News

India is emerging as a powerhouse in esports, marked by historic milestones and ambitious industry plans. The nation recently celebrated its first-ever esports World Champion when Ved Bamb (Beelzeboy) claimed victory at the Pokémon GO World Championships.

The League of Legends European Championship (LEC) has come under scrutiny for its noticeably lighter match schedule compared to other major leagues. With some teams playing as few as four matches in the current split, critics argue that the reduced number of fixtures could hinder competitive growth and weaken fan engagement.

Cosmetic carry-forward from Black Ops 6 has been removed in Black Ops 7.

Creators gain autonomy to design and run their own competitive events.

Key Takeaways

Zeng Zhuojun, better known as Xiaohai, etched his name into esports history at the 2025 Esports World Cup with a dramatic 5–4 victory over 15-year-old prodigy Derek Blaz in the Street Fighter 6 final. The win earned him $250,000 and made him only the third player in EWC history to claim consecutive championships.

The CS2 Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh from August 20–24, bringing a $1,000,000 prize pool and a brutal single-elimination format where every match is do-or-die. With top teams like Team Vitality, Team Spirit, and NAVI in the spotlight, fans can expect a week of intense clashes and shifting narratives.

The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), a groundbreaking tournament where players will compete under national banners in both team and solo formats. The inaugural event will be held in November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with host cities rotating every two years.

MIXI has revisited its takeover proposal for PointsBet, submitting a revised cash offer that could reshape the sports betting landscape. The deal, contingent on acquiring at least 90% of PointsBet’s shares, has gained the full support of the company’s board.

Esports has grown from a niche pastime into a global force blending competitive play, academic recognition, and new betting opportunities. The story of pioneers like Robert Miller illustrates how early passion can spark transformative change in the industry.

The recent VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs in Berlin delivered an unexpected turn of events, with BBL Esports edging out Fnatic 2:1 in a fiercely contested match. This stunning victory has significant implications for both the competitive standings and betting strategies, particularly with Fnatic now set to battle it out in the lower bracket.

Krafton is taking a hard look at its BGMI franchise model as market conditions remain challenging. With recent cancellations and yet-to-be-disclosed details regarding upcoming events, industry stakeholders are waiting for an official announcement to clarify the next steps.

The CFL season has taken an unexpected turn, with injuries and inconsistent form reshaping the competitive balance. From the struggling Montreal Alouettes to the surging BC Lions, every game now carries higher stakes for both teams and bettors.

The latest CS2 tournament has kicked off dramatically, with its unforgiving single-elimination format eliminating six teams on the opening day — including defending champions NAVI. The event runs until August 24 and promises more high-stakes clashes as favorites and underdogs collide.

Few players embody the growth of competitive Apex Legends and its betting scene like iiTzTimmy. His journey from a surprise debut at TwitchCon San Diego in 2019 to competing with NRG at the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) in 2025 mirrors the rapid evolution of both the esport and its wagering markets.

The convergence of esports and gaming is accelerating, with global conferences drawing high-profile figures such as Hideo Kojima to Saudi Arabia. Yet while these events spotlight innovation in gaming and digital wagering, they also spark controversy, with critics framing the kingdom’s investment in esports as part of broader sportswashing efforts.