eSports

The World’s Best Street Fighter 6 Players Are Set to Clash at Red Bull Kumite New York on March 16th & 17th – Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

Published

2 years ago

March 11, 2024

the-world’s-best-street-fighter-6-players-are-set-to-clash-at-red-bull-kumite-new-york-on-march-16th-&-17th-–-here’s-everything-you-need-to-know!

The two-day event will be held at the historic Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse, New York, March 16 & 17, 2024.
The Main Event on March 17 will be in single elimination format, where 16 players, including an invitee and the Play-In winner, battle through a bracket drawn during the opening ceremony in first-to-five matches.
Confirmed fighters include renowned players such as reigning champion Adel “Big Bird” Anouche, Valentin “Valmaster” Petit and Lin “Oil King” Li-wei.
Commentary lineup features Michael “Yipes” Mendoza, Femi “F-Word” Adeboye, and others for expert insight and analysis.
AOC returns as the Official Monitor Partner with PlayStation as the Official Console Partner and Vitrix as the official partner of peripherals.
The tournament will be streamed live on twitch.tv/redbull and youtube.com/@redbullgaming.

Red Bull Kumite, the eminent Street Fighter 6 tournament, is set to take place this weekend in New York with the full roster of fighters announced and ready to duke it out for the title of Red Bull Kumite 2024 Champion. Here’s everything you need to know!

A highlight in the Fighting Game Community’s calendar, the two-day event will take place at the historic Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse, a fitting venue for what will be one of the most memorable FGC events of 2024. Bringing a rich and immersive storyline to this year’s tournament, fans will play witness to the villainous Battle King’s scheme to rule the underground world of Street Fighter, with only one hero set to emerge victorious.

Confirming the final players who complete the exciting lineup, Red Bull Kumite New York features notable talent such as French competitor Valentin “Valmaster” Petit and the 2023 EVO JP Champion, Lin “Oil King” Li-wei. Since January, fierce competition has also been unfolding on local battlefields, with numerous contenders vying for the last two coveted spots in the Grand Final. Last year’s champion Adel “Big Bird” Anouche will be returning to the iconic cage to defend his title in the ultimate Street Fighter showdown. Players from Japan, Italy, USA, Canada, and France have been competing for the final play-in spots and will be in with a chance to overthrow the pros in what would surely be one of the biggest upsets in FGC esports.

Red Bull Kumite New York kicks off with the Play-In on March 16th, featuring a double-elimination, first-to-three tournament between the eight players who have come from World Qualifiers. The winner will then qualify for the Main Event on March 17th.

The Main Event is a single-elimination tournament featuring 16 players, including 14 that have been directly invited, and winners of the Last Chance Qualifier and Play-In. The bracket draw will take place at the opening ceremony, preceding the action kicking off from round one all the way to the Grand Final, all played in a first-to-five format (BO9).

With the stakes at their highest, the event promises a stellar showcase of unbridled talent, complemented by a distinguished commentary team. Renowned players Joe “LI Joe” Ciaramelli and host Rob “RobTV” Burney will join forces to guide viewers through the thrilling matches. The commentary lineup also includes Michael “Yipes” Mendoza, reporter Zhi Liang Chew, Femi “F-Word” Adeboye, Logan Sama, and Samantha “Persia” Hancock, all returning for another year to provide expert insight and analysis.

Confirmed players for Red Bull Kumite 2024 are as follows:

Victor “Punk” Woodley (USA)
Saul Leonardo “MenaRD” Mena II (Dominican Republic)
Tsunehiro “Gachikun” Kanamori (Japan)
Adel “Big Bird” Anouche (United Arab Emirates)
Wong “Chris Wong” Yuk-cheung (Hong Kong)
Derek “iDom” Ruffin (USA)
Hibiki The Beast (Japan)
Masato “Bonchan” Takahashi (Japan)
Lin “Oil King” Li-wei (Taiwan)
Valentin “Valmaster” Petit (France)
Hajime “Tokido” Taniguchi (Japan)
Du “NuckleDu” Dang (United States)
Shin “Leshar” Moon-sup (South Korea)
Rob “Broski” Livingston (United Kingdom)

Play-in competitors vying for a spot in the grand final:

USA: Noah “NoahTheProdigy” Solis
USA: Sean “Shine” Simpson
USA: Alan “Nephew” Sun
USA: Stephen “Space Boy” Agyemang
France: Nathan “Mister Crimson” Massol
Italy: Andrea “Garnet” Parlangeli
Japan: Ryukichi
Canada: Kuang “Zhen”

Red Bull Kumite New York is joined by three amazing partners for 2024 including AOC as the Official Monitor Partner, bringing exceptional visual clarity and ultra-high refresh rates to competitors, while PlayStation kicks into gear as the Official Console Partner. Red Bull Kumite New York will also be partnering with world-leading peripherals and accessories manufacturer, Victrix, to provide unique and accessible gear to the gaming community.

Watch Red Bull Kumite New York live on March 16 and March 17 via twitch and youtube.

Please see below for a recap:

Red Bull Kumite, the prestigious fighting game tournament, will take place in New York and kick off on March 16 & 17, 2024 at Brooklyn’s historic Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse
AOC will be this year’s official Monitor Partner, bringing exceptional visual clarity and ultra-high refresh rates to competitors. Playstation joins Red Bull Kumite for the first time as Official Console Partner with Victrix joining as official partner of peripherals.

AOC

Founded in 1967, AOC is a globally leading monitor and IT accessories brand and a subsidiary of TPV Technology Limited, the world’s largest LCD manufacturer. AOC’s comprehensive product portfolio provides innovative, ergonomic, environmentally conscious and stylish solutions for professional as well as personal applications. The sub-brand of AOC, AGON by AOC, offers one of the strongest portfolios of high-performance gaming monitors in the world and a complete ecosystem of gaming accessories grouped in three categories: AOC GAMING for core gamers, AGON for competitive gamers and AGON PRO for esports enthusiasts and professional esports players. Since 2020 AGON by AOC has been one of the leading gaming monitor brands and a top choice of gamers worldwide.For more information please refer to AGON by AOC’s official website or follow AGON by AOC on Facebook, X or Instagram.

PlayStation

PlayStation Tournaments enables gamers of all levels to compete, win prizes, and connect with others worldwide, directly from their PlayStation consoles. PS5 Tournaments are available in a diverse range of games, fostering a community where participants can showcase their skills, enjoy competitive play, and take-home incredible prizes.

Victrix

PDP Gaming is an industry leader providing high-quality licensed peripherals and accessories for all major video game platforms. PDP believes that design-forward, high-performance gear should be as unique and accessible as the gaming community itself. From beginner to professional, PDP’s product lines offer uncompromising performance and striking designs that transport gamers into seamless, immersive experiences where competition, connection, and personal expression are limitless. Victrix by PDP is purpose built for Esports athletes and enthusiasts looking for unmatched performance and competitive advantage. For over 25 years, PDP has been supplying video game peripherals and accessories to major retailers across the world, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. For more information, visit PDP website and VICTRIXPRO website.

Brazilian Carnival

Esportes da Sorte transforms Carnival 2026 into a nationwide immersive experience

Published

6 days ago

February 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

esportes-da-sorte-transforms-carnival-2026-into-a-nationwide-immersive-experience

Leading Brazilian iGaming company Esportes da Sorte has transformed Carnival 2026 into a nationwide immersive experience, activating urban art installations, hydration stations and large‑scale attractions across nine cities in Brazil. As part of its expanded cultural engagement strategy, the brand is serving as an official sponsor in key Carnival locations and delivering experiential initiatives designed for revelers in the streets and major public spaces.

Esportes da Sorte’s nationwide platform builds on its history of investing in popular culture and public events, moving beyond traditional branding to create meaningful on‑site activations that enhance the urban environment and respond to the unique character of each city’s Carnival celebrations.

In Rio de Janeiro, the company’s efforts focus on the street Carnival experience with hydration points, cool zones and shaded areas in high‑traffic celebration routes. São Paulo’s megabloc circuits feature water trucks, hydration stations and on‑site urban support.

In Recife Antigo, one of Carnival’s cultural centers, Esportes da Sorte installed a standout Ferris wheel at Marco Zero, offering panoramic views of the festivities and historic landscape. Urban transformations like video mapping on iconic buildings and aerial installations along Rua Marquês de Olinda further blend public space with the Carnival experience.

Other cities such as Olinda and Salvador also feature tailored activations, including sensory design, refreshment tunnels and themed artistic displays that align with local traditions and festival dynamics.

In addition to physical structures, the initiative includes a robust communications strategy, sensory activations, public well‑being supports and content campaigns that amplify the carnival‑street experience across digital and traditional media.

According to Germana Casal, Production Coordinator at the Esportes Gaming Brasil Group, the goal is to “be present in a meaningful way at the country’s biggest popular celebration,” respecting each city’s identity and delivering initiatives that improve the Carnival experience for participants.

Esportes da Sorte’s Carnival 2026 project builds on the brand’s presence at more than 100 Carnival parties and street blocos in 2025, reinforcing its leadership role in Brazil’s largest cultural event and deepening its connection with urban celebration culture nationwide.

The post Esportes da Sorte transforms Carnival 2026 into a nationwide immersive experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

chess esports

Team Vitality announces E.Leclerc as new Main Partner

Published

6 days ago

February 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

team-vitality-announces-e.leclerc-as-new-main-partner

Team Vitality, one of France’s leading esports organizations, has announced a strategic new partnership with French retail giant E.Leclerc, naming the supermarket chain as the club’s Main Partner for 2026.

Under the agreement, E.Leclerc’s logo will feature prominently on Team Vitality’s international team jerseys, including rosters for League of Legends (LEC and LFL), Valorant (VCT EMEA), Rocket League, Rising Bees and Chess.

Shared Values and Fan Initiatives

The partnership aims to promote accessibility, wellness, and nutrition within the esports community, while bringing gaming culture into E.Leclerc retail spaces through immersive experiences, tournaments and activations designed to engage fans across France.

Team Vitality’s holistic wellbeing program, KARE, which supports performance, nutrition and mental health, aligns closely with E.Leclerc’s focus on responsible lifestyle initiatives. Together, they plan to champion inclusivity, provide unique gaming opportunities, and celebrate esports culture in both digital and physical environments.

With a global audience exceeding 10 million followers, Team Vitality’s influence in competitive gaming makes this partnership a landmark moment for both brands. E.Leclerc’s commitment to youth engagement and cultural connection positions the retailer as a significant non‑endemic supporter of the growing esports ecosystem.

Nicolas Maurer, CEO and Co‑Founder of Team Vitality, described the alliance as a historic milestone that will broaden esports’ reach across everyday life in France and reinforce its cultural legitimacy.

The post Team Vitality announces E.Leclerc as new Main Partner appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AI chatbot esports

G2 Esports and Theta Labs Launch AI Agent Sami

Published

6 days ago

February 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

g2-esports-and-theta-labs-launch-ai-agent-sami

G2 Esports has partnered with Theta Labs to launch “Sami,” a next-generation AI agent designed to enhance fan engagement across multiple competitive esports titles.

The AI-powered assistant will provide G2’s global fanbase with instant access to match schedules, player stats, team rosters, tournament standings, and real-time competitive updates. Sami supports major titles including League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, and Call of Duty.

Accessible via the official G2 website and Discord starting February 17, Sami is built to deliver accurate, always-on responses to fan queries in natural language. From tournament updates to player performance metrics and G2-specific trivia, the AI agent reflects the organization’s unique brand voice and competitive culture.

AI-Powered Fan Engagement at Scale

Sami is trained and deployed using Theta EdgeCloud’s hybrid cloud-edge infrastructure, which integrates over 30,000 distributed edge nodes with cloud services from Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services. The system delivers approximately 80 PetaFLOPS of GPU compute power, enabling real-time processing and analysis at significantly reduced costs compared to traditional centralized cloud platforms.

The AI infrastructure dynamically assigns workloads to high-performance GPUs, including NVIDIA A100 and H100 cloud GPUs, as well as RTX 3090 and 4090 desktop GPUs, optimizing performance and cost efficiency. This decentralized architecture allows G2 to scale fan engagement globally while maintaining low latency and high reliability.

Strengthening Esports AI Innovation

Theta Labs has rapidly expanded its presence in the esports industry, powering AI-driven fan experiences for organizations such as Cloud9, FlyQuest, Evil Geniuses, NRG, Gen.G, Dignitas, 100 Thieves, Method, and Team Heretics.

According to Mitch Liu, CEO of Theta Labs, esports fans increasingly demand instant access to team data and competitive updates. AI agents like Sami enable organizations to provide 24/7 automated engagement while maintaining a unique community personality.

Sabrina Ratih, COO of G2 Esports, emphasized that Sami is more than a standard chatbot. Built to reflect G2’s playful and competitive tone, the AI assistant combines advanced machine learning with brand-driven communication to deliver both entertainment and functionality.

The Future of AI in Esports

The launch of Sami positions G2 Esports at the forefront of AI-driven fan engagement in competitive gaming. By leveraging decentralized GPU infrastructure and blockchain-powered cloud computing, the partnership with Theta Labs signals a broader industry shift toward scalable, cost-efficient AI solutions for esports organizations.

As AI integration becomes a competitive differentiator in esports, solutions like Sami are expected to redefine how teams interact with their global communities in real time.

The post G2 Esports and Theta Labs Launch AI Agent Sami appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.