Garena Free Fire’s OB49 update is now being tested on its Advance Server. This special testing server lets players try out new features before they are released worldwide. It also gives players the chance to earn free diamonds by helping Garena find bugs. Here’s how to join the OB49 Advance Server, access the game’s new content early, and claim diamond rewards through the Bug Hunter Program.

Free Fire diamond hack in Garena Advance Server

Many players look for ‘diamond hacks,�?but the only safe way to get free diamonds is through Garena’s official program—an Advance Server used for testing will offer a bug hunting program that will reward you with diamonds.

Garena’s Bug Hunter Program pays out up to 1,00 diamonds if you’re the first to report a new bug. To do this:

Step 1: Play on the Advance Server and look for glitches or problems.

Step 2: Report the bug on the Advance Server site.

Step 3: Input your details like your UID, phone model, and clear screenshots or videos.

If your report is accepted and the first of its kind, Garena will send diamonds to your main Free Fire account after the server period ends. Avoid third-party APKs or so-called ‘diamond hacks,�?as they can steal your data or get your account banned.

How to download the Advance Server

Once an Advance Server is available, here’s how to download it:

Register:

1. Visit the official site (which will be announced if one is available)
2. Log in with your Free Fire-linked Facebook or Google account.
3. Fill in your details and submit the form.
4. Wait for an email or in-game message with your activation code.

Download & install:

1. Go back to the site and click Download APK to get the Advance Server file (about 700 MB �?1 GB).
2. Allow ‘Install from unknown sources�?in your settings.
3. Install the APK and open it.

Test & report:

1. Explore all the new features, maps, and characters.
2. Look out for bugs and report them to earn free diamonds.

After the server closes, Garena reviews bug reports and credits diamonds to players who helped find problems.

Excitement is building as MSC 2025, MLBB’s biggest mid-season clash, heads to Riyadh this July 10 with 23 top teams battling for a $3 million prize pool. But the stakes go beyond glory—each team will also earn valuable Club Points toward standings in the Esports World Cup. Get the full scoop and don’t miss a beat of the action, breakdowns, and bold moves.

Event overview: Dates, location and scope

MSC 2025 runs from July 10 to August 2 in Riyadh, the second time it's held outside Southeast Asia. The tour starts with the Wildcard Stage, moves to the Group Stage, and ends with the Knockout Stage.

Format breakdown:

• Wildcard
  • 8 teams, two groups, Best-of-Three (Bo3)
  • The top two teams advance to the Wildcard Playoffs
  • The winner qualifies for the Group Stage.
• Group Stage
  • 16 teams randomly placed into two groups
  • Region-protected
  • Double elimination with Bo3 matches
  • The top 8 move on to the Knockout Stage.
• Knockouts
  • 8 teams
  • Single elimination bracket
  • All matches are Bo5, but the Grand Final is Bo7.

The champ takes $1 million and top Club Points.

• 1st Place �?$1,000,000 USD + 1,000 Club Points
• 2nd Place �?$500,000 USD + 750 Club Points
• 3rd Place �?$250,000 USD + 500 Club Points
• 4th Place �?$150,000 USD + 300 Club Points
• 5th�?th �?$100,000 USD + 200 Club Points.

MLBB’s Mid‑Season Cup debuts internationally with a fresh format

The Wildcard Stage runs from July 10 to 13 and now uses a Bo3 double-elim GSL format, where the top teams cross over to the semis for a shot at the group stage. The Group Stage follows from July 23 to 27, shifting from Bo2 to Bo3 double-elim, with 16 teams split into two groups.

The Knockout Stage takes place from July 30 to August 2 and remains single elimination, but now adds a third-place match. Also new is the draw rule�?�? teams from groups get to pick their opponent, based on match time.

Inside the format: How the battle unfolds

MSC 2025 brings together teams from 16 regions, with Japan (ZETA DIVISION) and Vietnam (Legion Esports) entering the Wild Card stage. Eight Wild Card teams will clash for one slot in the Main Stage, where 16 squads enter a Bo3 double-elim group fight.

Strategic impact: Co‑Hosting & broader vision

Co-hosting MSC 2025 with the Esports World Cup reflects MOONTON’s push for a broader, global stage. With MLBB reaching 2.38 million peak viewers in 2024, the move taps into mobile esports�?fastest-growing fan base. 

The joint stage also highlights MOONTON’s drive to build a more open, high-stakes scene for all regions. As the battle will heat up in Riyadh, MSC is a bold sign of where mobile esports is headed.

Check the latest esports articles here

In most sports, athletes often dream of long, flourishing careers. They’d peak in their late twenties or early thirties and retire with legacies. However, in esports, that door tends to close sooner than most expect.

More and more pro gamers are stepping down before their mid-twenties. For non-esports people, it’s quite strange. Why would you walk away from global fans, rising fame, and what seems like a thriving future?

An esports gamer’s career length

Esports careers are often short. Most pro gamers last four to five years on average, depending on the game and their physical and mental health. The length might feel cut short, but in the industry, it’s quite the norm.

Esports players reach their prime between 18 and 22. Reflexes, decision-making, and sharp mechanics all play a part in-game—sadly, they’re also the first skills to fade.  Science shows that a gamer’s reaction time drops off at around 24 years old.

To stay at the top, players must adapt constantly. They face constant shifts in game balance, patch updates, and pressure from both teams and fans. This makes long-term consistency tough. Some known names who left the scene early are:

• Martin ‘MrSavage�?Foss Andersen retired from Fortnite Competitive at 20
• Benjy ‘benjyfishy�?Fish retired from Fortnite at 18, then moved to VALORANT
• Anthony ‘vanity�?Malaspina retired from CS: GO at 23 and from VALORANT at 27

When do esports players go professional, though?

With such short careers, it’s only fair to ask when these gamers start. Most pros start their esports careers between 12 and 14. Streaming and online tournaments often expose their potential.

By 16 or 17, many are scouted by teams and win big online. Some would juggle school and training, while others drop out to focus on gaming full-time. This means that by age 22 or 23, they’ve already lived half a decade in a high-pressure, high-stakes environment. 

Why do esports gamers retire at a young age?

It's easy to assume that players lose interest and that after years of grinding the same game, they're bound to get bored. However, most don't leave because they fall out of love with the game. Instead, they leave as the cost of staying becomes too high.

Behind the fun and fame of esports is a long list of silent battles: physical strain, mental burnout, fatigue, and financial stress. Unlike football or cricket pros, these challenges hit gamers early on—often with little to no warning.

Here's the point, though: a short career doesn't mean wasted talent. It only reflects the intensity of the path. Instead of framing early exits as failures, maybe it's time to see them as a fresh start.

So, is esports a career worth considering?

Yes, esports is still a career worth chasing—especially if it’s your passion. Not every path needs to be lifelong to be meaningful. What matters is the impact you leave while you’re at your peak. 

This also calls for people to stop measuring success based on how long a gamer played. In the end, legacy isn’t measured by how long they stayed but by how much they changed the game.

Explore other esports expert pieces here

If you think esports is all about flashy plays, prize pools, or roaring crowds during LAN events, think again. Behind every trophy is a carefully built business. From sponsored jerseys to YouTube contracts, esports today is powered by money—lots of it.

Have a quick look at the organisations that built the world’s top rosters. Each of them now operates like a major sports franchise—scouting talents that also have the power to secure deals, land sponsorships, and manage a growing empire. For many organisations, this means handling a mix of revenue streams to stay competitive, both in the game and in business.

Curious about what exactly keeps your favourite teams thriving? Here’s a play-by-play on how esports teams make money and why brands are in love with them.

Revenue breakdown: Where do the teams�?funds come from?

To understand how esports teams earn, you need to go past the prize pool. Face the hard truth: esports teams and organisations don’t rely on one big win to survive. Instead, they build income through a combination of factors that engage fans, brands, and even platforms. Here’s where their money comes from:

Tournament winnings

Winning tournaments brings prestige and money. Esports prize pools are considered some of the biggest in any sport. Just take Dota 2’s The International, which hit over $40 million in 2021. You can’t miss VALORANT’s Champions Tour, which averages 6 to 7 figures.

These payouts may look huge, but they’re far from being the main income source. Most teams see these winnings as bonuses. The prize money is often split between players, coaches, analysts, and team staff. It’s also inconsistent, as you only get paid if you win or place well.

Esports organisations don’t build financial stability on wins alone. The top teams know they need more consistent ways to earn.

Merch and apparel sales

If you've ever seen a fan rock a 100 Thieves hoodie or a Liquid x Marvel exclusive drop, you’ve already witnessed one of esports�?strongest revenue drivers. Jerseys, hoodies, mousepads, and even fashion houses are part of the game now.

This trend marked the start of esports teams as lifestyle brands rather than just teams. Merch drops are often limited and tied to team lineups or seasonal events. This not only brings direct revenue but also fosters a team’s identity in the eyes of its fans.

In a way, selling these merch bridges the gap between digital fandom and physical culture. It also provides the teams with a reliable stream that’s far from competitive play.

Streaming and content creation

Many esports teams run dedicated content with people who help craft daily streams, BTS vlogs, and game guides. Players also maintain their personal channels, which is a smart move that turns their audience into income.

Platforms like Twitch and YouTube pay out through ads, subscriptions, and donations. Some players would also sign exclusive deals that lock them to one platform (e.g., YouTube) for a guaranteed income.

Take FaZe Clan as an example. It built its brand on content, gathering creators who brought millions of views on YouTube. Even Luminosity Gaming’s Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins once revealed he earned up to $500,000 a month from Twitch alone, thanks to over 160,000 paid subscribers.

Sponsorships and brand deals

Sponsorships are where the bulk of the money flows in. Studies show that 74% of a team’s revenue comes from brand deals. These include jersey sponsors, banner ads, co-branded content, and product placements.

Think Red Bull on player uniforms, BMW backing esports tournaments, or Logitech pushing custom gear with pro teams. The reason? Esports fans are loyal, young, and digital-first—a perfect target for global brands and their engagement.

Where does the money go? Here’s how teams fuel their growth

All the money earned by teams doesn’t sit around. Beyond salaries, teams reinvest most of their earnings into growth for the players and their brand. Here’s how the expenses play out behind the scenes:

• Player salaries and team costs

Tier 1 players can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 a month, heavily based on the game and region they’re playing. The org also covers housing, travel expenses, boot camps, gaming setups, and staff salaries. Coaches, analysts, and team managers are all crucial to the success of a team.

• Expansion and brand growth

Teams also use their revenue to expand. Some scout new talent through grassroots tournaments or academy teams, while others expand into new titles or regions. For example, Gen.G and Team Liquid run region-based divisions across Korea, the US, and Europe—each with its own rosters and staff.

But why do brands keep investing in esports?

In a world where ad fatigue is real, and attention spans shrink by the second, esports offers something rare: an audience that listens, watches, and responds. It’s no wonder brands are spending millions to be part of the action.

However, this goes beyond ads. Top sponsors like Red Bull and Nissan fund training hubs, sponsor league segments, and even collaborate on in-game content and limited drops. 

Esports also thrive in the community. Fans rally behind their teams, and when a brand shows support, the audience often pays it back. For brands, this loyalty is gold—one that keeps them exactly in the game.

Money plays with the games

Esports has outgrown its stereotypes. From a hobby, it’s now a thriving business network built on sharp tactics, digital culture, and global influence. Teams make money not just from winning but also from building brands. They use this income to scale even higher and play even better.

Meanwhile, brands don’t settle for a mere ad space. They’re buying a culture—one that’s active, passionate, and already ahead of the curve. In a sense, business in esports doesn’t just sit behind the screens. It’s part of the game.

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PUBG esports is known for its focus on first-person perspective (FPP) gameplay. This format has shaped the competitive scene, attracting players and fans alike. However, the PUBG Players Tour (PPT) marks a major shift towards third-person perspective (TPP) competition. 

This change raises a big question: Is this a smart move to grow PUBG esports, or does it risk splitting the core audience? The answer depends on how well PUBG can balance its vision.

What is the PUBG Players Tour (PPT)?

The PUBG Players Tour is a year-long official TPP-focused tournament series kicking off in 2025. It’s built on a three-tier structure across five regions: Korea, China, APAC, EMEA, and the Americas. 

The PPT will feature open scrims (PPS), regional cups (PPC), and masters, bringing the best players into a global showdown. Its goals are to open the doors to more players, align competition with how most people play PUBG and create a steady path for rising talent.

Pros of the shift to TPP in PUBG esports

The shift to TPP connects PUBG esports with its casual player base and opens new gameplay styles. Here are the key advantages of this move:

• Accessibility: Many players prefer this perspective, making it easier for them to connect with the competitive scene.
• Creative gameplay: Players can explore different tactics, leading to more dynamic and entertaining matches.
• Increased viewer engagement: Following player movement and tactics is easier without the disorienting FPP camera.
• Support for fresh talents: The PPT supports grassroots players and rising talents through open scrims and cups.

Cons and risks of the TPP focus

TPP adds new opportunities, but it also creates risks for PUBG esports. These are the main concerns to watch:

• Divides resources and attention: It takes time, staff, and money to run FPP and TPP formats. This could spread the esports team thin or force hard choices about where to invest.
• FPP dominates the core competitive scene: Many pros and longtime fans still prefer FPP for its raw, high-skill feel.
• Weaken brand identity: The shift to TPP could weaken PUBG's brand identity, which has been closely tied to FPP gameplay.

Can PUBG’s PPT broaden without fragmenting?

The PPT has the potential to expand PUBG esports if managed well. However, careful community engagement is required to ensure that FPP and TPP players feel included. PUBG esports is working to connect ranked play with esports, promoting better gameplay. 

Other games have juggled multiple formats before. PUBG now has a chance to show it can do the same—and make TPP esports a permanent part of its identity. The PUBG Players Tour may be a gamble, but it could also be a game-changer.

Stay updated with esports experts and insights here

The Call of Duty League (CDL) 2025 Regular Season officially ended on May 26, 2025, with Los Angeles Thieves in first place. All 8 teams are seeded in a double-elimination bracket. Every match is a best-of-five, except the grand finals, which are a best-of-nine. Here’s what you need to know about them before you make a bet:

Los Angeles Thieves

Los Angeles Thieves is the favourite to win the Championship this year for having the strongest form in the entire roster. They were the winners of CDL Stage 2 Minor, Stage 3 Major, and Stage 4 Major back-to-back, and fans believe the Championship is theirs to claim. 

Betting angle

• Given their high odds to win, it’s better to focus on propositional matches when you’re betting on LA Thieves matches. Otherwise, bet on the potential dark horses like Miami Heretics or OpTic Texas on map winner markets. 

Atlanta FaZe

Atlanta FaZe is the champion of the CDL Stage 1 Major, beating LA Thieves in the finals in a close (4-3) match. They also have a strong form leading up to the CDL Championship with a healthy ratio of 7 wins and 3 losses in the last 10 games. They are a clear competitor for the 2025 CDL Championship title against LA Thieves, and a favourite in most matchups. 

Betting angle:

• Atlanta FaZe match winner outcomes are high-value bets against any team. Keep track of sportsbooks�?odds as soon as a fixture is available for the team. 

Toronto Ultra

Toronto Ultra has kept a consistent performance. Their match history is also strong with seven straight wins between May 4 to 25, the last of which is against LA Thieves at the Stage 4 Major 2025. 

Betting angle:

• Toronto Ultra is a strong long-shot match winner bet against the favourites, but only if they manage a 2-2 tie. Every map winner and match winner bet is a good deal when backing Toronto Ultra for in-play betting. 

Vancouver Surge

Vancouver Surge delivered strong performances in both the Stage 2 and Stage 3 Majors, finishing as runners-up in each. However, their momentum dipped during the Stage 4 Major, where they failed to make a top-four finish. 

Now, they face the dangerous Miami Heretics—a team known for upsetting top-tier opponents. Despite the setback in Stage 4, Vancouver Surge is still a solid contender and has a strong chance of making it at least to Round 3 of the tournament.

Betting angle:

• Vancouver Surge are great bets for outright markets like ‘to reach semi-finals�?or ‘to finish top four�? Matches in their fixtures frequently hit over 3.5 maps, so consider over bets on total map markets for in-play betting.

Miami Heretics

The Miami Heretics are one of the most exciting underdogs to watch out for in the coming CDL Championship. Admittedly, they have a low placement compared to the other teams, but they are giant slayers! They’ve beaten LA Thieves 3-2 in the Stage 4 Major and in the Stage 4 Major qualifiers. 

Betting angle:

• The Miami Heretics�?win streak is based on momentum. Match winner markets on Miami Heretics are always high-value bets for in-play and future.

Carolina Royal Ravens

It is difficult to predict the Carolina Royal Ravens�?fate in the CDL Championship, but it’s possible that they can reach at least Round 2. Their opening match is against the Toronto Ultra, so winning the first round is already a challenge. If the Ravens are lucky, they will face OpTic Texas in the losers�?bracket round one and have a shot to finish 4th place.

Betting angle

• The Carolina Royal Ravens always put up a good fight as underdogs, refusing to give the favourites a clean sweep win. That makes them great teams to bet on at ‘map winner�?or ‘to win a map�?markets for in-play betting. 

OpTic Texas

OpTic Texas has a stronger form than the Ravens, keeping their win/loss ratio at 5-5 in the last ten matches. Two of their wins are against the Toronto Ultra, back-to-back in the Stage 4 Major. However, they have not yet reached the same height that they reached in 2024, so this CDL Championship is their chance to return to form. 

Betting angle:

• OpTic Texas is a dark horse contender this CDL Championship, and you can expect to see some giant slaying from the team. There are plenty of opportunities for long-shot matches or map winner betting as the underdog in most matches. 

Boston Breach

Boston Breach is the CDL Championship underdog, but they proved that they can slay giants, having won against LA Thieves in the Stage 2 Major. The same active players who achieved that are facing off against Atlanta FaZe in the first round—a prime opportunity for giant slaying on the opening day. 

Betting angle:

• Boston Breach will have the biggest long-shot odds for match winner markets in betting futures. Place your bets early to take advantage of high closing line values to maximise payout even on a small ante. 

Know the teams to bet with confidence 

The Call of Duty League Championship 2025 delivers intense, high-stakes matchups, featuring some of the most thrilling moments in competitive esports. Stay updated with team performances, gain insights from live matches, and refine your betting strategy based on how teams perform on stage. 

Check out more esport features here at SportsAdda

The hyper-competitive world of Counter-Strike has many individual standouts. Amidst the top-tier players, two have stood out, which are Oleksandr ‘s1mple�?Kostyliev and Mathieu ‘ZywOo�?Herbaut. With their skill ceiling and dominance on another level compared to the rest of the Counter-Strike world, they created an era-defining rivalry against each other. 

Statistical consistency: S1mple and ZywOo were always brilliant

Both s1mple and ZywOo became top players because of their consistency when playing. They always found ways to outperform their opponents by getting a huge number of frags every match. At the same time, they consistently delivered and stepped up for their teams, which is why they now stand among the statistical all-time greats. 

Based on the popular Counter-Strike website HLTV, both players deserve the title of the best. In the website’s yearly rankings, both players have topped the charts, with S1mple in 2018 and 2021, then ZywOo in 2019 and 2020. 

Despite the metagame evolving through the years, these two players have consistently performed at an exceptional level. That is a testament to their consistency and skills in playing Counter-Strike. They have set the gold standard for Counter-Strike players, and are expected to remain among the top players for the foreseeable future. 

They always had spectacular matches against each other

A rivalry requires these players to succeed, which is proven by their Major victories. S1mple led Natus Vincere to the PGL Stockholm victory in 2021, which was one of the most legendary runs of any player in CS history. 

The same can be said for ZywOo when he led Team Vitality to a win at the Paris Major in 2023. It was a standout performance, which cemented his legacy alongside s1mple as the greats of modern Counter-Strike.

The two all-time greats are fantastic, but it won’t be a rivalry if they do not play against one another. They have played against each other many times, but the biggest series was at the BLAST Premier World Finals in 2022, which G2 Esports won and ESL Pro League Season 16, when ZywOo and Vitality narrowly won 2-1.

They shaped modern Counter-Strike

Beyond the stats and accolades, s1mple and ZywOo have had a lasting impact on Counter-Strike and esports. They have transitioned well from CS: Global Offensive to CS2, and they were the pinnacle of AWPers in Counter-Strike. The new generation of players once looked up to them as role models and are now competing against them.

This rivalry is competitive, but both players respect each other. It is always a clash between legends, which have elevated the game to great heights. While future star players will emerge, surpassing these two biggest names in Counter-Strike will be tough.

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The Dota 2 esports circuit has been around for nearly 15 years, as it launched alongside the game. Throughout those years, many special players have competed in Dota 2’s competitive circuit, but only a few players have stood out. Among them, Johan ‘N0tail�?Sundstein stands above all because of his unprecedented success and impact.

N0tail was a versatile player

During his career, N0tail played almost every role in Dota 2. He initially started as a position four (soft support) player at Fnatic but transitioned to the carry position after joining Team Secret and later OG. N0tail was always a game-changer in every position, including his time as a carry-mid hybrid in the first few years at OG, but most people know of his impact as a leader.

The last position he played was position five (hard support) when he served as OG’s captain. This was the most successful period of his career as he was the shot-caller for the team’s victory at The International 2018 and The International 2019.

He had multiple signature heroes during his time as a player, as he was an Io, Chen, and Enchantress specialist during his days as position four. However, he moved over to Meepo and Terrorblade when he was a carry, then Nature’s Prophet when he last played as a position five support player.

N0tail had a career full of iconic stories

Throughout his iconic career, N0tail was always a compelling player. At Fnatic, he was part of a team that succeeded in another game, Heroes of Newerth. They were outsiders, but they proved they belonged in Dota 2. When that project ended, he moved over to Team Secret alongside his Fnatic teammate Tal ‘Fly�?Aizik. 

That project did not end well, which led to the duo parting ways for a few months. They would reunite after The International 2015, creating OG. In the years after, N0tail and Fly led OG to multiple Valve Major victories, but not TI. That led to Fly leaving the team to join Evil Geniuses, but N0tail picked up the scraps and led OG to the TI8 and TI9 wins.

He is always a big name in the narratives about all-time greats as he experienced plenty of setbacks in his career. 

N0tail has a successful career to back his GOAT case

Despite all the setbacks, N0tail maintained his status as one of the most well-known Dota 2 players. The many victories at Valve Majors and TI made him the most successful esports player ever when it came to prize money. He is still unmatched today because of his achievements, which cements him as the greatest Dota 2 player ever.

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Esports has not been around for as long as traditional sports, but it has already delivered some unforgettable moments across various games. Some of these are considered landmark moments that have helped draw more attention to competitive gaming. 

Before diving into these moments, find out what makes a moment iconic.

What makes a moment iconic in esports?

Not every highlight goes down in history even though esports games are usually packed with exciting moments. For a play to be significant enough, it needs to be impactful to remain part of the ongoing conversation around the game. When fans discuss the game, that moment should be the first to come to mind.

One thing that makes a moment iconic is when it sparks a strong reaction from fans, as it captures the essence of what makes it exciting. It should be one of the standout examples everyone recalls when the game comes up in a conversation.

The Na’Vi Fountain Hook (Dota 2)

One of the most unforgettable and controversial moments in esports happened at The International 3 in a match between Natus Vincere and TongFu. This involved the Fountain Hook, an exploit that made use of Pudge’s Meat Hook and Chen’s Recall abilities.

Recall is designed to teleport allies back to the fountain, while the Meat Hook has a certain range where Pudge can hook enemies to him. With the Recall bringing Pudge to the fountain, it drags the enemy along to the fountain where enemies cannot escape from due to the fountain damage.

Na’Vi was on the verge of losing this match, but after using this tactic, they were able to turn the game around and win. That propelled them to reach the Grand Final where they would play the infamous series against fierce rivals, Alliance. However, this moment is not without its issues as many players around the TI player base argued it was unfair, but Valve allowed it to happen.

Daigo’s Evo Moment #37 (Street Fighter - FGC)

This is one of the most iconic moments that comes to mind when fighting games are discussed. At the most popular fighting game event in the world, Evo, Daigo Umehara pulled off one of the most impressive and jaw-dropping plays you would ever see. 

Down to a sliver of health, Daigo parried 15 hits from Justin Wong’s Chun-Li Super Art, which required frame-perfect precision and reaction speed. After the final parry, Daigo hit back with a combo to take the round and then the match. Wong could not do anything at the time, though he looks back now and laughs about it.

It is a moment remembered by many because of the incredible skills to pull it off, but also for the powerful emotions it can elicit from the audience. The fighting game community is one of the most passionate in esports, and that moment encapsulates what it means to be part of the FGC because raw talent, hype, and respect are part of that moment.

Coldzera’s jumping AWP play (Counter-Strike)

Brazil was a powerhouse nation during the Counter-Strike 1.6 days, but in the Global Offensive, they were lacking that star power. That all changed in 2015 and 2016 when Luminosity Gaming broke out as one of the best teams. It was further stamped during MLG Columbus 2016 when they had a moment that defined their dominance during that year.

That was when Marcelo ‘coldzera�?David was watching the apartments section of the Mirage map. When Team Liquid tried to break through his defence with his AWP, coldzera pulled off the impossible by getting four frags, two of which came in one jumping shot from his AWP. 

The AWP requires precision to deal big damage, but coldzera hits those shots without using the scope. He completely turned the tide of the series, as LG came back from 9-15 down to win Mirage. That eventually led to a series victory and them taking the tournament. Brazil would become one of the strongest countries in CS:GO, which raised the level for everyone else.

Faker’s miraculous play against Ryu (League of Legends)

Few names are as synonymous with League of Legends as Lee ‘Faker�?Sang-hyeok. While his achievements have cemented his legendary status, he was already pulling off some iconic moments early in his career. In 2013, SK Telecom T1 was playing against KT’s Ryu ‘Ryu�?Sang-wook and beat him in a flashy one-on-one play. 

In most cases, Ryu would win the matchup against Faker, but with pixel-perfect decision-making, Faker came out on top. He danced around Ryu’s abilities and punished him for extending too far from the safety zone. It was a perfect display of skill, which became more normalised with Faker through the years.

This moment played a major role in Faker’s rise in the scene, proving he deserved to be called a superstar. He went on to dominate the League of Legends scene in the following decade, eventually winning five World Championships.

The esports industry will continue to deliver big moments

In esports, there is always a fun match yet to be played—one that’s bound to capture everyone’s attention. As the industry evolves, the popular games now might be replaced by new titles in the future, which will bring their own legendary moments. It will be interesting to see many more iconic moments emerging and becoming a big part of why esports is popular in the future.

With all of these moments, it is fair to say that esports has become one of the most exciting parts of the gaming industry. From massive audiences in the stadiums and online, the enthusiasm for esports will keep growing. Esports is here to stay, and these iconic moments play a big role in that longevity.

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Chess will make its esports debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup, running from July 31 to August 2, 2025. However, its slow pace raises questions about its appeal to the fast-moving gaming crowd. They wonder whether chess can compete with action-packed games and earn a spot among esports�?biggest hits like Valorant and Dota 2. If you’re curious about its potential in esports, keep reading to learn if it’s worth the hype.

The rise of chess in the digital age

Chess shifted from a classic board game into a digital hit. Online platforms like Chess.com and streaming sites like Twitch made chess easy to play and fun to watch. The 2025 Esports World Cup will place chess alongside fast, intense games, testing how well it fits the scene.

While chess no longer feels like a quiet game for older people, it still faces a big challenge. It relies on deep thinking and slow moves. This format can make it harder to stand out in today’s fast gaming world.

What makes this tournament different?

Organisers know the challenge chess faces in esports. They chose a �?0+0 rapid format,�?giving each player ten minutes without extra time per move. This fast pace forces quick thinking and keeps games exciting to watch. 

Only 16 players will compete, including top stars Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. The prize pool is $1,500,000, making this one of the biggest events in esports history. Live coverage will include expert commentary to help viewers understand the moves. 

Can chess still succeed in esports?

Chess can succeed in esports, but it needs the right approach. Here are the key factors that can help chess grow:

• Match time: Fast games keep viewers interested and make the tournament exciting.
• Strong narration: Clear commentary and player stories help fans understand the moves and stay connected to the game.
• Popular players: Bringing in famous chess stars draws more fans and builds excitement.
• Broadcast style: Adding effects, sounds, and graphics makes the matches more intense.
• Online platforms: Streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and similar sites helps chess reach viewers worldwide.
• Prize pool: Large prize money and good sponsorship deals attract talent and raise the event’s profile.

What to expect next for chess in esports

The 2025 Esports World Cup will test whether chess can thrive with popular esports. It’s a fresh test for a classic game, blending mental strategy with modern digital entertainment. If chess keeps fans engaged, it could attract a new crowd.

This growth may bring more tournaments, bigger prizes, and new chess players. Chess stands apart from typical esports, but that difference might become its greatest strength.

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