thank him for the magic moments he gave us,” Stilgar tweeted. He also acknowledged the strain m0NESY’s contract situation had placed on internal team dynamics and planning for the future. “It was obvious that he was becoming a bit disconnected from the rest of the team due to his situation and it was very difficult to have meaningful conversations with potential talents without the clarity around his future,” he wrote. | |||
| "maxster" Promoted (edit) | Counter Strike • Ninjas in Pyjamas | 2024-03-25 10:16:41 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Ninjas in Pyjamas|Ninjas in Pyjamas]] have announced their decision to promote Max "[[People/maxster|maxster]]" Jansson to their main squad. He has been playing at the academy squad since 2022. Ninjas in Pyjamas's General Manager Björn "THREAT" Pers stated '''"His dedication to practice and remarkable stats make him an invaluable addition to the main squad. We're excited to see him thrive in this new chapter of his career."''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/NIPCS/status/1771899772607357109></a></blockquote> | |||
| "MoDo" Benched by TSM (edit) | TSM • Counter Strike | 2024-02-23 9:46:46 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/TSM|TSM]] has made the decision to bench their AWPer, Mădălin-Andrei "[[People/MoDo|MoDo]]" Mirea, as announced by the organization. MoDo, who joined TSM in August as part of the team's return to Counter-Strike after a six-year hiatus, is leaving the active roster after less than six months. This move further alters TSM's lineup, leaving only one original member, Valdemar "[[People/valde|valde]]" Bjørn Vangså, out of the initial five. These changes mark a series of adjustments made by the American organization since the beginning of the year. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/tsmreport/status/1760707657592188973></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Mongraal" Joins Red Bull (edit) | Red Bull | 2025-04-07 10:48:20 AM | Dante Uzel | Business | Kyle "[[People/Mongraal|Mongraal]]" Jackson, one of the most popular figures in the esports and Fortnite community, is making a triumphant return to competitive gaming by signing with Red Bull. As the latest addition to [[Companies/Red Bull|Red Bull]]'s roster of athletes, Mongraal will now compete alongside other high-profile gamers like Tarik and Ludwig. Starting his esports journey at just 13 years old in 2018, Kyle quickly became a household name. Known for his fierce competitive spirit and exceptional Fortnite skills, he has built a loyal following of fans over the years. Mongraal's participation in major esports events, such as the Fortnite Championship Series (FNCS), has solidified his place in the Fortnite scene. Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Red Bull, Kyle shared, "Red Bull has always been a sponsor I wanted to get. On stream, I'm always drinking a Red Bull for the past five years. It just ties in perfectly." '''More:'''[[News/Ubisoft Shareholders Targets Tencent Deal|Ubisoft Shareholders Targets Tencent Deal]] When discussing his future goals, Mongraal outlined his aspirations both in gaming and content creation. "I'd love to win an FNCS, and I'd love to reach 10 million subscribers on YouTube. I think those two things are really big goals, but those are goals that would be worth achieving." Currently, Mongraal’s YouTube channel boasts over 5 million subscribers, a testament to his broad influence in the gaming world. However, he is determined to push that number even further, aiming for the prestigious 10 million mark in the near future. As he prepares for upcoming Fortnite tournaments and continues to grow his presence, Mongraal’s partnership with Red Bull marks an exciting new chapter in his already impressive career. | ||||
| "Munchkin" Joins T1 (edit) | T1 Esports • Valorant | 2025-11-28 4:38:16 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Valorant | T1 has officially added Byeon “Munchkin” Sang beom to its VALORANT roster for the upcoming VCT 2026 season. The former Gen.G Esports player returns to the team to fill the spot left by Kang “DH” Dong ho, who will now compete on the T1 Academy lineup. In its announcement, the organisation wrote, “ ‘[[People/Munchkin|Munchkin]]’ will be joining the T1 VALORANT team for 2026. Please join us in welcoming ‘Munchkin’, who will soar to even greater heights together with T1 VALORANT.” This move marks a reunion between Munchkin and [[Companies/T1 Esports|T1 Esports]]. He previously played for the team during the 2023 season, taking part in events such as the Ludwig x Tarik Invitational, Masters Tokyo and VALORANT Champions in Los Angeles. T1 highlighted several of his standout plays in a two minute announcement video shared on YouTube. Alongside the signing, T1 confirmed that DH has been reassigned to the academy roster. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from fans on social media. '''More:'''[[News/T1 Partners with Spotify|T1 Partners with Spotify]] | |||
| "nbgee12" Banned for Stealing SSDs (edit) | Counter Strike | 2024-06-06 8:31:41 PM | Dante Uzel | Drama | Counter Strike | [[Companies/FACEIT|FACEIT]] recently issued a ban on 19-year-old Counter Strike 2 pro player, Adam "[[People/nbgee12|nbgee12]]" Zanzoul. The ban stemmed from nbgee12's admission of wrongdoing during IEM Dallas, where he confessed to "taking stuff" he shouldn't have. The incident surfaced when "nbgee12" openly confessed on CoJoMo's live stream, revealing that he had illicitly accessed the venue at night and appropriated SSDs belonging to prominent players. Initially discussed as a five-year ban during the stream, ESL later escalated it to a permanent ban. '''More:'''[[News/Bungie Wins AimJunkies Lawsuit|Bungie Wins AimJunkies Lawsuit]] The 19-year-old has not disclosed the motives behind taking the SSDs. Later in the stream, he admitted that no excuse could justify his actions but cited being "super sleep deprived, hungry, and under the influence.FACEIT decided to impose the ban as the SSDs nbgee12 took were the ones utilized by players during IEM Dallas. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://x.com/Ozzny_CS2/status/1798449766763831558></a></blockquote> | |||
| "niko to Leave OG (edit) | OG • CS:GO • Transfer | 2023-06-09 12:10:07 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | After completing his stand-in tenure with OG, Nikolaj "niko" Kristensen has declared his intention to explore fresh opportunities. He stated "After a fantastic reunion with OG and the boys. I am more than ready to get a new home-winning trophies. Open to all opportunities." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/OfficialnikoCS/status/1666781582634491908></a></blockquote> | |||
| "niko" to Leave Sashi (edit) | Sashi • Counter Strike | 2024-04-02 2:03:25 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | Nikolaj "[[People/niko|niko]]" Kristensen will leave [[Companies/Sashi|Sashi]] due to his loan contract expiring this month. 25-year-old is currently contracted to 00Nation however he stated that he is allowed to find a new team. The team won POWER Ligaen Season 25 with him at the helm. 00Nation recently released all of its esports roster however "niko" was still on on contract. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/Sashi_Esport/status/1774488299857465592></a></blockquote> | |||
| "nilo" to Stay at Metizport (edit) | Metizport | 2024-03-04 8:47:41 AM | Dante Uzel | Business | [[Companies/Metizport|Metizport]] has extended contracts for four of its members, which includes young rifler Linus "[[People/nilo|nilo]]" Bergman. Additionally, brothers Tim "[[People/susp|susp]]" Ångström and Adam "[[People/adamb|adamb]]" Ångström have committed to remain with the team until the summer of 2025. Coach Ahmed "[[People/abdi|abdi]]" Abdi has also extended his contract through 2025. The organization stated '''"At this time, we have not succeeded in renewing contracts with Jack “Jackinho” Mattson and Erik “ztr” Gustafsson. "''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/Metizport/status/1764325644685496711></a></blockquote> | ||||
| "NoobFromUA" Receives Copyright Strikes from PGL (edit) | PGL • Dota | 2024-02-27 10:43:20 AM | Dante Uzel | Drama | According to recent news, [[Companies/PGL|PGL]] issued 4 copyright strikes to Youtuber "NoobFromUA"'s channel. Following the strikes he has shared the news on Twitter and stated that his channel will be closed down soon due to strikes. Youtube has 3 strikes policy per channel. "NoobFromUA" will have a challenge period to counter. NoobfromUA has over 1.04 million subscribers on Youtube. The strikes affected DPC 2023 and TI12 videos. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/noobfromua/status/1762030761840931038></a></blockquote> <blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" data-style="margin: 0; border: none; max-width: 100%; width:640px; border-radius: 8px; display: block; "><a href=https://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/1b0dqbd/pgl_hit_noobfromua_with_4_copyright_strikes_his/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button /></blockquote> Following the news PGL made a statement and stated that "we have no intention of taking down entire YouTube channels." More: [[News/Challengermode Partners with PGL|PGL Partners with Challengermode]] PGL stated '''"Concerning content creators using PGL content without authorization: We constantly monitor various platforms and channels for any unauthorized PGL content.Our objective is to ensure fair usage of our content, which may involve requesting the removal of PGL content. However, we want to clarify that we have no intention of taking down entire YouTube channels. We're putting together new rules for content creators, and we'll make sure to share them before our next PGL Dota 2 tournaments. We've spotted some hiccups in our process and have made changes for the better. If you're a content creator keen on using PGL-owned content, we'd love to hear from you directly. Let's chat and find the best solution that works for everyone involved!"''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/pglesports/status/1762377188383613092></a></blockquote> | ||||
| "Olympic Esports Games" Proposed by IOC (edit) | Olympics • IOC | 2024-06-18 9:24:42 AM | Dante Uzel | More | According to recent news, Olympic Esports Commission has developed a proposal for creating "Olympic Esports Games." During the IOC Executive Board meeting, it was emphasized that this initiative requires a new dedicated structure within the IOC, distinct from the Olympic Games' organizational and financial framework. The Executive Board revealed it is in advanced talks with a potential host for the Esports Games, and an announcement is anticipated once formalities are completed. '''More:'''[[News/ESL Challenger Jönköping 2024 Finals Was Amazing|ESL Challenger Jönköping 2024 Finals Was Amazing]] The release states that the IOC first interacted with the esports community by organizing the Esports Forum in 2018 in Lausanne. They then established the Esports Liaison Group to engage with stakeholders, which later became the IOC Esports Commission chaired by IOC Member David Lappartient. In 2021, the IOC launched the Olympic Virtual Series, their initial foray into esports. Afterwards we have seen The Olympic Esports Week. More than 130 players worldwide participated, showcasing their talents in 10 mixed-gender category events. IOC President Thomas Bach stated '''“With the creation of Olympic Esports Games, the IOC is taking a major step forward and is keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution. We are very excited how enthusiastically the esports community represented in our Esports Commission has engaged with this initiative. This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for,”''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/iocmedia/status/1801596085565051239></a></blockquote> | ||||
| "Perkz" Retires (edit) | Perkz | 2025-06-06 3:33:09 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | League of Legends | One of Europe’s most iconic and decorated League of Legends players, Luka “Perkz” Perković, has officially retired from competitive play, closing the chapter on a remarkable career that reshaped the European scene and left a global impact. In an emotional statement released earlier this week, [[People/Perkz|Perkz]] revealed his decision to walk away from professional esports effective immediately, citing the relentless demands of competition and the toll it has taken over the years. “There is just no time allocation, and all the bad things that come with stress from competing, that I don’t want to manage anymore,” Perković said. “I’ve always given it my all to the playing career, to the teams I’ve been a part of. I think many can attest to that. Sometimes my all wasn’t enough and sometimes my all was not in the right direction – but I gave it my all. Even when fans think I didn’t, I did, and I know that.” Perkz’s last professional appearance was with The Ruddy Sack in the Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC), where he briefly returned in early 2025 to play as a Top Laner—yet another surprising role swap in a career marked by versatility. His final split ended in March, with the now-26-year-old choosing to step away from the competitive spotlight for good. “So, to get it out of the way, Perkz is dead. He’s gone. He’s not coming back. He’s not a player anymore. It’s just Luka left now.” Though the announcement signals the end of his time as a player, Perković hinted at the possibility of remaining involved in the esports world in a different capacity. “Perhaps lurking in the shadows,” he smiled. “But until then, I’m out.” '''More:'''[[News/OpTic Gaming Partners with Monster|OpTic Gaming Partners with Monster]] Perkz began his rise to prominence on GSI Gaming before joining Gamers2—the team that would later become G2 Esports—replacing founder Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez in the mid lane. From there, he became a central figure in building what would become the most dominant League of Legends organization in European history. Under the G2 banner, Perkz quickly established himself as a star, leading the team to multiple domestic titles and international success. Between 2018 and 2020, he was part of the legendary G2 roster that not only reached back-to-back World Championship quarterfinals but also made it to the Grand Finals in 2019—a feat no other European team has accomplished since. The pinnacle came in 2019, when G2 won the Mid-Season Invitational, defeating the best from Korea and China to become the only Western team to lift the MSI trophy. His time with G2 also showcased his unique flexibility as a player. Perkz famously role-swapped to bot lane while continuing to share mid lane duties with Rasmus “Caps” Winther, proving himself as one of the rare players to master two distinct roles at the highest level. Perkz departed G2 at the end of 2020 to join North American organization Cloud9, where he found success by winning the 2021 LCS Spring Split and Mid-Season Showdown. Despite the strong start, his tenure in North America lasted just one year. Returning to Europe in 2022, he signed with Team Vitality. However, his performances never quite reached the heights of his G2 era. After one year with Vitality, Perkz played a split with Team Heretics between late 2023 and early 2024 before taking a short break. In early 2025, he made a surprise return to competitive play with The Ruddy Sack, this time as a Top Laner. His brief stint there marked the end of his professional career. Reflecting on his journey, Perkz offered gratitude to the many people and organizations that shaped his career. “I’m very grateful for my career. I’m very grateful for all the successes, all the people I’ve met, all the failures that taught me lessons. I’m grateful to all of the organizations that had me. I’m grateful for the great time I had on G2, C9, and Vitality. I’m very grateful for you guys, for all the fans that supported me from the very beginning, or that supported me late. I’m grateful for the game, for the competition that has made me the person I am today.” | |||
| "Pred" Joins OpTic (edit) | OpTic Texas | 2025-02-07 2:18:08 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Call of Duty | [[Companies/OpTic Texas|OpTic Texas]] has announced the return of Australian Call of Duty esports player Amer ‘[[People/Pred|Pred]]’ Zulbeari to the team's starting lineup. Pred takes the place of Cuyler ‘Huke’ Garland, who competed for the team during the opening Major of the season in Madrid, Spain. Pred originally joined OpTic Texas in July 2023, becoming the first Call of Duty player from the APAC region to win a CDL Major. He left the team in December 2024 to take a break and address an undisclosed personal matter. His return marks the reshaping of the OpTic Texas roster, which triumphed at the 2024 CDL Championship, defeating New York Subliners in the Grand Final. OpTic Texas is the first CDL franchise to make a roster change after the conclusion of Major 1. Despite securing the top seed for the opening event of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 season, the team finished with a top-eight placement after losses to Miami Heretics and Carolina Royal Ravens. | |||
| "s1mple" Joins FaZe (edit) | FaZe Clan | 2025-05-05 12:43:16 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/FaZe Clan|FaZe Clan]] have announced the signing of Oleksandr "[[People/s1mple|s1mple]]" Kostyliev on a loan deal from Natus Vincere. The three-time HLTV Player of the Year will join the roster through the end of the Austin Major, replacing Helvijs "broky" Saukants, who has been moved to the bench following a poor start to the year for the international squad. s1mple returns to competition after a brief and turbulent stint with Team Falcons. The Ukrainian AWPer last played during the Europe RMR for the Shanghai Major, where Falcons failed to secure a spot at the event. That short-term deal, originally set to last through the end of 2024, marked his second loan spell with the Saudi-backed organization, following his appearance at the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown earlier this year. '''More:'''[[News/Zephyr Mobile Acquired by Tripledot|Zephyr Mobile Acquired by Tripledot]] He has not played for Natus Vincere since October 2023, when he stepped down from the active lineup to take a break from professional play. The 27-year-old still has just over six months remaining on the three-year contract he signed with NAVI at the end of 2022. s1mple’s next move has been the subject of intense speculation throughout 2025. In early April, he hinted at ongoing negotiations during a conversation with streamer Evelone, saying he had "some offers, kind of, something," and noted that his market value was declining as the end of his NAVI contract approached. Later that month, he posted an Instagram story saying he was "grinding CS and grinding [the] gym every day." The loan to FaZe could mark a turning point for both parties. FaZe have struggled to find consistency this season, and the addition of one of Counter-Strike’s most decorated players could provide the spark they need heading into the Austin Major. | |||
| "s1mple" Reveals Play Like s1mple (edit) | s1mple | 2024-05-10 7:32:46 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | Counter Strike | Oleksandr ‘[[People/s1mple|s1mple]]’ Kostyliev revealed his new project called Play Like s1mple. On May 7, the launch of "Play Like S1mple" took place in partnership with FACEIT. Players can register for complimentary video lessons to try. The premium section offers exclusive insights from s1mple himself, advanced content, and access to exclusive tournaments. '''More:'''[[News/Altera Secures $9m|Altera Secures $9m]] After a brief tenure with Team Falcons earlier this year, s1mple has predominantly stepped away from competitive Counter-Strike since October 2023. During this hiatus, he dedicated time to investing in the project and crafting the courses, which are now prepared for launch. He stated '''"I see how many mistakes they do and I feel that it’s a good opportunity for them to learn something from me and from other pro players as well. Because there’s going to be a lot of examples of how to play and how to not play in some crucial situations, in the second part of this course, we will invite people from esports and we’ll provide a lot more information from different perspectives of other esports players. I feel we will involve players, coaches and managers, so they can explain to a new generation what it feels like to play competitively. I want to see less mistakes, I want to see players play more as a team. I want to see beautiful Counter-Strike."''' | |||
| "S1mple" to Return (edit) | Counter Strike | 2024-02-13 12:11:09 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | Counter Strike | During the grand final of IEM Katowice 2024 at the Spodek arena on Sunday, Feb. 11, [[People/Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyljev|Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyljev]] briefly hinted at his return to Counter-Strike 2. In an interview on the official tournament broadcast, s1mple expressed his desire to make a comeback to competitive play after the PGL Copenhagen CS2 Major. "I hope after the Major," s1mple responded when asked about his potential return. "I hope nothing is going to happen with their roster because they were practicing really hard after I took this break. Let's see what is going to happen after the Major." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/JakeSucky/status/1756702418186727555></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Sacy" Retires (edit) | Sentinels | 2024-09-16 1:41:11 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Valorant | "[[People/Sacy|Sacy]] has officially announced his retirement from competitive Valorant, following the recent retirement of teammate TenZ. This double departure leaves Sentinels, a team that was among the top contenders in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) in 2024, facing a significant roster overhaul. [[Companies/Sentinels|Sentinels]] enjoyed a remarkable year in 2024, showcasing their dominance with strong performances at international events and domestic tournaments. They had a standout year, defeating LOUD domestically, winning Masters Madrid, and coming close to securing the Valorant Champions 2024 title despite a challenging regular season. '''More:'''[[News/New RLCS Format Revealed|New RLCS Format Revealed]] Sacy, who initially faced difficulties with Sentinels, made notable contributions by staying with the team and achieving major victories. His decision to retire, along with TenZ’s, marks the end of an era for Sentinels. Both players leave the team at what appeared to be the peak of their careers, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the future direction of one of the Americas' most prominent Valorant organizations. | |||
| "SangJoon" Retires (edit) | Apex Legends | 2025-08-19 10:48:18 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Han ‘SangJoon’ Sang-joon, one of Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) most successful players, has announced his retirement from the competitive esports scene, bringing an end to his four-year career. The South Korean player revealed that his decision to step away from pro play was primarily due to mandatory military service in South Korea, a duty all male citizens must complete. [[People/SangJoon|SangJoon]]’s career in the ALGS has been marked by impressive achievements, with his time in the scene beginning in 2021. The 2024 ALGS Split 1 Playoffs were arguably the highlight of his career, where he led the REJECT team to victory, clinching the championship and a $300,000 prize. His performance during the tournament earned him the MVP title, cementing his place as one of the best in the game. Despite an underwhelming start in the Group Stage, placing fifth, REJECT surged ahead in the Finals, with SangJoon playing a pivotal role in their climb to the top. The team dominated games two and eight, ultimately securing the championship with 86 points. In 2025, SangJoon’s career continued to shine as he helped Crazy Raccoon reach eighth place in the ALGS APAC North Split 1 Pro League. Although the team didn’t make it past the Mid-Season Playoffs, finishing 32nd, their strong performance still earned them a solid $4,500 prize. "It’s Really Sad That I Won’t Be Able to See You All" In his announcement, SangJoon shared a heartfelt message with his fans. While this wasn’t the first time he had hinted at retirement, he made it clear that this time, his departure was final. In a translated message, he said, “I’ve said many times that I’m retiring, but this time it’s true, so I’m really sad that I won’t be able to see you all.” He continued, “Thanks for your support. I was able to go to the playoffs and win, which is really great. Thank you for everything!” The announcement has left fans saddened, with many expressing their appreciation for the talented player’s contributions to the Apex Legends esports scene. '''More:'''[[News/Fnatic to Replace HEROIC|Fnatic to Replace HEROIC]] | ||||
| "Sapec" Joins Metizport (edit) | Metizport • Counter Strike | 2024-06-12 9:12:30 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Metizport|Metizport]] has confirmed the signing of Anton "[[People/Sapec|Sapec]]" Palmgren, finalizing the team's roster following the unexpected benching of IGL Erik "ztr" Gustafsson nearly three weeks ago. With Sapec not assuming the role of in-game leader, Metizport's Sports Director Morten "zEVES" Vollan clarified in a virtual press conference that AWPer Jack "Jackinho" Ström Mattsson would be the lead. Anton "Sapec" Palmgren's career started with Frillkammare in 2018, Tradigt in 2019, Wildfire Gaming in 2019, Asdf1234 in 2019, visomvet in 2019, Begrip Gaming in 2020, Young Ninjas from 2021 to 2022, and EYEBALLERS from 2022 to 2024. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/Metizport/status/1800590870351413746></a></blockquote> | |||
| "sdy" Returns (edit) | Monte | 2024-02-21 8:38:05 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | According to recent news Viktor "[[People/sdy|sdy]]" Orudzhev will return to [[Companies/Monte|Monte]]. He was replaced by the academy player Jack "Gizmy" von Spreckelsen during his illness. 26 year old joined the organization in 2023 and previously played for NA'VI. The organization won ESL Challenger Jönköping 2023 with him. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/Monte_Esports/status/1759865416044691755></a></blockquote> | ||||
| "SkRossi" Partners with KREO (edit) | Revenant Esports | 2024-02-19 8:22:04 AM | Dante Uzel | Sponsorships | Gaming peripherals manufacturer KREO has partnered with VALORANT player Ganesh ‘[[People/SkRossi|SkRossi]]’ Gangadhar, marking the company's inaugural 'KREO Athlete.' In this collaboration, SkRossi, who is presently competing for the Indian esports organization [[Companies/Revenant Esports|Revenant Esports]], will utilize KREO products, engage in KREO activations, and contribute to the development of new products tailored for PC players. <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/revenantesports.gg/reel/C3U3z0wxBKH data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #fff; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5), 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: calc(100% - 2px);"></blockquote> | ||||
| "Snax" Benched by G2 Esports (edit) | G2 Esports | 2025-07-14 9:46:56 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | G2 Esports has announced a major shift in its Counter-Strike 2 roster, benching veteran player Janusz "[[People/Snax|Snax]]" Pogorzelski and transitioning Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač into the in-game leader role. The decision comes after a turbulent stretch for the organization, following a period of declining results and the high-profile departures of Nikola "NiKo" Kovač and Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov to Team Falcons earlier this year. The Polish legend, Snax, joined [[Companies/G2 Esports|G2 Esports]] in July 2024 and was instrumental in the team’s most successful period in recent memory, helping them secure the BLAST Premier Fall Final and BLAST World Final titles last year. However, G2 has struggled to maintain that level of form in 2025, with no top-five finishes recorded since their brief resurgence at PGL Bucharest. “We can’t thank Snax enough for his contributions and plays since joining us last year,” G2 said in an official statement. “We wouldn’t have been able to lift the BLAST Fall Final and BLAST World Final without you. With this, Snax has been placed on the bench. We will say goodbye properly when he is no longer on our roster.” Snax addressed his departure in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on his time with the squad. “Today I’m benched from G2 Esports. Every line-up felt like my last dance — I always gave it my all. I’m proud knowing I did everything I could as worst IGL,” he wrote. According to reports from HLTV, Snax is expected to be replaced by Matúš "matys" Šimko, currently with Fnatic. The move aims to inject fresh energy into the squad and stabilize its performance as G2 prepares for IEM Cologne 2025, set to run from July 23 to August 3. This roster overhaul is just the latest in a string of changes. Earlier this season, G2 welcomed Álvaro "SunPayus" Garcia and new head coach Eetu "sAw" Saha in an attempt to revitalize the team's structure and performance. These changes reflect G2's urgent desire to improve its VRS ranking, which has dropped to its lowest point since January 2024. As of now, G2’s active CS2 roster is: Nemanja "huNter-" Kovač (IGL) Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa Nikita "HeavyGod" Martynenko Álvaro "SunPayus" Garcia Eetu "sAw" Saha (Coach) '''More:'''[[News/Savvy Games Group Partners with Side|Savvy Games Group Partners with Side]] | |||
| "Swani" Retires (edit) | Counter Strike | 2024-04-04 2:31:22 PM | Dante Uzel | Jan "[[People/Swani|Swani]]" Müller has declared his retirement from Counter-Strike, marking the conclusion of a nearly decade-long career as an analyst and coach. Swani stated '''"I have gradually lost passion for it and even though it always sounds amazing from the outside, it was super draining for me to be away from home for over 180 days the past year and not being able to plan anything, which is a huge part of my decision."''' Swani's career, 2018: * SK Gaming (Analyst) from June 24 to July 15. 2019: * MIBR (Analyst) from January 2 to February 24. * NRG Esports (Analyst) from June 4 to August 15. * FURIA Esports (Analyst) from August 15 to December 31. 2021: * G2 Esports (Analyst) from November 16 to December 31. 2022: * G2 Esports (Analyst) from January 1 to October 29. * G2 Esports (Interim Coach) from October 29 to December 16. * G2 Esports (Assistant Coach) from December 16 to December 31. 2023: * G2 Esports (Interim Coach) from January 20 to December 16. * G2 Esports (Coach) from December 16 to December 31. | |||||
| "tacitus" to Join Fluxo (edit) | Fluxo • Counter-Strike | 2024-04-19 4:57:53 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | Brazilian coach Marcos "[[Companies/tacitus|tacitus]]" Castilho will join [[Companies/Fluxo|Fluxo]]. He will replace Joaquin "lokomotioN" Abasolo. The 24-year-old was the strategy coach at MIBR previously. This will be his first head coach position since 2021 with Triumph. During his time with Triumph he led the team to second place at Intel Extreme Masters XV - Beijing Online: North America . He also managed a finish of 5th-8th at PGL Major Stockholm 2021. Fluxo was unable to qualify for Esports World Cup. The organization lost both matches to paiN and Imperial. He stated '''"Flattered to be part of this organization and to be able to work together with this cast, and VERY excited to represent this legion of fans. After 3 years working as an Assistant Coach, I return to the role of Head Coach, extremely prepared to, take this project to the next level. I will start working with the team in the next few days, and in the coming weeks we will get to know each other better here!"''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/tacitusfps/status/1781060889182978347></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Tarzan" Joins Weibo Gaming (edit) | Weibo Gaming | 2024-05-13 5:33:40 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | League of Legends | Korean jungler "[[People/Tarzan|Tarzan]]" has joined [[Companies/Weibo Gaming|Weibo Gaming]]'s roster, transitioning from LNG Esports to bolster the team's performance in the upcoming Summer Split of the LPL. Weibo Gaming, on the other hand, struggled in the Spring Split, finishing sixth after a defeat to JDG. With Tarzan's expertise, Weibo Gaming hopes to reclaim their former glory and secure victories to qualify for international tournaments. The 2024 LPL Summer Split, beginning after MSI and concluding on May 19, will be a crucial battleground for Tarzan and his new team. He started his career at Griffin. Later joined LPL side LNG Esports. 24 year old joined Weibo after a 3 year stint at LNG Esports. | |||
| "tow b" Joins BIG (edit) | BIG Clan | 2024-07-19 11:44:40 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/BIG|BIG]] has announced the addition of Tobias "[[People/tow b|tow b]]" Herberhold as a performance coach, reuniting with the 40-year-old who previously served as head coach from 2019 to 2021. tow b returns to the team after a successful stint during the online era, where he played a key role in BIG's achievement of three major titles and reaching the pinnacle of world rankings at No. 1. He had stepped down from his position in early 2021 due to personal reasons. '''More:'''[[News/Muller & Phipps East Group Holdings Acquires Power League Gaming|Muller & Phipps East Group Holdings Acquires Power League Gaming]] Tobias "tow b" Herberhold began his coaching journey with ALTERNATE aTTaX in December 2016, he quickly transitioned to Seed in October 2017 before moving to Sprout in December of the same year. During his tenure at Sprout, which lasted until August 2019, he contributed significantly to their competitive strategies and team dynamics. Tow b's expertise then led him to BIG in August 2019, where he continued as a coach until January 2021. | |||
| "Veccil" Benched by The Huns (edit) | The Huns • Counter Strike | 2025-04-02 1:06:26 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/The Huns|The Huns]] have announced the benching of Bilegsaihan "Veccil" Riina, with Enkhbat "xerolte" Munkhtogtokh set to return to the roster in his place. Xerolte, who previously played for The Huns from late 2024 into 2025, parted ways with the team in early March. He will now rejoin the roster to fill the spot left by Veccil. '''More:'''[[News/GameSquare is Out of FaZe Media|GameSquare is Out of FaZe Media]] Veccil joined The Huns in December 2024, replacing Zol-Erdene "Wonderzce" Shijirbaatar. The 21-year-old made his tournament debut at BLAST Open Lisbon, where The Huns were eliminated after suffering two consecutive 0-2 losses to Spirit and Falcons. Despite The Huns' overall strong performance in their region, Veccil's individual performance has been underwhelming recently. | |||
| "wippie" to Leave Cloud9 (edit) | Cloud9 | 2024-03-07 5:55:54 AM | Dante Uzel | [[Companies/Cloud9|Cloud9]] announced their decision to release Maxim "[[People/wippie|wippie]]" Shepelev. 24-year-old player joined G2 Esports in 2023. Russian player was a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player and made a transition to Valorant. He previously played for Version1 as well. Cloud9 will compete in Split 1 of the Americas League. Following the departure of "wippie" Cloud9 has only 4 players left in the roster, * Anthony "vanity" Malaspina * Erick "Xeppaa" Bach * Jake "jakee" Anderson * Francis "OXY" Hoang <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/C9VAL/status/1765483646419419579></a></blockquote> | |||||
| "Wonderful_Y" Banned for Cheating (edit) | FACEIT | 2024-04-24 4:13:04 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | Counter Strike | Following the release of Martin "[[People/STYKO|STYKO]]" Styk's video titled"The Best FACEIT Player is not who you think it is...," Dmytro "[[People/Wonderful_Y|Wonderful_Y]]" Horkusha has been banned from the [[Companies/FACEIT|FACEIT]] platform for 2 years. Notably, this ban comes just a day after FACEIT implemented its latest update to its anti-cheat client. He confessed to exploiting the sv_cheats bug, a glitch that briefly permitted cheat-protected commands to be activated through the console on public servers. He attributed his actions to this bug and attempted to draw parallels to the situation of the former Eternal Fire Academy duo, who also utilized the exploit. He stated '''"Alright , since we all here see now what’s going on. I will tell the truth what happened. I was praying every second that I won’t be banned after 2 bans of ETF."''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/wonderful_ycs/status/1783098039114072300></a></blockquote> During the ban period, Wonderful_Y will be barred from participating in any tournaments or events organized by FACEIT. The discovery that a player could utilize such sophisticated cheats without detection raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the current measures aimed at ensuring fair play. It erodes the trust and credibility of esports competitions as a whole, and [[News/ALGS North American Regional Finals Played Secretly|recently we had remote-injected cheats during an Apex Legends Global Series.]] <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/STYKOcs/status/1783107238686786024></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Xyp9x" Joins MOUZ (edit) | MOUZ • Counter Strike | 2024-03-18 2:24:36 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/MOUZ|MOUZ]], the German esports organization, has announced that Andreas "[[People/Xyp9x|Xyp9x]]" Højsleth, a four-time Major winner from Astralis, will serve as the assistant coach. Xyp9x has already been working with the team for several days and will support head coach Dennis "sycrone" Nielsen at the PGL Major Copenhagen. The 28-year-old transitions to coaching after spending nearly a year on Astralis' bench since his removal from the team in April 2023. He stated " he said. '''"At the time, it was a hard pill to swallow. But once I started talks about coaching, once I started to get a different view on CS and team dynamics, I instantly got something else to think about."''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/mousesports/status/1769000679559799076></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Xyp9x" to Leave Astralis (edit) | Astralis • Counter Strike | 2024-03-12 9:12:16 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Astralis|Astralis]] has announced the departure of Andreas "[[People/Xyp9x|Xyp9x]]" Højsleth from the organization. Xyp9x stated that he is moving on to "embark on a new project filled with promise and potential," without providing additional details. Xyp9x has been with Astralis since its establishment. '''"This journey has been life-defining, exceeding even my wildest dreams,"''' Xyp9x stated. '''"From our shared victories to the unbreakable bonds we've forged, Astralis has been my home and my heart."''' {{Twitter}url=https://twitter.com/Xyp9x/status/1767174320688701920}} | |||
| "yel" Joins 9z (edit) | 9z • Counter Strike | 2025-01-21 2:30:07 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/9z|9z]] has announced the addition of Gustavo "[[People/yel|yel]]" Knittel as their new head coach, completing their roster ahead of the 2025 season. The organization made changes in December, benching Nicolás "buda" Kramer and coach Gustavo "tge" Motta after failing to secure a spot at the Shanghai Major. They have now replaced them with Luca "Luken" Nadotti and yel. '''More:'''[[News/NIP Secures $40m|NIP Secures $40m]] Yel joins 9z following his successful stint with KRÜ, where he guided the team to a Shanghai Major RMRs appearance in his coaching debut, which earned him the opportunity with 9z. Currently ranked No. 65 in the Valve rankings, 9z has no confirmed events on their calendar. With their low ranking, they face a challenging road ahead as they aim to break into the ranks that would earn them LAN invitations. | |||
| "Yuuji" Joins Team Liquid (edit) | Team Liquid | 2025-05-07 11:24:24 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | [[Companies/Team Liquid|Team Liquid]] is expanding its League of Legends roster in the League of Legends Tournament Americas (LTA) by signing Ganbat “Yuuji” Ulziidelger as a sixth man, according to a report by Sheep Esports. The move brings added depth to the team’s jungle position ahead of the North Split 2. Yuuji, a 22-year-old standout from Mongolia, is a two-time MVP in the North American Challengers League (NACL) and the only player in the league’s history to win back-to-back MVP honors. His addition marks a significant pickup for Team Liquid, especially given the recent track record of NACL MVPs. Previous winners—including FlyQuest’s bot lane duo Alan “Busio” Cwalina and Fahad “Massu” Abdulmalek, as well as Near Airport’s top laner Niship “Dhokla” Doshi—have all gone on to reach top-eight finishes at the League of Legends World Championship. Despite his accomplishments, Yuuji reportedly struggled to land a team during the offseason due to timing issues and complications with residency status. Riot Games has since granted him EMEA residency, which opened doors across several regions. Sheep Esports notes that teams from LTAN, the LEC, and ERLs expressed interest in signing him. '''More:'''[[News/Zynga Reveals Blockchain Title|Zynga Reveals Blockchain Title]] Yuuji first rose to prominence while living in Mongolia, where he earned a reputation as a high-ping solo queue prodigy. He reached Diamond 1 on the North American server with 200 ping and Challenger on EUW with 150 ping. A former multi-role competitor, Yuuji began his career playing support and mid lane for Bethany Lutheran College, a North American collegiate team. At Team Liquid, Yuuji will compete for the starting jungle spot alongside veteran South Korean jungler Um “UmTi” Sung-hyeon. The two have already been sharing scrim time over the past few months, making the transition a relatively smooth one for the team. | ||||
| "zews" to Leave Team Liquid (edit) | Team Liquid • Counter Strike | 2024-06-27 9:57:29 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Team Liquid|Team Liquid]] has announced the departure of Wilton "[[People/zews|zews]]" Prado from his role as head coach, effective immediately. This marks the second exit for Liquid, following Casper "cadiaN" Møller's benching earlier this month. The decision comes amidst disappointing results since Liquid's recent rebuilding efforts, which included the additions of Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken and Felipe "skullz" Medeiros. Zews joined Liquid in December alongside Twistzz and skullz, raising hopes among fans for a revitalized roster. However, the team struggled to fulfill these expectations, failing to secure a top ten world ranking. Despite a strong initial showing, Liquid's hopes of qualifying for the PGL Major Copenhagen were dashed, highlighting ongoing inconsistencies against top-tier competition. Liquid did achieve playoff appearances at IEM Chengdu and ESL Pro League Season 19; however, reports indicated that the atmosphere within the team remained strained overall. '''More:'''[[News/Scaffold Secures $1.5m|Scaffold Secures $1.5m]] Wilton "zews" Prado began his coaching career in August 2015 with Games Academy, transitioning to Luminosity in November 2015 until July 2016, followed by a brief stint at SK Gaming until July 2016. He then joined Immortals until November 2016 before moving to Team Liquid in November 2016, where he stayed until December 2018. During this period, he also had a role with Yeah from January 2018 to March 2021. Zews later coached MIBR from December 2018 to March 2020 and Evil Geniuses from April 2020 to June 2021, briefly moving to inactive status with EG until August 2021. He returned to coaching with O Plano from September 2022 to January 2023, followed by a stint at Fluxo from January 2023 to July 2023. Zews rejoined Team Liquid in December 2023. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://x.com/TeamLiquidCS/status/1805650248020508808></a></blockquote> | |||
| "Zyphon" to Leave Sprout (edit) | Sprout • Counter Strike | 2024-01-26 2:18:14 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Sprout|Sprout]] has officially announced the departure of Rasmus "Zyphon" Nordfoss from their active roster. He will be replaced by Daniil "Sdaim" Tupov. Rasmus "Zyphon" Nordfoss joined Sprout in 2022. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/sproutGG/status/1750579289055961204></a></blockquote> | |||
| "ZywOo" Partners with Pulsar (edit) | Pulsar | 2025-06-09 6:35:15 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | French Counter-Strike 2 professional Mathieu ‘[[People/ZywOo|ZywOo]]’ Herbaut has officially revealed The Chosen Mouse, a gaming mouse created in collaboration with peripheral brand Pulsar. The product marks ZywOo’s first foray into hardware design and follows several months of hands-on development and testing. Available in both mini and medium sizes, The Chosen Mouse features an ergonomic design tailored for palm grip users. Pulsar says the mouse is built to “support ZywOo’s signature style, allowing for enhanced control and comfort during long competitive sessions.” “I’m very excited to finally announce my own mouse with Pulsar!” ZywOo said in a social media post. “We’ve been working on this for months, testing out prototypes for months, making sure every detail is perfect, and I’m so proud of the final result.” The partnership is part of Pulsar’s growing strategy of collaborating with top esports talent. Previous collaborations include branded products with Valorant pro Tyson ‘TenZ’ Ngo and Southeast Asian powerhouse Paper Rex. ZywOo now joins a growing list of esports athletes releasing signature gear. Earlier this year, League of Legends legend Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-Hyeok teamed up with Razer '''More:'''[[News/Russia Seizes Studio Lesta|Russia Seizes Studio Lesta]] | ||||
| "ZywOo" to Stay at Vitality (edit) | Team Vitality • Counter Strike | 2024-03-13 6:06:03 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/Team Vitality|Team Vitality]] has signed a significant contract extension with Mathieu "[[People/ZywOo|ZywOo]]" Herbaut, the leader of its roster. This agreement ensures that ZywOo will remain with the French esports organization until 2026. ZywOo stated, ""I have always seen Team Vitality as a family, where I can flourish and develop my full potential. I feel there's a strong sense of unity, it's my second home. I also wanted to stay because I believe strongly in our project, in my team. I think we have a brilliant lineup."" Since joining Vitality in 2018 as the best player of the organization's CS:GO team, ZywOo has solidified his position as one of the best players in the history of the Counter-Strike franchise. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/HLTVorg/status/1767480212025979095></a></blockquote> | |||
| 'stavn' and 'jabbi' benched by Heroic (edit) | Heroic | 2023-10-25 2:04:42 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market • Drama | Counter Strike | In a shocking move Heroic benched both "jabbi" and "stavn". [[News/Peter ‘dupreeh’ Rasmussen to Join Heroic|The organization recently signed Peter ‘dupreeh’ Rasmussen]] to fill in the shoes of Casper ‘cadiaN’ Møller. However, Heroic today revealed the reason for the transfer was the requests of "jabbi" and "stavn" to remove ‘cadiaN’ from the roster. Heroic stated that they had to choose between ‘cadiaN’ and the whole team and "jabbi" and "stavn" promised to extend their contracts following the departure of ‘cadiaN’. However, after being presented with the new contract, Heroic revealed that "jabbi" and "stavn" informed them that they are in negotiations with [[Companies/Astralis|Astralis]]. Heroic stated '''"Heroic is sad to announce that stavn and jabbi are temporarily removed from the starting lineup. This situation was the last thing we wished for, but circumstances have forced us to make this difficult decision. After Pro League, stavn and jabbi initiated a push to replace cadiaN, which came unexpectedly to both cadiaN and Heroic's management team. Mediation efforts were attempted, but the situation was brought to an ultimatum where Heroic had to choose between cadiaN and the rest of the team. stavn and jabbi agreed that if Heroic let cadiaN go, they would extend their contracts. With clear intentions from stavn and jabbi to extend, Heroic amicably allowed cadiaN to pursue a new path. The same day stavn and jabbi were presented with their new contracts they communicated having made future plans with Astralis. Their Heroic contracts had almost 10 months until expiration. While handeling the short term uncertainty and planning for a long term solution, Heroic's ambition is to bring stavn and jabbi back. Our performance staff have made a plan to support their potential return to the starting lineup. We are open to discussing transfers to organizations with a professional approach and an understanding of our players' market value. We aim to find a good path forward with a positive solution for everyone involved."''' <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/heroicgg/status/1717150704664449417></a></blockquote> | |||
| 00Nation Benched Tim "susp" Ångström and Nikolaj "niko" Kristensen (edit) | 00Nation | 2023-11-30 1:12:41 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | [[Companies/00Nation|00Nation]] announced their decision to bench Tim "susp" Ångström and Nikolaj "niko" Kristensen. The team won European Pro League Season 11 and Pinnacle Cup V this year also finished 3rd-4th place at CCT South America Series #8. The organization will go through a restructuring. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="px"><a href=https://twitter.com/zerozeronation/status/1729862788552810847></a></blockquote> | |||
| 00NATION Signed a New Roster (edit) | 00NATION | 2023-08-16 5:26:25 PM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | Counter Strike | 00NATION announced their new CS: GO roster. The organization will be led by Thomas "birdfromsky" Due-Frederiksen, Florian "syrsoN" Rische and Jon "JDC" de Castro. 00Nation will be, Thomas "birdfromsky" Due-Frederiksen Florian "syrsoN" Rische Jon "JDC" de Castro Nikolaj "niko" Kristensen Tim "susp" Ångström | |||
| 100 Thieves Announces Marvel Rivals Roster (edit) | 100 Thieves | 2025-03-14 5:05:03 PM | Dante Uzel | [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]] has officially revealed its Marvel Rivals roster, which consists of the former Team Mutants players. The team has been invited to the esports organization’s Los Angeles facility for a bootcamp to prepare for the Marvel Rivals Invitational North America. 100 Thieves confirmed its entry into Marvel Rivals esports on March 10th, and the roster was announced the following day through a short video and a series of social media posts. The roster includes: * Anthony ‘delenaa’ Rosa (Duelist) * Marschal ‘Terra’ Weaver (Duelist) * Harvey ‘hxrvey’ Scattergood (Strategist) * James ‘SJP’ Hudson (Strategist) * Eric ‘TTK’ Arraiga (Vanguard) * Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Scarantine (Vanguard) * Huu ‘Billion’ Ngo (Flex) The team will be managed by ‘BlueJae’ and coached by Joshua ‘Tensa’ Small, who also serves as the coach for Fisher College’s Overwatch team. The former Team Mutants roster has already proven its worth in the growing Marvel Rivals esports scene, winning the Championship Season 0 NA and the Battle For Asgard tournament. Their success continued after joining 100 Thieves, as they recently secured their first title under the new banner by defeating both FlyQuest and Sentinels in the Rivals Fight Night #2 earlier today. | |||||
| 100 Thieves Partners with Google Play and Niantic (edit) | 100 Thieves | 2024-07-04 8:42:49 PM | Dante Uzel | [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]] has teamed up with Google Play and Niantic, the creator of Pokémon GO, for collaborations during Pokémon GO Fest 2024. Google Play will host various activities and experiences at the festival, including exclusive apparel drops and opportunities to meet 100 Thieves streamers. Pokémon GO is a free-to-play game that uses a freemium model with local advertising and in-app purchases for additional items. Initially launching with 150 Pokémon species, the game expanded to approximately 700 by 2021. While Pokémon GO received mixed reviews upon release—praised for its innovative concept but criticized for technical issues—the annual Pokémon GO Fest is virtual and real-world events across Japan, Spain, and the United States. This year's U.S. event will occur from July 5th to 7th and feature activations by 100 Thieves. '''More:'''[[News/NBA 2K League to Rebuild|NBA 2K League to Rebuild]] Kelsey Schultz, Director, Head of Sales Operations and Activations at 100 Thieves, stated '''“Pokémon GO Fest 2024: New York City provides the perfect backdrop for curating an experience for fans that blends gaming and lifestyle transpiring into unforgettable moments. Partnering with Google Play and Niantic, and having our 100 Thieves creators attend, showcases our shared commitment to bringing something special and exclusive to Google Play Points members.”''' | |||||
| 100 Thieves Partners with Razer (edit) | 100 Thieves | 2025-06-17 1:27:00 PM | Dante Uzel | Business | 100 Thieves has entered into a new multi-year partnership with gaming peripherals brand Razer, further solidifying its position in the esports and lifestyle brand space. The collaboration will see Razer become the official headset, controller, and chair partner for 100 Thieves' top esports teams, which include Call of Duty, Apex Legends, League of Legends, VALORANT, and the recently added Marvel Rivals. While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the partnership extends beyond team sponsorship. Razer will also be a major sponsor for the [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]] Block Party, a fan-focused event featuring live DJ entertainment, a LAN experience, and a meet-and-greet with the organization’s players and content creators. Razer, an endemic brand deeply embedded in the esports ecosystem, has a history of working with top-tier teams such as Sentinels, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Team Flash, and OpTic Gaming. The brand has also sponsored individual esports athletes, including T1’s renowned mid laner Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok and rising stars like Zachary ‘zekken’ Patrone and Nikola ‘NiKo’ Kovač. Faker, in particular, recently launched a special edition mouse to mark his 10-year partnership with the brand. "100 Thieves represents the intersection of competitive excellence and cultural relevance," said a Razer representative in a statement about the partnership. "We are excited to support 100 Thieves’ teams with the best in gaming gear, while also connecting with fans through unique experiences like the Block Party." Founded in 2017, 100 Thieves has quickly established itself as one of the most recognizable brands in the esports world, known for blending competitive gaming with streetwear and lifestyle culture. Beyond gaming, the organization has made waves with its high-profile merchandise collaborations, including partnerships with global brands like Pokémon and Adidas Originals. '''More:'''[[News/Ronaldo Named as Esports World Cup Ambassador|Ronaldo Named as Esports World Cup Ambassador]] | ||||
| 100 Thieves Partners with Roobet (edit) | 100 Thieves • Counter Strike | 2025-11-11 9:35:28 AM | Dante Uzel | Sponsorships | Counter Strike | After a multi-year hiatus, North American esports and lifestyle powerhouse 100 Thieves has made its long-awaited return to competitive Counter-Strike. Partnering with Roobet, 100 Thieves is launching its new CS2 roster under the name 100 Thieves Roobet. === 100 Thieves x Roobet === According to the official announcement, the Roobet partnership is one of the largest in 100 Thieves’ history, a bold statement for an organization already known for high-profile collaborations with brands such as Gucci, Lexus, and AT&T. But this deal is more than a financial milestone; it represents a long-term strategic investment into Europe, the heartland of competitive Counter-Strike. “Europe is at the centre of that community, and by establishing a permanent home there, we’re committing to doing this the right way,” said Jacob Toft-Andersen, President of 100 Thieves. This move positions [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]] as a truly global esports contender with deep roots in both North America and Europe. For Roobet, the partnership brings the brand back to its gaming roots while supporting the next chapter in competitive CS2. === A European Expansion: New Training Facility in Serbia === As part of the collaboration, 100 Thieves will open a state-of-the-art training facility in Serbia, a growing hotspot for esports talent and infrastructure. This new base will serve not only as a training ground for the team but also as a content hub for streamers, creators, and influencers across the global Counter-Strike community. By blending competitive excellence with lifestyle branding, 100 Thieves aims to redefine what it means to be an esports organization in 2025 and beyond. The Serbia facility highlights the brand’s focus on building community, fostering creativity, and maintaining a consistent presence in the heart of European esports. === Giving Back: Esports with Purpose === One of the most inspiring elements of this announcement is the commitment to community impact. For every player revealed on the new 100 Thieves Roobet roster, a donation will be made to a charity of that player’s choice. In addition, both 100 Thieves and Roobet have pledged to tie further charitable contributions to major team milestones throughout the competitive season. These initiatives demonstrate that the collaboration isn’t just about performance; it’s about purpose. “Joining forces to launch 100 Thieves Roobet is not just a business move; it’s a passion project rooted in the very DNA of our company,” said Allen Temiz, Director of Partnerships at Roobet. This approach strengthens the organization’s reputation as one that values integrity, creativity, and community impact as much as it does trophies. ==== What It Means for Counter-Strike Esports ==== The return of 100 Thieves to Counter-Strike could have a lasting impact on the competitive landscape. Once a staple organization in CS:GO, [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]] brings with it a massive fanbase, top-tier content production, and a reputation for blending esports with culture and entertainment. '''More:'''[[News/100 Thieves Teases Expansion|100 Thieves Teases Expansion]] | |||
| 100 Thieves Partners with Theta Network (edit) | 100 Thieves | 2025-08-25 9:11:27 AM | Dante Uzel | Business | 100 Thieves has announced a new strategic partnership with Theta Network, a decentralized cloud infrastructure provider specializing in AI, media, and entertainment. The collaboration will bring a custom AI-powered agent to 100 Thieves’ digital ecosystem, offering fans a highly personalized, interactive experience across e-commerce, social media, and community platforms. The AI assistant will serve as a real-time hub for everything [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]], delivering updates on tournament schedules, match results, player stats, and key moments across the organization's competitive titles, including VALORANT, Call of Duty, and League of Legends. One of the standout features of the integration will appear on 100 Thieves' Shopify storefront. There, the AI agent will provide shoppers with detailed product information such as stock levels, sizing availability, and even insights into past apparel collaborations. This creates a seamless fusion of fandom and retail—allowing fans to keep up with esports updates while browsing the latest fashion drops. “Fans will be able to jump onto our site, ask the AI agent where to find an exclusive piece of apparel, and at the same time pull up the latest schedule from one of our teams, all in one interaction,” said Julie Van, Chief Operating Officer at 100 Thieves. “By partnering with Theta Network, we’re building a smarter, more connected experience that brings every part of 100 Thieves to life in real time.” Beyond retail and competition updates, the AI assistant will also engage with fans through community channels, offering quick access to highlights from 100 Thieves content creators and streamers. The goal is to centralize access to both esports and entertainment content, making it easier for fans to stay informed and engaged. '''More:'''[[News/Overwatch 2 Partners with Persona|Overwatch 2 Partners with Persona]] | ||||
| 100 Thieves Reveals New Collection (edit) | 100 Thieves | 2024-05-29 11:46:34 AM | Dante Uzel | Adidas Originals and [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]] are teaming up for their first merchandise collection, set to release on May 31. The collection includes apparel, footwear, and accessories, featuring a sneaker named the Rivalry Nadeshot after 100 Thieves' founder, Matthew "Nadeshot" Haag. Other items include a competition jersey, tracksuit, tee, socks, and a co-branded towel. The merch collection will be available on adidas.com, the Adidas app, and 100thieves.com. Adidas described the shoe as, “With a tonal off-white upper, gum rubber outsole, and co-branded details including lace charms and sock liners, as well as Nadeshot logos on the right heel mustache and tongues, the daring look is the 100 Thieves founder’s first-ever collaborative sneaker.” Also, Adidas revealed that in addition to Haag, "Valkyrae" and "CouRageJD" will represent 100 Thieves in thic collaboration. In early 2024, the company underwent a significant restructuring, which included the [[News/100 Thieves Sold Juvee!|sale of its energy drink brand Juvee to Sprecher Brewing]]. | |||||
| 100 Thieves Reveals New Roster (edit) | 100 Thieves | 2025-08-05 11:12:45 AM | Dante Uzel | Transfer Market | 100 Thieves has officially entered the VALORANT Game Changers scene, announcing its first competitive roster for Riot Games’ women and marginalized genders-focused ecosystem. The team is headlined by streamer-turned-competitor Lydia ‘lidyuh’ Wilson and built around the rising North American squad known as Frog Womp. The move marks [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]]’ debut in the Game Changers circuit, with the organization picking up a full team already active in VCT Game Changers NA Stage 2. The tournament is currently underway, with 16 teams competing for a share of a $65,000 prize pool and a spot at the 2025 Game Changers Championship, set for November. Lidyuh, a familiar face within the 100 Thieves content creator lineup, is no stranger to competition. Before focusing on streaming, she competed for Immortals and Disguised GC in previous Game Changers events. Her return to professional play earlier this year saw her secure a top-four finish in Stage 1 alongside her Frog Womp teammates, competing under the alias “Aussie and Friends.” With the acquisition of the Frog Womp roster, 100 Thieves is placing a strategic bet on a squad with recent results and synergy. Frog Womp began Stage 2 strong, picking up a win over Equinox in the opening round of the Swiss Stage. However, to secure advancement to the Main Event — a double-elimination bracket beginning September 30 — the team must win three more matches. The Game Changers circuit was launched in 2021 by Riot Games to foster inclusivity and competitive opportunities for women and marginalized gender identities in the VALORANT ecosystem. Since then, it has grown into a global platform with regional leagues spanning the Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China. 100 Thieves Game Changers Roster The full team joining 100 Thieves includes: Lydia ‘lidyuh’ Wilson Jina ‘marceline’ Kim Emily “melya” Khan Presley ‘Slandy’ Anderson Jasmine ‘Jazzyk1ns’ Manankil Abdo ‘c4Lypso’ Agha – Head Coach Anthony ‘thattree’ Duran – Assistant Coach '''More:'''[[News/100 Thieves to Refocus|100 Thieves to Refocus]] | ||||
| 100 Thieves Sold Juvee! (edit) | 100 Thieves | 2024-01-19 3:40:52 PM | Dante Uzel | Mergers and Acquisitions | [[Companies/100 Thieves|100 Thieves]] announced the sale of Juvee beverage brand to Sprecher Brewing. Juvee will be relocated to Greater Milwaukee. The financial details of the deal were not revealed. Co-founder Sam Keene stated '''"We’ve experienced incredible growth since Juvee’s launch and this acquisition will help the brand reach more of our passionate consumers, while also introducing them to the full family of Sprecher beverages. I’m thrilled for Juvee to find a new home at Sprecher and ready to bring the same energy to the company’s marketing team.”''' |
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