Breaking Esports News, Interviews, and Analysis | TalkEsport https://www.talkesport.com/category/news/esports/ Your source for Esports News Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:49:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://www.talkesport.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-talkesport-favicon-32x32.webp Breaking Esports News, Interviews, and Analysis | TalkEsport https://www.talkesport.com/category/news/esports/ 32 32 Valve Drops 2025 CS2 Rankings – Shocks, Surprises, and Invites https://www.talkesport.com/news/valve-drops-2025-cs2-rankings-shocks-surprises-and-invites/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:49:25 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=100362 Valve has announced its first 2025 ranking update, setting the stage for major esports tournaments, including IEM Katowice, PGL Cluj-Napoca, and ESL Pro League Season 21. The updated rankings outline team invitations for these events based on performance metrics, reshaping competitive Counter-Strike (CS) esports. Valve Unveils 2025 Ranking Update Key Tournament Invites Decided The rankings […]

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Valve has announced its first 2025 ranking update, setting the stage for major esports tournaments, including IEM Katowice, PGL Cluj-Napoca, and ESL Pro League Season 21. The updated rankings outline team invitations for these events based on performance metrics, reshaping competitive Counter-Strike (CS) esports.

Valve Unveils 2025 Ranking Update

  • Tournament Invitations:
    • IEM Katowice: Top 8 teams directly qualify for the group stage, while ranks 9–24 move to the Play-In round.
    • PGL Cluj-Napoca: The top 16 teams gain access to this $1,250,000 event.
    • ESL Pro League S21: Teams ranked 1–12 secure invitations, alongside other qualifiers from ESL Challenger Leagues worldwide.
  • Top Performers:
    • Spirit climbed to the No. 2 spot, reflecting their recent Major victory.
    • The MongolZ soared to No. 3 after a stellar campaign in China.
    • Natus Vincere dropped to No. 7 following their failure to reach the playoffs in Shanghai.

Key Tournament Invites Decided

The rankings not only prioritize individual performance but also enforce strict organizational rules. Only one team per organization is allowed to attend a single event. For example, FURIA and FURIA fe cannot both compete in the same tournament. Similarly, HEROIC lost their position to Falcons after player transfers earlier this year.

Also Read: Valve Expands CS2 Majors to 32 Teams

Top 10 Teams in Valve’s 2025 Ranking

  1. G2 – 19,562 points
  2. Spirit – 19,333 points
  3. The MongolZ – 18,494 points
  4. Vitality – 18,345 points
  5. FaZe – 18,345 points
  6. MOUZ – 17,827 points
  7. Natus Vincere – 17,448 points
  8. HEROIC – 17,059 points
  9. Liquid – 16,461 points
  10. FURIA – 15,855 points

Backup Invitations

If any team declines an invitation, the next highest-ranked team automatically receives the spot, ensuring fairness and competitive integrity in the selection process.

Valve’s 2025 Ranking Update has already sparked excitement among fans and analysts. With high-stakes tournaments around the corner, teams will aim to solidify their rankings and prepare for intense battles on the global stage.

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements as the esports landscape continues to evolve in 2025!

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BGIS 2025 Format Explained: Complete Details https://www.talkesport.com/news/bgis-2025-format-explained-complete-details/ Sat, 04 Jan 2025 10:55:04 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=100126 BGIS 2025 brings a new multi-stage tournament structure featuring qualifiers, quarterfinals, and grand finals with a massive ₹2 crore prize pool

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Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2025, the fourth edition of the series, is here, and with it comes an exciting tournament structure designed to test the mettle of India’s top BGMI teams. If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the details or have questions about BGIS 2025 format, this article will provide everything you need to know in clear, simple terms. After reading, you’ll be all set for BGIS 2025.

Registration and Key Dates of BGIS 2025

  • Registrations: Open from January 3 to January 20, 2025.
  • Tournament Start: Begins with in-game qualifiers on January 25, 2025.
  • Grand Finals: Scheduled from April 18 to 20, 2025, in Kolkata, West Bengal.

BGIS 2025 Format Breakdown

BGIS 2025 follows a multi-stage format, ensuring a competitive pathway for both amateur and professional teams. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. In-Game Qualifiers (Jan 25 – Feb 2)

  • Eligibility: All registered teams can participate.
  • Format: Teams play 15 matches, and their best 10 results are counted.
  • Advancement: Top 10-16 teams progress to Round 1.

2. The Grind (Feb 5 – 23)

A qualifying round featuring 64 invited pro teams. Divided into 4 groups, each group plays 24 matches:

  • Week 1 (Group D): Top 8 advance to Round 2, bottom 8 to Round 1.
  • Week 2 (Group C): Top 8 proceed to Round 3, others to Round 2.
  • Week 3 (Group B): Top 8 move to Round 4, others to Round 3.
  • Week 4 (Group A): Top 8 enter Quarterfinals, others go to Round 4.

3. Round 1 (Feb 16 – 23)

  • Teams: 1024 teams, including 1016 from qualifiers and 8 from Group D.
  • Format: 64 groups play 6 matches each.
  • Advancement: Top 7 from each group and 48 overall best performers move to Round 2.

4. Round 2 (Feb 16 – 23)

  • Teams: 512 teams split into 32 groups.
  • Format: Each group plays 6 matches.
  • Advancement: Top 7 from each group and 16 best overall teams proceed to Round 3.

5. Round 3 (March 6 – 9)

  • Teams: 256 teams, including qualifiers from Round 2 and 16 from the Grind (Groups B and C).
  • Format: Divided into 16 groups, each playing 6 matches.
  • Advancement: Top 6 from each group and 16 best overall teams progress to Round 4.

6. Round 4 (March 13 – 16)

  • Teams: 128 teams, including 112 from Round 3 and 16 from Grind Groups A and B.
  • Format: Split into 8 groups with 6 matches each.
  • Advancement: Top 7 from each group proceed to the Quarterfinals, while 16 teams move to the Wildcard round.

7. Quarterfinals (March 20 – 23)

  • Teams: 64 teams, including 8 from Grind Group A.
  • Advancement: Top 16 advance to Semifinals Week 1, while the rest go to the Wildcard stage.

8. Wildcard Round (March 24 – 27)

  • Teams: 64 teams, including 48 from Quarterfinals and 16 from Round 4.
  • Format: Divided into 4 groups with 6 matches each.
  • Advancement: Top 16 qualify for Semifinals Week 1.

9. Semifinals – Two Weeks

Week 1 (March 29 – April 1)

  • Teams: 32 teams (16 from Quarterfinals + 16 from Wildcard).
  • Format: Split into 4 groups, competing in 12 matches each.
  • Advancement: Top 8 teams move directly to the Grand Finals, while others go to Week 2.

Week 2 (April 3 – 6)

  • Teams: 24 remaining teams.
  • Format: Divided into 3 groups to compete for the remaining 8 Grand Finals spots.

10. Grand Finals (April 18 – 20)

The final stage in Kolkata will feature the top 16 teams battling across 18 matches to win the BGIS 2025 title and the lion’s share of the ₹2 crore prize pool.

Key Highlights of BGIS 2025

  • Massive Prize Pool: ₹2 crore ensures intense competition.
  • Inclusive Format: Open-to-all structure with multiple rounds.
  • Offline Grand Finals: Top teams face off in Kolkata for the ultimate title.

The BGIS 2025 tournament is designed to showcase the best BGMI talent in India, providing aspiring gamers a chance to shine on the big stage. Make sure to register and start preparing for one of the biggest esports events of the year!


Stay ahead in the world of esports with the TalkEsport app! Download now to get instant access to the latest news, live points tables, comprehensive esports calendars, and live streams of your favorite tournaments. Don’t miss out—get the app today

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Valve Expands CS2 Majors to 32 Teams https://www.talkesport.com/news/valve-expands-cs2-majors-to-32-teams/ Sat, 04 Jan 2025 06:45:20 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=100123 Valve expands CS:GO Majors to 32 teams, starting with BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025.

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Valve has officially confirmed the expansion of Counter-Strike 2 Majors to 32 teams, starting with the BLAST.tv Austin Major. This update comes with significant changes, including the introduction of a third Swiss stage to accommodate the larger pool of teams.

Longer Tournament Duration

With the addition of this new stage, CS Majors will now run approximately four days longer than before. The expanded format ensures a more competitive platform, providing ample opportunities for teams to advance.

New Regional Qualifiers (MRQ)

Replacing the previous RMR system, Valve introduced Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQ) to determine team eligibility. Key details include:

  • Americas and Europe will have 16 teams each in their MRQs.
  • Asia will have 8 teams in its MRQ.
  • MRQs may be conducted online, with regions split into sub-regions to minimize ping differences.

Qualification Process and Slots

From the MRQs:

  • 6 teams each from Americas and Europe, and 4 teams from Asia will qualify for Stage 1.
  • Stage 2 will feature 8 directly invited teams, joined by 8 teams advancing from Stage 1.

Further, regions earn direct invites based on past performance. For example, Europe secured 6 Stage 3 slots due to strong performances in previous tournaments, while Americas and Asia earned 1 slot each.

VRS Rankings-Based Slot Distribution

For the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, slot allocation will follow the VRS rankings:

  • Europe: Top 6 teams to Stage 3, 4 teams to Stage 2, and 16 teams to MRQ.
  • Americas: Top 1 team to Stage 3, 4 teams to Stage 2, and 16 teams to MRQ.
  • Asia: Top 1 team to Stage 3, none to Stage 2, and 8 teams to MRQ.

This format overhaul aims to enhance competitiveness, fairness, and global representation in CS Majors. The BLAST.tv Austin Major will mark the debut of this expanded format, promising intense action and thrilling matches for Counter-Strike fans worldwide.

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VCT 2025 China Kickoff: Schedule, Format, and Teams Revealed https://www.talkesport.com/news/vct-2025-china-kickoff-schedule-format-and-teams-revealed/ Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:53:40 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=99766 Get all the details about the VCT 2025 China Kickoff, the starting point of Valorant's 2025 esports season in China.

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The VCT 2025 China Kickoff is set to start the Valorant esports season in China, with the top teams battling for spots in the VCT 2025 Masters Bangkok. This guide provides complete information about the event’s format, schedule, and teams.

VCT 2025: China Kickoff Tournament Format

The competition follows a double-elimination bracket format:

  • Best-of-3 (BO3) matches in all rounds except for:
    • Grand Final and Lower Bracket Final, which are Best-of-5 (BO5).
  • Top two teams qualify for Masters Bangkok and receive additional VCT 2025 China Points based on rankings:
    • 1st Place: 3 points
    • 2nd Place: 2 points
    • 3rd & 4th Places: 1 point each

VCT 2025: China Kickoff Schedule and Match Dates

The tournament runs from January 11 to January 25, 2025.

Upper Bracket Matches:

  • Round 1 (Jan 11–12): Teams like TYLOO vs. Titan Esports and JD Gaming vs. Dragon Ranger battle for the upper bracket.
  • Semifinals and Finals (Jan 20–23): Winners from early rounds progress to determine the top seeds.

Lower Bracket Matches:

  • Matches start on January 18 with eliminations and lead up to the Lower Bracket Final on January 24.

Grand Final:

  • Scheduled for January 25, 9 AM UTC, where the winner secures a higher seeding and additional points.

Participating Teams

A total of 12 teams will compete, including established favorites and rising challengers.

Top Teams to Watch

  1. EDward Gaming (EDG):
    • Reigning Valorant Champions 2024 and clear favorites for the first seed.
  2. FunPlus Phoenix (FPX):
    • Strong contenders with consistent performances in 2024.

Other Competitors

  • Trace Esports: Surprised many with top group-stage finishes in 2024.
  • Bilibili Gaming: Recently revamped their roster with new signings.
  • JD Gaming and TYLOO: Both revamped squads aiming for better international results.

Underdogs and New Entrants

  • Nova Esports: Known for mid-table finishes but recently defeated EDward Gaming.
  • XLG Esports: Earned their place through VCT 2024 Ascension China.
  • Titan Esports Club: Made bold roster changes to improve performance.

What’s at Stake?

  • Top two teams qualify for VCT 2025 Masters Bangkok, gaining international exposure.
  • Rankings decide VCT Points, impacting future qualifications and seeding.

The VCT 2025 China Kickoff promises intense matches and fierce competition as teams vie for international representation. Fans can expect surprises, rivalries, and new talents to emerge in this exciting start to the season.

Stay updated with match schedules and results as China’s top Valorant teams clash for glory!

Also Read: Esports Event Calendar 2025 | Biggest Tournaments & Dates

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Valve Lifts CS2 Ban on Steel After a Decade https://www.talkesport.com/news/cs2/valve-lifts-cs2-ban-on-steel-after-a-decade/ Thu, 02 Jan 2025 13:37:37 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=99395 After more than a decade of anticipation, Valve has finally lifted the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) ban on Josh “steel” Nissan. This marks a pivotal moment in esports history, offering the former iBUYPOWER player a shot at redemption. Fans are eager to see whether steel will make a triumphant return to the competitive Counter-Strike scene or […]

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After more than a decade of anticipation, Valve has finally lifted the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) ban on Josh “steel” Nissan. This marks a pivotal moment in esports history, offering the former iBUYPOWER player a shot at redemption. Fans are eager to see whether steel will make a triumphant return to the competitive Counter-Strike scene or pursue other opportunities in the gaming world.

A Look Back: Why Was Steel Banned?

The story dates back to 2014, during Season 5 of the CEVO Professional League. Steel, along with his teammates from iBUYPOWER, was embroiled in a match-fixing scandal that rocked the esports community.

Despite being strong favorites to win, iBUYPOWER intentionally lost to Netcodeguides.com. Investigations revealed that players had placed bets against themselves, profiting significantly from the fixed outcome.

Key Players Involved:

  • Josh “steel” Nissan
  • Braxton “swag” Pierce
  • Keven “AZK” Larivière
  • Sam “DaZeD” Marine

The aftermath resulted in lifetime bans for those involved, except for Tyler “Skadoodle” Latham, who was found uninvolved.

From Permanent Ban to Redemption

Initially, the bans were viewed as permanent. However, growing debates about fairness led to adjustments in the rules. By 2017, major tournament organizers like ESL and DreamHack eased restrictions, enabling banned players to participate in non-Valve-sponsored events.

Despite the changes, steel and others were still excluded from major Valve tournaments—the pinnacle of Counter-Strike competition. This limitation pushed steel to explore new horizons, including a transition to Valorant in 2020, where he enjoyed consistent success.

The Comeback: Valve Lifts the Ban

As of January 29, 2025, Valve has officially lifted steel’s ban, granting him eligibility to compete in CS2 tournaments. This decision paves the way for steel—and potentially other banned players—to reclaim their spots in the Counter-Strike scene.

What’s Next for Steel?

Steel has expressed enthusiasm about returning to Counter-Strike if the right opportunity arises. In a recent interview, he hinted at his willingness to join competitive CS2, provided he finds the right team and platform to showcase his skills.

Given his success in Valorant, however, fans are curious whether steel will split his focus between both games or commit entirely to one. Either way, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for his career.

Steel’s return highlights the evolving landscape of esports and Valve’s willingness to revisit past decisions. His story serves as a reminder of redemption and second chances, not just for him but for others impacted by similar controversies.

With the ban officially lifted, the spotlight is back on steel. Fans eagerly await announcements about his next move—whether it’s dominating CS2 tournaments, continuing his Valorant journey, or possibly balancing both.

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Esports Event Calendar 2025 | Biggest Tournaments & Dates https://www.talkesport.com/news/esports-event-calendar-2025-biggest-tournaments-dates/ Wed, 01 Jan 2025 13:58:47 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=99217 Don’t miss a single esports tournament in 2025—your guide to all the dates, games, and prize pools is right here!

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The Esports Event Calendar 2025 promises a packed schedule of thrilling tournaments across top titles like Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, and Rocket League. Featuring multimillion-dollar prize pools and global participation, 2025 will be a landmark year for competitive gaming.

What to Expect from Esports in 2025 | Esports Event Calendar 2025

January: Strong Start for Global Events

January includes tournaments for shooters, battle royales, and strategy games.

  • BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 (CS2)Jan 24–26, $500,000 prize pool.
  • PUBG Mobile Global OpenJan 1, prize pool TBD.
  • VCT 2025 Kickoff Series (VALORANT) – Regional matches starting Jan 11 through Feb 9.
  • FISSURE Playground Belgrade (Dota 2)Jan 24–Feb 2, $1 million.
  • ALGS Championship (Apex Legends)Jan 28–Feb 2, $2 million.
  • IEM Katowice (CS2)Jan 29–Feb 9, prize pool TBD.
  • ESL Snapdragon Pro Series Season 6: BGMIJan 31–Feb 2, ₹10,000,000 INR

February: High Stakes and Action-Packed Matches

February offers competitive tournaments with significant prize pools.

  • VALORANT Masters BangkokFeb 1–Mar 1, prize pool TBD.
  • Six Invitational (Rainbow Six Siege)Feb 3–16, $3 million.
  • PGL Cluj-Napoca (CS2)Feb 13–23, $1.25 million.
  • DreamLeague Season 25 (Dota 2)Feb 16–Mar 2, $1 million.
  • ESL Pro League S21 (CS2)Feb 25–Mar 16, prize pool TBD.

March: Focus on Rocket League and Dota 2

March highlights key tournaments for racing and strategy fans.

  • PGL Wallachia Season 3 (Dota 2)Mar 8–16, $1 million.
  • RLCS Birmingham Major (Rocket League)Mar 27–30, prize pool TBD.
  • CDL Stage 2 Major (Call of Duty)Mar 20–23, prize pool TBD.

April:

  • PGL Bucharest (CS2)Apr 3–13, $1.25 million.
  • BLAST Rivals Spring (CS2)Apr 29–May 4, prize pool TBD.
  • Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2025April, ₹20,000,000 INR

May:

  • DreamLeague Season 26 (Dota 2)May 12–25, $1 million.
  • IEM Dallas (CS2)May 19–25, prize pool TBD.

June:

  • VALORANT Masters TorontoJun 1–Jul 1, prize pool TBD.
  • BLAST Austin Major (CS2)Jun 9–22, $1.25 million.
  • RLCS Major 2 (Rocket League)Jun 26–29, $350,000.
  • Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2025June, ₹20,000,000 INR

July To September: Championships and Big Prize Pools

July:

  • IEM Cologne (CS2)Jul 23–Aug 3, prize pool TBD.

September:

  • VALORANT ChampionsSep 12–Oct 5, $2.25 million.
  • RLCS World Championship (Rocket League)Sep 9–14, $1.2 million.

October To December: Grand Finales and Season Closures

October:

  • CS Asia Championship (CS2)Oct 1–13, prize pool TBD.
  • League of Legends World Championship – Dates and prize pool TBD.

August stands out with the Esports World Cup, featuring all major games and a $60 million prize pool.

Looking at the Esports Event Calendar 2025, it is clear that 2025 will deliver exciting tournaments and multimillion-dollar prize pools. From VALORANT Masters to BGMI esports and the BGMI tournament, fans can look forward to intense matches and BGMI live streams. Stay updated as more events and schedules are announced throughout the year.


Stay ahead in the world of esports with the TalkEsport app! Download now to get instant access to the latest news, live points tables, comprehensive esports calendars, and live streams of your favorite tournaments. Don’t miss out—get the app today

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Free Fire World Series (FFWS) Thailand 2025 Spring: All You Need To Know https://www.talkesport.com/mobile-gaming/free-fire-world-series-ffws-thailand-2025-spring-all-you-need-to-know/ Wed, 25 Dec 2024 21:18:43 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=98660 Garena has announced the Free Fire World Series (FFWS) Thailand 2025 Spring. Registration started on December 20, 2024, and will close on January 7, 2025. Event Schedule and Format The qualifiers will take place from January 18 to January 27, 2025. The Grand Finals will follow from January 28 to January 31, 2025. Matches will […]

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Garena has announced the Free Fire World Series (FFWS) Thailand 2025 Spring. Registration started on December 20, 2024, and will close on January 7, 2025.

Event Schedule and Format

The qualifiers will take place from January 18 to January 27, 2025. The Grand Finals will follow from January 28 to January 31, 2025.

Matches will use a 12-point scoring system, rewarding teams for performance consistency. The winner will advance to the FFWS 2025 SEA Spring.

Prize Pool Breakdown

The total prize pool for the event is $14,468.

  • 1st Place – $2,894
  • 2nd Place – $1,736
  • 3rd Place – $1,302
  • 4th Place – $1,013
  • 5th–6th Places – $868 each
  • 7th–8th Places – $723 each
  • 9th–10th Places – $579 each
  • 11th–12th Places – $520 each
  • Lower rankings receive smaller rewards.

Gameplay Rules and Settings

Garena has set clear rules to ensure fairness:

  • Weapon Skins: Disabled gun stats from skins.
  • Revival System: Enabled.
  • Quests and Loot Zones: Disabled for balanced gameplay.
  • Character Names: Hidden during matches.
  • Emulators: Restricted to prevent unfair advantages.

Scoring System

Points are awarded based on match results:

  • 1st Place (Booyah): 12 points
  • 2nd Place: 9 points
  • 3rd Place: 8 points
  • 4th–6th Places: 7–5 points
  • 7th–10th Places: 4–1 points
  • 11th–12th Places: 0 points

This system encourages survival and strategic planning.

Competitive Outlook

Team All Gamers has already earned a spot through the FFWS SEA 2024. New teams will aim to challenge them and claim the title.

The FFWS 2025 Spring offers teams a chance to secure early victories and build momentum for the year. Fans can expect intense matches as Southeast Asia’s top teams face off.

The Free Fire World Series Thailand 2025 Spring promises exciting battles and significant rewards. Teams will test their skills, aiming for a spot in the SEA Spring event.

Further details on match schedules and maps will be released soon.

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BGMI 2025 Esports Roadmap Announced https://www.talkesport.com/news/esports/bgmi-2025-esports-roadmap-announced/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:33:33 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=98169 KRAFTON India sets the stage for 2025 with high-stakes tournaments and exciting community programs.

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KRAFTON India today unveiled its much-anticipated Esports roadmap for the first half of 2025, promising an exciting year for Esports enthusiasts, and players across the country. Building on the success of the past two years, KRAFTON aims to make 2025 bigger andbetter with high-stakes tournaments, community initiatives, and increased opportunities for emerging talent.

Flagship Tournaments: BGIS and BMPS 2025

The year kicks off with the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) 2025, opening registrations on January 3rd, 2025. The tournament features a prize pool of INR 2 Crores and will give aspiring players a chance to make their mark in the Esports ecosystem. This season, KRAFTON India will host the prestigious BGIS LAN Finals in the City of Joy – Kolkata – in April, furthering its efforts to bring Esports experiences to audiences across the country.

Following BGIS, KRAFTON will launch the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES (BMPS) 2025. This invite-only tournament will feature the country’s top professional teams, also competing for a prize pool of INR 2 Crores.

Rising Star

In addition to flagship tournaments, KRAFTON also announced Rising Star, a dedicated program aimed at nurturing upcoming Esports players and content creators. The program will offer focused mentorship to enhance live streaming, build social media content strategies, and strengthen personal branding for aspiring Esports talent. Further details about the program will be unveiled soon.

Esports College Campus Tour

KRAFTON will continue its popular Esports College Campus Tour in 2025, expanding to more colleges nationwide. With a total prize pool of over INR 2 crore, each host college receives over INR 2 lakh. The tour has already engaged students at premier institutions like IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, and K.J. Somaiya College of Engineering.

Karan Pathak, Associate Director of Esports at KRAFTON India, said, “We are thrilled to unveil the 2025 roadmap for KRAFTON India Esports as we continue our mission to foster the growth of Esports in India. Alongside our flagship events, we are strengthening community engagement through initiatives like the Esports College Campus Tour, which will expand to even more colleges across the country. Our Rising Star program represents a pivotal step in spotlighting upcoming Esports talent in the country and providing them the necessary tools to make a mark in the industry. By empowering and nurturing the next generation of players and creators, we are laying the foundation for a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem that will drive the industry forward for years to come.”

Players and tournament organizers can register for tournaments and participate in upcoming KRAFTON Esports events through the newly revamped KRAFTON India Esports website from January 3rd.

For more information about upcoming tournaments, stay tuned to KRAFTON India Esports WebsiteInstagram and YouTube channels. 

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Valorant Pro “Benjyfishy” Warned for Betting on Worlds Final https://www.talkesport.com/news/benjyfishy-betting-controversy-riot-warning/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:15:37 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=98078 Valorant pro Benjyfishy faces Riot’s warning for betting on the League of Legends Worlds Final.

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Benjyfishy, a professional Valorant player under Team Heretics, has received a warning from Riot Games after admitting to placing a bet on the League of Legends Worlds 2024 Final. Despite competing in a different esport, his actions violated Riot’s Esports Global Code of Conduct, sparking discussions about esports integrity and player education.

The Incident: What Happened?

British esports star Benjy ‘benjyfishy’ Fish bet €200 on T1 to defeat BLG in the grand final of the League of Legends Worlds at the O2 Arena in London. His prediction was correct, netting him €100. However, his actions contravened Riot’s Code of Conduct, specifically Section 3.15, which prohibits esports professionals from betting on any game or competition governed by Riot Games, even if it’s outside their discipline.

Benjyfishy promptly realized his error and self-reported the incident to his team, which escalated the matter to Riot Games. As a result, he received an official warning, and his team, Team Heretics, was fined.

Riot’s Response and Mitigation Factors

Riot Games considered several mitigating factors in their decision. According to their statement:

  1. Cooperation: Benjyfishy provided full transparency, including access to his betting account.
  2. Accountability: He self-reported the breach and demonstrated sincere remorse by proactively donating his winnings to charity.
  3. First-Time Offense: This was Benjyfishy’s first infraction, underscoring the absence of malice or recurring issues.

Riot emphasized the importance of the rule, stating, “These factors reflect Benjyfishy’s accountability and his understanding of the seriousness of the rules he breached.”

Team Heretics: A Proactive Stance

Niklas Geiß, General Manager for Team Heretics’ Valorant division, defended Benjyfishy, calling his actions “a fan mistake” rather than one of malicious intent. Geiß highlighted the team’s quick response to the situation, ensuring transparency with Riot Games.

“Benjy realized his mistake immediately and reached out to me. Within the same hour, we notified Riot,” said Geiß. “The fine is understandable, but Benjy’s cooperation and remorse should also be acknowledged.”

Benjyfishy Speaks Out

Addressing the controversy on Twitch and Twitter, Benjyfishy expressed regret, explaining he momentarily forgot about the rule while caught up in his excitement as a T1 fan. “I’m not blaming Riot. This rule exists for a reason,” he said. “I self-reported because I value my career and integrity. I’m just an idiot who made a fan mistake.”

A Broader Call for Education

This incident has reignited conversations about the importance of educating players on esports regulations. Team Heretics has urged Riot to increase awareness among players, especially regarding cross-esport betting rules.

Benjyfishy’s betting incident highlights the evolving challenges in maintaining esports integrity. While his accountability and Riot’s balanced response have resolved the immediate issue, the incident underscores the need for greater education to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As esports continues to grow, fostering a culture of compliance and awareness is critical to its sustainability and professionalism.

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VALORANT VCT China Partner Teams 2024: Full Team List https://www.talkesport.com/news/esports/valorant-vct-china-partner-teams-2024/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 18:55:30 +0000 https://www.talkesport.com/?p=98042 China joins the VALORANT Champions Tour with its own league, featuring ten elite partner teams.

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The VALORANT Champions Tour 2024 has officially expanded into China, marking a pivotal moment in the competitive esports landscape. Riot Games introduced 10 partner teams to spearhead the inaugural VALORANT VCT China league, alongside promoted teams Dragon Ranger Gaming and XLG Esports. With Edward Gaming’s landmark victory at VALORANT Champions 2024, China has cemented its place as a rising force in global VALORANT competition.

Key Partner Teams in VALORANT VCT China 2024

Edward Gaming: The Reigning Champion

Shanghai-based Edward Gaming (EDG) leads the VALORANT VCT China league. Known for winning the 2021 League of Legends World Championship, EDG claimed the VALORANT Champions 2024 title, solidifying its reputation as China’s most successful VALORANT team.

  • Key Achievements:
    • 1st Place: VCT 2024 China Kickoff
    • 1st Place: VCT 2024 China Stage 2
    • 1st Place: VALORANT Champions 2024

Bilibili Gaming: A Rising Contender

Backed by video platform giant Bilibili.com, Bilibili Gaming (BLG) has built a strong VALORANT presence. A consistent performer, BLG secured top positions in the League of Legends Worlds and other international events.

  • 2024 Highlights:
    • 4th Place: VCT 2024 China Stage 2
    • Competed in VALORANT Champions 2024

FunPlus Phoenix: A Legacy in VALORANT

FunPlus Phoenix (FPX), with roots in League of Legends and Counter-Strike, entered the VCT China league as a formidable force. While falling short in domestic titles, FPX qualified for every 2024 international event.

  • Achievements:
    • Runner-Up: VCT 2024 China Kickoff
    • 2nd Place: VCT 2024 China Stage 2

All Gamers: CrossFire Veterans

Primarily known for CrossFire championships, All Gamers brings experience but faces challenges in VALORANT. Despite mid-table finishes, its legacy in Chinese esports keeps it in the spotlight.

Titan Esports Club: New to VALORANT

Renowned in the PUBG Mobile scene, Titan Esports Club struggled in its VALORANT debut, placing lower in the league standings.

TYLOO: Counter-Strike Pioneers

With a long history in FPS esports, TYLOO’s entry into VALORANT has been steady, though the team hasn’t made significant waves internationally.

Nova Esports: Mobile Gaming Experts

A leader in mobile esports, Nova Esports transitioned into VALORANT. Despite moderate success domestically, the team has yet to secure an international spot.

JD Gaming: League of Legends Powerhouse

Owned by e-commerce giant JD.com, JD Gaming extended its dominance from League of Legends to VALORANT but remains a work in progress in its debut season.

Trace Esports: Emerging Competitors

Trace Esports, previously active in Wild Rift, made its mark by reaching the VALORANT Champions quarter-finals in 2024, showcasing its growing potential.

Wolves Esports: A European-Chinese Hybrid

Owned by Premier League’s Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves Esports ventures into VALORANT with mixed results but aims to build a stronger foothold.

Promoted Teams: Dragon Ranger Gaming and XLG Esports

  • Dragon Ranger Gaming: Ascended to VCT China after dominating the 2023 Ascension tournament.
  • XLG Esports: Secured its spot through VCT Ascension China 2024.

The VALORANT VCT China 2024 introduces a rich mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. With powerhouse teams like Edward Gaming and Bilibili Gaming, alongside emerging contenders, the league is set to redefine competitive VALORANT in China and beyond. Stay tuned as these teams battle for glory on the global stage.

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