VCT EMEA Kickoff has finally begun in all its glory. VCT EMEA is one of the 4 leagues in the VCT Partnership League, with fans worldwide speculating which teams would make it to the playoff phase of this tournament. 11 teams in VCT EMEA Kickoff faced off against each other in a GSL tournament format. The 3 teams who have made it directly to the playoffs have been confirmed. Tonight the VCT EMEA Kickoff Play-In Stage will be taking place which is a single round-robin format between 3 teams. The winner of this will qualify for the playoff stage of the tournament alongside the other 3 teams. In this article let's take an in-depth look at all the teams who have made it to the Play-Ins and which team will qualify for the playoffs.

Also Read: Gen.G Defeated Paper Rex To Win The VCT 2024: Pacific Kickoff
 

Can Team Vitality Prove Why They Are Considered One Of The Best Teams In EMEA?

Since the start of the VCT EMEA Kickoff, Team Vitality has been noted to be one of the favorites. They were present in group C which consisted of teams such as FNATIC and Gentle Mates. One must note that FNATIC in 2023 had won VCT LOCK//In 2023 as well as VCT Masters Toyko in 2023. Due to these accomplishments, they were provided with a bye in the group stage that would just require them to win one game to make it to the playoffs.

This made things for Team Vitality much harder as they couldn’t get any prior knowledge of their opponents. Their first game was against Gentle Mates. Gentle Mates were the team that won VCT EMEA Ascension 2023 and secured a spot in the VCT EMEA League. The first match between these two teams ended with Team Vitality on top winning the series 2-0. This would result in their faceoff against FNATIC. The last time these two teams faced off Team Vitality lost against FNATIC 2-0 in both the BO3 series.

History did repeat itself as Team Vitality again lost 2-0 in the B03 series between the two teams. This resulted in the rematch between Team Vitality and Gentle Mates. This match-up was closer than expected as Gentle Mates went on to win map one in dominating fashion with the score of 13-4. The second match was a very close affair as Gentle Mates were at match point with the score at 12-9. Team Vitality secured the last 3 rounds to take it to overtime and won the map with a score of 15-13. The final map was on Sunset and this was a one-sided match. Team Vitality won with a score of 13-3 and secured their spot in the play-ins.

Can The French Giants Karmine Corp Secure Their Spot In The Playoffs?

If there is one team worldwide known for their incredible fanbase, it is none other than Karmine Corp. With such a huge and passionate fanbase comes a lot more expectations as well. Karmine Corp this year has a new roster core consisting of the likes of Tomaszy as well as N4RRATE. Their match with this new roster was against GIANTX in group A. They won that game in a score affair with a score of 2-1. In this game, we got to see quite a few changes to the player's roles when compared to their roles in their older teams.

In the second game, they faced off against Team Heretics. These two teams had previously faced off in the VCT EMEA League 2023. During that match, Team Heretics won the game with a score of 2-0. They next faced off against each other in a show match between the two teams. Karmine Corp won that game with a score of 1-0. Their game in the VCT EMEA Kickoff was a one-sided affair dominated by Team Heretics. They won the B03 series with a score of 2-0. They won each map with a score of 13-4 as well. These resulted in Karmine Corp not qualifying for playoffs but instead having to face FUT Esports to decide which team gets a spot in Play-Ins.

This match was a close and very long affair between the two teams. Karmine Corp won the first map with a score of 20-18. This made the first map the longest in the entire tournament. Karmine Corp then lost the second map in quite the one-sided affair, losing it with a score of 13-3. Finally, on the last map which was Sunset, Karmine Corp reigned supreme and won the map 13-7 securing their spot in the VCT EMEA Kickoff Play-Ins.

Can the Dark Horses Movistar KOI Esports Make It To the Playoffs?

Movistar KOI Esports since their announcement to VCT EMEA have always looked at the dark horses. A team has the potential to run riot against other teams and cause a lot of upsets. Their first match in VCT EMEA Kickoff was against Team Liquid. They were one of the favorites to win the event. These two teams previously faced off against each other in VCT EMEA 2023 where Team Liquid won the series with a score of 2-1.

In their first map in this tournament, Movistar KOI Esports lost to Team Liquid with a series score of 2-0. This match was a close affair between both teams as each map ended with a score of 13-10 and 13-11. Movistar KOI Esports then had to face BBL Esports in thier next game.

In their previous encounter in VCT EMEA 2023, BBL Esports defeated Movistar KOI Esports 2-1. Not for a second during their match did it feel like history would repeat itself as Movistar KOI Esports won the first map with a score of 13-4 and then the series 2-0. This win resulted in the rematch between Movistar KOI Esports and Team Liquid. Was history going to repeat itself or Movistar KOI Esports were truly the dark horses?

Movistar KOI Esports won Map 1 with a score of 13-11. Team Liquid was on match point with the score being 12-10 but Movistar KOI Esports won 2 rounds in a row to take it to overtime. Team Liquid won map two with a score of 14-12. Game 3 was another close affair going over 20 rounds but Movistar KOI Esports won the map with a score of 13-10. This win secured their spot in the VCT EMEA Play-Ins as well as proved that Movistar KOI Esports could take down one of the giants.

Movistar KOI Esports have now two other favorites to take on which are Karmine Corp and Team Vitality. Movistar KOI Esports do have the potential to secure their spot in the playoffs. The only worry for them is Team Vitality who have been on an incredible run of form since VCT Convergence. It must be stated that currently, Team Vitality does look like the team that will go forward and qualify for the playoffs in VCT EMEA Kickoff 2024.

The first game is between Karmine Corp and Movistar KOI Esports. If Movistar KOI Esports can secure the win against them, it will put a lot of pressure on Team Vitality in their game against Movistar KOI Esports. If Team Vitality doesn’t win that game it will secure the spot for Movistar KOI Esports in the playoffs. If Movistar KOI Esports can win against Vitality, they will be able to take down two other favorites in their run to the top and prove why they cannot be underestimated.

Also read: Paper Rex And Gen.G Qualified For Valorant Champions Tour 2024: Masters Madrid

 

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’. 
 

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. 

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League of Legends Roadmap Announced

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.