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Team Vitality crowned Champions of Intel Extreme Masters Melbourne 2025, securing the ESL Grand Slam

Team Vitality is the undisputed best Counter-Strike 2 team in the world, and their latest victory at Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Melbourne only reinforces that status. This marks their 21st straight win of the year, adding to a dominant run that includes victory titles at IEM Katowice, ESL Pro League Season 21, and BLAST Open Spring 2025.
By winning their fourth ESL tournament in less than a year, the club has gained legendary status, becoming the fifth team in the game to win the ESL Grand Slam (after FaZe, NAVI, Team Liquid, and Astralis). To celebrate this historic moment for the club, Team Vitality is partnering with the iconic brand DearBBall to launch a capsule collection of exclusive products, paying tribute to a team with an undeniable track record of excellence.
THE HIVE MAKES HISTORY: TEAM VITALITY REIGNS SUPREME
Entering the tournament as the top-ranked CS2 team in the world, Team Vitality once again proved its exceptional talent. The elite roster, including captain Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, William “mezii” Merriman, and Robin “ropz” Kool, demonstrated flawless synergy and world-class skills throughout the tournament, concluding in a decisive victory in the Grand Finals against Team Falcons. The team not only secured the IEM Melbourne title but also won the prestigious ESL Grand Slam, a monumental achievement for the organisation.
In the Semi-Finals, Team Vitality delivered a masterful performance against Team MongolZ, setting the tone for an electric Grand Final performance against Team Falcons.
After an incredible 3-2 win in the Grand Final, which included a triple-overtime decider on the final map, Nuke, Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut was named tournament MVP thanks to a series of impressive performances and a decisive presence throughout the tournament.
In addition to capturing the IEM Melbourne title, the team won the prestigious ESL Grand Slam, a monumental achievement for both the organization and the history of Counter-Strike. With this victory, Team Vitality added one of the most coveted trophies to its collection, along with a $1 million cash prize.
TEAM VITALITY AT THE TOP OF ITS GAME ON COUNTER–STRIKE 2
By securing a fourth major international trophy this year, Team Vitality and its players have firmly cemented their place among the legends of the game. The club’s dominance in CS2, highlighted by an ESL Grand Slam victory and an extraordinary 21-game winning streak, confirms its status as a global powerhouse and marks a historic milestone, fueled by the unwavering support of its passionate community.
This triumph also represents a career-defining moment for several players, starting with captain Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, who captures the final major title missing from his storied record (adding the Grand Slam to his two Majors, Katowice, and Cologne victories). Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut continues his remarkable ascent, solidifying his position as the most decorated player in CS history with a 24th MVP title earned during this tournament. Together, apEX and ZywOo become the first two French players ever to win an ESL Grand Slam, a historic achievement for these two icons of the Parisian club.
Driven by a clear ambition to become the world’s leading esports organization, Team Vitality places performance at the core of its new strategic era. In Counter-Strike, the mission is bold: to inspire, to dominate, and to leave a lasting legacy on the global stage. This vision reflects the club’s commitment to establishing itself as a benchmark in international competition and making an enduring impact on fans around the world.
Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and co-founder of Team Vitality, said: “This is a historic moment for Team Vitality as we become the 5th club in history to win the ESL Grand Slam. We are now part of a legendary club that has left its mark on the history of the game. After more than six hours of play, I’m proud of the mentality and the incredible display from this team. To see them achieve such greatness makes me feel so proud.”
CELEBRATING IN STYLE: A CAPSULE COLLECTION WITH DEARBBALL TO CELEBRATE THE EVENT
To celebrate their Grand Slam victory, Team Vitality and basketball brand DearBBall are launching an exclusive capsule collection. This limited-edition drop pays tribute to the five players on the roster, highlighting their unique personalities, strengths, and lifestyles.
For each player, the collection features a dedicated hoodie, sweatshirt, and t-shirt, available in black or white, each piece accompanied by a personalized description. A historic collaboration and a must-have for fans – available in limited quantities!
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More Patient Transport Vehicles donated to military units, LGU

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over five Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to select military units and a local government unit on Tuesday, July 16, in line with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance emergency medical services in underserved and high-risk areas.
The newest PTV recipients were the Municipality of Liliw in Laguna; the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, Light Reaction Regiment and Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital, all based in Nueva Ecija; and the Headquarters Force Reconnaissance Group of the Philippine Marines in Ternate, Cavite.
The turnover ceremony was held at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City and was led by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
“These donations are part of our ongoing commitment to boost the government’s emergency response efforts, especially in areas where every second can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.
“It also reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to national service beyond gaming as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.”
The donated vehicles are expected to boost the recipients’ capacity for medical evacuation and transport during military operations, natural disasters, and other emergencies in remote or conflict-prone areas.
Lt. Col. Arsen Boy D. De Guzman, the 7thID’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, thanked PAGCOR for the support and cited the critical role of PTVs during calamities and rescue missions.
“Taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa ibinigay ninyong Patient Transport Vehicle. Rest assured po na ito ay pangangalagaan namin at gagamitin sa tamang layunin,” he said.
To date, PAGCOR has donated a total of 40 PTVs to LGUs, public hospitals, and frontline agencies nationwide as part of its socio-civic programs.
The post More Patient Transport Vehicles donated to military units, LGU appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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InnoGames Unveils Cozy Coast, a Heartwarming Beach Adventure Featuring Relaxed Gameplay and a Captivating Story

InnoGames, one of Germany’s leading developers and publishers of mobile and browser games, is announcing Cozy Coast, an adventure game that combines an emotional storyline, richly developed characters, and engaging puzzle mechanics based on the popular Merge-2 system. The game will launch later this year on iOS and Android. Pre-registration is already available in selected regions.
With Cozy Coast, the studio highlights its versatility by introducing a new genre to its portfolio, which includes internationally acclaimed strategy games like Forge of Empires, Tribal Wars, and Heroes of History. The game combines a sunny, feel-good atmosphere with diverse entertainment, targeting discerning casual gamers who appreciate relaxing gameplay just as much as an engaging story.
Adventures Featuring Building Mechanics and Puzzle Challenges
In Cozy Coast, players accompany best friends Mia and Elara on a journey across the picturesque Mediterranean island of Calista. For Mia, the island holds treasured memories of a carefree childhood, yet the once idyllic place has somehow lost its charm. Together, the two young women set out on a mission to restore the original beauty of Calista.
Merging items is the central gameplay mechanic in Cozy Coast. By skillfully combining items, players fulfill the wishes of island residents while gathering resources to repair buildings and unlock new areas. Along the way, Mia and Elara encounter other characters and gradually uncover the island’s secrets. With its lovingly crafted environments, Cozy Coast invites players to explore every hidden corner of Calista.
“With Cozy Coast, we’re creating an inviting game world that offers players a break from everyday life while delivering challenging gameplay. For the first time in InnoGames’ history, we’re introducing a title that combines emotional storytelling with strategic merge mechanics. We look forward to welcoming players from around the world to Cozy Coast very soon,” says Christian Reshöft, Chief Product Officer at InnoGames.
Key Features of Cozy Coast
- Merge items: Strategically combine items to create new and higher-value objects
- Restore the seaside promenade: Renovate abandoned buildings to unlock new areas
- Adventure in paradise: Discover hidden places together with your best friend and uncover the secrets of a corporation with questionable intentions
- Characters with personality: Meet fascinating characters. Every encounter comes with a story – sometimes touching, sometimes mysterious, but always full of emotion
- Fresh challenges every day: Participate in daily, weekly, and seasonal events like exploration quests, puzzle collections, and special story-driven missions to receive exciting rewards and enjoy lasting gameplay
- Unwind in a Mediterranean setting: Experience stress-free gameplay paired with a captivating story of friendship, courage, and hope
- Free to play without restrictions: Launching soon worldwide on iOS and Android
Cozy Coast was already launched in selected regions on iOS and Android, with players giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Pre-registration on the App Store and Google Play is now available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More regions to follow soon.
The post InnoGames Unveils Cozy Coast, a Heartwarming Beach Adventure Featuring Relaxed Gameplay and a Captivating Story appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Charlie Cowdrey Appointed CEO of JioBLAST, Esports Joint Venture

Global competitive entertainment company BLAST has announced the appointment of Charlie Cowdrey as Chief Executive Officer of JioBLAST, the recently announced joint venture between BLAST and RISE, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited.
As part of the appointment, Cowdrey will relocate from London to Mumbai this September to lead the joint venture’s Indian operations, marking a major milestone in the company’s global expansion into India.
Cowdrey has been a pivotal figure within BLAST over the last four years, holding multiple senior leadership roles across the business ranging from Chief of Staff to most recently, Programme Director for Epic Games, where he played a key role in managing one of BLAST’s most high-profile publisher relationships and competitive titles in Rocket League esports (RLCS) and Fortnite Competitive (FNCS).
Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, said: “Charlie has been a key figure behind BLAST’s growth and publisher operations over the past few years. He is a trusted leader who understands our culture, our partners and our ambitions. India represents an enormous opportunity for BLAST, and we believe Charlie is the perfect person to take this vision forward. We’re proud to have someone of his calibre opening this important new chapter for us alongside our partners at Reliance and RISE.”
Charlie Cowdrey, CEO of JioBLAST, said: “I’m incredibly honoured and excited to take this role in spearheading JioBLAST. We will be focussed on bringing together Jio’s unrivalled reach, RISE’s commercial prowess and BLAST’s esports expertise and global publisher relationships. Bringing this all together, there is no doubt that JioBLAST will supercharge the Indian esports industry. India is one of the most vibrant and promising gaming markets in the world, and working alongside Jio offers us a unique opportunity to build something extraordinary. We can’t wait to get started and bring BLAST’s unique approach to creating next level entertainment to India.”
The announcement follows the formation of the JioBLAST, a joint venture between BLAST and RISE, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, aimed at supercharging the Indian esports market. With India now home to over 600 million gamers, accounting for 18% of the global gaming audience, JioBLAST will focus on creating new esports IP, establishing a state-of-the-art production studio, and delivering tournament experiences built for India’s dynamic gaming community.
The joint venture will bring BLAST’s award-winning production expertise and international tournament IPs to India while building localized formats, mobile esports offerings, and digital-first fan engagement initiatives through JioGames. Under Cowdrey’s leadership, the Joint Venture will deliver end-to-end tournament management, publisher services, and broadcast-ready content – ensuring India becomes a central pillar in BLAST’s global footprint.
As the joint venture ramps up its operations, last month JioBLAST opened recruitment for its first six foundational roles, all based in Mumbai. The new hires will join Cowdrey in building the future of esports and competitive entertainment in India. These roles represent the first wave of local leadership and talent being brought in to shape a new chapter in Indian esports.
The post Charlie Cowdrey Appointed CEO of JioBLAST, Esports Joint Venture appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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