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Riot Games unveils 2026 VCT Stage 1 and Stage 2 formats

Image Credit: Riot Games Riot Games has outlined the structure for the 2026 season of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), introducing a revamped competitive format for Stage 1 and Stage 2. According to the announcement, teams from both the VCT International Leagues and the Tier 2 Challengers ecosystem will have a chance to qualify for … Continued The post Riot Games unveils 2026 VCT Stage 1 and Stage 2 formats appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 23:07 Uhr

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Galatasaray signs sponsorship agreement with PUBG Mobile

Image Credit: Galatasaray Turkish sports organisation Galatasaray has signed a new sponsorship agreement with PUBG Mobile, expanding its commercial footprint within mobile esports. The partnership was confirmed ahead of a signing ceremony scheduled to take place on January 14th at Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex Rams Park, the club’s home venue in Istanbul. According to … Continued The post Galatasaray signs sponsorship agreement with PUBG Mobile appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 23:00 Uhr

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ALGS Championship anthem releases January 14th

Image credit: Electronic Arts, OZWorld Electronic Arts has revealed the official anthem for the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Year 5 Championship. The new single is called ‘STIM UP‘, by Japanese rapper Reo ‘OZWorld‘ Okuma, and is scheduled to release on January 14th, 2026. As of writing, STIM UP is available to pre-download on Apple … Continued The post ALGS Championship anthem releases January 14th appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 19:11 Uhr

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Alter Ego makes M7 Knockout Stage as DFYG exit in the Swiss Stage

Image credit: MOONTON The Swiss Stage of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) M7 World Championship is halfway done. After three days of intense matches, the first team to make it to the playoffs, along with the first to get eliminated, has been confirmed. To the delight of the home fans, Indonesia’s Alter Ego has … Continued The post Alter Ego makes M7 Knockout Stage as DFYG exit in the Swiss Stage appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 19:01 Uhr

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StarLadder joins forces with Stake to launch Tier 2 CS2 circuit

Image credit: StarLadder Esports tournament organiser StarLadder has joined forces with online casino and sports betting platform Stake to launch a Tier 2 Counter-Strike 2 esports circuit. The inaugural edition of Stake Ranked will focus on Europe with six events set to take place throughout 2026. StarLadder reveals the first two tournaments “are strategically placed” … Continued The post StarLadder joins forces with Stake to launch Tier 2 CS2 circuit appeared first on Esports

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 18:23 Uhr

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All Fortnite season start and end dates

Image credit: Epic Games There are 39 Fortnite seasons in total, spanning years of battle royale action. The first season lasted 43 days and ran in 2017. It was called “Pre-Season”.  The next season will start on March 4, 2026, after the current season, aka Pacific Break, ends. Keeping track of all Fortnite season start … Continued The post All Fortnite season start and end dates appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 18:12 Uhr

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OpTic Texas continues strong start to CDL Major 1 qualifiers

Image credit: OpTic Texas OpTic Texas has continued its fine run of form in the Call of Duty League (CDL) as the dust settles on the third week of qualifiers for the first Major of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The Green Wall heads into week four topping the table as the first franchise … Continued The post OpTic Texas continues strong start to CDL Major 1 qualifiers appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 18:01 Uhr

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Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review: Can the flagship headset cut the mustard in the competitive scene?

Image credit: Josie Clark for Esports Insider The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro features a long battery life of up to 70 hours, with ANC off. The headset boasts Triforce Titanium 50mm drivers, delivering crystal-clear sound.  Glasses wearers may experience some discomfort over time. The Razer BlackShark V3 Pro has a premium price of $249.99. Headset … Continued The post Razer BlackShark V3 Pro review: Can the flagship headset cut the mustard in the competitive scene? appeared first on Esports In

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 17:43 Uhr

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Alliance to collaborate with Fnatic ahead of ALGS Championship

Image credit: Alliance, Fnatic Esports organisations Alliance and Fnatic have teased an Apex Legends-focused esports collaboration. The collaboration will take place on January 14th, 2026 in Sapporo Japan, just before the ALGS Year 5 Championship begins. Both organisations announced the partnership on January 12th, 2026 through social media, though details for what to expect from … Continued The post Alliance to collaborate with Fnatic ahead of ALGS Championship appeared first on Esports I

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 17:43 Uhr

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Five major CS2 roster moves that will impact the 2026 season

Image credit: Michal Konkol, BLAST Following the conclusion of the StarLadder Budapest Major in December 2025, several Counter-Strike 2 teams have opted to overhaul their rosters for 2026. Ranging from new organisations signing seasoned veterans to top teams adjusting starting line-ups, the off-season saw notable names lay down foundations for a strong start to the … Continued The post Five major CS2 roster moves that will impact the 2026 season appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 17:17 Uhr

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Esports agency Prodigy Agency announces SEG merger

Image credit: SG, Prodigy Agency Esports and gaming agency Prodigy Agency has merged with international talent agency Sports Entertainment Group (SEG), bringing together two major stakeholders in talent representation. The deal will see SEG’s long-standing agency network from traditional sports infrastructure expand to form a unified esports and gaming group within the agency. Prodigy Agency … Continued The post Esports agency Prodigy Agency announces SEG merger appeared first on Esp

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 16:48 Uhr

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Fortnite KizunaAI Cup to offer free KizunaAI outfit

Image Credits: Epic Games Epic Games has announced the Fortnite KizunaAI Cup in collaboration with popular Japanese VTuber Kizuna AI. Scheduled to take place on January 13th, the tournament will give players a chance to unlock the KizunaAI outfit and Wings back bling early, ahead of their release in the Item Shop. The KizunaAI Cup … Continued The post Fortnite KizunaAI Cup to offer free KizunaAI outfit appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 16:34 Uhr

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Gaimin Gladiators returns to Apex Legends esports

Image credit: Gaimin Gladiators via X Gaimin Gladiators has returned to Apex Legends esports ahead of the game’s season-ending Year 5 ALGS Championship. The Canadian esports organisation acquired the former roster of orgless team RoadHouse, which includes Jamie ‘Blasts’ Levine, Jan ‘Lufka’ Urban, and Jan ‘akku’ Schneeberger. Gaimin Gladiators has been competing in Apex Legends … Continued The post Gaimin Gladiators returns to Apex Legends esports appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 16:20 Uhr

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Fortnite x South Park: All quests, rewards, and items

If we didn’t eat Cheesy Poofs, we’d be lame / Image credit: Epic Games The Fortnite South Park crossover features various quests that can be completed to unlock rewards in the event-specific mini battle pass.  The mini battle pass has 12 rewards, including emotes, a back bling and a pickaxe.  A 13th reward – the … Continued The post Fortnite x South Park: All quests, rewards, and items appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 16:00 Uhr

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MOUZ and Team Liquid among DreamLeague Season 28 participants

Image credit: ESL Gaming, MOUZ The majority of Dota 2 teams have been decided for DreamLeague Season 28, with 14 out of 16 organisations confirmed. Squads will compete from February 16th to March 1st, 2026, for the lion’s share of a $1m (~£741,800) prize pool. Teams have qualified for the event through various methods, including … Continued The post MOUZ and Team Liquid among DreamLeague Season 28 participants appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 15:42 Uhr

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VALORANT economy guide: How to play Riot’s tactical shooter properly

Image credit: Riot Games Economic choices win games, not just your aim Credits are earned through wins, losses, kills, and spikes plants/defuses Buying utility can be as important as a VALORANT gun Plan ahead; a smart team decision can create momentum. In VALORANT, rounds aren’t won by your aim alone. They’re won by the choices … Continued The post VALORANT economy guide: How to play Riot’s tactical shooter properly appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 14:51 Uhr

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“A great opportunity to create something fresh and unique”: BLAST sheds light on its Bounty format

Image credit: Adam Lakomy, BLAST Tournament formats in Counter-Strike esports rarely change, with several event organisers often opting for a Swiss Stage followed by a Playoff to determine the eventual champion. However, in January 2025, BLAST tweaked the system slightly, launching its Bounty event that saw the world’s best teams each have a monetary bounty … Continued The post “A great opportunity to create something fresh and unique”: BLAST sheds light on its Bounty for

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 14:05 Uhr

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5 Dota 2 regions with the most to prove in 2026

Image credit: Valve Europe has been the most dominating region since the days of OG’s back-to-back TI wins, raising the most promising talent across all Dota 2 competitive regions. China has been struggling to keep up since 2019, with most of the older teams replaced by younger players who can’t quite match their Western counterparts. … Continued The post 5 Dota 2 regions with the most to prove in 2026 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 14:01 Uhr

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Project Zero and Oxygen Esports secure Six Invitational 2026 spots through LCQs

Image credit: Ubisoft Rainbow Six Siege X (R6) teams Project Zero and Oxygen Esports have successfully qualified for the Six Invitational 2026 tournament through the Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ). Only two spots remain for the R6 esports crowning event, featuring the top 20 international teams will compete in Paris, France, this February to be crowned … Continued The post Project Zero and Oxygen Esports secure Six Invitational 2026 spots through LCQs appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 13:10 Uhr

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The biggest winners and losers of LoL 2026 Season 1 update

Image credit: Riot Games Riot Games made big changes to the game in the Season 1 update, introducing role quests and bringing back core items. LoL champions like Kai’Sa, Sylas, and Gangplank benefited the most from the big update. ADCs won the most from the changes, while roamers and tanks lost. Esports players might have … Continued The post The biggest winners and losers of LoL 2026 Season 1 update appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 12:56 Uhr

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Team Secret joins Web3 Checkmate Ecosystem, launches membership NFT

Image credit: Team Secret Team Secret has joined the Checkmate Ecosystem, a Web3 gaming network based on the CHECK token. The network includes Anichess, a chess-based game backed by Chess.com and Magnus Carlsen. As part of this, Team Secret is set to launch a Web3 membership NFT pass, which will unlock many engagement opportunities for … Continued The post Team Secret joins Web3 Checkmate Ecosystem, launches membership NFT appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 12:51 Uhr

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Co-streamer applications open for LCP 2026

Image Credit: Riot Games The League Championship Pacific (LCP), the premier Asia-Pacific region for League of Legends, has officially opened applications for co-streamers. Interested applicants can apply through a dedicated form and earn the opportunity to co-stream the LCP 2026, which will officially kicks off this week on January 16th. Applicants will be required to … Continued The post Co-streamer applications open for LCP 2026 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 12:34 Uhr

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NRG returns to League of Legends following DarkZero merger

Image Credit: NRG, DarkZero Dragonsteel North American esports organisation NRG has announced its return to League of Legends esports via the tier-two North American scene. Announced on its social media channels, NRG will be competing in the North American Challengers League (NACL) after merging with DarkZero late last year, the latter of which was already … Continued The post NRG returns to League of Legends following DarkZero merger appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 12:27 Uhr

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ESL and BLAST adjust CS2 map pools following Valve update

Image credit: Valve Esports tournament organisers ESL and BLAST have announced changes to their Counter-Strike 2 map pools following Valve‘s decision to adjust the first-person shooter title’s Active Duty map pool. As a result of the change made on January 9th, IEM Kraków 2026 and BLAST Bounty Season 1 2026 will feature Anubis in place … Continued The post ESL and BLAST adjust CS2 map pools following Valve update appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 12.01.2026 11:05 Uhr

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