Mumbai, April 9, 2025 - S8UL will participate in five titles at the upcoming Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 7 to August 24. The organization has announced its participation in Chess, EAFC 25, Tekken 8, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends, with additional titles and team rosters to be revealed in the coming weeks.

The announcement came through a promotional video featuring S8UL creators and content creator BeYouNick, which has received over 3.5 million views across YouTube and Instagram platforms.

This participation represents a significant step for Indian esports on the global stage. By competing in internationally recognized titles, S8UL is expanding beyond regional competition to face established international organizations.

"Our entry into titles like EAFC, Warzone, Apex, Tekken and Chess represents an important development for Indian esports," said Animesh Agarwal, also known as 8Bit Thug, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL. "We're entering competitions that traditionally haven't seen significant Indian participation."

In preparation for the event, S8UL plans to organize activities across more than 20 cities in India, including content creation, in-person experiences, and opportunities for fans to engage with the team.

The Esports World Cup will feature 24 competitive gaming titles and will crown an overall Club Champion based on performance across all games. The event will include extensive space for fan activities and entertainment.

S8UL, which has previously received recognition at the Esports Awards, continues to develop both competitive teams and content creation capabilities from its headquarters in Mumbai, India.

The Esports World Cup 2024 featured 1,500 athletes and 200 clubs from 100 countries competing for a $60 million prize pool. The 2025 event will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The esports world has changed a lot in the last decade, going from a hobby for a few to a billion-dollar global phenomenon. The popularity of Esports can be attributed to multiple factors such as ideology, technological advancements, accessibility, and cultural acceptance.

The Evolution of Esports

Esports, which is short for electronic sports, involves players from around the world competing in specific video games, either individually or with teams, in a regulated competitive gaming environment. It is a buzz word that started in Korea in the late 1990s and exploded into a global competition with massive live tournaments and millions of participants and fans. Some games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite bring about high-stakes competition and million-dollar prize pools.

The global esports market size was estimated at USD 1.88 billion in 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of USD 26.8% from 2023 to 2030. This, combined with the rising number of live streaming providers offering a greater reach to audiences and a wider interest base, brought this growth. Streaming has played an essential role in tournaments and fan engagement globally, with major platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.

Growing Revenue Streams

The esports revenue model is varied, with core streams including:

• Sponsorships: Large companies are pouring money into esports to get to young demographics that engaged in digital entertainment.
• Media Rights: The increasing viewership makes media rights worth more money, leading to lucrative deals with streamers and broadcasters.
• Merchandise Sales: Fans can spend quite a bit on team jerseys and collectibles.
• Ticketing: Large crowds seen in live events generate huge revenues for tournament organizers.

Cultural Influence and Career Paths

Esports goes beyond its initial nature as entertainment, now serving as a very real career choice for tons of people. Now, with universities opening programs dedicated to esports, aspiring gamers can stay in school and train. Lucrative gaming careers have gotten some buzz lately, with professional players making solid money from tournaments, sponsorships, and stream revenue.

Additionally, the cultural ramifications of esports are profound; they have united fans where they engage not just as spectators but as participants. Social media has made it easier for fans to reach out to players and teams and ensures the industry's continued growth.

Expanding Influence of Wagering in Esports

The esports’ betting market has been experiencing rapid growth, which can be attributed to the full-spectrum rise of esports; experienced and new bettors betting on their favorite teams. Also, this development increases citizens participation and generates millions in taxes not only for the government but also for the states in which the esports betting is legalized.

Regulating esports betting is beneficial in terms of budgeting for countries recovering from the pandemic, providing funding whilst offering consumer protection.

E-gaming tournaments have evolved into a multibillion business, fueled by advances in technology and social acceptance. As more fans want to bet on e-gaming, the integration of esports into the global entertainment field further highlights a bright future for the industry.

Registration for Free Fire World Series (FFWS) Thailand 2025 Spring started on December 20, 2024, and will be open until January 7, 2025. The online Qualifiers will take place from January 18 to 27, and the Grand Finals will be held from January 28 to 31. The total prize pool for the event is around $14,468.

Teams will aim to kick off their Free Fire 2025 season with a strong start and win the first title of the year. Team All Gamers has already secured a spot in the event from the FFWS SEA 2024. The tournament will use a 12-point scoring system. The winning team will earn a World Series 2025 SEA Spring spot.

Avid fans can also choose to live stream these matches through betting sites like 1xbet, that allow you to not only watch the games, but also allows you to bet on some of them.

FFWS Thailand 2025 Spring In-game Settings 

Let’s take a look at the in-game settings for the event:

• Disable gun stats from weapon skins
• Enable the revival system
• Enable In-game Missions
• Disable In-match Quests
• Turn off the High Tier Loot Zone system
• Enable the rear camera angle after elimination
• Enable the same character view system
• Disable the display of character names in the game
• Turn off the Kill Feed report
• Enable a system to block the use of game emulators on computers

FFWS Thailand 2025 Spring Scoring System

Garena has kept the scoring system the same for the upcoming World Series. Below is the placement points distribution for each match:

FFWS Thailand 2025 Spring Prize Pool

Finally, here is the prize pool distribution based on rankings for the FFWS Thailand:

• 1st Place - $2894
• 2nd Place - $1736
• 3rd Place - $1302
• 4th Place - $1013
• 5th Place - $868
• 6th Place - $868
• 7th Place - $723
• 8th Place - $723
• 9th Place - $579
• 10th Place - $579
• 11th Place - $520
• 12th Place - $520
• 13th Place - $434
• 14th Place - $434
• 15th Place - $347
• 16th Place - $347
• 17th Place - $289
• 18th Place - $289

The Qualifiers will consist of five rounds, with the top 18 teams advancing to the Grand Finals. Garena will release more details, including the event schedule and map orders, in the coming weeks.

Each participant will aim to win their first regional event of the year and represent their country in the FFWS 2025 SEA Spring. The top teams from Southeast Asia will compete for a large prize pool.

>>> Read more: How To Get Free Fire Slippery Throne Emote

The wait is over! Registrations for the highly anticipated PUBG Mobile Frostborne Fury Event qualifiers are officially live. This exciting competition promises a thrilling blend of intense action, stunning visuals, and a unique opportunity for players to showcase their skills on a grand stage.

PUBG Mobile Frostborne Fury Event: Overview

PUBG Mobile Frostborne Fury event is a competitive series, giving both amateur and professional players the chance to battle it out in intense matches. With a frosted theme and immersive graphics that match the original PUBG experience, players must collaborate, strategize, and act fast to outsmart their opponents and secure victory.

This event is set to be one of the most exciting esports tournaments of the year, thanks to its amazing prizes and exclusive in-game items.

How to Register for PUBG Mobile Frostborne Fury Event Qualifiers

The qualifier registration process for the PUBG Mobile Frostborne Fury event is just a piece of cake and is open to all eligible players. Here’s how to register:

1. Log in to the official PUBG Mobile Esports website or click this link.
2. Enter your team name, player IDs, and contact details. Be sure to double-check everything before submitting.
3. After registering, confirm your entry to receive updates about the event schedule and rules through your Discord.

PUBG Mobile Frostborne Fury Event: PrizePool 

The PUBG Mobile Frostborne Fury event offers an incredible $10K prize pool, making it one of the largest tournaments of the year. As always, the prize money will be evenly distributed among the best-performing teams, with rewards for specific placements and individual achievements, including MVP awards.

The qualifiers will use a point-based system, where players earn points based on their performance, including kills and rankings. The top teams with the highest points will qualify for the finals.

>>> Read more: PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2024 League Stage: Week 2 Teams, Schedule & Theme Song

Week 1 of the 2024 PUBG Mobile Global Championship League Stage wrapped up yesterday, featuring Group Yellow. Over four days, sixteen teams competed for a chance to qualify for the PMGC 2024 Grand Finals. After intense action, the top three teams from Group Yellow have secured their spot in the Grand Finals. Keep reading for details on the teams, schedule, and more information for PMGC 2024 League Stage Week 2.

PMGC 2024 League Stage: Week 2 Teams

The second week of the PUBG Mobile Global Championship kicks off on November 7, 2024, featuring the teams from Group Red. Here are the teams competing:

• AlterEgo Ares
• Getso Roy Esports
• Natus Vincere
• FaZe Clan
• IW NRX
• NIGMA GALAXY
• Virtus Pro
• Falcons Force
• Insilio
• AS I8 Esports
• Team Queso
• Tianba
• Furia Esports
• TJB Esports
• Vengeance
• IHC Esports

>>> Read more: PUBG Mobile Honor Spin: Exciting New Skins and Rewards

PMGC 2024 League Stage Week 2 Schedule

Week 2 of the PUBG Mobile Global Championship will run from November 7 to 10, 2024, featuring the Group Red teams. Over four days, these teams will compete in a total of 24 matches.

The top three teams from Group Red will earn a direct spot in the PMGC Grand Finals. Teams that finish between 4th and 11th place in their group will have to continue competing in Week 4 of the PMGC. They will first play in the Survival Stage, and if they make it through, they’ll have one last chance to qualify for the Grand Finals in the Last Chance stage, where the final six spots will be up for grabs.

The PMGC Grand Finals will take place live in London, where teams will have their final opportunity to prove they are worthy of claiming the PMGC Trophy as the 2024 champions!

PMGC 2024 Theme Song: Flare Up

With all the exciting matches ahead in the next two weeks, fans should also stay tuned for the full version of the 2024 PMGC theme song, "Flare Up", produced by Christina Rotondo and LUMi. The song will be released later this month!

The Free Fire World Series (FFWS) 2024 Global Finals is coming soon. All the regional qualifiers are finished, and 18 teams have been selected for the Global Finals. The event will have three parts: Knockout, Point Rush, and Grand Finals. All these stages will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Knockout stage will happen at the Riocentro from November 8 to 17, 2024. The Point Rush and Grand Finals will occur at Carioca Arena 1 from November 22 to 24, 2024. Garena has not yet shared the total prize money for this important Free Fire tournament.

The 18 teams are divided into three groups of six for the Knockout Stage and will compete against each other over two weeks. The top 12 teams from the overall rankings will move on to the next two stages, while the bottom 6 teams will be eliminated from this 6th World Series.

FFWS 2024 Finals Knockout Groups

Let’s check out the three groups of the FFWS 2024:

The Esports World Cup 2024 took place in July. Team Falcons were the clear champions of the tournament. The Thai team won this event by winning a spot in the FFWS 2024 Global Finals.

Eight teams from the recent World Series SEA Fall have qualified for the Global Finals. Buriram United won the event with amazing performances. Twisted Minds and All Attack Around also stood out with impressive gameplay.

Fluxo has been doing well since the start of the year. The team recently won the FFWS Brazil. Pain Gaming, Corinthians, and E1 Sports also performed strongly in that event. These four teams from Brazil will aim to reach the podium in the Global Finals.

Six Karma, RETA, and CLG took the top three spots in the FFWS LATAM Points. WASK from MEA and Rezurrection from Pakistan secured their places in the Global Finals by winning their regional qualifiers. These teams have a great chance to show their skills in the upcoming Free Fire tournament.

>>> Read more: Get Ready for the Free Fire World Series 2024 Global Finals!

The Skyesports Finals League started on September 14, 2024, with 10 teams competing for a $10,000 prize pool. The tournament began with a group stage and will end with the main event to determine the champions of the city-vs-city league. Notable team captains include ScoutOP, Hades, Binks, and Vaadhiyaar.

Skyesports The Finals League: Teams & Captains 

The 10 teams in The Finals League, each representing a different city, and their captains are:

On September 9, the 10 team captains took part in THE FINALS Auction, where they picked their teams of six players each. The teams have a balanced mix of influencers and professional players, promising exciting and competitive esports action for fans.

Skyesports The Finals League Format

Mode: Cash Out mode

Teams: 10 teams

Stage 1: Regular Season

• Double round-robin format
• Top 8 teams advance to Main Stage

Stage 2: Main Stage

• IPL-style eliminator format

How to watch Skyesports The Finals League

Fans can catch all the action live on the Skyesports and The Finals India YouTube channels. The event will be broadcast in both Hindi and English.

>>> Read also: Get Ready for the Free Fire World Series 2024 Global Finals!

The 6th Free Fire World Series Global Finals (FFWS 2024) will take place from November 8 to 24 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The best 18 Free Fire teams from around the world will compete for a big prize pool. As of now, they are playing in regional qualifiers to earn a place in the tournament.

Garena hasn't announced the prize pool yet.

Free Fire World Series 2024 Global Finals Timeline

This tournament will be played in three stages: Knockout, Point Rush, and Grand Final. 

Knockout

From November 8 to 17

18 teams will be split into three groups of six for the Knockout stage. The teams in each group will play against each other in a Round Robin format. 

The top 12 teams with highest points will move on to the Point Rush and Grand Finals stages. 

The bottom six teams will be eliminated from the Free Fire World Series 2024.

Point Rush

From November 22 and 23

The top 12 teams from the Knockout stage will compete in the Point Rush on November 22 and 23. They will fight for headstart points to help them in the Final.

Grand Final

On November 24

The World Series 2024 Grand Final will include the top 12 teams from the Knockout stage. This big finale will take place on November 24, where teams will compete for a large prize pool. There will be six matches during the Grand Final.

In July 2024, the Free Fire World Cup took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using the same format as the upcoming World Series. The event offered one spot in the World Series Global Finals. Team Falcons from Thailand won and secured their place in the Global Finals.

WASK from the Middle East has also qualified for the Free Fire World Series Global Finals by winning their regional tournament. So far, only two teams are confirmed for the event. The other 16 teams will be announced in the coming weeks as their regional qualifiers are still ongoing.

Good news for Free Fire fans: the Free Fire World Series (FFWS) 2024 SEA Fall will be held in Indonesia, from August 16 to October 13. Eighteen teams from Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam will compete for a big prize pool of $300,000.

FFWS SEA 2024 Fall Schedules

This Free Fire tournament consists of three rounds: the Knockout Stage, Point Rush, and Grand Finals. 

FFWS SEA 2024 Fall: Participating Teams

Let’s take a look at the 18 teams participating in the Free Fire World Series 2024 SEA Fall:

Many teams from the South-Asian region took part in the Free Fire World Cup 2024 in Riyadh, where Thailand's Team Falcons won the championship. Since entering the esports scene in April 2024, the organization has secured two major titles, including the FFWS SEA Spring. The team will now aim to defend their title in the upcoming World Series SEA.

Evos Divine from Indonesia ranked as the second-best team in the World Cup. They had placed fourth in the last FFWS SEA and are expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming tournament.

Buriram United from Thailand is one of the best Free Fire teams worldwide. They finished fourth in the World Cup and third in the SEA Spring. Their star player, Moshi, earned the MVP title at the World Cup 2024.

How to watch FFWS SEA 2024 Fall

The tournament will be live-streamed daily at 16:00 WIB on Free Fire Esports' YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook channels. Each day will include six matches.

>>> Also check out: Free Fire: Battle of Morocco: Igniting the Moroccan Esports Scene

Garena makes history with the launch of "Free Fire: The Battle of Morocco," its first-ever national esports tournament in the country. This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for Moroccan esports, bringing competitive Free Fire action to fans offline for the first time.

Free Fire Battle of Morocco Prize Pool

The tournament kicks off with online qualifiers on August 5, culminating in a thrilling offline grand finale in Casablanca on August 24. Players from across Morocco will battle it out for three weeks, vying for the coveted champion title and a share of the MAD 100,000 prize pool.

“We are thrilled by the immense enthusiasm surrounding the ‘Free Fire: Battle of Morocco,’” claimed Eldwin Pradipta, Free Fire Game Producer, Garena Middle East and Africa. 

Pradipta mentioned that the growing interest shows the strong passion Moroccan youth have for esports. Garena is committed to nurturing this talent and providing a platform for them to shine. 

Free Fire Battle of Morocco Schedules

The Group Qualifiers will take place from August 5th to 9th, featuring intense best-of-four Battle Royale matches. The top 20 teams who emerge victorious will advance to the Playoffs.

The Playoffs, scheduled for August 16th and 17th, will host a thrilling showdown between the 20 qualified teams and four elite Moroccan squads:

1. Wask Team
2. Winners Esports
3. Fight Night
4. Top 12 

The 24 teams will be divided into two groups of 12, competing online in a series of four-round Battle Royale matches. Only the top 6 teams from each group will advance to the Grand Finals.

Free Fire Battle of Morocco Location

As mentioned above, the vibrant city of Casablanca will host the grand finale of Free Fire: The Battle of Morocco on August 24th.

Thousands of fans and players are anticipated to converge for this landmark event, which represents a major milestone for Moroccan esports. With more than 10,000 players already signed up, excitement is building as professionals vie for victory and a chance to represent Morocco internationally.

The PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) 2024 grand final will be held at the ExCel London from December 6th to 8th, according to James Yang, Senior Director of Global Esports at Level Infinite. Fans can witness the world's top PUBG Mobile teams compete live as tickets go on sale in August.

PMGC 2024 Participants

The 2024 PMGC will keep its usual format, but there are some changes to how teams qualify because of the new regional PUBG Mobile Super League (PMSL) series. 15 teams will make it to the championship: 2 from Japan, 4 from PEL, 2 from South Korea, the winner of the PUBG Mobile Rivals Cup S2, the PMWC Champions Region, and 5 teams that receive special invites.

In addition, 10 teams from Southeast Asia will qualify through PMSL SEA Fall and PMGC points. 8 teams from Central and South America will qualify via PMSL CSA Fall and PMGC points. 6 teams from the Americas will qualify based on PMSL Americas Fall and PMGC points. Finally, 9 teams from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa will qualify through PMSL EMEA Fall and PMGC points.

PUBG Mobile Metro Royale Esports mode

Level Infinite also introduced a new esports circuit focused on PUBG Mobile Metro Royale mode. First introduced in 2021, this PvPvE format tasks players with finding loot while fighting both other players and even AI opponents.

More details will be shared soon, and exciting performances are expected in this popular game mode.

>>> Read more: PUBG Mobile Metro Royale Chapter 21: What’s New?

Ever since its launch, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) has become a massive hit in India. Unfortunately, it was banned in July 2022 due to security concerns. Luckily for players, the ban was lifted in May 2023! After that, many skilled BGMI players and teams emerged, battling it out in tournaments to claim the title of "best". Here are 8 of the best BGMI teams in India in 2024! Let’s check them out!

1. Team SouL

Team SouL stands tall as a powerhouse in the Indian BGMI scene. Owned by gaming legends Mortal, Goldy, and Thug, this team has dominated numerous tournaments, proving their mettle.

Their trophy cabinet boasts impressive wins, including:

• The PUBG Mobile India Series 2019
• PUBG Mobile Club Open - Spring Split: India
• The Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series - Season 1

Fueling these victories are some of India's top players: MortaL, Sid, AMAN, Ayogi, and Mayavi. Additionally, the team boasts a fierce assault team with deadly assaulters such as Joker, Nakul, and Rony.

>>> Read also: Team SouL Revealed Their New Member SouL.Zeref

2. Gladiator Esports

Gladiator Esports is a name that strikes fear in the hearts of BGMI competitors. Formed just before the 2023 BGMS Season 2, they've rocketed to the top in a single year.

This team features a roster of esports stars like Kartik, Punith Kumar TS, and Zala Dharmdipsinh Ghanshyamsinh. Their dominance is undeniable, with victories in prestigious tournaments like: 

• The Nodwin BGMI Champions Cup
• India Today League Invitationals
• BGMI Masters Series Season 2
• The Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2023

3. GodLike Esports

GodLike Esports, founded by Omkar and Kronten, needs no introduction in the BGMI world. They've carved a niche as a dominant force, consistently bringing home top honors.

This formidable Indian BGMI team possesses renowned players like Suraj Nityanand Majumdar, Abhishek Choudhary, Jonathan Amaral, Gunjan Thakur, and Aditya Mathe. Their trophy cabinet is overflowing with prestigious wins, including:

• The PUBG Mobile Club Open - Spring Split 2020: India
• Gamers Without Borders 2020: Asia
• Skyesports Championship 3.0
• IQOO Pro Series in 2023

4. Team XSparks

Led by the iconic ScoutOp, Team XSpark is one the best BGMI teams in India, with the reigning champion of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2024! This team doesn't mess around – they're known for their aggressive, "finish-oriented" gameplay. They push compounds intending to eliminate opponents and secure the zone.

Their roster boasts some of India's deadliest attackers, including Sarang, NinjaJOD, and Spraygod. These names are practically synonymous with "MVP" thanks to their consistently impressive performances. But don't underestimate the leadership! Shadow7 is a force to be reckoned with as a skilled assaulter himself, guiding the team to victory.

5. Blind Esports

Blind Esports has emerged as a mighty empire in BGMI! Over the past year, they've consistently dominated the scene, racking up wins in various tournaments.

Their trophy case is impressive, boasting victories in events like:

• The Villager Esports DOMIN8R Series
• Skyesports Champions Series
• The Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2023

This team's success is fueled by the talent of popular gamers like Darklord, Aadi, Harsh, Skipz, and Jazzy. Their skills and teamwork have propelled Blind Esports to the top of the BGMI food chain.

6. Global Esports

Indian esports powerhouse Global Esports boasts a roster of top BGMI players including Arclyn, Iconic, Mavi, Beast, and Dark. The team has a history of impressive performances in tournaments like:

• The Ruthless Invitational Showdown 
• BGMI Masters Series
• SkySports Mobile Open 2024

>>> YouTuber SkyLord Joins 'Global Esports' As A Content Creator

7. 8Bit

8Bit dominates the Indian BGMI scene! This top team, featuring players Aditya, Ranadip, Surya, Ronak, Sarthak, and Mighty, has crushed multiple tournaments including:

Fight Night Pro Scrims

Ranbhoomi Season 2

Narzo 60 Series Presents UE Ranbhoomi 2.0

8. OREsports

The last place in our list of the best BGMI teams in India is OREsports, which consists of top Indian players like Sc0utOP, ADMINO, Aditya, Drigger, Secrett, Mac, and Ocean. Their dominance is undeniable, having secured victories in both the iQOO All Stars Cup (2021) and the 7Sea Invitational (2022).

>>> Read also: PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC 2024): Stages, Timeline, Groups & Teams

PUBG Mobile has created an exclusive outfit skin for the first PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC 2024). This special design was co-created with players through the Ptopia Design Project (PDP), a community collaboration program. The PMWC 2024 Violet Thunder Set and S12K Skin are now up for grabs.

The PMWC 2024 is kicked off by launching a brand-new PUBG Mobile World Cup outfit, created with player input through the Ptopia Design Project (PDP). This unique PMWC 2024 Violet Thunder Set features exclusive details celebrating the event. Incorporating elements from the new PMWC trophy, this outfit lets players honor their participation in this significant moment for PUBG Mobile Esports. More surprises and special events are planned, with additional details to be shared as the tournament nears.

The PMWC) will be held at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh later this month. This thrilling event is expected to be the highlight of the summer in mobile esports, showcasing 24 elite teams from across the globe competing in three groups for a spot in the Main Stage. The squads will compete for the esteemed PMWC title and a share of the remarkable $3 million prize pool. For more details about this event, click here.

>>> Read more: PUBG Mobile A8 Royale Pass: Awesome Rewards Await!

The first-ever PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC 2024) is set to take place this month in Saudi Arabia. 24 top-tier teams will compete in an epic battle royale for an honored title and especially, a staggering $3 million prize pool.

PMWC 2024 Stages & Timeline

The 24 top teams in PMWC 2024 are divided into three groups

1. Red
2. Green
3. Yellow

• From July 19th to 21st: Three groups will clash in the Group Stage. The top 12 teams will advance directly to the Main Stage, while the remaining squads will enter the Survival Stage for a second chance.
• From July 23rd and 24th: The Survival Stage will take place. The 12 teams that didn’t qualify from the Group Stage will compete alongside 4 wildcard teams from the PMSL regions. Only the top 4 teams from the Survival Stage will advance to the Main Stage, joining the 12 teams from the Group Stage.
• From July 26th to 28th: The top 16 teams will battle for the PUBG Mobile World Cup title.

PMWC 2024 Groups & Teams

Here’s the complete list of teams participating in the PMWC 2024 Group Stage:

>>> Also check out: Uzbekistan Takes Center Stage for PUBG Mobile Global Open 2025

After four exciting days of gaming at the League of Legends Esports World Cup (EWC 2024), T1 won the tournament by defeating Top Esports. Despite doubts from fans and experts about T1's abilities, the team did it.

T1's win at the Esports World Cup not only earns them $400,000 and a valuable trophy but also marks their successful debut in the first-ever LoL event at the tournament. This achievement is historic and will be remembered as a significant moment for T1 in the world of esports.

T1 - The Esports World Cup 2024’s Winner

When T1 lost to KT Rolster on June 29, in the LCK Summer split, the team was clearly struggling. They needed help adapting to the current League of Legends meta, losing team fights, and lacking their usual individual brilliance. As a result, leading into the Esports World Cup 2024, T1 wasn't seen as a top pick by fans.

However, everything turned around when T1 defeated one of the LPL's toughest teams, Bilibili Gaming. T1 displayed impressive resilience with innovative draft strategies like Zeus picking Zeri for the Toplane. They navigated late-game team fights skillfully and also triumphed in individual duels.

Next, T1 faced off against LCS' Team Liquid in a thrilling series. Despite being the expected favorites, T1 faced tough competition, with Team Liquid nearly clinching victory. Gumayusi and Oner delivered standout performances, contributing to T1's 2-1 triumph in the series.

In the Grand Final, Game 1 was completely dominated by Top Esports. Each of their five players performed exceptionally well, leading to a swift victory in just twenty-three minutes. This raised concerns that T1 might struggle against such a formidable opponent.

Against all expectations, and guided by Faker and his four talented teammates, T1 staged a remarkable comeback to win the series. Oner's decisive shot-calling and Keria's exceptional support play were particularly noteworthy in their victory.

In this tournament, T1 secured victories in the following series:

• Quarterfinal: 2-1 vs Bilibili Gaming 
• Semifinal: 2-1 vs Team Liquid 
• Grand Final: 3-1 vs Top Esports

Faker - The Esports World Cup 2024 Grand Final’s MVP

No one in the LoL community can deny the Faker’s talent and efforts over the past 10 years. In EWC 2024, this legendary player won another big international trophy and was named MVP in the Grand Final as well.

In the Esports World Cup 2024, all three teams T1 faced banned many of Faker's preferred Midlane champions. Tristana, a highly potent champion in the current meta, was notably unavailable to Faker during the Grand Final against Top Esports.

In the first game against Top Esports, Faker picked Corki but struggled in the laning phase against Top Esports' Creme. However, he bounced back by selecting champions like Ahri, Azir, and Yasuo in the following games, winning three in a row and securing the trophy for T1. The Yasuo pick in the decisive final game was crucial, as it effectively neutralized Creme's Corki.

During the post-game interview, he was questioned about how he managed to stay at the pinnacle of the LoL world after so many years.

"I think it's because I am trying to improve all the time. I try to be better. And of course, I have good teammates over here and the fans," he replied.

Gumayusi - T1’s Unsung Hero in EWC 2024

T1's unsung hero and consistent performer is their ADC, Gumayusi. His impressive champion pool and tactical movements across the Rift, coupled with his impeccable spacing in team fights, set him apart as an extraordinary player.

In the EWC 2024, T1 played a total of 10 matches, facing Bilibili Gaming and Team Liquid 3 times each, and Top Esports 4 times. Throughout these matches, Gumayusi chose a different ADC champion each time. His picks included:

• Against Bilibili Gaming: Kai'Sa, Senna, Jhin
• Against Team Liquid: Ezreal, Caitlyn, Sivir
• Against Top Esports: Zeri, Kalista, Ashe, Xayah

EWC 2024 marked Gumayusi's first professional encounter against JackeyLove from Top Esports in a League of Legends esports match. Despite this, with Keria's assistance, Gumayusi emerged victorious.

>>> Read more: Gurugamer’s Editor Pick: 10 Best Skins In League Of Legends

The world of eSports has seen an enormous surge in popularity and growth, with entire stadiums being sold out to watch finals of games such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2. 

However, as the industry evolves, there’s some speculation that eSports could soon be seen in less conventional genres. Let’s take a look at whether or not eSports will ever expand into other genres.

The Biggest Genres In eSports Today

One of the defining characteristics of eSports is the dominance of 3 genres:

Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Games

Have you heard of games like StarCraft II where you have to manage resources, build armies, and outsmart your opponents in real time? Those are RTS games, and they’re popular because they focus on 2 players at a time, with the whole game being determined by a player’s ability to manage resources, build armies, and outmaneuver opponents in real-time battles.

First-Person Shooters (FPS) Games 

When you think of FPS games, titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Overwatch probably pop into your head. They're huge in eSports because they require quick reflexes, tactical thinking, and precise aiming.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBA)

Some of the biggest names in eSports belong to the MOBA genre, including League of Legends and Dota 2.  They're a hit because they're all about teamwork and awesome gameplay mechanics.

Exploring New Genres

While eSports is super popular in some genres, it’s got huge potential in other types of games as well.

Casino Games

The world of casino games has huge potential to blend with eSports in the future. With their focus on skill, strategy, and chance, casino games offer a fresh take on competitive gaming. Casino games, if they enter the eSports field, could look like betting game competitions with the winner being the player who earned the most from their wagers.

Although casino games are not yet an eSports option, they’re extremely popular for players online. For players concerned about privacy, the list of anonymous sites grows by the day - allowing players to practice and play with privacy, and without having to worry about their personal information getting leaked. So for now, players can fine-tune their skills until this genre is catapulted onto the eSports scene and watch the top gambling streamers on Kick for inspiration. 

Auto Battlers

Auto battlers include games like Teamfight Tactics (TFT) and Dota Underlords. They focus mainly on strategy and could be popular with people looking for something less fast-paced than MOBA and RTS games. Auto Battler would be an interesting genre to add to eSports in the future.

Mobile Games

Mobile games have already begun making their mark in eSports, gathering a huge viewer base among mobile gamers. While eSports have been traditionally played on PCs, a shifting trend is showing an increase in players opting for mobile which may be what the future of eSports holds. 

Speedrunning

Speedrunning refers to the process of finishing a game as quickly as possible, with some truly ridiculous world records. Combining skill and timing, this genre could also make a big break, especially when two or more players compete to finish a game as quickly as possible.

Challenges For New Genres

While these genres have the potential to break into eSports, there are still a host of challenges that shape the direction of the eSports ecosystem. Let’s take a look at a few key challenges.

Regulations

Regulatory challenges regarding age restrictions, licensing agreements, and other hurdles have to be navigated carefully to ensure compliance and legitimacy in eSports tournaments, especially when talking about genres like casino games.

Player and Viewer Bases

One huge challenge that potential genres face is establishing a large enough player base and following to create a sustainable eSports environment. For example, in 2020 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive saw a viewership of 1 million people. That’s a huge viewer and potential player base that new genres will have to compete with. 

Competitive Framework

Game developers and organisers have to work together to design balanced gameplay mechanics, clearly defined rules, and game structures that are engaging for viewers, and fair for players.

Competing With Established Genres

While new genres have their fanbases, there’s still going to be competition with established genres such as FPSes and MOBAs. Creating games that have unique features and compelling gameplay is going to help games in new genres set themselves apart.

Will eSports Games Ever Expand Into Other Genres? 

While there are some challenges, the potential is definitely there. New games often come into the eSports world from time to time, so a new genre being included may not be too far off. 

As long as a new genre can make itself unique, fair, competitive, and (most importantly) interesting to watch, there’s nothing stopping any genre from breaking into eSports!

The world of esports is preparing for an exciting series of tournaments that promise to captivate fans around the world. Through eSports betting platforms, fans can watch games and place bets on match winners, tournament results, and action-packed gaming events. For example, as a fan of League of Legends tournaments, you can place a LoL bet on your favorite team or the outcome of the entire tournament and win money if you get lucky.

Major eSports Tournaments in Spring 2024

This season features a packed schedule of eSports events. Fans can look forward to 3 major tournaments:

• League of Legends Spring Championships
• CS:GO Major Series
• Dota 2 Spring Invitational

These events are set to take place in various locations worldwide, offering live and online viewing options.

Each tournament has a unique format. The League of Legends Spring Championships will continue with its double-elimination brackets.

The CS:GO Major Series will maintain its intense single-elimination format, raising the stakes for every match.

The Dota 2 Spring Invitational uses a combination of group stages and double-elimination playoffs to give teams several opportunities to compete and recover from losses.

What Teams and Players to Watch

This spring, several teams have already drawn attention due to their impressive winter circuit performances. In League of Legends, keep an eye on Bilibili Gaming and G2 eSports, known for its strategic play and resilience.

For Dota 2 enthusiasts, Azure Ray has formidable skill levels that could see them dominate the Spring Invitational.

As for Counter-Strike teams,  Team Spirit is always a fan favorite due to their outstanding skills.

How to Place Bets on eSports Tournaments

Esports betting, including popular games such as League of Legends, Dota 2 and CS:GO, has become an important aspect of the gaming industry. That's why online sports betting platforms offer several types of bets to players. Here're the most common types of eSports bets:

• Match Winner: This is the simplest type of bet. Players must predict which team will win a particular match.
• Overall Tournament Winner: Before the tournament begins, players can place bets on which team they think will win the entire competition.
• Handicap Betting: As in traditional sports, bettors can give one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage. For example, the stronger team must win by a certain number of points in order for the bet on it to pay out.
• Prop Bets: Players can bet on specific events in the game rather than the outcome itself. For example, you can bet on which player will get the first kill, which team will destroy the first tower in League of Legends, or how many kills a player will get in a CS:GO match.
• Over/Under Bets: Players can bet on whether a certain statistic will be more or less than a specified amount. For example, they can bet on the total number of rounds in a CS:GO match or the total number of points scored in a League of Legends game.
• Live Betting: Allows players to place bets on live matches. Typically, sports betting platforms display how the odds change in real time depending on what is happening in the game.
• Futures Betting: Players place this type of bet on outcomes that will be determined at a later date. For example, at the beginning of the season, they can place a bet on which team will win the league or championship.
• Accumulative Bets: These bets combine multiple selections into one bet. The goal is to win bigger payouts. However, for the accumulator to pay out, all selected bets must win.

These varied betting options allow fans to follow the games, support their favorite teams and win money with accurate predictions.

The last decade has been a major turning point for the esports market, transforming from a niche entertainment ecosystem to a global industry with millions of fans worldwide. Once relegated by mainstream sports tournaments, the esports market is now shaping the future of competitive gaming. That’s a testament to the immense potential that technology has in taking traditional sports to the next level.

This article unveils the current esports trends and looks at the near future direction of the market based on recent developments in the industry.

Top esports trends in 2024

The esports industry has grown by leaps and bounds both technically and commercially, aided by the rise of different trends and innovative technologies. These trends shaping the market in 2024 include:

• Augmented reality and virtual reality in gaming

When it comes to delivering an immersive first-person gaming experience, nothing beats virtual reality and augmented reality. As such, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games like Dota2 and League of Legends are likely to introduce AR and VR upgrades in the near future. Additionally, MMORPG games will significantly benefit from VR integration in 2024.

• Competitive multiple mobile gaming

With esports growing into a global industry and the rapid growth of titles like PUBG mobile, multiplayer games proved to be a prominent trend in 2023. In fact, game operators looking to leverage this trend are offering promotions like the BC.Game bonus code to mobile punters.  

Competitive multiplayer mobile games keep the players engaged through social interactions while bringing a sense of achievement to players. Additionally, more and more players are enthusiastic about making in-app purchases and paying to spend more time playing or watching a game.

• Generative AI in esports

In 2024, the iGaming industry will start realizing the impacts of generative artificial intelligence in different facets. Generative AI can transform the players’ experience, developing more believable NPCs that can interact with gamers without following a predetermined script. That allows game developers to deliver fresh content that matches the player’s behavior in real time.

The responsive and dynamic nature of generative AI uses exclusive language models to help players interact while on the go. Simply put, generative AI games can create content based on the explicit and implicit actions of the players, ranging from creating new elements to in-game characters and levels.

A look at the near future

The future of esports is looking brighter than ever, aided by advancements in technology and other factors. Advancements in augmented and virtual reality will continue transforming the gaming experience further, delivering immersive environments that put the viewers and players at the heart of every game.

5G connectivity will also play a key role in the future of esports. Its low latency and fast speeds make playing games more seamless and interactions are more feasible in real-time. Additionally, 5G integration will encourage further growth in the already burgeoning mobile esports segment.

Conclusion

Through all these exciting trends and tech developments, it’s clear that the esports industry is here to stay and it’s expected to reshape how people view sports, entertainment, and competition. The industry will continue creating a sense of social interaction and community, delivering an immersive experience to players and viewers.