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MLBB Esports Headlines SEA Games 2025 in Thailand | Esports News

The Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) will see Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) as the headlining esports event for the fourth consecutive time. The 33rd edition of the SEA Games, scheduled to be held from December 9th to December 20th, 2025, will take place in Thailand, with Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla serving as the host cities.

The SEA Games is a biennial multi-sport event featuring athletes from 11 Southeast Asian nations. Esports made its debut in 2019, and MLBB has been a prominent part of the competition since then. The 2019 SEA Games, hosted in the Philippines, featured titles such as Dota 2, Tekken 7, and MLBB, with subsequent editions expanding to include other popular games like PUBG Mobile and League of Legends.

MLBB’s tournament format at the SEA Games consists of a group stage followed by playoffs, culminating in a best-of-five series in the grand finals. The Philippines’ men’s team has dominated the competition, winning gold in the past three editions. In 2023, an all-female MLBB tournament was introduced, where Indonesia’s women’s team clinched the gold medal.

As the 2025 event approaches, expectations are high for the Philippines to continue their winning streak, potentially securing a fourth consecutive victory. The tournament is set to feature 11 teams, representing the best male and female players from across Southeast Asia.

Fortnite Remix The Prelude Event Date Revealed

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Epic Games is gearing up for its next major Fortnite event, Remix: The Prelude. This is going to be the harbinger for the long-awaited Chapter 2 throwback season.

The current Marvel-themed Chapter 5 Season 4 is soon going to come to a close. It is going to be one of those great live events from which Fortnite can look forward to gaining some idea of what to expect in the coming seasons. Remix: The Prelude is expected to kick off on November 1st at 6:30 PM ET.

Players can catch the event at Restored Reels in Battle Royale or Zero Build matches. There will be a countdown timer on the big screen showing when it is. It will also be accessible from the pre-game lobby.

Fortnite Remix The Prelude

The last major Fortnite event was called “Doom is Coming” and happened on 5th October 2024. The event came with a giant Doctor Doom, which players fought and killed together. The event was generally a minor map change, and the community generally felt it was underwhelming.

One needs to be in the Battle Royale or Zero Build to participate in Remix: The Prelude. Again, probably a once-off event, so don’t miss all the action!

VALORANT APAC Challengers Set for Significant Changes in 2025

Riot Games has announced a revamped structure for the 2025 season of the VALORANT APAC Challengers, which is the second-tier competition in the VALORANT Esports ecosystem. These updates aim to create new pathways for talent development, increase competitiveness, and expand the tournament calendar.

One major shift is the introduction of academy teams. Organizations participating in the VCT Pacific region will now be allowed to field academy rosters in their respective regional Challengers Leagues. However, these academy teams will not be eligible for qualification into VCT Ascension, ensuring a clear distinction between main and academy squads. This move is expected to foster emerging talent, as organizations can scout and train players within a structured league setting.

Nine partnered teams, including DRX, Gen.G, T1, Zeta Division, and Global Esports, will be placing academy rosters in their local Challengers leagues in 2025. These teams will receive direct slots in their respective regions, creating a solid development ground for new players.

Another significant update is the expansion of the competitive calendar. Instead of two splits, the 2025 season will have three splits, giving players more opportunities to compete throughout the year. The VCT Ascension tournament is scheduled for October 2025, which will help reduce the lengthy off-seasons that players previously faced.

With these changes, Riot Games hopes to offer more match opportunities and strengthen the competitive scene across the APAC region, providing upcoming stars with better chances to shine in the global VALORANT landscape.

Snoop Dogg to Headline Fortnite Concert in November

Fortnite has long been at the forefront of blending entertainment with gaming, notably through its in-game concerts that have drawn massive crowds. Following the success of virtual performances from icons like Travis Scott, Marshmello, Ariana Grande, and more recently Eminem, another music legend is set to take the virtual stage: Snoop Dogg.

According to recent leaks, the rap superstar, best known for hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” is gearing up for a Fortnite concert. While exact details are still unclear, the leak suggests that Snoop will perform sometime in November, coinciding with the end of Fortnite’s Remix season. This also aligns with Fortnite’s tradition of using musical events to push the game’s storyline forward, a pattern seen when Eminem’s concert marked the transition into Chapter 5.

Despite Snoop Dogg’s often explicit musical catalog, which might seem at odds with Fortnite’s younger demographic, Epic Games has historically managed to find a balance when integrating artists with mature themes. Whether Snoop will receive the full Fortnite treatment—complete with skins, cosmetics, and themed items—remains to be seen. However, given the game’s history with past performers, it seems likely that players can expect more than just a musical performance.

As Fortnite prepares to bid farewell to its Remix season, Snoop Dogg’s concert could serve as a major cultural moment within the game, potentially setting the stage for the next chapter. Although Epic Games has yet to officially confirm the event, fans are already buzzing with excitement over the possibilities. For now, all eyes are on Fortnite as players eagerly await both the performance and any surprises Epic Games might have in store.

While leaks often fuel anticipation, it’s worth noting that this information isn’t official until confirmed by Epic Games. However, with the Remix season ending in November, the timing seems to perfectly align for a Snoop Dogg headliner event. This anticipated concert could very well follow the format of past shows—both driving narrative progression and offering players a memorable in-game experience.

Stay tuned as more details surface. Fortnite’s unique ability to host virtual concerts keeps redefining the gaming experience, and if the leaks hold true, Snoop Dogg’s performance could become one of its most iconic moments yet.

DreamHack India 2024 Set to Host ₹45 Lakh Esports Events at Hyderabad Comic Con

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DreamHack India is set to make waves once again, with a major presence at the upcoming Hyderabad Comic Con 2024. This year’s event, running from November 15-17 at the Hitek Exhibition Centre, will not only include the usual mix of cosplay and fan events, but it will also feature a rich slate of esports tournaments with a total prize pool of over ₹45 lakh. Some of the biggest names in the Indian esports scene are expected to compete in popular titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty Mobile, and Valorant, making it a prime destination for both professional players and fans alike.

The highlight of the event is the Snapdragon Pro Series Season 6 Finals, which is the largest tournament in terms of prize money. Hosted by ESL India, the Snapdragon Pro Series boasts a ₹24 lakh prize pool and will see six elite teams face off in a LAN environment for the grand prize. Teams like GodLike Esports, Time2Pound, Team NS, and others have earned their spots through intense competition during the challenge season, and the upcoming finals promise to deliver high-stakes action.

BGMI fans are also in for a treat with the Pan Fest, an open tournament where participants can sign up on-site and compete in eight different lobbies over the three-day event. The Pan Fest offers a total prize pool of ₹2.4 lakh, giving casual and semi-pro players a chance to take home serious cash. Spots for the event are limited, so participants are encouraged to register early.

For college students looking to make their mark on the esports scene, the Omen Campus Quest Season 2 finals will also be held at DreamHack India. This event gives college-level gamers a platform to showcase their skills on a national stage. Six teams, including Team LFO and Amigos Esports, will battle for a piece of the ₹5 lakh prize pool, with ₹3 lakh awarded to the champions.

One of the standout events at DreamHack India is KO Fight Night, which focuses on the world of fighting games. With tournaments for titles like Tekken 8, Super Mario Bros Ultimate, and Street Fighter 6, this event brings in some of the most passionate players in the community. Tekken 8, in particular, takes center stage with a ₹3.6 lakh prize pool, while Super Mario Bros Ultimate and Street Fighter 6 offer prize pools of ₹60,000 and ₹30,000 respectively. The competition will follow a double-elimination 1v1 format, promising intense matchups and dramatic upsets.

DreamHack India 2024 also embraces inclusivity with its Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative, which allows participants to compete using their own mobile phones, PCs, or consoles. The shared prize pool for this event stands at ₹4.4 lakh, split across various categories including PC, mobile, and console titles. PC gamers will vie for ₹2.4 lakh, while mobile competitors will fight for ₹1.4 lakh, and console players—featuring titles like Tekken 8, WWE, and FIFA—can win up to ₹60,000.

In a unique twist, the Hyderabad Comic Con will also host a chess tournament with a hefty ₹5 lakh prize pool. The chess competition will offer two formats—Blitz and Rapid—giving both quick-thinking players and more methodical strategists a chance to shine. The Blitz format will award ₹2 lakh, while the Rapid format, which allows for longer matches, has ₹3 lakh up for grabs.

For attendees who want to take a step back from modern gaming, DreamHack India 2024 is offering a Retro and Board Games segment, which pays homage to the classics. With a modest prize pool of ₹95,000, this event invites players to compete in vintage video games like Contra, Pac-Man, and Tetris, along with traditional board games such as Ludo, Carrom, and Snakes & Ladders.

With DreamHack India now a staple on the gaming calendar, it’s clear that esports in India is thriving. Events like this not only provide competitive opportunities but also foster a community of passionate gamers and fans who are eager to see their favorite players and teams succeed. DreamHack India 2024, with its variety of tournaments and diverse prize pools, promises to be an unforgettable event for both competitors and spectators alike.

For players and fans looking to attend, this year’s Hyderabad Comic Con is shaping up to be one of the most exciting esports events of the year. From open tournaments to professional-level competitions, DreamHack India continues to solidify its role as a leader in the Indian esports landscape.

League of Legends Ranking System Explained: All Ranks from Iron to Challenger

The ranking system in League of Legends has evolved over the years, offering a comprehensive path for players to progress, from the most casual gamers to the elite. The journey begins at Iron IV, the lowest rank, and can go all the way up to Challenger, which is reserved for the top players globally. Each rank is divided into four divisions (IV being the lowest and I being the highest), with players needing to win matches to gain LP (League Points) to climb the divisions.


A Breakdown of League of Legends Ranks

  • Iron (IV, III, II, I)
    Iron is the starting point for many players, particularly those new to the game or struggling to grasp its mechanics. While being in Iron may feel discouraging, it’s a valuable place to learn the game’s core principles without facing overwhelming opponents.
  • Bronze (IV, III, II, I)
    Bronze players have generally begun to grasp the game’s basics but may still lack certain strategic knowledge or mechanical precision. Like Iron, Bronze is often considered a “beginner’s bracket,” though many find themselves stuck here due to inconsistency in their gameplay.
  • Silver (IV, III, II, I)
    Silver is the rank where players start demonstrating a better understanding of League of Legends strategy, positioning, and communication. However, there is still much room for growth in areas such as map awareness, champion mastery, and team coordination.
  • Gold (IV, III, II, I)
    Hitting Gold is a significant milestone, especially as it is the rank needed to earn season rewards. Players in Gold show solid mechanical skill and a decent understanding of macro play, making them reliable contributors in most games. However, to progress further, players must fine-tune their teamwork and decision-making.
  • Platinum (IV, III, II, I)
    In Platinum, players typically have a thorough understanding of their preferred champions and how to effectively play around objectives like Dragon, Baron, and turrets. Platinum players often excel at individual mechanics but may struggle to maintain consistency in team play.
  • Emerald (IV, III, II, I)
    A recent addition to the ranking system, Emerald sits between Platinum and Diamond. This tier gives more depth to the high-rank experience and prevents the bottleneck that previously occurred at Diamond. Players in Emerald display strong macro skills, map awareness, and often take the game seriously as they push towards higher ranks.
  • Diamond (IV, III, II, I)
    Players who reach Diamond have a comprehensive understanding of the game. They consistently perform at a high level, displaying expertise in both individual skill and teamwork. Diamond marks the beginning of the elite ranks in League of Legends, where the competition becomes more intense and strategic.
  • Master
    Players in the Master rank are the cream of the crop, making up a small percentage of the player base. They have mastered both individual mechanics and team strategies, making very few mistakes in their games. Climbing out of Master into Grandmaster requires not only skill but also mental resilience.
  • Grandmaster
    Just below Challenger, Grandmaster players are among the best in the world. They regularly compete at a high level, often against professional players or those aspiring to go pro. Consistency, adaptability, and excellent decision-making are what separate Grandmasters from the rest.
  • Challenger
    Challenger is the pinnacle of the League of Legends ranked system. Only the top 200-300 players in each region are granted this prestigious rank. To achieve and maintain Challenger, players must not only reach 500 LP but consistently perform at a high level to avoid being demoted. Staying in Challenger requires excellent game knowledge, teamwork, and near-flawless execution of strategies.

How the Ranking System Works

To progress in ranked play, players must win games to earn LP. Winning grants LP based on individual and team performance, while losing decreases it. Once a player accumulates 100 LP in a given division, they enter a promotion series where they must win two out of three games to advance to the next division. If they fail, they lose LP and have to try again. The system is designed to ensure that only players who consistently perform well will climb, while those who lose more frequently will be demoted.

At the highest ranks (Master, Grandmaster, Challenger), the ranking system changes slightly. Instead of promotion series, LP becomes the primary factor in ranking, and players need to consistently stay above certain LP thresholds to avoid demotion.


Climbing the Ladder: Tips and Tricks

For players looking to improve and climb the ranks, here are some valuable tips:

  1. Master One Role and Champion
    Sticking to a specific role and mastering a few champions can greatly improve your gameplay. Knowing your champion’s strengths and weaknesses will allow you to make better decisions during games.
  2. Focus on Objectives, Not Just Kills
    Winning League of Legends isn’t just about racking up kills. Objectives such as Dragons, Barons, and towers often dictate the outcome of the game. Prioritizing these can give your team an edge.
  3. Communication is Key
    While it may be difficult at times, maintaining good communication with your team can lead to better synergy and success. Pinging objectives and coordinating strategies will greatly enhance your chances of winning.
  4. Analyze Your Games
    Reviewing your past games and identifying mistakes can help you improve. Whether it’s positioning, decision-making, or mechanical skill, understanding where you went wrong is the first step to climbing.
  5. Stay Positive and Mentally Strong
    Climbing the ranks can be mentally exhausting, especially when dealing with losing streaks or toxic teammates. It’s essential to maintain a positive attitude and not let frustration affect your gameplay.

Achieving the highest ranks in League of Legends is a daunting task, requiring not only skill but also perseverance and a deep understanding of the game. The ranking system is designed to test your ability to perform consistently under pressure. From Iron to Challenger, each tier presents its own set of challenges. But for those who dedicate themselves to mastering the game, the rewards are well worth the effort. Whether you’re aiming for Gold to earn seasonal rewards or pushing for the ultimate prize of Challenger, the journey is sure to test every aspect of your gameplay.

BLAST Partners with Movember to Promote Mental Health in Esports

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The esports production firm and tournament organizer BLAST has now partnered with the men’s health organization – Movember, to boost the mental health of esports athletes and fans.

This partnership aligns Movember as the official mental health partner of BLAST Premier as both brands kick-start their awareness programs and activities, in relation to men’s mental health.

The partnership will be promoted during the BLAST Premier World Final 2024, which will take place between October 30th and November 2nd in Singapore and is the final event of the BLAST Premier season. During this event, both BLAST and Movember will talk to teams, players, and fans not only about the issue but also about how men can care for their own well-being and help friends who might need it.

As well, BLAST and Movember will collaborate on creating a set of mental health policies and procedures based on the narratives of esports athletes. This initiative is to improve its impact on the people’s well-being and the collaborators also mention the possibility to expand the association to other organizations in the future.

BLAST

Dan Cooper, Director of Global Innovations at Movember, stated: ‘This partnership with Movember and BLAST Premier is a breakthrough to fight the effects of health challenges within the esports fraternity.’ This is part of the reason we are aiming to co-create guidelines that will act as some kind of pillar to protect esports players and help build psychologically safe spaces.

In September, both organizations had worked together during the BLAST Premier Fall Final with Movember delivering workshops with players and other talents to establish the key concerns affecting them. Furthermore, Movember arranged a barber shop at the location offering shaving services, besides encouraging customers and the barbers to engage in discussions during their beard styling sessions – on the importance of mental health.

I remember the last time my dentist asked me to open up and I went on for hours. Well, jokes aside – if you feel you need to talk to someone, click on this link and seek help.

For all the people who think mental health is a joke, click here to find out about its seriousness.

And for more such interesting reads, keep watching this space on Talkesport!

How to Play Black Ops 6 on Split Screen?

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If you’re eager to jump into some local cooperative fun in Call of Duty: In Black Ops 6, split-screen is a fantastic chance to play together with a friend on the same machine.

Watching your matches in split screen boosts the excitement due to the sheer thrill of watching someone lose their game – right next to you, however, the split-screen in Black Ops 6 does not have as much freedom as it has in other games.

Here in this guide, we’ll tell you how the split-screen works in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

The burning question: How to enable split screen in Black Ops 6

First of all, start the Black Ops 6 game on your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S.

Select single player from the menu and once the game is running, select from either Multiplayer or Zombies. These are the only modes you can currently play split-screen because Campaign mode does not include this feature.

Next, connect and turn on another one of your controllers that are compatible with a PC. For PlayStation gamers press the X button on the second controller, for Xbox press A

When playing this kind of game, the two people playing the game have to join using different user accounts and not as guests to support the duel mode. This also means that each player should have his/her own Activision account for the game as well. If the second player doesn’t have an account, they will have to create one, which is rather simple and will take no more than 5 minutes.

Now, two different account names should appear in the top right corner of the screen after both controllers are logged in with different accounts. You’re now ready to Start a Local Squads match if you want to do local Multiplayer or Zombies.

Remember, Black Ops 6 could slightly change graphical settings in the split-screen for both players in order not to let the game process slow down.

Can you play Black Ops 6 in split screen mode on PC?

cod black ops 6

Well, unfortunately, Split-screen is not available in the PC version of Black Ops 6.

Split-screen support is very limited and currently only available for consoles on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

The clarion call is that individuals who play games on the PC as well as individuals who play on Xbox and PlayStation effectively on the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will not be able to access this feature.

However, there are still many options for online multiplayer available on all systems if players want to address the friends issue – considering the game has over 2 million active players!

But can you play campaigns in Co-op mode in Black Ops 6?

As it is seen in Black Ops 6, the Campaign mode is designed to be played singularly, thus not encompassing split-screen co-op.

The Campaign will be a very different experience that features separate story for single-player experience, so if you are after a co-op campaign, you will have best of luck in Multiplayer or Zombies.

Do I need to purchase two copies of the game to play it in full screen?

Nah, there’s no need to buy two copies of Black Ops 6 for split-screening.

Therefore, if you have possession of the game on either your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, both players can use that one copy of the game.

However, each player is going to need their own Activision account, which is needed in most of the Call of Duty games.

This configuration allows you and a friend to enjoy a local split-screen for Black Ops 6 without further charges; it is worth noting that you will require an internet connection even for local matches in split-screen.

Alright, until next time – keep watching this space for more updates!

LoL Chosen of the Wolf Skin Line: Champions, Price, Release Date & More

Riot Games has recently shed light on the new ‘Chosen of the Wolf’ skin line in League of Legends, and fans of the MOBA are excited to know more about what it will bring to the game.

The Chosen of the Wolf LoL collection, which is set to be introduced to the title alongside the Patch 14.22 update, will feature skins for five Champions, including a Legendary skin for the upcoming champ Ambessa.

In this article, we take a look at everything you need to know about the LoL Chosen of the Wolf skin line, including its contents, release date, price, and more.

LoL Chosen of the Wolf Skin Line: Champions

As already confirmed by the official League of Legends X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Chosen of the Wolf skin line will include skins from the following Champions:

  • Ambessa
  • Kindred
  • Katarina
  • Pantheon
  • Swain

LoL Chosen of the Wolf Skin Line: Price

Below, we have listed the price tags on each of the Chosen of the Wolf LoL skins:

  • Chosen of the Wolf Ambessa: 1820 RP
  • Chosen of the Wolf Kindred: 1350 RP
  • Chosen of the Wolf Katarina: 1350 RP
  • Chosen of the Wolf Pantheon: 1350 RP
  • Chosen of the Wolf Swain: 1350 RP
  • Prestige Chosen of the Wolf Swain: 2000 Event Tokens

LoL Chosen of the Wolf Skin Line: Release Date

The Chosen of the Wolf skin line is scheduled to hit the LoL store on November 6, 2024, alongside the release of the highly anticipated patch 14.22.

Riot Games Announces Major Changes To LCK 2025 Format

The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) is set to undergo major format changes for its 2025 season, as confirmed by Riot Games in a recent statement.

As per the official announcement, the LCL 2025 season will see a single LCK season taking place with five rounds alongside a newly introduced cup competition. There’s also a new international event where the best teams from each region will have to play under a Fearless Draft format.

New LCK Cup & International Event

The LCK Cup, scheduled to begin on January 15, 2025, will start with two groups, Group A and Group B, consisting of five teams each as drafted by the finalists from the 2024 Summer Split (Gen.G and Hanwha Life).

The tournament will then proceed with play-ins, and culminate in the playoffs bracket to crown the champion, who will gain direct qualification to the new international LoL event.

The aforementioned event will include five top teams, each the number one seed from their respective regional leagues, battle it out in a Fearless Draft format. For the uninitiated, the Fearless Draft prevents any champion banned during a best-of-series from being played again for the remainder of that series.

New LCK Format Explained

League of Legends LEC Summer 2024

The first two rounds of the LCK season will take place in April and May using a single round-robin, best-of-three format.

The next three rounds will split the teams into two groups: Legend and Rise. The former will consist of the top five teams from the first two rounds, while the latter will comprise the bottom five. The results of the LCK cup will not be counted in the placements.

The top four teams from the Legend group will advance to the playoffs, while the fifth-placed team will have to join the top three from the Rise group in a play-in stage.

The play-ins will feature a best-of-five, double-elimination format, with two teams earning the final spots in the playoffs.

The playoffs will also use a best-of-five, double-elimination bracket to decide the LCK season champions.

The top three teams from the playoffs will secure their spots at the prestigious League of Legends World Championship 2025, the largest LoL event of the year.