News - Page 23

The countdown to Dota 2's most anticipated event of the year, The International 2024 (TI24), has begun, setting the esports world abuzz. With six teams having already carved their path to the grand stage through direct invites, the battle for the remaining 10 spots is about to get fierce. These spots will be fiercely contested through the regional closed qualifiers across the globe, spanning Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, North America, South America, and Southeast Asia. No stone will be left unturned as teams vie for the opportunity to compete in what is arguably the pinnacle of the Dota circuit.

The International (TI), Dota 2's crown jewel event, is on the horizon for 2024. Slated to unfold in the scenic city of Copenhagen, Denmark, this September, the tournament is gearing up to be a battleground where 16 elite teams vie for the championship title. This year, the competition heats up with a revamped format that reintroduces invites alongside open qualifiers, leveling the playing field and igniting hopes across the global Dota 2 community.

In a move that has the VALORANT community buzzing, NRG Esports made significant changes to its roster, notably benching Demon1, who was pivotal in their Champions 2023 victory. This decision has drawn criticism from 100 Thieves' in-game leader (IGL), Boostio, who expressed his reservations during a Twitch stream. According to Boostio, benching his former Evil Geniuses teammate was a mistake, pointing out that NRG's new lineup lacks the necessary firepower for long-term success.

League of Legends, a titan in the esports arena, has once again found itself at the center of controversy. This time, it revolves around the release of the Hall of Legends Ahri skin, dedicated to the legendary player Faker. Despite the anticipation and the prestige of repping a skin associated with one of esports' most iconic figures, the community's response has been anything but celebratory. Here's a closer look at the unfolding drama and its broader implications for the League of Legends ecosystem.

In the ever-evolving world of esports and gaming, the recent announcement by Riot Games about the introduction of the Hall of Legends skin bundle has certainly caused a stir within the League of Legends community. The bundle, which features cosmetics celebrating iconic pro players, has been labeled as the game's most expensive yet. This move by Riot Games has opened a floodgate of debates among players and fans alike, with opinions sharply divided over the implications of such high-priced virtual goods.

Pokémon Go's recent Shared Skies update has brought with it a whirlwind of changes for the Battle League, marking one of the most significant shifts in competitive play to date. At the heart of this transformation is the nerfing of Scald, a move that had become a source of frustration for many players, particularly those competing at the European International Championships (EUIC) 2024. Prior to the nerf, Scald had a relatively high chance of lowering the opponent's attack, making it a staple in many competitive strategies. However, with its effectiveness reduced by 30%, the move's reliability has waned, prompting players to rethink their approach to battle.

The chess world has been rife with controversy lately, and at the heart of the storm is former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. Known not just for his prowess on the board but also for his outspoken stance on potential cheating in online tournaments, Kramnik has found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond his chess legacy. His latest endeavor, a specifically arranged match against a junior player he accused of unfair play, ended in a loss and further controversy, highlighting the growing tensions and challenges facing the chess community in the digital age.

Portland Regional champion Alex Underhill brought an electrifying twist to the Pokémon North America International Championship (NAIC) this weekend, employing a highly unique Electabuzz-based team that turned heads and defied expectations. Accompanied by an intriguing lineup including Annihilape, Farigiraf, Smeargle, Bloodmoon Ursaluna, and Ice Rider Calyrex, Underhill achieved an impressive top-16 finish. This remarkable feat was showcased during his Swiss round 13 match against Michael Zhang, who also opted for off-meta selections like Galarian Moltres.

Wolfe Glick stands as a titan in the Pokémon Video Game Championships (VGC) realm, capturing the intrigue of fans and competitors alike with his unparalleled skills and strategic acumen. As the 2016 world champion, Glick's participation in any event is noteworthy, especially at prestigious tournaments like the North America International Championships (NAIC). With the introduction of Regulation G ruleset—Scarlet and Violet's first single-restricted format—anticipation was high to see the composition of Glick's team.

When it comes to agent updates in VALORANT, Riot Games never fails to surprise the level-headed part of its community—and it’s no different with Patch 8.11, which introduces a couple of Clove nerfs nobody asked for.

Wizards of the Coast is taking Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Pro Tour promos to a new level for the 2024-2025 season, tapping into a portfolio of popular artists to adorn these cards with Secret Lair-style artwork. This artistic choice is not just a visual treat but a strategic one, aiming to captivate both players and collectors alike.

League of Legends esports is no stranger to evolution, and the EMEA Masters Summer Split 2024 is no exception. Following constructive feedback from the community, the upcoming tournament promises to be a spectacle of strategic gameplay and emerging talents, all vying for the prestigious championship title. Let's dive into the refreshing changes set to elevate the competition and fan experience this summer.

In an electrifying announcement that's set the League of Legends community abuzz, award-winning fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and his company, Dragonsteel, have forged an unexpected alliance with Maryville University’s North American Challengers League (NACL) team. This groundbreaking partnership, unveiled on X (formerly Twitter) on June 3, could very well be the catalyst the NACL needs to rejuvenate its standing and fan engagement. Here's why this alliance might just be the game-changer for the future of North America's tier-two League of Legends scene.

Entering the IEM Dallas 2024 playoffs, the odds were stacked against G2 Esports. Yet, in a turn of events that could only be described as cinematic, they emerged victorious, clinching their first Counter-Strike 2 title in a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Vitality. This win wasn't just a tournament triumph; it was a narrative-rich saga that had esports enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

The Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) 2024 season is heating up as the second half kicks off, bringing with it the promise of high-stakes competition and unparalleled esports entertainment. With the world's top teams from North America, EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), APAC North (Asia-Pacific North), and APAC South (Asia-Pacific South) regions locked in a fierce battle for supremacy, the esports community is buzzing with anticipation.

The Indiana Convention Center is about to become the epicenter of one of the most anticipated events in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game calendar - YCS Indianapolis 2024. With duelists from across North America converging on June 1 and 2, the air is thick with anticipation. Who will emerge victorious and claim the title of YCS champion?