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Falcons Advance to Playoffs Beating MOUZ in PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025

After going down on their map pick, Falcons turned it around in Mirage and Ancient beating MOUZ to book their spot in the playoffs on PGL Cluj-Napoca.

VETO

  • Falcons removed Inferno
  • MOUZ removed Anubis
  • Falcons picked Dust2
  • MOUZ picked Mirage
  • MOUZ removed Train
  • Falcons removed Nuke
  • Ancient was left over

Map 1: Dust 2; Pick: Falcons; Winner: MOUZ

Having secured good victories on the map, the Falcons faced a rough start as MOUZ dominated them early in the half to kick off the series. Struggling to keep up, Falcons pulled in 4 rounds in the first half hoping for a comeback in the second. Despite starting the second map with a pistol-round victory, MOUZ closed the door on a Falcons comeback as early as the first gun round. Having failed to stop their offense, the Falcons had no choice but to lose the map with a one-sided scoreline of 13-8.

Map 2: Mirage; Pick: MOUZ; Winner: Falcons

Building upon their momentum from the first map, MOUZ found themselves 6-1 up at one point before Falcons could do anything. Despite taking a beating early on, Falcons recovered the half, pulling in 5 rounds on their defence before moving to the T side with a 7-5 scoreline. MOUZ extended their lead further with a 9-5 scoreline before Falcons could get on the board but once they did, they ran a smooth and dynamic T side. Off the back of some good calls and individual brilliance, Falcons won a streak of rounds to come back from a deficit and take the series to a third map.

Map 3: Ancient; Pick: Decider; Winner: Falcons

Despite Ancient being their worst map, Falcons started the map with a bang as MOUZ had no answer to their stellar offence. Falcons went 8-0 up before MOUZ could win a round but closed the map losing two more with a 10-8 deficit. Second half started with a pistol-round win for MOUZ that helped close the gap but the lead was too much for them to surmount as Falcons somehow managed to close the series with a 13-8 scoreline.

Despite critiques doubting them, NiKo’s impact on Falcons has been readily apparent and the improvements may be slow but they are there. Game by game, they are taking down bigger and bigger names with time, this may turn into something promising.

Counter-Strike 2 Hits New Player Count Record Despite Lack of New Content

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We’re only two months into 2025, and it’s already shaping up to be a great year for Counter-Strike 2 fans, as the shooter has seen a massive surge in player numbers amid rising concerns over the lack of new content.

On February 16, 2025, CS2 reached a record-high player count on Steam, accumulating the highest number of players since its official launch in September 2023.

As per data from SteamDB, the Valve title hit a player peak of a whopping 1,744,015 players at around 13:00 UTC, setting a new all-time high for the game.

Given the lack of new content CS2 has faced since the Armory update back in October 2024, the exact reason behind the recent surge in the game’s player count seems unclear.

Interestingly, the new CS2 player peak comes just a week after the conclusion of the IEM Katowice 2025, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Counter-Strike scene. Needless to say, the hype surrounding the event has certainly been a contributing factor to the massive growth that the game has seen over the past month.

Prior to the release of CS2, its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, set its own player peak in May 2023 with 1.8 million players simultaneously tuning into the game while waiting for the launch of the sequel.

A couple of months later, Valve officially unveiled CS2 in September 2023. However, the game failed to live up to the hype due to rampant issues with the subtick system, various bugs, and the recurring problem of cheaters.

Over the past year, the devs have actively worked on addressing the issues that plagued CS2’s launch, which has consequently led to a noticeable increase in player count.

With PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 currently underway, the rising player count of CS2 isn’t expected to stop anytime soon. In fact, it seems to be just a matter of time before it surpasses the player peak of CS:GO, setting a new milestone for itself on Steam.

Roblox Divaz Codes for February 2025

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Want to unleash your inner diva and dominate the Roblox battlegrounds? Roblox Divaz offers the perfect opportunity for some intense, nail-biting brawls. And every diva knows the key to victory lies in having the right arsenal.

We’ve gathered the latest Divaz codes to give you free spins, which you can use to unlock powerful fighting styles and become the ultimate queen of the server.

Roblox Divaz Codes for February 2025

  • RELEASE: 1 Style spin

How to Redeem Roblox Divaz Codes?

Redeeming these Divaz codes is much easier than surviving a catfight! Here’s a quick guide:

  • Open Divaz within the Roblox app.
  • Locate and click the “Codes” button, usually found in the top left corner of the screen.
  • Enter a valid code into the “Enter Code” text box.
  • Click the “Redeem” button to claim your rewards.

Fortnite x Mortal Kombat: Sub-Zero Skin, Scorpion, and More!

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Fortnite is gearing up for a bone-chilling collaboration with Mortal Kombat, bringing the iconic Sub-Zero skin to the game in the upcoming season. As the current season winds down, Epic Games is building anticipation for what’s next, and Chapter 6, Season 2, is shaping up to be a thrilling one.

The Battle Pass skins have been revealed, perfectly aligning with the previously leaked Heist theme, and fan-favorite Midas is making a comeback. But the most exciting addition? Sub-Zero is entering the Fortnite arena.  

Leaks suggest this is just the beginning of the Mortal Kombat crossover. Here’s everything we know so far about the release date, cosmetics, and even potential weapons.

Mark your calendars: the Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero skin will be available as soon as Chapter 6, Season 2, launches on February 21, 2025. As a Battle Pass reward, Sub-Zero will be available throughout the entire season.  

Beyond Sub-Zero, the Mortal Kombat invasion continues. Leaker HYPEX suggests that Scorpion will also be joining the fray. However, unlike Sub-Zero, Scorpion appears destined for the Item Shop.

The leaks don’t stop there. Both characters are rumored to receive their own Mythic items alongside their skins. Sub-Zero is said to wield his Ice Gauntlets, while Scorpion will have his signature Spear Hook.

Ubisoft Officially Announces Rainbow Six Siege X

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Whispers of a Rainbow Six Siege successor have been circulating for weeks, leaving fans curious about the future of the tactical shooter. Ubisoft has finally offered a glimpse of what’s to come.

Through social media and a brief YouTube teaser, Ubisoft has revealed the next evolution in the Rainbow Six Siege universe, promising the “biggest transformation in the game’s history.”

Dubbed Rainbow Six Siege X, the nature of this project remains shrouded in mystery. Will it be a full-fledged sequel, or a significant revamp akin to other live-service games? For now, Ubisoft is keeping their cards close to their chest.

A full reveal is scheduled for the “R6 Siege X Showcase” on March 13th.

The teaser video offers a tantalizing preview, showcasing a corridor decimated by breaching charges before a prominent red “X” flashes on the screen.

While details are scarce, the visuals suggest a potential engine upgrade, hinting at a more modern look. The original Rainbow Six Siege, a decade-old and still thriving, continues to receive regular updates and new operators.

Unsurprisingly, the announcement has ignited excitement within the community, fueling rampant speculation. A quick look at the YouTube comments reveals common desires: a dedicated campaign mode and enhanced environmental interactivity. The wait until March 13th will undoubtedly be filled with theories and anticipation.

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 Lawless Start Time and Date

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Fortnite’s Chapter Six, Season One, immersed players in a vibrant, Japan-inspired setting, featuring samurai themes, Godzilla, and collectible Sprites. However, the landscape is shifting dramatically with the arrival of Season Two – Lawless.

This new season delves into the world of heists and organized crime, promising a significant overhaul of the Fortnite gameplay. After several months with Season One, which launched on December 1, 2024, players are eager for fresh content and gameplay.

Whether you’re anticipating a criminal pickle skin, the crossover with Mortal Kombat, or simply a change of pace, the wait is almost over.

Before the update goes live, the servers will be taken offline for a period of maintenance.

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 Lawless Start Time and Date

Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 Lawless

While an official launch time hasn’t been announced, as it’s subject to potential server issues, we do know that the Chapter Six, Season One battle pass concludes at 12 PM PT/1 AM CT/2 AM ET/7 AM GMT on February 21st.

Downtime is expected to last a few hours around this time. Typically, new season launches involve two to three hours of server downtime, though this can vary. Unfortunately, a precise timeframe is never guaranteed.

BGIS 2025: Allegations of Mismanagement in Team Qualifications

Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2025, arguably one of India’s most awaited esports events, has been at the center of controversy recently, following accusations of mismanagement of team qualifications. Several esports teams have complained of unjust eliminations and inconsistencies in the qualification process, questioning the handling of the event by the organizers.

Allegations from Teams in BGIS 2025

According to reports and social media posts, several teams with impressive performances during the in-game qualifiers have not received qualification messages for BGIS 2025. One such claim mentions a team with 10 Chicken Dinners and 27 finishes being qualified, while another team with 31 finishes did not make the cut. This inconsistency has led to widespread frustration among players and fans alike.

The absence of a proper response from KRAFTON India Esports has further exacerbated the problem. Players have said they have received generic answers when they tried to get an explanation, mostly informed that their registration was incorrect or that they broke a rule. However, to the teams, these justifications are unfounded, especially when evidence of proper registration has already been provided.

BGIS 2025 Elimination Emails to Unregistered Teams

One of the most alarming revelations is that teams that did not even register for BGIS 2025 have received elimination emails. The issue, highlighted in a viral screenshot, shows a team named “Team LosX” receiving a message stating, “You didn’t qualify for Round 1 of BGIS 2025,” despite never having registered for the event. This incident has led to accusations of KRAFTON playing with the emotions of underdog teams while claiming to support grassroots esports talent in India.

Credits: LetsGrowEsports on X

The BGIS 2025 controversy has attracted a lot of criticism from the Indian esports scene. KRAFTON has been accused of being irresponsible in hosting such a high profile tournament, particularly when there is a high stake involved with a prize pool of ₹2 crore INR. Players and fans are calling for transparency in the qualification process and responsibility from the organizers.


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Top 5 Best OLED Monitors for Gaming and Productivity in 2025

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A crisp, high-quality gaming monitor is an essential component of every gamer’s dream gaming rig. Think about it, if you were to invest a significant amount of money into a gaming rig, why compromise on a component that you will spend a lot of time looking at – to be an outdated 20-year-old cubic monitor?

But, you’ve struck luck since as of 2025 there’s a plethora of options for you to choose from – right from 1080p to lighting fast response time oriented 1440p displays, along with ultrawide, high refresh rates, and other features that will make your experience amazing!

The current market for gaming displays is kind of dominated by MSI’s MPG 321UPX QD-OLED – a monitor that has a breathtaking OLED panel but at a price that is much more affordable than other options available today. But know that getting this display will not be an easy task since everyone’s needs vary. If you have the money, then sure go ahead and get this monitor and you won’t regret it, but if you have other options that might be at a slightly more affordable price point, then know that aligning your monitor choice with your PC’s specifications is very important to get the most amount of value from your gaming rig. 

A 4K monitor is overkill for a setup that has an older GPU since you won’t be able to utilize it at its best resolution – due to the GPU bottleneck. There are also refresh rates – where you care more about 4K60fps or a higher refresh rate at the cost of resolution. Phew, didn’t think it would be so complicated, huh?

Well, don’t worry we’ve got you covered with the list of the top 10 monitors available in the market as of today – and you should be soon able to make an informed decision – according to your needs and budget easily. 

The top 5 gaming monitors in 2025

1. MSI MPG 321UPX QD-OLED

MSI MPG 321UPX QD-OLED

Well, as we discussed earlier – there aren’t many chinks in this display’s armor to an extent that we wouldn’t recommend it. This is very easily the best monitor money can buy as of 2025 

Specifications: 

  • Screen size: 32-inch
  • Panel type: QD-OLED
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Response time: 0.03 ms
  • Refresh rate: 240 Hz
  • Weight: 12.30 lbs (9.6 kg)
  • Framerate technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

The price is the only holdback but is justifiable if you have a premium graphic card that can capitalize on everything that this display has to offer. OLED technology has also reached a point where it can be recommended, but at a steep price, because as an OLED panel, its response time is something that other monitors will want you desiring (0.03 ms), it’s esports-oriented with a high refresh rate and a high resolution clocking at 4K. 

Its display can appear greyish under specific lighting but isn’t a significant concern compared to other competitors of this caliber. There are also possibilities of OLED panel burn-ins, a drawback of this technology more than the display itself, but MSI has tried to mitigate this issue with some of their own tech as well. Additionally, the three-year burn-in warranty should help you with some peace of mind as well. 

The display has a 1000-nit HDR mode, but regardless HDR support is still lacking in Windows (We see you Microsoft). Agreed it doesn’t look groundbreakingly sexy, but it’s more industrial in its design and compensates in function – for what it lacks in form. 

The 32-inch model retails at $899 and its competitors only cost more. When you consider what it brings to the table, this monitor is quite a steal. 

2. LG Ultragear 27GR93U

LG Ultragear 27GR93U

This is easily a top competitor in the 4k gaming monitor space due to it’s excellent image quality and overall performance. A well rounded display, but lacks OLED technology – instead turns out to be one of the best “LCD” panels available in the market as of today.

Specifications:

  • Screen size: 27-inch
  • Panel type: IPS
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Response time: 1 ms
  • Refresh rate: 144 Hz
  • Framerate technology: G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync Premium

LG as an organization makes some of the best display panels in the market as of today alongside Samsung but the calibration on this monitor is something to look out for since it has been calibrated quite beautifully as you can simply plug in the monitor and start playing right away – and you wouldn’t bat an eye towards the color and the image reproduction!

This is a 4K 27-inch monitor and has a crisp DPI – which means you really need a good and powerful GPU to looksmax your games on this display. Although to reach maximum refresh rate – which this monitor has support for 144 Hertz – you could use frame generation enabled by both AMD’s FSR and Nvidia’s Framegen

The maximum brightness is only 400 nits on this display, but we suggest turning on HDR since it looks AMAZING with SDR and HDR-enabled content and is an excellent product for its price. A highly flexible monitor that can help edit (due to its calibration) as well as a game – although don’t try and literally bend it!

3. Gigabyte M28U

Gigabyte M28U

Specifications:

  • Screen size: 28-inch
  • Panel type: IPS
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
  • Response time: 1 ms GTG / 2 ms MPRT
  • Refresh rate: 144 Hz
  • Framerate technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

Easily the best budget 4K monitor, this has a cheaper 4K panel than most of the other competitors out there and still manages to be a glorious IPS display with amazing viewing angles. 

A 28-inch IPS panel with a high PPI – enables a super clear and crisp picture quality making it a viewing delight. This isn’t the best-suited monitor for HDR-enabled games, but what it lacks in the direct panel features – it makes up for in utility. There’s a USB hub in the rear with multiple type-A USB ports letting you set up a “laptop” gaming setup or a tidy desktop setup – with cables running into the monitor rather than into the CPU directly. 

The stand is also a letdown, but it’s acceptably sturdy enough to support the monitor’s weight with minimal height and tilt adjustment and such – but we’re probably nitpicking here – since the price point it is at, we are happy that the panel didn’t take a cost cut. 

It’s an easy recommendation for the Gigabyte M28U and can easily perform well for a long period of time!

4. Xiaomi G Pro 27i

Xiaomi G Pro 27i

Specifications: 

  • Screen size: 27-inch
  • Panel type: IPS
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Resolution: 2560 x 1440
  • Response time: 1 ms
  • Refresh rate: 180 Hz
  • Framerate technology: FreeSync

Here’s where it gets interesting as the Xiaomi G Pro 27i is one of the best 1440p gaming monitors out there. Mind you this space, as of 2025 is a heavily crowded one and we too are surprised at how effectively this monitor is able to hold its ground. The 27 inches can get an absolutely gorgeous looking 1440p panel, comes with a 180 Hertz display and a whopping 1ms response time – checking off quite the number of boxes for all the budget gamers out there, and even has a Mini Led array display!

Mini LED technology aims to get rid of backlight issues that cause screen bleeding and will replace them with miniature LED backlights. This lets the display have better black reproduction and contrast ratios due to something called “dimming zones” of which this monitor has 1152. The result is a display that is able to get both brighter as well as maintain contrast while doing so. Well, even then the mini LED array isn’t enough – due to the low amount of dimming zones to match an OLED panel, but it’s better than the other IPS displays out there – but slightly overpriced. 

The stand here is quite solid and might even be the better of the bunch, but at this price point – that’s not saying a lot. This monitor does have a lot of connectivity ports and there’s plenty to like here – as a complete package. 

What’s more is, pair it with an RTX 5060, which is an easy 1440p recommendation and you will have yourself an excellent gaming PC ready to blast through all the modern titles in 2025.

5. Pixio PXC277 Advanced

Pixio PXC277 Advanced

If budget is your concern, here is the champion you should consider. It is HANDS DOWN the best budget 1440p gaming monitor, period. It’s a well-rounded display that is able to deliver value without all of the well, bells and whistles. 

Specifications: 

  • Screen size: 27-inch
  • Panel type: VA
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Curvature: 1500R
  • Resolution: 2560 x 1440
  • Response time: 1 ms
  • Refresh rate: 165 Hz
  • Framerate technology: FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible

The monitor is a steal deal for its price tag as you get a 27-inch panel that is able to go up to 165 Hertz, comes with a 1ms response time, and also gets pretty bright – upto 320 nits. 

While the brightness number might not sound impressive, do note that this is one of the brighter VA panels out there. The response time is more of a strength that VA panels bring to the table than the company’s technology but it isn’t the snappiest display out there. It’s got very little artifact ghosting when configured just right and ends up feeling pretty quick even in fast paced FPS games. 

The monitor is undoubtedly a budget beast – with a 1440p panel and provides quite an excellent calibration – out of the box. Again, it is not the best of the HDR enabled panels out there, but it looks quite good for the VA panel that it is. In fact, the blacks are quite deep and the contrast will make you doubt if it is really a VA panel after all. 

What we like about this monitor is its slim bezels and a tripod-like stand – which is, wait for it – ALL METAL. It definitely punches way above its level for the price it is retailing at and is an easy recommendation for all gamers who want the best quality-to-price ratio.

In case you’re looking to build your next gaming PC, do watch this space on Talkesport for more!

IEM Melbourne Teams: Full List of Invited Teams for 2025

IEM Melbourne 2025 is quickly approaching while excitement grows throughout the CS2 community after ESL disclosed their list of tournament invites. The S-tier Counter-Strike 2 tournament scheduled from April 21 through April 27, 2025 will showcase 16 elite teams battling for a $1,000,000 prize pool. The tournament will take place in the iconic Rod Laver Arena located in Melbourne, Australia and represents the first time this event is held in that city.

How Teams Were Invited

A selection process based on Valve Regional Standings determined the 16 participating teams. Ten teams qualified directly through global rankings while the rest of the six available spots went to top teams from Europe, Americas, and Asia. The selection process guarantees a broad range of teams in the tournament while ensuring worldwide representation.

Full List of Invited Teams

Here is the complete list of teams that will compete at IEM Melbourne 2025:

  1. Team Spirit
  2. Team Vitality
  3. Natus Vincere (NAVI)
  4. Eternal Fire
  5. FaZe Clan
  6. Team Liquid
  7. paiN Gaming
  8. TheMongolZ
  9. FlyQuest
  10. MOUZ
  11. Team Falcons
  12. Virtus.pro
  13. GamerLegion
  14. 3DMAX
  15. MIBR
  16. BIG

Major teams such as G2, FURIA, and Astralis opted out of attending this event allowing other strong competitors to receive their spotlight.

Tournament Format

The tournament will start with group matches that consist of two double-elimination brackets. The tournament structure includes eight teams per group and mandates all matches to follow a best-of-three (BO3) format. Three teams from each group will move forward to the playoffs. The winning teams from each group will advance straight to the semifinals while teams that finish in second and third positions will begin their playoff journey in the quarterfinals.

The playoffs will follow a single-elimination format. Both the quarterfinals and semifinals matches will run as best-of-three (BO3) games while the grand finals will unfold as an exciting best-of-five (BO5) series. The tournament structure delivers relentless competition which provides fans with numerous exciting events to watch.

Why This Event Matters

IEM Melbourne stands out as a festive showcase for the worldwide popularity of Counter-Strike 2. The event features top teams such as NAVI and FaZe Clan together with emerging players like TheMongolZ and FlyQuest to assure every moment will be memorable. The electrifying atmosphere at Rod Laver Arena will enhance the esports experience making it essential viewing for fans of the sport.

How to Watch

The live action of IEM Melbourne will be available to fans through FACEIT Watch as well as ESL Counter-Strike’s Twitch and YouTube channels and their partnered broadcasters. Games in the group stage begin on April 21 while the playoff matches take place from April 25 through April 27.

IEM Melbourne 2025 stands out as one of the year’s most significant esports competitions. Don’t miss this event as it features top teams alongside a huge prize fund and a premier venue. Keep watching for fresh information about team groupings as well as upcoming schedule details and live broadcast announcements.

Cloud9 Pauses CS2 Operations; Releases Coach and Manager

Cloud9 made an unexpected decision to terminate both coach Konstantin “groove” Pikiner and manager Aleksandr “Sweetypotz” Shcherbakov from their staff. Cloud9 made their major Counter-Strike (CS) strategy change through an official announcement on February 14, 2025. The organization declared it would not return to competitive CS right away yet it left the door open for CS opportunities when suitable future conditions emerge.

The CS division of Cloud9 faced difficult times leading up to this decision. The Cloud9 team secured one victory during the opening stage of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 tournament. The insufficient performance at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 resulted in the departure of Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov, Sergey “Ax1Le” Rykhtorov, and Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko who moved on to play for top-tier teams.

The CS2 performance of Cloud9 has received extensive documentation regarding its recent difficulties. The esports powerhouse suffered multiple disappointing results in the competitive arena. The team started 2024 well by reaching top eight at PGL Copenhagen Major yet failed to sustain this success. The team’s hopes rose slightly when Kaisar “ICY” Faiznurov joined in July 2024 yet this move failed to save the team from its downward spiral.

Major tournament qualification failures and quick elimination at the Shanghai Major revealed substantial organizational problems. In January 2025 Timofey “interz” Yakushin became the final active player in Cloud9 before departing from the organization. The organization operated with only coach groove and benched player Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy because the entire active roster had left Cloud9.

The organization released a message on X (then Twitter) declaring their commitment to Counter Strike while announcing they would pause their activities. The organization expressed interest in returning to competitive play by mentioning their ongoing search for suitable opportunities.

Cloud9 fans actively discuss potential directions for the team. The organization is expected to construct an entirely new team with a focus on recruiting North American competitors. The organization might consider acquiring top players such as Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev to enhance their CS2 line-up according to some analysts.

Cloud9 has already withdrawn from CS at least once before. The organization made a temporary suspension of its CS:GO operations during 2021 because of disappointing outcomes and the effects of COVID-19. The team made a comeback in 2022 when they acquired Gambit Esports’ roster that included Ax1Le and interz among other players.

Throughout their esports journey Cloud9 has proven time and again their ability to recover from setbacks. History shows that Cloud9 tends to emerge stronger after uncertain periods and the organization may do so again in due time.

Cloud9 chose to break ties with groove and Sweetypotz as they step away from Counter-Strike temporarily. The organization shows dedication to new possibilities that brings comfort to its disappointed fanbase. The organization continues to dedicate efforts toward developing their return strategy after their recent departure from CS.