eSports

Le Mans Virtual Series – Joint Venture Between Motorsport Games and Automobile Club de l’Ouest – Reveals Full Driver Entry List for the 2021-22 Season

Published

4 years ago

September 15, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The recently launched 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual Series, a joint venture between Motorsport Games Inc. — a leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world — and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (“ACO”) — the creators and organizers of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (the “FIA WEC”), announces today the full entry list for the 2021-22 Endurance Esports Championship.

The 38 team entries feature 177 driver names on the full-season roster list and include champions and prominent drivers from nearly all major motorsport disciplines, including Formula One, the WEC, INDYCAR, the International Motor Sports Association (“IMSA”), Formula 2 and 3, Formula E and Extreme E, GT World Challenge and more. Participating this season are open-wheel luminaries of motorsport, such as 2009 F1 Champion, Jenson Button, F2 racer, Jack Aitken, Formula E racer Sergio Sette Camara, current INDYCAR Championship points leader, Alex Palou and INDYCAR driver and 2019 INDYCAR Rookie of the Year, Felix Rosenqvist.

The Le Mans Virtual Series’ driver roster also contains some of the most exciting up and coming young professional drivers, including F2 and F3 stars Liam Lawson, Bent Viscaal, Victor Martins and Caio Collet, as well as female driver Beitske Visser, who races in the W Series and the WEC. The FIA WEC, 24 Hours of Le Mans and IMSA are represented by former champion Bruno Senna, plus former F1 stars Stoffel Vandoorne, Harry Tincknell, Will Stevens, Matt Campbell, Yifei Ye and many other prominent racers.

Demonstrating his racing versatility, Timmy Hansen – World Rallycross and Extreme E driver, will race alongside winners from Japan’s Super GT, the Super Formula championships and GT racers from all around the world. Rounding out the list of professional racing drivers is last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual winning line-up, who are reuniting for the Rebellion GPX Williams team to defend their title. Teams making up the rest of the grid include Team Fordzilla, Red Bull Racing Esports, Team Redline, Panis Racing, Team Project 1 and Team WRT, among others, plus championship and Le Mans-winning worldwide brands, such as Alpine, Ferrari, Porsche and BMW, just to name a few.

Joining this roster of esteemed professional racing drivers are elite competitors from the sim racing scene, including popular names such as Michi Hoyer, Bono Huis, Jan von der Heyde, Joshua Rogers and Kevin Siggy. There will be 98 sim drivers within the full 177 driver roster.

An overview of the driver roster construction and format is as follows:

Teams must submit a full-season roster of 4 or 5 drivers.
A minimum of 2 drivers must be FIA graded (or its equivalent).
The remaining drivers are sim drivers.
For each of the first 4 online rounds, teams will nominate 3 drivers from their full season roster 7 days before each race. Of these, one must be an FIA-graded driver (or its equivalent).
For the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual finale – scheduled to be held January 15^th and 16^th, 2022 in Birmingham, UK at the 2022 Autosport International motorsport show – line-ups will increase to 4 drivers per entry with a minimum of 2 FIA-graded drivers (or its equivalent). An additional 20 entries are expected for the live, televised event, with some of the most well-known motorsport names in the world due to appear.

Given the ongoing calendar uncertainty in real world racing, there is provision within the regulations to allow for the replacement of FIA-graded drivers if the originally nominated drivers are not available.

The combination of top level names from these two racing worlds competing on classic tracks, culminating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual – the virtual equivalent to the world’s greatest sportscar event – promises to deliver exciting and highly competitive endurance events that are guaranteed to thrill esports enthusiasts globally. For those same fans, running alongside the Le Mans Virtual Series will be the Le Mans Virtual Cup – an esports series where anyone with rFactor 2 can compete and earn the opportunity to secure a spot on the grid for the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual.

Supporting this year’s Le Mans Virtual Series will be some of the world’s most high-profile brands, including: Thrustmaster as Official Hardware Partner, Rolex as Official Timepiece Partner, Total Energiesas Official Energy Partner, Goodyear as Official Tire Partner, LEGO® Technic as Official Engineering Partner and Algorand as Official Blockchain Partner.

About Le Mans Virtual Series

Le Mans Virtual Series is a global, elite esports series made up of 5 rounds which bring together endurance racing and sim racing’s top teams to compete on some of the world’s most famous racetracks. International FIA-licensed real-world drivers are teamed up with leading esports protagonists to take on endurance classics for a total prize fund of US$250,000, culminating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual which will take place live and televised at the Autosport Show International at the Birmingham, UK. The Le Mans Virtual Series is a joint venture between leading racing game developer, publisher and esports ecosystem provider of official motorsport racing series throughout the world, Motorsport Games, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (“ACO”) – the creator and organizer of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and promoter of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC).

Round 1: 4 Hours of Monza, Italy September 25, 2021 Online only

Round 2: 6 Hours of Spa, Belgium October 16, 2021 Online only

Round 3: 8 Hours of Nürburgring, Germany November 13, 2021 Online only

Round 4: 6 Hours of Sebring, USA December 18, 2021 Online only

Round 5: 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual January 15/16, 2022 ASI, Birmingham, UK

Anushka Bhatnagar

From Rolling Loud to Riot Games: How 2025 Became the Year of Indian Gaming

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

from-rolling-loud-to-riot-games:-how-2025-became-the-year-of-indian-gaming

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: India has long been a mobile-first gaming market (thanks to PUBG Mobile/BGMI). But 2025 proved that PC esports is not dead; in fact, it’s thriving culturally. Riot’s ability to integrate VALORANT into mainstream Indian youth culture—from “topper” billboards on exam result day to hip-hop festivals—is a masterclass in localized marketing. The success of S8UL Esports in League of Legends also signals that South Asia is finally ready to compete in global Tier 1 events.

The Full Story

Riot Games has released a retrospective on 2025, describing it as the year gaming in South Asia “didn’t feel tucked away anymore,” but rather became an unmistakable part of mainstream culture.

From filled cafés during watch parties to billboards featuring “inside jokes” from voice comms, the publisher’s year was defined by a massive surge in engagement across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan.

The Competitive Surge: LoL and VALORANT The year began with the launch of Legends Ascend South Asia, a structured pathway for League of Legends talent that the region had been demanding. Ninety-five teams competed, culminating in S8UL Esports lifting the trophy and qualifying for the LCP Wild Card Playoffs—placing South Asian talent directly into the global conversation.

Simultaneously, PC esports found its footing in India through VALORANT Challengers South Asia.

The Numbers: The circuit recorded over 103 million live and non-live views throughout the season.
The Finals: The LAN event peaked at 50,000 concurrent viewers, proving that the appetite for PC tactical shooters remains fierce in a mobile-dominated region.

Cultural Crossovers: V5 and Rolling Loud Midway through the year, VALORANT celebrated its fifth anniversary (V5) with a campaign deeply rooted in Indian student culture.

“VAL Toppers”: On JEE results day (a major academic milestone in India), Riot reimagined the traditional “exam topper” billboards to celebrate Radiant-ranked players, sparking a viral conversation.
Rolling Loud India: In November, gaming met hip-hop. Riot integrated VALORANT into one of the world’s largest hip-hop festivals, with karaoke pods and gaming zones operating alongside performances by Wiz Khalifa and Central Cee.

Management Commentary Anushka Bhatnagar, Publishing Lead for Riot Games India & South Asia, reflected on the shift:

“2025 felt like a year when India’s gaming and esports landscape stepped into the centre of cultural conversation. VALORANT turning five reminded us how deeply the community here has shaped the game. From grassroots watch parties to moments like Rolling Loud, the ecosystem grew with a confidence that felt distinctly homegrown.”

Grassroots Momentum Beyond the flash of festivals, the year was sustained by community energy. College events introduced first-time players to the ecosystem, while local watch parties turned malls into pop-up arenas, ensuring that the growth of South Asian gaming was built “together” rather than just broadcast from above.

The post From Rolling Loud to Riot Games: How 2025 Became the Year of Indian Gaming appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

CS2

GG.RECAP 2025: How GG.BET Bridged the Gap Between Football and CS2

Published

2 days ago

December 22, 2025

Wladimir P.

ggrecap-2025:-how-gg.bet-bridged-the-gap-between-football-and-cs2

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: While many operators treat sports and esports as separate silos, GG.BET spent 2025 actively dismantling that wall. Their strategy isn’t just about slapping logos on jerseys; it’s about content crossovers. Events like the “Match of LeGGends”—where pro footballers played Counter-Strike against NAVI—demonstrate a sophisticated understanding that the modern bettor is often a hybrid fan. This cross-pollination strategy is likely the future of betting marketing.

The Full Story

GG.BET, the international betting brand, has released a comprehensive video recap of its 2025 activity, showcasing a year defined by major traditional sports sponsorships and innovative projects that blurred the lines between the pitch and the server.

The recap, which details the operator’s expansion in both the sports and esports verticals, highlights a strategy built on immersive content rather than passive branding.

Traditional Sports: Boxing and Football In the world of traditional sports, GG.BET secured high-visibility partnerships. The brand served as the official partner for the heavyweight clash between Usyk and Dubois II, executing a global media campaign at Wembley Stadium.

In Ukraine, a key licensed market for the brand, GG.BET solidified its football presence by signing a three-year contract with the legendary FC Dynamo Kyiv, alongside sponsorships of FC Polissya and FC Zorya.

The “Dynamo 3.0” Campaign: To celebrate Dynamo Kyiv’s 30th championship, GG.BET hosted a “star-studded” press event featuring a short film on the team’s history, custom jerseys, and fan-centric activations, moving beyond standard sponsorship duties.

Esports Innovation: Mapping the Industry GG.BET continued to lead in its native esports territory. A standout project was the launch of the Interactive Esports Map in collaboration with Esports Charts. This tool provides users with retrospective data on global esports trends, including regional top disciplines and prize fund statistics.

The brand also focused on industry education, organizing the “Ukraine in Esports: Myth vs Fact” panel at the SBC Summit Ukraine and curating a unique “Esports Museum” to display legendary trophies and history.

Blurring the Lines: The “Match of LeGGends” Perhaps the most distinct initiative of 2025 was the “Match of LeGGends: Server Derby.” This crossover show match saw the current NAVI Counter-Strike 2 roster face off against footballers from Dynamo Kyiv inside the game server.

The Format: GG.BET designed unique game modes and special rules for the event, which was streamed with commentary from major figures in sports and entertainment. The project successfully introduced traditional sports fans to esports mechanics and vice versa.

Industry Recognition The efficacy of this hybrid communication strategy was acknowledged by the wider industry, with GG.BET securing the Operator of the Year in CEE title at the EGR Global Europe Awards 2025.

The post GG.RECAP 2025: How GG.BET Bridged the Gap Between Football and CS2 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

eSports

TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER

Published

6 days ago

December 18, 2025

Wladimir P.

team-vitality-run-it-back-for-their-2026-lec-roster

Team Vitality is kicking off the new LEC season with renewed energy and a hunger to prove themselves on the international stage.
With superstar mid laner Marek “Humanoid” Brázda joining the lineup, alongside the support of an experienced coaching staff, the club is confident in its ability to compete at the highest level in 2026.
The squad’s goal is straightforward: become a top team in the LEC and qualify for Worlds in North America next year.
Next year marks a new chapter in the club’s long-term strategy to develop and elevate European talent, creating an environment built to deliver results.

Team Vitality is proud to present its new LEC roster for 2026. Throughout the upcoming season, the club aims to build on its existing core and further develop the team’s talent, while welcoming a new mid laner and a strategic Head Coach to elevate performance.

BACK WITH NEW FIREPOWER

The stage is set, and Team Vitality returns to the LEC more determined than ever. At the heart of this ambitious new roster is Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan, the Turkish superstar top laner, who will anchor the team. With the roster built around his talent, communication, and leadership, Team Vitality aims to make a deep run and achieve its first EMEA title.

Roster composition

Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan (Turkish) – 20 years old: The centrepiece of Team Vitality’s project, Naak Nako is an incredibly talented player known for his versatility and impact. A former high-level volleyball player, he began his professional League of Legends career in 2022 with Fenerbahce. Team Vitality then picked him up in December 2023, spent a year developing in the academy, and promoted him to the main roster, bringing both potential and dedication to the LEC squad.

Linas “Lyncas” Nauncikas (Lithuanian) – 21 years old: The hardworking engine of Team Vitality, Lyncas brings his relentless drive and consistency to the refreshed roster. Having played for several teams in the ERL and EMEA Masters, he was recruited by Team Vitality in May 2024. Now entering his third year in the LEC, Lyncas combines experience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the league to power the team’s 2026 ambitions.

Marek “Humanoid” Brázda (Czech) – 25 years old: A veteran of the LEC scene and one of its most consistent mid laners over the past five years, Humanoid is repeatedly ranked among the league’s top 3 midlaners and has qualified for Worlds multiple times with rosters such as Fnatic and MAD Lions. Joining the Hive, Humanoid reunites with longtime teammate and fellow Czech Carzzy, bringing renewed motivation, experience, and leadership that the club hopes will translate into success and lead them to the Worlds stage.

Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság (Czech) – 23 years old: Consistently recognised as one of Europe’s best ADCs, Carzzy enters his seventh LEC year with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, having previously lifted three LEC trophies with MAD Lions. He brings a great personality as well as undeniable skill to Team Vitality. This season, he looks to flourish alongside his new teammate Humanoid, building strong synergy and impact in the hopes of bringing the teams to new heights.

Kadir “Fleshy” Kemiksiz (Turkish) – 24 years old: Having played for Vitality.Bee for seven months, Fleshy was promoted to the main roster last year ahead of the Summer Split. He quickly made his mark in the scene by bringing stability and reliable performances to the bot lane, leaving a strong impression on fans and teammates alike. Now entering his first full year in the LEC, Fleshy is ready to fully prove himself and make a lasting impact on Team Vitality’s road to Worlds.

Coaching staff

Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum (Danish) – Head Coach: A competitor through and through, Pad brings a lifelong passion for sports, having previously competed at a high level in football. He has been a coach in League of Legends since 2017, taking his first steps into the LEC with MAD Lions in 2020. Joining Team Vitality in December 2023 alongside Head Coach Mac, Pad is now taking the next step in his career as the team’s Head Coach, ready to lead Team Vitality to new heights with his experience, discipline, and vision.

Danusch “Arvindir” Fischer (German) – Strategic Coach: An ambitious coach, Arvindir began his career in professional League of Legends as an analyst for top LEC organisations, including SK Gaming and Splyce, before transitioning into coaching. He has worked across all the major ERL leagues, including a 3.5-year tenure at BIG, before moving on to KOI and Team BDS Academy, where he led the team to victory in the 2024 EMEA Masters Summer Split. Joining Team Vitality in 2025 as the Head Coach of the LFL roster, he has proven his worth in developing Vitality.Bee, and has now been promoted to Strategic Coach of the LEC team.

Luka “Lukezy” Trumbić (Croatian) – Assistant Coach: Lukezy has been involved in competitive League of Legends since 2014, initially as a semi-pro player before transitioning to coaching in 2023. He has previously worked with UCAM and NNO, gaining valuable experience across several competitive environments. Joining Team Vitality in December 2024, Lukezy now enters his second LEC season as the team’s Assistant Coach, where he has a hands-on role in player development.

”The addition of Marek to the roster reflects our strategic ambitions for the upcoming LEC season. Over the past 18 months, we have focused on developing Lynacs and Naak, making 2026 a key performance year for the team. We are confident that we now have all the pieces in place to compete for the top positions in LEC. While this season will be decisive, our team thrives under pressure, positioning us well to meet the challenge.” explains Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum, Head Coach of the team.

A NEW ERA BEGINS

With a clear goal in mind of reaching the international stage, Team Vitality enters 2026 determined to make this its breakthrough season. The team’s mission is bold, yet simple: establish itself as a top contender in each LEC split and secure qualification to Worlds. The organisation is committed to elevating European talent and building a team capable of competing at the highest level.

“We are building on the momentum from 2025, with results continuing to improve. We’ve added experience and an X-factor in a key position, in the hope that this will serve as a catalyst to confirm the potential of the young players we backed last year. We are confident that they can demonstrate that European talent is capable of competing for the qualifying spots at the World Championships.” says Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and co-founder of Team Vitality.

See you at the LEC 2026 Versus tournament in Berlin, starting on January 17th for the beginning of the competition!

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