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VCT EMEA Kickoff Group Stage Day 1 Recap

Bryan "Dracorexia" Francis
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Feb 21st, 2024, 23:02

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6 min read

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Highlights

  • Team Heretics defeat FUT Esports in a close series, with Boo and MiniBoo shining.

  • Tomaszy on Viper emerges as a bright spot for Karmine Corp on both offense and defense.

  • Team Heretics and Karmine Corp face off in Upper Bracket Finals for a playoff spot.

VCT EMEA Kickoff has finally begun in all its glory. VCT EMEA is one of the four leagues in the Valorant Partnership League. With fans worldwide speculating which teams would make it to the playoffs. 11 teams at the VCT EMEA Kickoff will face each other in a GSL tournament format. The teams that win both their matches in their group stages will qualify for the playoff phase. The first day consisted of 2 thrilling matches which kept fans on their toes. Here's a recap of Day 1 of the VCT EMEA Kick Group Stage.

 

Also Read: Recap Of Valorant Challengers League 2024 DACH Evolution: Split 1


VCT EMEA Begins With Team Heretics Proving Their Dominance Against FUT Esports

 

The last time fans saw Team Heretics perform in a Valorant lan environment was during the HereticsXP show match against Karmine Corp. They went on to lose that game putting doubts into the minds of certain analysts regarding their playstyle. In this matchup, FUT Esports had quite a lot of momentum on their side. In December 2023, they won the VCT Convergence Off//Season event that took place in India. During the grand finals, they defeated their fellow EMEA team in Team Vitality.


This B03 series between Team Heretics & FUT Esports was all about which team had the stronger mentality.  The first map was none other than Lotus which was the pick for Team Heretics. In an incredible turn of events, FUT Esports won the first 4 rounds, turning the tide in their favor.

 

The highlight from the first half of the map was none other than an ACE by AtaKaptan. On the map of Lotus, he was playing Breach and got the ace with a stinger on an eco-buy. The first half of the map ended with a score of 7-5 to FUT Esports. FUT Esports took the pistol round in their favor but couldn’t capitalize on the momentum. When the game reached the 21st round the score was 10-10 and finally ended with a score of 13-11 to Team Heretics.

 


On the Map of Bind, it was clear to all that Team Heretics wanted to finish the series on this map. The first half ended with a score of 7-5 to Team Heretics. From FUT Esports, MrFailiN was incredible on the Gekko. As the momentum slowly shifted away from his team in round 9, he came up clutch getting the first kill in the round and finishing the round with a 3K. In the second half of Bind, Team Heretics went all guns blazing, securing the map with a score of 13-10 and taking them one step closer to the playoffs phase of the VCT EMEA Kickoff.

 

 

If there are two players who fans should keep an eye on it's none other than Boo and MiniBoo. Boo was the primary controller for their team and ended both maps with a KDA of 52/29/17. Miniboo was their primary duelist who ended the game with a KDA of 43/34/11, securing the highest number of first kills in the entire series.


Karmine Corp Makes It Through In A Close Affair Against GIANTX

 

 

The next game of VCT EMEA Kickoff was between Karmine Corp and GIANTX. This game was quite a wild ride to watch due to all the twists and turns. Map 1 was on Split, which was the map pick of Karmine Corp. The first half of the map ended with a scoreline of 6-6. Instead of using the common pick of Skye, Karmine Corp opted to select Fade as their initiator. The map of Split ended with a scoreline of 13-11 to Karmine Corp. The winning team brought back the double duelist step up in Raze and Yoru for this game. They primarily used Yoru, who was played by Marteen as another initiator to gather as much information before they could attack a site.

 


Map 2 was GIANTX's pick and they selected Sunset. On this map, they played a unique team composition including Sage. This map ended with a scoreline of 13-10 to GIANTX taking the game to Map 3. Karmine Corp did lose the map but there was one player who was a ray of hope and it was tomaszy. Previously, he was the primary duelist for his team but on Karmine Corp he was playing Viper. On this map, he ended with a KDA of 19/16/7 with 3 first bloods.


Map 3 was Lotus and this was simply a one-sided affair that no one expected. Karmine Corp won the first 7 rounds on this map and ended the first half with a score of 9-3. Tomaszy was on top form as they were on defense and secured 3 first bloods. Magnum on Killjoy knew how to anchor his site and did so with an incredible KDA of 15/5/3 on the 12 rounds of defense.

 

During the second half of the map, it did feel like GIANTX had lost its momentum completely and could only secure one round. The map of Lotus ended with a scoreline of 13-4. The core of N4RRATE, MAGNUM & Tomaszy is easily a site to watch due to their understanding of each other positions and roles as well as the sheer firepower that they have in them.

 


Team Heretics will face off against Karmine Corp in the Upper Bracket Finals of this group with the winner qualifying for the playoffs phase. FUT Esports will be facing off against GIANTX with the loser being eliminated from the event and the winner facing off against the loser of the upper bracket finals to secure a spot in the play-ins phase.

If you want to know someone who is super passionate about Football Esports and Video Games, let me introduce you to Bryan Francis. A passionate fan who you will see running around during Esports events.

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ESFI Opens eFootball (Mobile) Registrations for WESC 2025

Aaryanshi Mohan
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Nov 5th, 2024, 5:14

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2 min read

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Highlights

  • WESC25 will be a part of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) summit, which the government organises

  • Interested Indian players can register for the same till November 11.

  • The competition will begin from November 14 and will be divided into multiple stages.

The Electronic Sports Federation of India has opened the registrations for eFootball (Mobile) Phase-1 for the upcoming Waves Esports Championship (WAVES) 2025. Interested Indian players can register for the same till November 11. The competition will begin from November 14 and will be divided into multiple stages. 

All the matches will be streamed live and you can enjoy the matches from the quarterfinals onwards on ESFI's YouTube channel. 

Also read: Brawl Stars Classic Update: New Brawlers, Hypercharges, Game Modes, And More

ESFI Opens eFootball (Mobile) Phase 1 Registrations

WESC25 will be a part of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) summit, which the government organises. The winner of the tournament will be given a chance to represent India at the Asian Esports Games (AEG) in Bangkok, Thailand. The AEG will also have many other esports titles like Arena of Valor (Open) and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Female). The final competition of the eFootball tournament will take place on November 27 and 28. 

Talking about the event, ESFI President Vinod Tiwari said:

As we kick off the Waves Esports Championship 2025, we’re not only celebrating the spirit of competitive gaming but also providing an incredible platform to showcase India’s top talent on a continental stage. WAVES represents the growing synergy between esports, innovation, and creative technology in India. The opportunity for our eFootball champion to represent India at the Asian Esports Games in Bangkok is a testament to the immense potential of our players. We’re looking forward to seeing our nation’s talent shine on such a prominent stage and make India proud in the global esports landscape.

 

The WAVES summit will take place from February 5 to 9, 2025, and will feature 25 unique challenges, including game development contests and AI installations, highlighting India's creative talent. Interestingly, it is a part of the Government of India's ‘Create in India Challenge - Season 1’. 
 

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Aaryanshi Mohan

Content Strategist

An avid battle royale player with a special love for BGMI, Aaryanshi prefers mobile gaming over PC. When not grinding in BGMI, you can find her writing or escaping outside.

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League of Legends Roadmap Announced by The Esports Club

Aaryanshi Mohan
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Oct 25th, 2024, 11:55

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2 min read

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Highlights

  • The initiative is supported by Crucial by Micron and is sponsored by Zotac Gaming.

  • The detailed roadmap has everything planned for both amateur and professional players.

  • The matches will be high-intensity and will be full of adrenaline rush.

League of Legends and The Esports Club have announced the esports roadmap for the game for the Indian and South Asian regions. The detailed roadmap has everything planned for both amateur and professional players. The matches will be high-intensity and will be full of adrenaline rush. 

 

The initiative is supported by Crucial by Micron and is sponsored by Zotac Gaming. Both sponsors will be working together to provide the players with a world-class experience for players and audience. 

 

Also Read: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Release Date: Preloading, Platforms, and More

 

League of Legends Roadmap Announced

 

League of Legends Roadmap Announced by The Esports Club

 

For now, three events have been completed, one is ongoing and one will take place in December 2024. This is what the 2024 roadmap looks like: 

 

  • TEC Community Cup – July Open (Completed)
  • TEC Community Cup – August Open (Completed)
  • TEC Streamer Clash Invitational (September - Completed)
  • Influencer Driven Community Clash (September to December – In Progress)
  • TEC Community Clash – December (Upcoming)  


Talking about the event, Vamsi Krishna, Managing Director, Basik Marketing said: 

 

We are grateful to Riot Games for once again placing their trust in The Esports Club. Having partnered before, we’re eager to advance this collaboration and elevate the esports ecosystem. This roadmap is more than just a series of tournaments; it’s a strategic initiative to build a dynamic community where competition, collaboration, and camaraderie are central. We’re proud to support this endeavour and look forward to its impact on the regional gaming landscape.

 

Rajesh Gupta, Director Sales - India & SAARC, Micron also talked about the roadmap and their involvement and said: 

 

At Micron, we are committed to supporting the vibrant gaming community through cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships with our industry-leading Crucial branded products. Our collaboration with The Esports Club and League of Legends for this roadmap exemplifies our dedication to nurturing esports talent and enhancing the competitive gaming landscape. We are excited to see how these tournaments will push boundaries and drive innovation in the region

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Aaryanshi Mohan

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An avid battle royale player with a special love for BGMI, Aaryanshi prefers mobile gaming over PC. When not grinding in BGMI, you can find her writing or escaping outside.

PUBG Esports 2025 Roadmap: Calendar, Regions, and More

Kushal Bhattacharya
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Oct 19th, 2024, 6:57

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2 min read

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Highlights

  • With PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) concluded fans have been wondering what's next for their favorite battle royale title in the esports scene.

  • Krafton has recently released the complete PUBG Esports 2025 Roadmap, with all the necessary details one would have to know to follow the tournaments.

  • Looking ahead, fans have a lot to look forward to with PUBG Esports 2024 Roadmap elaborating all the content lined up for the coming year.

With PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) concluded fans have been wondering what's next for their favorite battle royale title in the esports scene. Krafton has recently released the complete PUBG Esports 2025 Roadmap, with all the necessary details one would have to know to follow the tournaments.

 

Looking ahead, fans have a lot to look forward to with PUBG Esports 2024 Roadmap elaborating all the content lined up for the coming year. The 2025 calendar consists of 9 tournaments, each with its twist.

 

Also read: PUBG Mobile World Cup 2024: Teams, Schedule, And Prize Pool

 

 

Complete PUBG Esports 2025 Calendar

 

PUBG Esports 2025 cups and tournaments

 

PUBG Esports 2025 is progressing with its basic overall structure, hosting 6 global-level tournaments: PGS, PNC, and PGC. Only the top-performing teams throughout the year will advance to the global events.

Various tournaments are set to be hosted throughout the year, which will reward teams with respectable prizes, as they move towards the PUNG Global Championship (PGC). All Tournaments in PUBG Esports 2025 Calendar

  • March: Regional Series
  • April: PGS 7
  • May: PGS 8
  • June: PNC 2025
  • July: Regional Series
  • September: Regional Series:
  • October: PGS 9
  • November: PGS 10
  • December: PGS 2025

 

Road to PGC 2025

Krafton has stated that PGS will remain a foundation for the journey with teams preparing for the PGC 2025. The calendar has scheduled four events across the year.

Each PGS event will feature 24 teams, consisting of 10 Global Partner Teams and 14 Regional Series Qualifiers from five regions. The regions include China, Korea, EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.

The distribution is as follows:

  • China: 2 Seeds
  • Korea: 3 Seeds
  • EMEA: 2 Seeds
  • APAC: 4 Seeds
  • Americas: 3 Seeds

The Regional Series from the above will offer the teams to write their journey towards the biggest tournament of the year, PUBG Global Championship (PGC).

Krafton is also working towards 'thrilling' global events that bring the best teams together into the international spotlight. The PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) is also making a return next year, bringing all-star teams together from across the globe as they represent their countries.

Krafton has officially stated that the announcement for applications to the PUBG Global Partner Team Program 2025 will commence on December 1, 2024, at PUBGEsports.com. Applicants will have ample time to prepare, as they go through a thorough internal evaluation. The selection process will be concluded by February 2025.

Kushal is a Gaming and Esports writer at Gossip.GG. Aside from pouring hours into his beloved soulsike and RPG games, he also enjoys competitive FPS titles such as Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, and Counter-Strike: Global ...

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FIFA and Konami Join Forces to Add eFootball in FIFAe World Cup

Aaryanshi Mohan
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Oct 16th, 2024, 3:09

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2 min read

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Highlights

  • As Indian gamers immerse themselves in mobile games, a new opportunity is knocking at their door with the addition of eFootball in the FIFAe World Cup.

  • Ahead of the World Cup, Indian athletes will be seen showcasing their eFootball talent at the WAVES Esports Championship 2025 (WESC).

  • After this addition, India will become one of the 18 countries that will take part in the competition.

As Indian gamers immerse themselves in mobile games, a new opportunity is knocking at their door with the addition of eFootball in the FIFAe World Cup. This latest addition will be joining Rocket League and Football Manager to become a part of the FIFAe World Cup in the coming years.

 

Also Read: Games24x7 Planning To Establish Itself As a Technology Platform

 

FIFA and Konami Come Together to Add eFootball in FIFAe World Cup

 

After this addition, India will become one of the 18 countries that will take part in the competition. We will be joining Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Spain, and Portugal. Talking about this opportunity, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming said:

 

This collaboration between FIFA and Konami to bring eFootball into the FIFAe World Cup is a significant moment for Indian esports. India's inclusion in this global event is a source of immense national pride. The accessibility of a free-to-play game like eFootball ensures wider participation, and with FIFA fueling the esports ecosystem, we are witnessing the seamless integration of sports and esports—ushering in new opportunities for Indian gamers to shine on the world stage.

 

Ahead of the World Cup, Indian athletes will be seen showcasing their eFootball talent at the WAVES Esports Championship 2025 (WESC). Interestingly, India has already been taking part in Esports tournaments that have been happening for the title. Talking about this addition, Animesh Agarwal, aka 8Bit Thug, Co-Founder of S8UL and 8Bit Creatives said:

 

The recognition of India as a region in a global esports tournament like the FIFA eWorld Cup is monumental for Indian esports. This collaboration between KONAMI and FIFA opens up valuable avenues for both mobile and console gamers across the country to compete on the international stage. Additionally, with eFootball being included in the roster of tournaments like WAVES 2025 which is supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the title has great potential to bring further opportunities to aspiring Indian esports athletes.

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Aaryanshi Mohan

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An avid battle royale player with a special love for BGMI, Aaryanshi prefers mobile gaming over PC. When not grinding in BGMI, you can find her writing or escaping outside.

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Thug Invitational 2024: Teams, Where to Watch, and More

Kushal Bhattacharya
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Oct 16th, 2024, 2:40

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3 min read

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Highlights

  • Thug Invitational 2024 is almost here, with BGMI fans ready to set their eyes on their favorite team taking on various contenders from the tournament.

  • Organized by Upthrust Esports, the Thug Invitational 2024 event is expected to be a blast for BGMI fans, and contestants.

  • Joined by talented Indian esports teams, the Thug Invitational 2024 will follow a pretty basic format.

Thug Invitational 2024 is almost here, with BGMI fans ready to set their eyes on their favorite team taking on various contenders from the tournament. Organized by Upthrust Esports, the Thug Invitational 2024 event is expected to be a blast for BGMI fans, and contestants.

 

Featuring Squads TPP in BGMI, the Invitational will showcase the prowess of 64 participating teams from 19 October to 27 October 2024. The Invitational will feature a massive prize pool of Rs. 8,00,000/ USD 9,517.

 

The winner of the tournament will walk away with Rs. 3,00,000/ USD 3,568.95, with the second, third, and fourth place holders taking Rs 2,00,000/ USD 2,379.30, Rs 1,50,000/ USD 1,784.47, and Rs. 75,000/ USD 892.24 respectively.

 

Also read: 8bit Esports Wins TEC Gauntlet Season 2- BGMI

 

Complete Format for Thug Invitational 2024 Explained

Thug Invitational 2024 Prize pool and more

Joined by talented Indian esports teams, the Thug Invitational 2024 will follow a pretty basic format.

Stage 1: Group Stage

The first stage will feature 64 teams landing on the Group Stage to fight out for their position in the Semi-Finals. Only half of the teams will make it to the next stage.

Stage 2: Semi-Finals

The Invitational will start on October 19, 2024, with 32 teams, divided into four groups of 8 teams each. The top 16 teams will qualify for the Grand Finals, as the Semi-Finals stage concludes on October 24, 204.

Stage 2: Grand Finals

The third and final stage of the Invitational will feature the top 16 teams, following a 3-matchday format. Among the 16 remaining squads, only the top four will take on the prize pool. The grand final stage of the tournament will conclude on October 27, 2024.

For anyone becoming the MVP, the player will also receive an additional Rs. 25,000/ USD 297.41 from the prize pool.

 

Participating Teams

Group A

  • Aerobotz
  • Bot Army
  • Celestics ESP
  • Dragon Claw
  • Esports Aim
  • Inferno Squad
  • Medal Esports
  • Mogo Esports
  • Nonx
  • Team Rulers
  • Silly Esports
  • Team Avii
  • Team Havk
  • Team IQOO SOUL
  • Team LOLZZZ
  • Team VST

Group B

  • Astro Kinds
  • Blizz Network
  • Tarkin Spartans
  • FAITH ESPORTS
  • Fatality Esports
  • Gujrat Tigers
  • K9
  • LEFP
  • Orangutan
  • Phoenix Esports
  • XSPARK
  • Rivals Ape X
  • Sarkar Gaming
  • Team Bosan
  • Team Tamilas
  • Windgod Esports

Group C

  • 2A
  • Arrancar ESP
  • Autobotz
  • Carnival Gaming
  • Carpedium
  • Dream Team
  • E4e
  • FS Esports
  • GENXFM
  • JUSTJELLY
  • Mastermind
  • Myth
  • Nebula Esports
  • NUMEN
  • Team Misfits
  • Team Kanary

Group D

  • 4 Merical Esports
  • Aliaba Raiders
  • ANTIDOTE
  • G7 Esports
  • GODS REIGN
  • Hyderabad Hydras
  • Karnadu
  • Laztzone
  • Reckoning
  • Rich Esports
  • Team 8BIT
  • Team Obey
  • Team Versatile
  • Team 7Shore
  • Team K4C
  • Team Z

Map Order

Group A

  • Match 1: Erangel
  • Match 2: Miramar
  • Match 3: Sanhok

Group B

  • Match 4: Erangel
  • Match 5: Miramar
  • Match 6: Sanhok

Gamers can catch the Thug Invitational 2024 live on 8Bit Thug's official YouTube channel.

Kushal is a Gaming and Esports writer at Gossip.GG. Aside from pouring hours into his beloved soulsike and RPG games, he also enjoys competitive FPS titles such as Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, and Counter-Strike: Global ...

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