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Five players to look out for at VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026

VALORANT Masters Santiago, the first global VCT event of the year, kicks off next week and is looking to be one of the most difficult tournaments to predict in VCT history. The 12 teams, all of which have qualified through dramatic Kickoff events, will be looking to claim as much of the $1m (~£742,000) total … Continued The post Five players to look out for at VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 21.02.2026 14:00 Uhr

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Korean lawmaker proposes bill to extend tax incentives for regional esports tournaments

South Korean lawmaker Kim Seung-soo has introduced an amendment to extend tax incentives for companies hosting professional esports tournaments outside the Seoul metropolitan area. According to local reports, Kim — a member of the People Power Party — proposed a partial revision to the Restriction of Special Taxation Act on February 20th. The amendment seeks … Continued The post Korean lawmaker proposes bill to extend tax incentives for regional esports tournaments appeared first on Esport

Esports Insider 21.02.2026 01:00 Uhr

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Blacklyte named sponsor of RLCS 2026 Boston Major

Blacklyte has been announced as the exclusive desk and chair sponsor of the RLCS 2026: Boston Major, the latest commercial partner to join Rocket League’s premier competitive circuit. According to a release, the partnership will feature Blacklyte’s furniture prominently onstage throughout the event, which takes place from February 19th–22nd at the Agganis Arena in Boston, … Continued The post Blacklyte named sponsor of RLCS 2026 Boston Major appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 21.02.2026 00:57 Uhr

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Embark Studios pauses The Finals esports efforts following conduct concerns

Embark Studios has temporarily paused its outbound esports efforts for The Finals following community concerns about player conduct. According to the announcement shared via Discord, the developer stated it had reviewed the concerns ‘carefully, including with external legal counsel,’ and was confident that its decisions and actions were ‘appropriate and within the scope of our … Continued The post Embark Studios pauses The Finals esports efforts following conduct concerns

Esports Insider 21.02.2026 00:53 Uhr

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FC Online named an official event at Korea’s National Youth Sports Festival

Esports has been included as an official medal event at Korea’s 55th National Youth Sports Festival. According to a release from the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA), the competition will take place from May 23rd to 24th at the Busan Esports Stadium. FC Online has been selected as the sole title. The decision marks esports’ first … Continued The post FC Online named an official event at Korea’s National Youth Sports Festival appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 21.02.2026 00:48 Uhr

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KESPA highlights the economic power of esports events in South Korea

The Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has published a study on the ‘Expansion of Economic Effects and Tax Benefits of E-Sports Competitions’ in South Korea. Conducted last year and published today, the study aimed to highlight the economic impact of key esports events held in the country over the past years. Moreover, it highlights the goal … Continued The post KESPA highlights the economic power of esports events in South Korea appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 18:23 Uhr

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Immutable Gamers Race for Bigger $60K Weekly Rewards After Dynamic Tier Upgrade

Cryptocurrency company Immutable has announced a major upgrade to its $60,000 Weekly Rewards programme, introducing a new dynamic tier system designed to reward consistent player activity. The update was revealed on the company’s official X account, where Immutable described it as a new era for engagement across its gaming ecosystem. Players must now focus on … Continued The post Immutable Gamers Race for Bigger $60K Weekly Rewards After Dynamic Tier Upgrade appeared first on Esports Insid

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 18:15 Uhr

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VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 preview: format, schedule, teams, and more

With the conclusion of VCT Kickoff, top teams across all four regions are now gearing up for the first international VCT event of 2026, VALORANT Masters Santiago. The event will feature a total of 12 teams competing for the trophy over the course of two weeks. In addition to this, crucial VCT Championship Points will … Continued The post VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 preview: format, schedule, teams, and more appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 16:54 Uhr

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VALORANT joins 2026 Esports Nations Cup line-up

The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced that VALORANT will join the inaugural line-up for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup. Taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 8th-15th, the VALORANT Esports Nations Cup event will feature a total of 32 national teams. The competition’s prize pool has yet to be disclosed; however, its qualification … Continued The post VALORANT joins 2026 Esports Nations Cup line-up appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 16:00 Uhr

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VALORANT player Xiesta signs a four-year contract with Gen.G

Gen.G Global Academy graduate Jung ‘Xiesta‘ Si-hwan has signed a four-year contract with Gen.G Esports’ VALORANT division. This is the longest contract the South Korean organisation has ever finalised with a professional player in its history.  Born in 2010, Xiesta was part of Gen.G Global Academy’s development programme, where he built his skills through ‘structured … Continued The post VALORANT player Xiesta signs a four-year contract with Gen.G appeared first on E

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 12:38 Uhr

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2XKO to reward for players participating in community events

Riot Games has announced it will offer in-game rewards to competitors who play in 2XKO community events. Announced through a social media post, players who register and take part in the Tampa Never Sleeps (TNS) and the FGC Meetups will be eligible for the rewards. The TNS is an online event that takes place every … Continued The post 2XKO to reward for players participating in community events appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 11:42 Uhr

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LYON release Zamudo following visa issues

Mexican esports organisation LYON has officially released Canadian player Frankie ‘Zamudo‘ Lin following persistent visa issues. Zamudo was supposed to be the starting top laner for LYON for its 2026 LCS season, but the player has been unable to play with the rest of the team due to complications with his visa application. As a … Continued The post LYON release Zamudo following visa issues appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 11:05 Uhr

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Flaw Gaming and Gunzilla Games Launch Pioneer Cup for Off The Grid

Gunzilla Games has announced the Pioneer Cup in partnership with competitive gaming guild Flaw Gaming, introducing a high-stakes solo tournament for Off the Grid. The event, scheduled for February 28th and March 1st, 2026, will crown one top player, who will receive the Tacoma Pioneer, a rare legacy weapon inside the game’s ecosystem. The organisers … Continued The post Flaw Gaming and Gunzilla Games Launch Pioneer Cup for Off The Grid appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 10:44 Uhr

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Novig secures $75m Series B funding to expand sports prediction market

Novig, a sports trading platform that operates a peer-to-peer exchange, has raised $75m (~£55m) in a Series B funding round led by Pantera Capital. The round, which reportedly values the company at $500m (~£371m), also included participation from Multicoin Capital, Makers Fund, Edge Equity, and existing investors Forerunner, Perceptive Ventures, and NFX. This latest investment … Continued The post Novig secures $75m Series B funding to expand sports prediction market appeared first on Espo

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 10:36 Uhr

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“Who does Raise think he is? Faker?”: LOUD midlaner Mago steps down following internal conflicts

Brazilian esports organisation LOUD has announced that its League of Legends midlaner, Jean Carlo ‘Mago’ Dias, will no longer compete for the team following what it described as ‘internal conflicts’ with the coaching staff. According to the organisation’s statement, translated into English, Mago had informed management on Wednesday that he was ‘no longer interested in … Continued The post “Who does Raise think he is? Faker?”: LOUD midlaner Mago steps down foll

Esports Insider 20.02.2026 02:04 Uhr

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Saudi Arabia now has total ownership over Evo

Saudi Arabia has taken full ownership of the Evolution Championship Series (Evo), the world’s largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament. With Sony and NODWIN Gaming fully out of the picture, the FGC wonders what this latest change will mean for Evo. Will Super Smash Bros. finally return to the event? In August 2025, NODWIN … Continued The post Saudi Arabia now has total ownership over Evo appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 21:45 Uhr

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ROG named official PC sponsor for LCK Cup Final 2026

Republic of Gamers (ROG) has been announced as the official PC sponsor for the LCK Cup Final 2026, set to take place from February 28th to March 1st at Kai Tak Arena in Hong Kong. According to a release, the partnership will see ROG provide hardware support for the LCK Cup final, one of the … Continued The post ROG named official PC sponsor for LCK Cup Final 2026 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 21:16 Uhr

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Japan continues to dominate in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate after GENESIS X3

GENESIS X3 wrapped up earlier this month, giving the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate community a better idea of which competitors are currently playing at their peak. And many of the top players are currently from Japan. The UltRank is determined by player placement throughout the year, meaning consistency is key to being considered a top … Continued The post Japan continues to dominate in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate after GENESIS X3 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 20:00 Uhr

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Virtus.pro partners with Gamers Outreach for fundraising campaign

Esports brand Virtus.pro has announced that it has partnered with the non-profit organisation Gamers Outreach. The collaboration has resulted in the launch of a fundraising campaign aimed to help Gamers Outreach supply gaming equipment and experiences to children in hospitals. Gamers Outreach is a charity that provides video game tech and programmes to children’s hospitals … Continued The post Virtus.pro partners with Gamers Outreach for fundraising campaign appeared first on Esports

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 18:52 Uhr

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Michelin becomes an official partner of the RLCS

The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) has announced a partnership with French tyre manufacturer Michelin. As a result of the deal, the manufacturer’s branding will appear within the car football title and across esports broadcasts taking place throughout the 2026 season. The collaboration between the two parties was announced before the RLCS Boston Major kicked … Continued The post Michelin becomes an official partner of the RLCS appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 18:50 Uhr

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BC.Game Masters reveals full team list

BC.Game Masters has revealed the list of teams competing in its inaugural edition, operated by esports tournament organiser Vanta. A total of 24 teams from across the world will head to Bucharest, Romania, for a chance to compete for a $50,000 (~£37,170) prize pool and Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points. Several European teams are attending … Continued The post BC.Game Masters reveals full team list appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 18:30 Uhr

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League of Legends Patch 26.4 sets the stage for First Stand

League of Legends Patch 26.4 will not be played on the First Stand stage, but it still matters for the game’s esports ecosystem. As the final update before the First Stand patch, Patch 26.4 shows where Riot Games wants the meta to land before its first international event. It trims back the strongest picks and … Continued The post League of Legends Patch 26.4 sets the stage for First Stand appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 18:05 Uhr

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France authorises three-year trial decree for games with monetisable digital objects

France has officially approved a three-year experimental framework allowing games with monetisable digital objects, known locally as JONUM (Jeux à Objets Numériques Monétisable), to operate under strict supervision. The decree, signed on February 4th, 2026, and published in the official journal, is now fully active and is being enforced. Regulation of the sector has been … Continued The post France authorises three-year trial decree for games with monetisable digital objects appeared first

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 17:47 Uhr

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Australian Esports League joins forces with Australian Grand Prix for esports tournament

The Australian Esports League has announced a partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to launch a student esports tournament. Known as the Victorian Virtual Grand Prix, students from Victorian schools will compete for a chance to win a trip to the Australian Grand Prix, the opening race of this year’s Formula One season. Entrance … Continued The post Australian Esports League joins forces with Australian Grand Prix for esports tournament appeared first on Esports Insid

Esports Insider 19.02.2026 17:41 Uhr

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