eSports
Football for Friendship to share fair play principles in International Coaches Academy new online course
Gazprom International Children’s Social Programme Football for Friendship unites 211 countries and regions of the world. The programme invites coaches to complete a new online course of the International Football for Friendship Coaches Academy.
The International Football for Friendship Coaches Academy is a free online educational platform for which were created modules of practical exercises aimed at improving the qualifications of coaches of children’s teams and football classes all around the world. The course is based on the successful experience of work with the international children’s teams during various seasons of Football for Friendship. Its goal is to help coaches teach their students the psychology of training and communication with children of different cultures, races, nationalities, and physical abilities.
In total, over the period of the International Football for Friendship Academy’s existence, over 4 000 coaches have completed their education. The course was developed by the heads of the teaching process and coaches of the FC Barcelona Academy, experts of the FIFA and UEFA humanitarian programmes, representatives of Football Union of Russia (FUR), the Brazil national team, FC Delhi Dynamos, FC Zenit, FC Schalke 04, and football federations of different countries.
The new online course offers theory, practical exercises, recommendations on organizing the training process that encourages the principles of fair play, fairness, equality, that form the basis of the Football for Friendship programme. The educational course is free and available in 10 languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Russia, Spanish, Turkish.
“It’s very important for a football team coach to gain the trust of young players, to prove that they are themself committed to those human and sporting values that they are trying to convey. The International Football for Friendship Academy is a unique educational platform for coaches around the world: the methodology teaches the training processes, as well as the main principles of interaction with young athletes, and explains what qualities and values should be instilled in young athletes so that they can grow into adult professionals of an international level. I have no doubt that the Academy’s work will have a huge positive effect, both for the coaches and for the players,” notes Real Madrid and Brazil Legend, World Cup winner and 3 times UEFA Champions League Winner, Global Ambassador of Football for Friendship, Roberto Carlos.
The International Football for Friendship Academy is part of the new Digital Platform footballforfriendship.com, which has become the main venue for the programme’s events this year. It provides access to broadcasts, International Children’s Press Center materials, player ratings and championship tables, the schedule of the International Forum and the presentations of projects on the development of children’s football.
About the programme
The International Children’s Social Programme Football for Friendship is implemented by Gazprom since 2013. Over the previous seven seasons, the programme has united over 6 000 participants from 211 countries and regions and over 5 000 000 supporters.
Young Players and Young Journalists are the participants of the programme – boys and girls aged 12 including children with disabilities. Young Players represent different countries and cultures united in the mixed teams. They show that nationality, gender, and physical abilities aren’t a barrier to becoming a team. Young Journalists cover the events of the programme in the International Children’s Press Center. All participants become Young Ambassadors of the programme and continue to share their Football for Friendship experience and promote universal human values: friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions, and honour.
UEFA, FIFA, football federations and the world’s leading football clubs, international charity foundations, famous athletes, politicians, and artists support Football for Friendship. The project has received multiple national and international awards in the field of social responsibility, sports, and communications, including the world record for the most nationalities in a football training session in history.
In 2020, Football for Friendship will be held in the online format. A special digital platform will unite over 10 000 players of all ages. It will become the home for international children’s competitions and a playground where anyone will be able to train, join into the international mixed teams and play their favourite game in the Football for Friendship format without leaving the comfort of their home.
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Asia
IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur
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The World Esports Championship 2025 (WEC25) is officially open in Kuala Lumpur, welcoming athletes, fans, and delegations from around the globe. With 19 nations taking part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), this year’s event stands as the most internationally diverse MLBB competition in IESF history.
After a year filled with national and regional qualifiers and preparations from teams around the world, the world’s top esports athletes have arrived in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead, offering fans a first glimpse of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding this year’s championship.
“WEC25 reflects the continued growth of esports as a space for connection, competition, and shared passion,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski. “Bringing together 19 nations for MLBB is a milestone not just for the title, but for the entire esports ecosystem. We are proud to bring this edition of the championship to Kuala Lumpur.”
As the competition officially kicks off, the schedule is fully packed with exciting match-ups among Nations, competing for their flag and country. The best from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to become the MLBB World Champion.
IESF extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports, partners, athletes, and global supporters who continue to elevate the championship’s reach and impact.
The post IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
League of Legends Fans Flock to Munich for a Thrilling Edition of Red Bull League of Its Own 2025
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- Red Bull League of its Own 2025 saw Europe’s finest and global icons collide in a showcase of skill, creativity, and pure entertainment, marking another standout chapter for the one-of-a-kind tournament series
- Featuring some of the wildest matches ever played, highlights include G2 securing a huge 45-16 kills against T1 and Los Ratones facing off and beating T1 for the second year in a row
- MSI returned with its MSI Gaming Arena, joined by Sony INZONE as official headset partner and Herman Miller Gaming as official gaming chair partner
A new chapter in European esports history was written this weekend as Red Bull League of Its Own 2025 lit up Munich’s iconic SAP Garden, welcoming over 11,500 live attendees and countless online viewers for a full day of spectacle, strategy, and pure passion. The lineup read like a who’s who of League of Legends greatness – with reigning world champions T1 facing off against Europe’s most celebrated squads, including G2 Esports, Karmine Corp, NNO Old, and Los Ratones. Each team brought their signature flair, creative strategies, and unforgettable personalities, setting the tone for a day filled with unforgettable clashes.
Returning for its third edition, the one-of-a-kind event brought together these global legends and European fan favourites for a show built on daring play. For the first time, the stage was set in Munich’s state-of-the-art SAP Garden, transforming the city’s Olympic Park into a high-energy esports arena that buzzed with anticipation from the opening match to the closing moments. Fans were treated to a thrilling slate of best-of-one showdowns throughout the day, that kept the pace sharp and the competition unpredictable.
G2 Esports and NNO Old opened the event, with G2 coming out on top as attendees witnessed the team setting the tone for the day-long tournament with a huge KDA spike right off the bat. Match 2 saw Karmine Corp emerging victorious after a rigorous battle with Los Ratones, establishing themselves as one of Europe’s strongest. However, G2 pulled no stops showcasing why they are the leading European team in match 3, dominating the match against Karmine Corp and earning them the European title match.
Next came the clash of the titans which saw T1 facing off back-to-back against Europe’s best. G2 Esports vs T1 saw Steven “Hans Sama” Liv dropping 18 kills, resulting in G2 Esports slamming T1 with 45-16 kills in an unprecedented and shocking twist. T1 managed to scrape back after their previous loss, with Faker landing his signature outplays and bringing the team to victory against NNO Old. Then finally the showdown everyone was waiting for: the rematch between Los Ratones and T1. The battle was relentless and the most dominating, lightning-paced showmatches of the day, with 81 kills seen in 28 minutes. T1 countered with their signature flair but Los Ratones proved their might once more, driving T1’s base and closing the show in an absolute tailspin. Each match pushed competitors to their limits, celebrating the creativity and spontaneity that make Red Bull League of Its Own, unlike any other tournament in the scene.
Dynamic host Sjokz led the charge, guiding fans through every twist and turn of the event with trademark charisma and energy. The atmosphere inside SAP Garden was electric – a seamless blend of top-tier esports production, immersive visuals, and a fan community united in their love for the game. Whether watching from the front row or on stream, viewers experienced the full force of Red Bull’s commitment to pushing competitive gaming beyond the ordinary.
By the end of the day, Red Bull League of Its Own 2025 had once again proven why it stands as one of the most unique and beloved events in the League of Legends calendar. With moments that had fans holding their breath, the event captured the true spirit of modern esports – bold, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining. From cheering for their favorite pros to discovering new matchups and witnessing once-in-a-lifetime plays, fans left Munich with memories to last long after the lights went down, with anticipation already building for what the next edition of Red Bull League of Its Own will bring.
The post League of Legends Fans Flock to Munich for a Thrilling Edition of Red Bull League of Its Own 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
S8UL Esports Secures iQOO as Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 Rosters
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S8UL Esports, a global name in esports and gaming content, has onboarded high-performance smartphone brand iQOO as the Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 rosters. With this strengthened alliance, iQOO deepens its commitment to supporting India’s top esports talent while S8UL further accelerates its multi-title expansion ahead of a landmark competitive season.
iQOO has supported the growth of Indian esports for several years, working closely with top teams and major tournaments. Its continued association with iQOO SOUL, one of India’s leading BGMI rosters, has contributed to the team’s strong performances, including its recent win at the Chennai Esports Global Championship 2025.
Extending this support to S8UL’s newly signed rosters, the brand will equip athletes with its powerful, gaming-optimized smartphones to enhance their training and tournament preparation. As part of the partnership, the iQOO logo will feature prominently on the front of the team jerseys, and both rosters will now compete under the names iQOO S8UL Pokémon UNITE and iQOO S8UL MOBA Legends 5v5.
“iQOO has been with S8UL for a long time, starting with our BGMI team, and their support has played an important role in our journey. Extending this partnership to our Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 teams is a natural next step as we grow across more titles. Our focus at S8UL is to build strong, well-prepared rosters in every game we enter, and working with a partner like iQOO helps us give our players the tools they need to compete with confidence in India and internationally.,” said Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL Esports.

S8UL’s Pokémon UNITE team, led by captain Manmohan Singh (AllMight) and comprising Rahul Sharad Lavhate (Kyurem), Deep Patel (Snowyy), Adnan Badshah (Badshahh), and Rudra Narayan Nayak (ReX), is widely regarded as the top roster in the South Asia region. The team has claimed three regional championships in the last three years and has consistently represented India on the international stage at the Pokémon UNITE World Championship.
The organization’s newly signed MOBA Legends 5v5 roster arrives with a wealth of experience and an impressive track record across India’s community-led tournaments. The team includes in-game leader Mohammad Saad (Apex), Abhijeet Katkar (Abhi), Mehta Jay (J), Chirag Singh (Radium), Debasish Sana (Anti) and Anush N (Fear). Apex notably competed at the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2024 at the Esports World Cup, which featured a staggering USD 3 million (approx. INR 26.7 crore) prize pool.
The enhanced partnership with iQOO comes at a time when S8UL is rapidly scaling its multi-title presence. Earlier this year, S8UL became the first and only Indian organisation selected for the prestigious Club Partner Program of the Esports World Cup 2025, placing it among the world’s elite esports organisations.
On the content front, the organization recently won the ‘Esports Content Group of the Year’ for the fourth time in a row, while Co-Founder Animesh “8Bit Thug” Agarwal earned the title of ‘Esports Personality of the Year’ at the Esports Awards 2025, underlining the organisation’s unmatched influence across both esports and creator ecosystems.
By bringing two high-potential rosters under the iQOO S8UL banner, the organisation reinforces its drive to build winning line-ups across every title it enters. The newly branded iQOO S8UL Pokémon UNITE roster will be the first to step into action, competing at the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 – India from November 29.
The post S8UL Esports Secures iQOO as Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 Rosters appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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