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“We’re not expected to make it”: Cloud9 Coach Immi is not concerned being the only NA VCT team to never make internationals

It’s interesting because Cloud9 is actually not the worst in VALORANT esports, yet it seems to get the most hate. Despite being 14th out of 48 teams in the 2026 power ranking, Cloud9 is often a topic of discussion due to its inability to qualify for an international event. This led podcaster Andre Hopkins to … Continued The post “We’re not expected to make it”: Cloud9 Coach Immi is not concerned being the only NA VCT team to never make internationals appeared first

Esports Insider 06.04.2026 00:25 Uhr

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“How do you fix EMEA?” The VCT EMEA is falling behind, but can it catch up?

VCT EMEA Stage 1 has just kicked off this week. The tournament sees twelve teams compete in the region’s semi-franchised tier-one VALORANT circuit for three slots at the next VCT global event, Masters London in June. However, EMEA’s latest international showing didn’t inspire confidence in the region’s competitive strength. With Team Liquid not advancing past … Continued The post “How do you fix EMEA?” The VCT EMEA is falling behind, but can it catch up? appeared first on Espor

Esports Insider 03.04.2026 10:00 Uhr

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2XKO is not going to last in the FGC, and it’s Riot Games’ fault

2XKO has been handled wrong from the beginning, and I think it’s fair to say it won’t be in the FGC for much longer. It’s a bit jarring, of course. I used to write a lot of articles about how 2XKO would save fighting game esports. It was backed by Riot, which could actually put … Continued The post 2XKO is not going to last in the FGC, and it’s Riot Games’ fault appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 03.04.2026 00:24 Uhr

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The Ruler scandal explained: South Korea’s explosive reaction to what seems like, well, not a big deal

Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk’s tax controversy has become one of those stories that, at first glance, looks smaller than the reaction surrounding it. A mountain out of a mole hill. After all, the taxes were ultimately paid! There’s no lurid criminal indictment attached to the case in the way casual readers might imagine when they hear … Continued The post The Ruler scandal explained: South Korea’s explosive reaction to what seems like, well, not a big deal appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 02.04.2026 22:51 Uhr

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Is the Apex Legends esports scene dying? There’s a reason ImperialHal is considering leaving

Team Falcons’ Phillip “ImperialHal” Dosen recently tweeted that it “might be time to retire,” prompting the Apex Legends esports scene to wonder whether it’s time to wrap it up. It’s been a rough last few years for Apex Legends, with the scene constantly complaining about the updates devs make and esports seeing less viewership. The … Continued The post Is the Apex Legends esports scene dying? There’s a reason ImperialHal is considering leavi

Esports Insider 02.04.2026 02:56 Uhr

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Does G2 Esports’ run at First Stand 2026 mean the gap between Western and Eastern teams in LoL Esports is closing? Maybe

Less than two weeks ago, G2 Esports shocked League of Legends’ fans. At First Stand 2026 semifinals, the European giants didn’t just beat Gen.G, they dismantled the team widely seen as the best in the world with a clean 3-0. With one match, G2 flipped expectations on their head and brought back a level of … Continued The post Does G2 Esports’ run at First Stand 2026 mean the gap between Western and Eastern teams in LoL Esports is closing? Maybe appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 01.04.2026 20:43 Uhr

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But I believe Aang can save the FGC: We need simple fun, like Avatar Legends

I previously argued against Avatar Legends, I’ll admit it. I said they’re just turning anything into a fighting game these days. It’s just the easiest, cheapest option, but most of these games are slop. I’m not taking that back, but I do think Avatar Legends may be a special case. And it may even save the FGC. Avatar … Continued The post But I believe Aang can save the FGC: We need simple fun, like Avatar Legends appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 31.03.2026 18:10 Uhr

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Putting Dota 2 teams to the test: Should Valve have dropped Patch 7.41 mid-tournament?

ESL One Birmingham 2026 has just ended, with Tundra Esports extending their reign by lifting the trophy. But the real story of the tournament was the massive 7.41 Dota 2 patch being dropped in the middle of the million-dollar event. The unexpected timing has sparked the question of whether situations like these are good for … Continued The post Putting Dota 2 teams to the test: Should Valve have dropped Patch 7.41 mid-tournament? appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 31.03.2026 17:38 Uhr

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“Increased focus on fandom”: Jake Sin on selecting the next VCT Pacific partner teams

VCT Pacific has seen tremendous growth since its introduction in 2023, with the region producing some of the world’s most mechanically skilled VALORANT players and countless memorable moments.  From Gen.G being the first Pacific team to lift an international VCT trophy to Nongshim RedForce becoming the first Ascension team to win a Masters event, the league has … Continued The post “Increased focus on fandom”: Jake Sin on selecting the next VCT Pacific partner teams appea

Esports Insider 30.03.2026 22:08 Uhr

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“I dream of working in esports full-time again without being in a continuous state of crippling anxiety:” NLC is just one example of a huge issue in the esports industry

It’s honestly really hard to keep track of which esports entity owes what to whom at this point, and that’s the problem. It feels like there is a new “I didn’t get paid” tweet almost every month from a player, caster, or staff member aimed at team or tournament organizer. One of the latest fiascos … Continued The post “I dream of working in esports full-time again without being in a continuous state of crippling anxiety:” NLC is just one example of

Esports Insider 27.03.2026 20:44 Uhr

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“If they stop doing yearly cycles and start thinking in terms of longevity, it could be interesting”: Former Call of Duty boss discusses esports limitations

The Call of Duty League has never really reached the heights of other shooter esports like VALORANT and Counter-Strike 2. The highest viewership in 2026 thus far has been 353,000, set by the Stage 1 Major, which is nowhere near “dying” status but still far behind the competition. There is a lot of speculation as to … Continued The post “If they stop doing yearly cycles and start thinking in terms of longevity, it could be interesting”: Former Call of Duty boss discu

Esports Insider 24.03.2026 20:22 Uhr

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Street Fighter 6 won’t be getting any gen AI content, marking the FGC safe from slop

There is nothing the gaming community has united on more than a hatred of AI, and that has carried over into the more niche esports scenes as well. The FGC is one of those scenes, fighting back against any sign of AI, like in the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves’ Season 2 trailer. Maybe … Continued The post Street Fighter 6 won’t be getting any gen AI content, marking the FGC safe from slop appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 23.03.2026 22:32 Uhr

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PGL commits $22m to Tier 1 Counter-Strike in 2027 and 2028

Esports tournament organiser PGL has announced it will commit at least $22m (~£16.5m) to the Counter-Strike 2 ecosystem over the next two years. As a result, the organiser will host six Tier 1 tournaments in 2027 and 2028, offering stability and sustainability within the first-person shooter title’s expanding tournament calendar. Revealed on March 9th, PGL … Continued The post PGL commits $22m to Tier 1 Counter-Strike in 2027 and 2028 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 09.03.2026 12:40 Uhr

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Crazy Raccoon unveils OWCS roster for 2026

Japanese esports organisation Crazy Raccoon has revealed its Overwatch esports roster for 2026. Seven players, which includes a mixture of new and returning names, will represent the organisation in the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) circuit this season. Since the start of 2026, two new players have joined Crazy Raccoon. Kim ‘vigilante‘ Joon last played for … Continued The post Crazy Raccoon unveils OWCS roster for 2026 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 09.03.2026 12:28 Uhr

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FURIA and Gentle Mates suffer VALORANT Masters Santiago elimination

VCT Americas first seed FURIA and EMEA side Gentle Mates have become the first Playoffs contestants to be eliminated from VALORANT Masters Santiago. The two teams were sent home by BBL Esports (EMEA) and All Gamers (China), respectively, with both organisations remaining in the running for the first global VCT trophy of the year. BBL … Continued The post FURIA and Gentle Mates suffer VALORANT Masters Santiago elimination appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 09.03.2026 12:16 Uhr

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MOUZ and Team Spirit qualify for ESL Pro League Season 23 playoffs

MOUZ and Team Spirit have become the first teams to qualify for the ESL Pro League Season 23 playoffs after winning three matches during the second online stage of the tournament. The two teams will form part of an eight-team field that will compete at Stockholm’s Annexet to be crowned champion. MOUZ Continues Consistency MOUZ … Continued The post MOUZ and Team Spirit qualify for ESL Pro League Season 23 playoffs appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 09.03.2026 11:29 Uhr

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JD Gaming secures the last spot for First Stand 2026

Chinese esports organisation JD Gaming is the last team to qualify for First Stand, the first international tournament on the 2026 League of Legends esports calendar. The team locked its qualification after advancing to the grand final of the LPL Split 1 Playoffs, and will head to São Paulo, Brazil, as the second seed from … Continued The post JD Gaming secures the last spot for First Stand 2026 appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 09.03.2026 11:23 Uhr

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BBL Esports and All Gamers sent to VALORANT Masters Santiago Playoffs lower bracket

Yesterday’s second playoff day at VALORANT Masters Santiago saw regional first seeds BBL Esports (EMEA) and All Gamers (China) record opening match losses. Meanwhile, reigning VALORANT Champions winner NRG and fellow Americas team G2 Esports will next face off against Paper Rex and Nongshim RedForce in respective upper bracket matches. NRG Perservered Against BBL Esports … Continued The post BBL Esports and All Gamers sent to VALORANT Masters Santiago Playoffs lower bracket appeared first

Esports Insider 08.03.2026 18:38 Uhr

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Paper Rex and Nongshim RedForce win first VALORANT Masters Santiago Playoffs matches

VALORANT Masters Santiago kicked off its Playoffs stage yesterday with victories from Masters Toronto champion Paper Rex and fellow VCT Pacific team Nongshim RedForce. The teams’ opponents, FURIA (Americas) and Gentle Mates (EMEA), have now dropped to the lower bracket. Paper Rex Denied FURIA Upset The first Playoffs match in Santiago saw Masters Toronto champion … Continued The post Paper Rex and Nongshim RedForce win first VALORANT Masters Santiago Playoffs matches appeared first o

Esports Insider 07.03.2026 18:20 Uhr

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Sentinels signs JonahP to its VCT 2026 roster

Sentinels has announced the signing of Jonah ‘JonahP’ Pulice to its 2026 VCT roster ahead of Stage 1 Americas. The North American organisation hasn’t officially announced who the Professor will replace on the team. However, considering Mirel ‘Kyu‘ Hrustemovic has Sentinels listed as one of his previous organisations on his X (Twitter) bio. “The mask … Continued The post Sentinels signs JonahP to its VCT 2026 roster appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 06.03.2026 21:59 Uhr

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2026 Honor of Kings Major League Spring loses three teams due to travel issues

The Honor of Kings Major League Committee has announced that it will be making changes to the 2026 Major League Spring. According to a statement released online, teams Astar Esports, Alpha7 Esports, and Leviatán will not compete in the tournament due to “uncertainty around connecting flights.” On social media, the official Honor of Kings esports … Continued The post 2026 Honor of Kings Major League Spring loses three teams due to travel issues appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 06.03.2026 19:23 Uhr

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Gran Turismo cancels opening round of World Series

Gran Turismo has cancelled the opening round of the Gran Turismo World Series, which was set to take place in Abu Dhabi on March 28th. The cancellation of the event, planned to take place at the Space42 Arena, comes as a result of recent instability in the Middle East. In a brief announcement published on … Continued The post Gran Turismo cancels opening round of World Series appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 06.03.2026 18:57 Uhr

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League of Legends First Stand 2026: teams, format, schedule and more

The 2026 international League of Legends esports season is kicking off with First Stand next week. For many teams, the tournament offers an early chance to make a statement on the global stage while securing crucial advantages for their region ahead of MSI 2026 later this year. But for fans, keeping up with every major … Continued The post League of Legends First Stand 2026: teams, format, schedule and more appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 06.03.2026 18:52 Uhr

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Team Vitality leaves StarCraft II esports

French esports organisation Team Vitality has announced its exit from the StarCraft II esports scene after two years. The organisation entered the real-time strategy (RTS) title in 2024, recruiting four South Korean players to compete in high-profile tournaments. In a video posted on social media, the organisation thanked the trio of Cho ‘Maru‘ Seong-ju, Kim … Continued The post Team Vitality leaves StarCraft II esports appeared first on Esports Insider.

Esports Insider 06.03.2026 18:18 Uhr

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