eSports
ESL Impact Season 5 invited teams revealed
Another exciting year for the all-women Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) teams and fans from around the world is about to begin. Announced at the end of last year, the ESL Impact 2024 Program, will feature two online league seasons, live Global Finals, and monthly Cash Cups on FACEIT. With the ESL Impact Season 5 ahead, we are thrilled to unveil more details of the upcoming tournament and elevate the competition to the highest.
ESL Impact was launched at the beginning of 2022 as one of the initiatives of ESL FACEIT Group’s (EFG) #GGFORALL. The program combines new and existing initiatives to tackle discrimination, promote mental well-being, and progress environmental sustainability in esports.
Commencing on March 6, 28 top all-women CS2 teams from EU, NA, and SA will battle it out to secure one of eight spots at this season’s Global Finals, a chance to win the lion’s share of the $150,000 prize pool and the coveted title. The ESL Impact Season 5 Global Finals will take place in front of a live audience at DreamHack Dallas on May 31 – June 2, 2024.
The following teams qualified for ESL Impact Season 5 based on their performance in previous tournaments:
Europe:
- 1WIN Gang
- ex 9Pandas Fearless9
- BIG EQUIPA
- GamerLegion Prism
- NAVI Javelins
- Nigma Galaxy
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
North America:
- FlyQuest Red
- Shimmer
- Team Karma
- Tsunami Sirens
South America
- Divina
- Fluxo Demons
- FURIA
- Atrix Esports
With 13 spots still up for grabs, teams from several regions can participate in the Open Qualifiers:
- Open Qualifier #1: February 12-14
- Open Qualifier #2: February 16-18
- Wildcard Qualifier: March 9th – 11th
For more information about ESL Impact Season 5, requalification, and Open Qualifiers, please visit the official website.
You can download imagery here.
Please let me know if you would like any more information.
All the best,
Tom
BLAST
Team Vitality sweeps NAVI 3-0 to win BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
Team Vitality won BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas, defeating Natus Vincere 3-0 in the Counter-Strike 2 grand final, according to the organisation’s announcement.
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 featured eight teams and a $350,000 prize pool. Vitality opened with a 2-1 win over FUT Esports, then beat G2 2-1 in the group winner’s match to book a semifinal spot.
In the semifinals, Vitality moved past GamerLegion 2-0 to reach the final, where it completed a clean sweep of NAVI.
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut was named tournament MVP. Vitality also positioned the result as its fifth title of the season and noted it followed its IEM Rio victory and a record of two ESL Grand Slam titles.
The post Team Vitality sweeps NAVI 3-0 to win BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
blacklyte
Team Vitality names Blacklyte as new gaming chair partner
Team Vitality has partnered with Blacklyte as its new gaming chair partner, with a rollout planned across the organisation’s teams and physical locations.
Under the agreement, Blacklyte chairs and desks will be deployed across Team Vitality rosters including CS2, Rocket League, VALORANT, LEC, LFL, Rising Bees, Tekken 8, Teamfight Tactics, and Age of Empires II. The equipment will also be installed at facilities including the club’s Paris headquarters (V.Hive), its locations at the Stade de France, and in Berlin.
The companies said the partnership will include co-design work on a “new generation of chairs and desks” aimed at improving playing environments. A co-branded Blacklyte x Team Vitality product line is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026.
“We are very happy to collaborate with Blacklyte and welcome them to Team Vitality’s partner family. This partnership comes at a historic time for the club on Counter-Strike, alongside the arrival of new flagship rosters, and more broadly reflects our ambition to keep raising our standards in both performance and innovation. Together, we are building environments that enable our players to fully express their potential at the highest level,” explains Vas Roberts, Co-CEO of Team Vitality.
“Team Vitality is one of the most respected names in global esports, and we are excited to collaborate to create this new era of gaming furniture. We will develop a new gaming ecosystem that empowers Team Vitality athletes to train in setups that enhance their playstyles while being supported and stylish,” says Blacklyte CEO Alex Liu. “Blacklyte products have always been at the forefront of redefining performance equipment in esports, and this partnership is a natural step to continue that mission.”
The post Team Vitality names Blacklyte as new gaming chair partner appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
Team Vitality partners with Team Havok to expand in Fortnite
Team Vitality has signed a strategic partnership with French Fortnite esports club Team Havok, expanding its footprint in the title as part of its broader diversification strategy. The announcement was made this weekend.
Under the deal, Team Havok will compete as “Team Havok by Vitality” and wear a co-branded jersey featuring Team Vitality’s logo. Team Vitality said the partnership is designed to combine its performance and organisational support with Team Havok’s Fortnite competitive presence.
Team Havok’s recent results cited by the organisations include winning European Major 2 in 2025, finishing runner-up at the World Championship, and ranking as the second-best European team. The duo Tjino and PabloWingu have qualified for this summer’s Esports World Cup and will compete in Team Vitality’s black and yellow colours.
Team Vitality also positioned the partnership as a fan development play in France via co-streaming, content creation, and influencer-led activations. Team Havok co-founders and streamers ZetFar and WaZz were highlighted for their reach with younger audiences.
The organisation said the tie-up follows prior structural collaborations including PSG Esports and Bigetron Esports, and could expand into Fortnite map development, exclusive merchandising, and influencer marketing. “This partnership with Team Havok reflects our ambition to work with the best in order to continue growing Team Vitality. Their performance, creativity, and ability to engage the French community make them an ideal partner,” said Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and Co-founder of Team Vitality. “We are incredibly proud to join Team Vitality. This collaboration with such a prestigious organisation marks a new milestone in the story we are building with our community,” said Grimz, caster at Team Havok.
The post Team Vitality partners with Team Havok to expand in Fortnite appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Eastern Europe6 days agoSoft2Bet launches Zinx iGaming and sportsbook brand in Romania
-
Africa6 days agoAmusnet and Goldrush Strike Strategic Partnership to Enhance SA Online Gaming
-
1spin4win6 days ago1spin4win partners with OdiBets to strengthen its presence in Africa
-
AGLC6 days agoInspired Entertainment Secures Alberta iGaming Supplier Registration
-
Africa6 days agoTaDa Strengthens its Presence in South Africa Through New Partnership with Sunbet
-
Betting and Gaming Council6 days agoBetting and Gaming Council Appoints Kane Purdy as New Chair
-
Anatel7 days agoEl choque entre crecimiento, política y supervisión en Brasil
-
Amusnet6 days agoAmusnet Officially Enters the Philippine Market



