Le Mans Virtual Series, 500 Miles of Sebring– Post Race Report

Published

4 years ago

December 20, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The 500 Miles of Sebring, the fourth of five rounds of the Le Mans Virtual Series, kicked off Saturday 18th December with 114 drivers across the LMP2 and GTE classes taking to the start line. Star drivers including the likes of ex-F1 and IndyCar star Felix Rosenqvist who battled against the bumps of the infamously challenging circuit as the last opportunity to display their skill, experience and knowledge ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual final in January.
Conditions were clear in Florida, and all eyes on team strategy with the race being run to 500 miles instead of a set time on the Sebring International Raceway, with some cars including #966 Team Fordzilla pitting early after firing up the grid in the opening laps. James Baldwin in the #49 YAS Heat also pitted early to fit new soft compound tyres that largely paid off as the car continued to set purple sectors throughout and eventually recorded the race’s fastest lap time with Isaac Gillissen at the helm.

In the LMP Classification, the race began with Erhan Jajovski in the #8 R8G Esports leading the grid in pole position, and initial skirmishes saw the pack leaders still largely intact, with the #22 GPX Rebellion Williams driven by Marcell Csincsik on the hunt in second. Drama occurred on lap 38, after the then-championship-leading #123 Team Redline received a drive-through penalty for causing a collision with the #888 TESLA R8G Esports GTE amid packed traffic, dropping the car down the rankings and away from the podium. With the Le Mans Virtual Series championship at stake, the team produced an impressive comeback performance to finish in sixth place and only drop to second in the championship rankings.
The top three entered a tense battle going into the final third of the race, with tremendous driving from third-place Nikodem Wisniewski in the #1 Rebellion GPX Esports, who produced a quick double-overtake to assume the lead for the first time. Having dropped down to third, catastrophe struck #22 GPX Rebellion Williams driver David Pittard when he hit the barriers on lap 106 and lost the car’s rear wing to force an unexpected visit to the pits and plummet down the rankings. The #1 Rebellion GPX Esports car continued to extend its lead at the front of the pack, eventually taking its first win of the championship. The #8 R8G Esports crossed the line in second, with the #70 Realteam Hydrogen Redline rounding out the podium in third. The #10 MAHLE RACING TEAM quietly had a blistering race and soared up the rankings, securing fifth behind #4 Floyd ByKolles-Burst.

Over in the LMGTE Classification, the #71 BMW Team Redline and driver Kevin Siggy took pole position on the grid, but was quickly overtaken by Joshua Rogers in the #92 Porsche Esports Team, with the other #91 Porsche Esports Team close behind as the three battled for first for most of the race. After the halfway mark on lap 83 the #51 FDA Esports Team’s Ferrari – which was surging up the standings – was at the centre of drama. Struck by #55 BMW Team GB, the Ferrari then spun out and made contact with the #65 Panis Racing LMP, triggering drive through penalties for both GTEs.
In the end, the #71 BMW Team Redline’s unique fuel saving strategy worked to dramatic effect as the BMW M8 eventually secured a dominant win over its Porsche rivals, who were forced to refuel more. The #91 Porsche Esports Team finished some way off in second, while the #88 Proton Competition secured the final podium place place after a time penalty for Nestor Garcia – who had stayed in the car for too long – meant the #111 Red Bull Racing Esports car dropped from third to seventh.

Isaac Gillissen for #49 YAS Heat recorded the fastest lap time in the LMP2 Classification, with a blistering 1:45.341 on the 132nd lap during a tense battle against Bono Huis in the #123 Team Redline. In the LMGTE Classification, Dayne Warren for Proton Competition secured the fastest lap, recording an impressive 1:57.835 in the 30th lap.
Augustin Canapino from GPX Rebellion Williams said: “It was a great job from everyone on the team and I enjoyed every lap of the race. It was a great drive from Niko [Wisniewski] to finish so strongly and now the car is in a really good position to fight for the championship in the final round.
Rudy van Buren from BMW Team Redline, said: “We felt our strategy was very sensible and thought others would adopt that to make it closer. It was a great race and our preparation paid off…This week we’ll get going at [the Le Mans 24], and set ourselves up to be as good as we can be for it.”

Sebring presented the final challenge to teams and drivers before the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual race, which will be held entirely online on January 15/16, 2022.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Red Bull Home Ground Heads to New York this November

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

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Red Bull Home Ground, the pro VALORANT invitational, is set to make its return with a blockbuster fifth edition, bringing together the world’s top teams to New York City, for one of the most exciting showcases in the esports calendar. From November 13–16, the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan Center will host four electrifying days of competition, as global giants and rising stars fight to claim the title of 2025 off-season champions.

This year, Red Bull Home Ground will feature a stacked lineup of elite contenders. Returning champions T1 are ready to defend their crown, joined by two-time VCT Global Event winners Fnatic and fan-favourites G2 Esports, Sentinels, and ZETA DIVISION. Joining these giants will be the two top teams who earn their place through the Play-In Stage and an additional team to be revealed – a gauntlet of global qualifiers open to all in India, USA, Spain, Turkey, Chile, Egypt, Belgium, Germany, South Africa, Netherlands, Japan, and EMEA qualifiers, giving players around the world the chance to earn a spot to go against the best-of-the-best on the main stage. The final main stage slot will be revealed at a later date.

For the first time, the Red Bull Home Ground World Final will be hosted in the United States, taking place at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. Known for its grand Beaux-Arts architecture and storied history hosting icons like The Grateful Dead and Guns N’ Roses, the venue offers a perfect blend of classic New York legacy and modern spectacle for this high-stakes tournament. The action kicks off on November 13-14, with both days dedicated exclusively to the Play-in stage and the opening stages of the competition. For fans eager to experience the action live, tickets for the public main stage event on November 15-16 are available for purchase via Ticketmaster.

At last year’s Red Bull Home Ground in Berlin, fans were treated to an unforgettable grand final as T1 stormed to victory over Cloud9, clinching the championship title with a dominant 3-1 series. With every edition, Red Bull Home Ground has elevated the VALORANT off-season calendar, known for its fast-paced format, jaw-dropping plays, and international flair. Red Bull Home Ground continues to be a staple tournament for pro teams looking to compete against the best competition and for fans ready to witness thrilling match-ups.

The post Red Bull Home Ground Heads to New York this November appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

BLAST.TV AUSTIN MAJOR 2025

TEAM VITALITY WINS THE BLAST.TV AUSTIN MAJOR 2025, WELCOMING THE ERA OF TEAM VITALITY

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

team-vitality-wins-the-blast.tv-austin-major-2025,-welcoming-the-era-of-team-vitality

Today, leading esports club Team Vitality has been crowned champions of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, held at the iconic Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The Most Valuable Player (MVP), Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut, led the charge as the Bees stormed to yet another title, delivering several standout performances throughout the tournament, particularly in the Grand Final against The MongolZ.

In just a few months, Team Vitality has become one of the most dominant rosters in the history of the game, laying the groundwork for a golden era for both the organisation and the wider French esports scene. Every tournament becomes a fresh display of strength, and every victory writes a new chapter in the CS2 history books.

UNDOUBTEDLY THE BEST

The powerhouse lineup of Dan ‘apEX’ Madesclaire, Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut, Shahar ‘flameZ’ Shushan, William ‘mezii’ Merriman, and Robin ‘ropz’ Kool delivered another masterclass in CS2, defeating several top-tier teams, including NAVI and MOUZ.

Team Vitality’s incredible 30-game unbeaten run was ended by Brazilian side Legacy in Round 1; however, the Bees’ hopes were not diminished, as the team bounced back to claim a 13-6 victory over Nemiga in Round 2. This result was followed up by a dominant 13-2 display against 3DMAX in Round 3. The icing on the cake that sealed their spot in the playoffs was a convincing 2-0 win over Virtus.pro.

The Quarterfinals saw Team Vitality face off against NAVI. Despite both maps being closely contested, Team Vitality’s composure saw them through to a 2-0 victory, which was capped off by a clutch final-round performance from mezii to secure their place in the Semifinals. There, they faced against MOUZ in a classic rematch of the IEM Dallas 2025 Grand Final. Map 1 (Mirage) saw Team Vitality take a strong 13-8 win on MOUZ’s own map pick. After a tricky game on Inferno, where MOUZ struck back, the series was tied at 1-1. However, on the decider map, Train, the Bees crushed MOUZ, closing out the series with a 2-1 win and sailing to the Grand Final.

The Grand Final against The MongolZ was just as action-packed as the Semifinals. After a shaky start on Mirage, where they fell 5-13, the Bees struck back and secured a dominant 13-4 victory on Dust II. With everything on the line, the squad headed into Inferno – a classic Major finals map – to decide who would take the Austin Major crown. Despite Inferno being Team Vitality’s kryptonite throughout this Major, they pulled off a stunning 13-6 victory, dominating the CT side in the first half and carrying that momentum through to close the series out and secure the title.

This was Team Vitality’s second appearance in a Major final, following the historic victory in Paris in 2023. By winning in Austin, the Bees join an elite group of clubs as the fourth team in history to have won at least two Majors, alongside Astralis, Fnatic, and NAVI.

“Two years after our first Major win in Paris, we’re incredibly proud to experience this immense joy once again with this golden team. This victory crowns a historic start to the year, during which we’ve already claimed some of the biggest titles, including the ESL Grand Slam. Winning this Major was a key objective, a title that firmly places Team Vitality among the greatest clubs in Counter-Strike history. This team is the best in the world, without question. We are living in the Vitality era, and every other team is living in it too,” said Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and co-founder of Team Vitality.

“This latest title is a testament to our ability to build a long-term project rooted in excellence, one that blends talent and execution. Winning a second Major in just two years is not only a milestone in esports history, but also a powerful signal to the entire industry that French esports has reached the next level. This success is the result of collective strength, from our players and staff, to the unwavering support of our partners who share in this ambition. Together, we’ve achieved an unprecedented milestone,” said Nicolas Maurer, CEO and co-founder of Team Vitality.

WELCOME TO THE VITALITY ERA OF COUNTER–STRIKE

With this win, Team Vitality has claimed its seventh consecutive title of the year, extending a historic run and asserting its dominance at a prestigious event (the first Major to host 32 teams). Amid fierce competition and high-stakes matches, this trophy marks a defining chapter in Team Vitality’s golden history.

Dan ‘apEX’ Madesclaire and Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut, who have been part of the Counter-Strike division since its inception in 2018, have now secured their second Major title in Team Vitality colours following their triumph in Paris in 2023, a feat that cements their status as true icons of global esports.

ZywOo also becomes the third player in history to win two Major MVP titles, and at just 24 years old, earns his 27th career MVP title. Meanwhile, apEX wins his third Major as an In-Game Leader, once again displaying his leadership skills and his key role in the club’s successes.

Robin ‘ropz’ Kool, whose arrival earlier this year marked a turning point in the team’s journey, has now claimed the second Major title of his career. His exceptional impact has been instrumental in elevating the team to new heights. For William ‘mezii’ Merriman and Shahar ‘flameZ’ Shushan, this marks their first-ever Major win, the pinnacle of competitive success in Counter-Strike, and a fitting reward for their steadfast dedication and standout performances in the tournament’s most intense moments.

THE VITALITY UNIVERSITY JERSEY 2025 COLLECTOR’S SHIRT – NOW ON SALE

To celebrate this victory, Team Vitality has unveiled a collector’s edition of its Vitality University Jersey 2025. This special edition features a second star above the bee logo, in recognition of the club’s two Major Championship wins (Paris and Austin), as well as a unique graphic on the back of the jersey. With its iconic bee-yellow colour and oversized design, this jersey is inspired by the timelessness of United States university fashion.

The Vitality University Jersey 2025 – Austin Major Champions is available now on the official store at the price of €89.99.

The post TEAM VITALITY WINS THE BLAST.TV AUSTIN MAJOR 2025, WELCOMING THE ERA OF TEAM VITALITY appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Africa

Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 esports title to do battle against Namibia – AEC25

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

George Miller

female-protea-team-for-the-counter-strike-2-esports-title-to-do-battle-against-namibia-–-aec25

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Mind Sports South Africa’s Protea Female CS2 team, led by captain Jess Greeff and featuring Avonique van Rooyen, dominated IESF’s AEC24, and emerged undefeated, and punched their ticket to the world stage. The female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title are trailblazers in female esports and are already making their mark internationally.

To qualify for IESF’s World Esports Championships 2025 (WEC25), South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title will be taking on Namibia at15H00 on 21 June 2025.

South Africa’s Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title has never lost to Namibia, and both MSSA and the team are confident that the result will be the same as all previous encounters.

The team has shown a few changes from 2024. Jessica Greeff remains the captain, and Avonique van Rooyen and Megan van der Westhuizen too stay on the team with their vast international experience. The two new additions are Kiera McCullum and Kalee Ludick who further add to the team.

MSSA is of the belief that the 2025 Female Protea Team for the Counter Strike 2 Esports Title is the strongest female Counter Strike 2 team to ever represent South Africa.

The full team to represent South Africa at15H00 on 21 June 2025 is:

Name	Club	Nick	Province
Jessica Eleez Greeff (Capt.)	ZAG Academy	heartjess	KwaZulu Natal
Avonique van Rooyen	ZAG Academy	avo	Gauteng
Kiera McCallum	ZAG Academy	queen	KwaZulu Natal
Megan van der Westhuizen	ZAG Academy	m3gz	Gauteng
Kalee Ludick	ZAG Academy	creative	Gauteng