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The FGC kids are alright: Combo Breaker 2026 proves that the next generation of pros are here

Last weekend was nuts. The biggest non-EVO offline tournament, Combo Breaker 2026, reached its conclusion with Street Fighter 6 closing out the massively successful event. While Zeng “Xiao Hai” Zhuojun won the bracket and punched his ticket to both Capcom Cup 13 and the Esports World Cup, the kids of the FGC also showed up … Continued The post The FGC kids are alright: Combo Breaker 2026 proves that the next generation of pros are here appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 26.05.2026 20:43 Uhr

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No money, no events: Melee needs the SSBMRank more than ever, but it’s slowly disappearing

The Super Smash Bros. esports scene is unique. In many ways. One way? It’s not really for money at all. The pros are fighting for a rank. Without Nintendo’s support, the grassroots scene has survived for decades with little to no prize pools. Most are around a few thousand bucks, just enough to break even … Continued The post No money, no events: Melee needs the SSBMRank more than ever, but it’s slowly disappearing appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 25.05.2026 20:04 Uhr

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Is Rocket League cooked? The RLCS 2026 Paris Major viewership decline shocks fans… But the real reason impacts esports as a whole

The viewership numbers from the RLCS 2026 Paris Major were shockingly low. Like, really low. It’s easy to immediately assume that Rocket League is dying, the old esports mantra. But what’s actually going on? Well, it’s not dying. But the excuses people have for the reduced viewership actually do point to one thing: it’s not … Continued The post Is Rocket League cooked? The RLCS 2026 Paris Major viewership decline shocks fans… But the real reason impacts esport

Esports Insider 23.05.2026 00:18 Uhr

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Are AAA companies to blame for esports’ continued demise?

There has been a long-standing resentment toward Nintendo in the Super Smash Bros. esports community. Nintendo has not only refused to fund an esports circuit but has also actively shut down streams and tournaments for various strict reasons. The Smash community, especially Melee, hates Nintendo. But is it Nintendo’s absence from the Smash scene that … Continued The post Are AAA companies to blame for esports’ continued demise? appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 22.05.2026 01:54 Uhr

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“This is why we needed ESL Impact”: The HEROIC post is more serious than esports would like to admit

A few days ago, Norwegian esports organization HEROIC caused an uproar within the esports community with a divisive post on X (formerly Twitter). The post intends to trash-talk Saudi Arabian esports organization Team Falcons by putting its logo next to a photo of actress Sydney Sweeney under the caption “t*ts or a**.” However, as pointed … Continued The post “This is why we needed ESL Impact”: The HEROIC post is more serious than esports would like to admit appeared first on Esports

Esports Insider 21.05.2026 20:46 Uhr

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Team Spirit’s new squad, Xtreme Gaming’s coaching drama, Sundabule goes to “OG University”: Dota 2’s controversial week

There was no shortage of spicy roster shuffles, controversial opinions, and behind-the-scenes drama in the Dota 2 scene this past week. I’ve spent the time digging around forums and socials to present you with the most impactful stories from the past few days. One thing’s for sure, Dota 2 esports is never quiet. Team Spirit … Continued The post Team Spirit’s new squad, Xtreme Gaming’s coaching drama, Sundabule goes to “OG University”: Dota 2’s cont

Esports Insider 21.05.2026 00:16 Uhr

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NAVI victorious, Donk dominates, Poland on the map: the Cologne Major won’t be boring after all

Following a surprisingly quiet week in the Counter-Strike esports scene, Valve’s first-person shooter roared back into life with the climax of two Tier 1 tournaments laying the foundations for a potentially enthralling Cologne Major.  With NAVI and Team Spirit adding a trophy to their respective cabinets, a once-unbeatable force falling in the quarter-finals, and the … Continued The post NAVI victorious, Donk dominates, Poland on the map: the Cologne Major won’t be boring after

Esports Insider 20.05.2026 17:32 Uhr

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As the esports industry crumbles, the FGC has become a refreshingly real escape to what esports used to be

The fighting game esports scene is growing, defying the whole “esports is dead” discussion. As sponsorships and Saudi Arabia fuel the general esports scene, esports fans are chasing that authenticity that’s been lost over the years. And they’ve found it in the FGC. The proof? Combo Breaker‘s massive attendance. Combo Breaker is a massive fighting … Continued The post As the esports industry crumbles, the FGC has become a refreshingly real escape to what esport

Esports Insider 20.05.2026 01:01 Uhr

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T1 regains its form, G2 makes a statement, FlyQuest becomes LCS dark horse: The fight for MSI is closer than ever

While teams’ power levels are usually clearer the closer we get to the mid-way point of the League of Legends season, this year things seem to be way harder to predict. The LCK is no longer just about Gen.G dominating domestically, and four-way fights are popping up nearly across every region. With only two spots … Continued The post T1 regains its form, G2 makes a statement, FlyQuest becomes LCS dark horse: The fight for MSI is closer than ever appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 19.05.2026 21:44 Uhr

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Esports orgs need to take pros’ physical health more seriously as they continue to retire from wrist and hand injuries

I recently saw a post from Street Fighter 6 pro Kakeru Watanabe that announced he’d developed tendonitis. This came from playing Street Fighter nonstop after Worlds. The accompanying image has Kakeru wearing wrist braces and looking forlornly into the distance. “I want it to heal by the end of the month when Ingrid comes out, … Continued The post Esports orgs need to take pros’ physical health more seriously as they continue to retire from wrist and hand injuries appeared

Esports Insider 19.05.2026 02:51 Uhr

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Nephew qualifies for Street Fighter 6 Esports World Cup alongside Kobayan, while the twins fulfill their destiny in 2XKO: The week before Combo Breaker 2026

This week, the FGC has been relatively mellow compared to the Evo Japan week, but that might be what the community needs before the gargantuan event this weekend: Combo Breaker 2026. However, that doesn’t mean that absolutely nothing happened over the weekend, so I’m here to break it down for you guys, going over the … Continued The post Nephew qualifies for Street Fighter 6 Esports World Cup alongside Kobayan, while the twins fulfill their destiny in 2XKO: The week before Combo Breaker 20

Esports Insider 18.05.2026 19:55 Uhr

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“Get a job already”: FGC begs Mew2King to get a job, but he isn’t the only esports pro suffering

The Super Smash Bros. esports scene is notoriously broke. The tournaments are often crowdfunded, with prize pools reaching only a few thousand. This hasn’t stopped players from grinding Melee for hours every single day, which is what makes the scene special… And maybe a bit stupid. One of the most notorious examples of the Smash … Continued The post “Get a job already”: FGC begs Mew2King to get a job, but he isn’t the only esports pro suffering appeared first

Esports Insider 16.05.2026 00:33 Uhr

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Dota 2 pros salaries are too high and the scene is suffering for it

With Norwegian organization HEROIC recently pulling out of the scene, the financial sustainability of the professional Dota 2 scene has been a pretty hot topic in the community. We know that Dota 2 players are filthy rich, while most esports organizations are losing money. That begs the question of whether pro players are getting paid … Continued The post Dota 2 pros salaries are too high and the scene is suffering for it appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 15.05.2026 23:49 Uhr

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“Why am I not being hired?” Heccu’s story reminds us that esports doesn’t provide stable career paths

Last week, Counter-Strike interviewer Anastasija “Heccu” Tolmačeva shared a heartfelt video that resonated deeply with esports professionals across our industry. In her video, Heccu opened up about her struggles to find freelance opportunities in the CS tournament landscape and how this has drained her emotionally and financially. What followed was a wave of support from … Continued The post “Why am I not being hired?” Heccu’s story reminds us that esports doesn’t provide

Esports Insider 14.05.2026 21:40 Uhr

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2XKO won’t make it past 2027: Esports Insider debates

2XKO is in a weird spot right now. It’s in the midst of the stage where it should be growing, with Evo Las Vegas and other big tournaments on the way and an esports scene forming with Riot’s help. On the other hand, Riot has laid off a chunk of the team, and the latest … Continued The post 2XKO won’t make it past 2027: Esports Insider debates appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 14.05.2026 20:46 Uhr

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cvMax’s harsh coaching walks a fine line between effective and causing damage 

When Dplus KIA’s behind-the-scenes footage of head coach Kim “cvMax” Dae-ho reviewing his team’s 2-0 loss to KT Rolster began circulating, much of the initial reaction focused on discomfort. But while most members of the community are criticizing the head coach’s ways and manners, the attention should be on whether those actually have a positive … Continued The post cvMax’s harsh coaching walks a fine line between effective and causing damage  appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 13.05.2026 18:20 Uhr

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Karrigan makes Team Falcons debut, players argue over armored aim punch: CS2 pros gear up for IEM Atlanta

With Counter-Strike’s esports scene gearing up for the PGL Astana playoffs and the Group Stage of IEM Atlanta, it’s an unusually quiet time for Valve’s first-person shooter despite two Tier 1 tournaments taking place.  Despite the lack of tournament results and roster moves, there are some of the big stories from across the international scene.  … Continued The post Karrigan makes Team Falcons debut, players argue over armored aim punch: CS2 pros gear up for IEM Atlanta appeared first

Esports Insider 13.05.2026 18:03 Uhr

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s1mple has just about had it with BC.Game, breaks down at IEM Atlanta 2026

IEM Atlanta 2026 saw Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev slowly lose it. BC.Game Esports had a rough time at IEM Atlanta. Now, the relatively new team has been eliminated from the tournament after losing two matches. They didn’t win a single game. BC.Game was formed by a crypto company in 2024. A year later, BC.Game showed up … Continued The post s1mple has just about had it with BC.Game, breaks down at IEM Atlanta 2026 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 13.05.2026 02:55 Uhr

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Okay, guess I was wrong: Teamfight won’t save 2XKO

I recently said that 2XKO‘s latest fuse, Teamfight, would save the fighting game from dying in the next year or so. But it looks like I’m wrong. Teamfight dropped today, and the pros aren’t feeling it. In fact, some feel it has destroyed the fighting game completely. Teamfight Creates Massive Backlash in FGC 2XKO is … Continued The post Okay, guess I was wrong: Teamfight won’t save 2XKO appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 13.05.2026 02:29 Uhr

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“The Smash community can’t govern itself”: Ultimate TO and coach L4st accused of sexual assault

Sigh. Another day, another creep in the Super Smash Bros. community. Team Liquid coach, commentator, and tournament organizer Ryan “L4st” Krichbaum has been banned from Smash events in Georgia after multiple people accused him of sexual assault. Is the Smash community doomed? Accusations Against L4st Prove Horrific On May 10th, the Georgia Smash group on … Continued The post “The Smash community can’t govern itself”: Ultimate TO and coach L4st accused of sexual assa

Esports Insider 12.05.2026 01:41 Uhr

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“It’s very clear they can’t handle it”: Competitive Pokémon events have become a nightmare

I took a few years off from competing in the Pokémon TCG. After 2020, the vibe was just… Different. It went from a niche community of passionate nerds to a pandemic-fueled hype fest. And just like with the FGC, I guess I’m a bit of a gatekeeper. I missed the feeling that we were just … Continued The post “It’s very clear they can’t handle it”: Competitive Pokémon events have become a nightmare appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.05.2026 01:07 Uhr

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A “girls-only” tournament without trans women? Why trans representation matters for all genders

Last week, a new “girls only” VALORANT tournament made waves in the esports community, but perhaps not in the way its organizer, femaleplayersTN, had hoped for.  First criticized for its AI-generated social media graphic, it was revealed shortly after that femaleplayersTN did not allow trans women to participate in its tournament. According to leaked Discord screenshots, femaleplayersTN members set … Continued The post A “girls-only” tournament without trans women? Why trans representation

Esports Insider 08.05.2026 20:27 Uhr

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2XKO’s latest fuse could be exactly what the game needs to survive

The FGC is a bit shook by the new fuse in 2XKO. But not for the reason you may think. Teamfight is the latest fuse, dropping May 12th. A fuse in 2XKO is a team-wide gameplay modifier chosen during character select, allowing players to have a specific advantage or playstyle. The newest one, Teamfight, lets … Continued The post 2XKO’s latest fuse could be exactly what the game needs to survive appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 08.05.2026 20:10 Uhr

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Death, taxes, and technical difficulties: Evo Japan should not be an Evo event

On May 1st, 2026, Victor “Punk” Woodley put out a tweet saying that Evo Japan has been a bad experience every single year for him, that it might be his final time going to the tournament due to his experience. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated problem, as a bunch of top players from across fighting … Continued The post Death, taxes, and technical difficulties: Evo Japan should not be an Evo event appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 07.05.2026 18:18 Uhr

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