eSports
Mercedes and Red Bull level on points ahead of F1 Esports Series Pro Championship presented by Aramco Event 3 as the title race heats up
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While we’re being treated to a World Championship battle for the ages in real-world F1, the F1 Esports Series Pro Championship presented by Aramco is matching it for drama with Mercedes and Red Bull going into the second-half of the season level on 140 points, as they fight to get their hands on a share of the $750,000 prize pot.
A hat-trick of wins for Red Bull in Event 2 was crucial as they look to retain their crown in the Teams’ Championship, whilst reigning Drivers’ Champion Jarno Opmeer continues to rack up the points for the challengers. Opmeer, who has had no trouble settling in to Mercedes, leads the way in the Drivers’ standings, but is coming under serious pressure from Lucas Blakeley, who is showing that his form in Event 1 was no fluke.
Event 2 saw drivers take on an iconic trio of circuits, but Event 3 sees them face more ‘modern classics’ as we head for Portimão, Zandvoort and the Circuit of Americas, with the competitors set to give it their all to try and go into the Grand Final in the best possible shape.
The live shows will be streamed online via official Formula 1 channels on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and Huya, as well as broadcast on television by select international partners including the likes of Sky, ESPN and Fox Sports, whilst Qualifying show content will be streamed exclusively on Twitch, YouTube and Huya.
Day |
Session |
Time (GMT) |
Coverage |
Wednesday 24 November |
Qualifying Show 1 |
15:30 – 16:45 |
Twitch, YouTube & Huya |
Evening Show 1 |
19:30 – 21:00 |
TV & Online |
|
Thursday 25 November |
Qualifying Show 2 |
15:30 – 16:45 |
Twitch, YouTube & Huya |
Evening Show 2 |
19:30 – 21:00 |
TV & Online |
Ahead of this week’s Event 3, we spoke with five drivers, all looking to enter the second half of the season with a flourish, with all quotes below available for use in editorial:
Brendon Leigh – Ferrari
F1 Esports has become bigger, it has become much more known and much more present in the mainstream media in the last few years. Of course, the depth of talent is getting bigger and bigger each year as more participants sign up. I know I’m driving the best I ever have done and the data behind the scenes proves that so I’m confident within myself and I’m confident that myself and David [Tonizza] will be regular fixtures on the podium and fighting for the championship.
Nicolas Longuet – Alpine
Event 3 has some of the trickiest tracks in the Championship. COTA [Circuit of the Americas] is really technical with the tyre temperatures and you have to keep an eye on managing the tyre temperatures, whereas I enjoy going flat out. Zandvoort is also interesting as overtaking is really tricky. Although they’re difficult races, I feel very good about racing them and look forward to the challenge.
Álvaro Carretón – Williams
Good vibes on the team are important as the mental side of driving is key. It’s probably more important to have confidence and to have the team believing in you. I believe Williams believe in me and I’m very confident here. We want better results and we will keep pushing and hopefully will improve!
Thijmen Schütte – Alfa Romeo
Hopefully I’m getting a drive in Event 3. Portimão could go very well for the team – it’s possible to do some great racing there, especially with the long straight. The track is fun to drive for all of us and I’m enjoying it.
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Asia
Valorant Added to Hero Esports Asian Champions League
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The HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier multi-title esports tournament hosted by Hero Esports, has officially announced the addition of VALORANT to its inaugural lineup.
Previously, ACL unveiled six game titles: Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Honor of Kings, Teamfight Tactics, Delta Force, and Crossfire. With VALORANT joining the roster, the total number of games now stands at seven, with more titles expected to be announced soon.
Through continued collaboration with the Esports World Cup, ACL has revealed that the champions of the ACL CS2 and Honor of Kings Tournaments will secure direct entry to the Esports World Cup. Further collaborations on the remaining titles of the ACL are anticipated.
The ACL VALORANT Tournament will be the only international-level VALORANT tournament held in China during the first half of 2025, attracting top teams from overseas. The Final of the event will take place offline in Shanghai. The event will use world-class production and cutting-edge live broadcasting technology to enhance audience experience.
The ACL is set to take place in the first half of 2025, with the Finals of the ACL CS2 Tournament and Honor of Kings Tournament scheduled for May. The ACL will have a total prize pool of $2 million.
Jonny Wang, CEO of the Asian Champions League, said: “We are excited to announce the addition of VALORANT to the ACL. Our ambition is to make ACL into a truly comprehensive tournament, providing a larger stage for players and teams across various competitions while delivering more exciting content for our audience.”
Danny Tang, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Esports, said: “We are pleased by the progress of the ACL and its ability to attract top teams and titles to compete across Asia. We look forward to the continued collaboration between Hero Esports, ACL and the Esports World Cup Foundation, which is testament to our shared ambition to shape and empower esports globally.”
The post Valorant Added to Hero Esports Asian Champions League appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Esports World Cup Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership with Tencent
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Partnership to drive EWC’s expansion in China, leveraging Tencent E-sports’ networks and expertise to connect Chinese esports with EWC’s global ecosystem
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) announced a partnership with Tencent, making Tencent E-sports the EWCF’s strategic partner in China to drive the expansion of the Esports World Cup’s presence in the region. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the EWCF’s purpose to unite global esports fans under one competitive umbrella and underscores its commitment to integrating the world’s most important and rapidly growing esports market into the Esports World Cup platform. The agreement was formalized at the Empower Esports Worldwide Series – The Esports Operation and Technology Session in Shenzhen, China.
The collaboration will establish a dedicated Development Team to enhance EWC’s visibility, engagement, and industry collaboration in China, while leveraging EWC’s and Tencent E-sports’ networks and expertise to connect Chinese esports with EWC’s global ecosystem. Tencent E-sports will provide marketing expertise, strategic consulting, and operational support to deliver diverse content and experiences.
“The Esports World Cup has created a global stage for competitive gaming, demonstrating its influence not only in China but across the world,” said Mars Hou, Vice President of Tencent Games and General Manager of Tencent E-sports. “Through this partnership, we are committed to elevating EWC’s presence in China and integrating our esports industry with the world’s largest competitive gaming event. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with EWCF to push esports forward on a global scale.”
“The Esports World Cup’s purpose is to create a global platform for esports and gaming fans worldwide, and investing in key growth markets for esports is a core pillar of our mission,” said Thamer Al Shuaibi, Chief of Staff at the Esports World Cup Foundation. “China plays a critical role in this vision, and Tencent’s leadership in gaming and esports positions it as an essential partner. By combining our expertise, we will continue to strengthen esports as an industry, providing new opportunities for Chinese players and Clubs, and bringing the best of the Esports World Cup to Chinese fans.”
Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool in a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together esports’ best players, Clubs and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports.
The post Esports World Cup Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership with Tencent appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
ESIC Implemented its Anti-doping Testing Programme at IEM Katowice 2025
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The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) implemented its comprehensive anti-doping testing program at IEM Katowice 2025, organised by ESL FACEIT Group (EFG). Conducted at EFG’s request, this initiative reinforced the commitment of both organisations to maintaining the highest standards of competitive integrity in esports.
ESIC’s anti-doping procedures, carried out in accordance with the ESIC Anti-Doping Code, ensured that all participating competitors at IEM Katowice adhered to globally recognised best practices. The programme featured advanced testing protocols, thorough monitoring and rigorous enforcement measures, all designed to uphold fair competition.
“At ESIC, our mission is to protect the integrity of the esports ecosystem. By deploying our anti-doping testing at IEM Katowice 2025, we reaffirmed our dedication to supporting event organizers like EFG in hosting competitions where athletes compete responsibly and ethically,” Stephen Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of ESIC, said.
Over the past few years, ESIC has administered more than 700 anti-doping tests at major esports events, including those hosted by EFG. This extensive experience further cements ESIC’s reputation for providing industry-leading services that prioritise player welfare, competitive fairness and a culture of transparency.
“Protecting integrity is paramount for esports, which is why EFG and ESIC are constantly working together to ensure fair competition. ESIC have proven themselves to have the experience, as well as an advanced system that provides the credibility and peace of mind needed at one of our biggest and most prestigious events, IEM Katowice,” Carsten Kramer, Director of Tournament Management at EFG, said.
The post ESIC Implemented its Anti-doping Testing Programme at IEM Katowice 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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