eSports
got2b and SPORTFIVE embark on the next level with esports
The trend styling brand becomes the official partner of the EU Masters and opts for digital interaction with the gaming and esports community
After the successful entry into the gaming cosmos last year, got2b is now expanding its activities and enters professional esports for the first time: The trend styling brand will become the official partner of the EU Masters, the biggest League of Legends competition on the European Continent, next to the LEC.
The global sports business agency, SPORTFIVE, which recently expanded its consulting know-how through the acquisition of the esports agency build a rocket (BLRK), has again developed a campaign for the Henkel brand, got2b. Within the scope of this cooperation, SPORTFIVE and BLRK are responsible for the mediation, consulting, conception, activation and implementation of the partnership, as well as the related interactive Twitch campaign.
After a market analysis and consultation, SPORTFIVE already developed a gaming campaign in 2020 for the Henkel hairstyling brand, got2b: #got2ChangeTheGame. During the course of the analysis, it was determined that a high affinity exists between the got2b target group and the subject of gaming. The main aim of the partnership with the EU Masters is therefore still to approach and interact with the gaming community. In doing so, got2b is leaving its comfort zone in the beauty and lifestyle area and is addressing another relevant target group. The partnership and the campaign are focussing on the DACH region and further expanding #got2ChangeTheGame as a campaign.
As integral part of the campaign, got2b is collaborating with five relevant and individual gaming influencers and thereby creating digital live moments on the Twitch streaming platform, which are intended to motivate the community of influencers to have interactions. The focus is on a creative mixture of live streams, hairstyling and quiz elements that significantly integrate got2b into the gaming world. Furthermore, authentic product placements are planned, which cater to the gaming target group and give the community the opportunity to try out new styles that underscore their personality.
In line with the campaign, SPORTFIVE/BLRK have also created a dedicated landing page: www.got2bgaming.de celebrates its launch today and creates further attractive touchpoints for got2b fans from the gaming scene via a major raffle. Awareness, Purchase, Consideration: The goal of the cooperation between got2b and the EU Masters is to achieve interaction and engagement among fans and followers and to sustainably address an important new target group.
Rik Strubel, CMO Henkel Beauty Care, explains: “got2b is a rebel for bold, load communication and innovative products in our Henkel Beauty Care portfolio. Last year, in collaboration with SPORTFIVE, we were able to position got2b very successfully in the gaming community. In order to further expand our involvement in the area of esports, we are now going a step further: As a partner of the European Masters and in collaboration with streamers and gamers, we will succeed in inspiring the community with interactive and entertaining content. In doing so, we will showcase that everyone should style and express themselves just as they want and we clearly embrace diversity and self-expression.”
Karsten Bentlage, Managing Director with SPORTFIVE Germany Consulting, adds: “This intensified partnership not only impressively demonstrates the added value that the gaming and esports world offers Henkel and got2b as a communication platform, but also the power and know-how that build a rocket and SPORTFIVE collectively bring to the table. This cooperation will be authentically and creatively filled with life and new approaches in the digital world!”
Alexander Albrecht, Managing Director of build a rocket, says: “It makes us proud to take this partnership to the next level! After a successful start, Henkel is now taking the next step with got2b and becomes a strong esports partner. We are delighted to once again be able to create, implement and accompany the entire campaign in all its facets with our expertise and in close cooperation with SPORTFIVE.”
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8bit Binks
S8UL Esports Triumphs in VCSA 2026 Split 1: A Grand Final Masterclass
In a heart-pounding display of tactical precision and mental fortitude, S8UL Esports has been crowned the VALORANT Challengers South Asia (VCSA) 2026 Split 1 Champions. The victory came after an intense five-map Grand Final against Revenant Xspark, where S8UL emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, solidifying their dominance in the regional VCT ecosystem.
With this win, S8UL takes home the lion’s share of the prize pool—INR ₹9,00,000—and sets a high benchmark for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The Road to the Trophy
S8UL’s journey through Split 1 was a testament to their growth following the 2025 season. Their path to the podium included:
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League Phase Dominance: Consistent performance against seven of South Asia’s elite teams.
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Semifinal Sweep: A commanding 2-0 victory over Asterisk, showcasing a roster peaking at the perfect moment.
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The 5-Map Thriller: A back-and-forth Grand Final against Revenant Xspark that tested the limits of both skill and composure.
Strategic Growth and Leadership
The victory highlights the successful vision of Mithul “8bit Binks” Nayak, the driving force behind this revamped roster. Under the leadership of veteran captain Ganesh “SkRossi” Gangadhar, the team displayed evolved coordination and the ability to clutch out decisive rounds under immense pressure.
“Winning Split 1 gives us confidence, but we know the season is long,” said SkRossi. “I’m proud of how the team stayed focused in the crucial moments.”
Impact on the VCT Ecosystem
VCSA Split 1 serves as the critical pathway for South Asian teams to climb into the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT). By securing the first title of the year, S8UL not only establishes themselves as the team to beat but also positions themselves favorably for international qualification opportunities in Split 2 and beyond.
Animesh ‘Thug’ Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of S8UL, noted: “The team showed incredible composure in a high-pressure final. This result is a testament to the work they’ve been putting in behind the scenes. We’ve always believed in this roster.”
The post S8UL Esports Triumphs in VCSA 2026 Split 1: A Grand Final Masterclass appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
Esports Awards 2026 Returns for Global Honors
The Esports Awards is set to return in 2026, bringing together the global esports community for its annual celebration of excellence.
Scheduled to take place in North America later this year, the awards will honor the top players, teams, creators, and innovators who defined the past year in competitive gaming. Exact dates and venues will be revealed in the coming months.
Last year marked a major milestone for the Esports Awards, celebrating 10 years of esports achievements at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. The ceremony recognized industry icons such as Mathieu “Zywoo” Herbaut, iShowSpeed, and Animesh “Thug” Agarwal, while inducting six new members into the Lifetime Achievement in Esports: Class of 2025. Earlier in 2025, the Esports Awards hosted the one-off Decade Awards, which drew a global audience of 36.25 million live viewers.
For the 2026 edition, fan-favorite categories such as Esports Game of the Year, Esports Personality of the Year, Streamer of the Year, and Esports Team of the Year will return, giving fans a direct voice in recognizing the standout moments and figures in esports over the past year. Winners will be determined through a combination of community voting and input from the Esports Awards Panel, which includes seasoned industry veterans, broadcasters, creators, and professional players, ensuring both credibility and integrity.
In addition to the main ceremony, the Esports Awards Golf Invitational will make a comeback, offering a day of networking and friendly competition for industry leaders, creators, and esports competitors ahead of the awards.
Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards, said: “The Esports Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the very best in esports and gaming, and we’re pleased to return for 2026. Following the success of the Decade Awards and our 10th anniversary celebrations, we look forward to recognizing the individuals, teams, and moments that defined the past year in esports.”
Fans are encouraged to follow the Esports Awards’ official X account for updates on venues, dates, nominees, and voting.
The post Esports Awards 2026 Returns for Global Honors appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
THE ESPORTS AWARDS RETURNS IN 2026 FOR A CELEBRATION OF ESPORTS EXCELLENCE
- The Esports Awards will return later this year for its 2026 edition, taking place in North America and honouring the outstanding players, teams, creators and innovators of the past year in esports
- Last year marked a major milestone for the Esports Awards, celebrating 10 years of excellence at the HyperX Arena, alongside the one-off Decade Awards, which reached 36.25M live views globally
- The Esports Awards Golf Invitational will also return, bringing together industry leaders, creators and competitors for a day of networking and competition ahead of the main ceremony
- Full details on the venue, date, nominees and voting will be revealed in the coming months
The Esports Awards has announced the return of its annual ceremony for 2026. Bringing together the global esports community under one roof, the Esports Awards will once again recognise the players, teams, creators and innovators who have defined the past year. The ceremony will take place in North America later this year, with exact dates and venue to be revealed in the coming months.
Last year’s edition of the Esports Awards marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of esports excellence at the HyperX Arena in Las Vegas. The ceremony honoured some of the industry’s most recognised figures, including Mathieu “Zywoo” Herbaut, iShowSpeed and Animesh “Thug” Agarwal, while welcoming six new inductees into the Lifetime Achievement in Esports: Class of 2025 award. Earlier in the year, the Esports Awards also hosted the one-off Decade Awards in August, presented by Trevor “Quickshot” Henry, Jessica “JessGOAT” Bolden and Barney Banks, reaching 36.25M live views globally.
For the 2026 edition, fan-favourite categories including Esports Game of the Year, Esports Personality of the Year, Streamer of the Year and Esports Team of the Year will return, giving the community a voice in recognising the moments and individuals that shaped the past year in esports.
Winners will be determined through a combination of community voting and input from the Esports Awards Panel, a group of industry veterans, broadcasters, creators and players, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the awards.
In addition to the main ceremony, the Esports Awards Golf Invitational will return, bringing together industry leaders, creators and competitors for a day of networking and competition ahead of the awards.
“The Esports Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the very best in esports and gaming, and we’re pleased to return for 2026” said Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards. “Following the success of the Decade Awards and our 10th anniversary celebrations, we look forward to recognising the individuals, teams and moments that defined the past year in esports.”
Further updates regarding the venue, date, nominees and voting will be announced in the coming months. Fans are encouraged to follow the Esports Awards’ X account for the latest updates.
The post THE ESPORTS AWARDS RETURNS IN 2026 FOR A CELEBRATION OF ESPORTS EXCELLENCE appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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