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PGL Relocates 2026 Belgrade Event to Bucharest Amid Scheduling Conflicts

Satyam Kumar
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0
PGL Relocates 2026 Belgrade Event to Bucharest Amid Scheduling Conflicts

Romanian tournament organizer PGL has announced that its Tier 1 Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) event, originally slated for Belgrade, Serbia, in late 2026, has been relocated to its in-house studios in Bucharest. The event has been officially rebranded as PGL Masters Bucharest 2026, marking the second consecutive year that PGL has moved a planned Serbian tournament back to its home base in Romania.

The shift comes as part of a series of revisions to PGL’s 2026 calendar, aimed at navigating a congested esports schedule dominated by rival organizers and shifting global rankings.

Logistical Challenges and Date Adjustments

The tournament, which was initially scheduled for October 22 – November 2, will now run from October 24 to October 31, 2026. By shortening the event by two days, PGL aims to provide more logistical flexibility for teams participating in IEM China 2026, which is scheduled to begin immediately afterward on November 2.

Unlike the originally envisioned event at the 18,000-capacity Belgrade Arena, the relocated tournament will be a Studio LAN. This move to a controlled environment ensures high-quality production standards while avoiding the “unforeseen logistical circumstances” in Serbia that PGL cited for the change.

Tournament Format and Prize Pool

Despite the change in venue, the stakes remain high. PGL Masters Bucharest 2026 features a $1.25 million prize pool and will host 16 of the world’s elite teams. The competition structure includes:

  • Direct Invites: 12 teams based on the July 2026 Valve Regional Standings (VRS).
  • Qualifiers: 4 spots earned through regional qualifiers in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
  • Match Format: A Swiss best-of-three (Bo3) group stage leading into a single-elimination Bo3 playoff, culminating in a best-of-five (Bo5) Grand Final.

A Disrupted Calendar

The relocation is the latest hurdle in PGL’s ambitious 2026 roadmap. The organizer has already been forced to cancel an August 2026 event due to overlaps with the expanded Esports World Cup and scrap an early-October event following the announcement of ESL Pro League Season 24.

Industry analysts point to these frequent changes as a symptom of the “TO wars,” where established giants like ESL and BLAST often clash with PGL’s attempts to secure prime dates. By moving to its Bucharest studios, PGL secures its operational independence and guarantees the event proceeds despite the pressure from rival schedules.

Riot Games Mandates BIOS Firmware Updates for High-Risk VALORANT Players

Satyam Kumar
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0
Riot Games Mandates BIOS Firmware Updates for High-Risk VALORANT Players

In its ongoing arms race against cheaters, Riot Games has introduced a strict new security requirement for VALORANT players. The developer is now forcing certain “restricted” users to update their PC’s BIOS/UEFI firmware to the latest version to mitigate sophisticated memory-based exploits that bypass traditional anti-cheat measures.

The move, powered by Riot’s kernel-level security software Vanguard, marks one of the most aggressive hardware-level security enforcements in mainstream gaming history.

Targeting Firmware Vulnerabilities

The core of the issue lies in older or unpatched BIOS versions from various motherboard manufacturers. These versions contain specific vulnerabilities that allow malicious software to manipulate system memory before the operating system and Vanguard even fully loads. By exploiting these “niche” bugs, cheaters can run scripts that remain invisible to standard detection methods.

Currently, this requirement is not universal. Riot is specifically targeting “Restricted” players individuals whose hardware IDs or system configurations closely mirror those used by known cheaters. According to Riot, these specific PC setups are often a deliberate choice by bad actors to facilitate hardware-level cheating.

The Path to High-Rank Enforcement

While the mandate currently affects a small percentage of the player base, Riot has signaled that this is just the beginning. The company is exploring making BIOS updates mandatory for all players in the highest competitive tiers: Ascendant, Immortal, and Radiant.

This potential rollout could extend beyond VALORANT to Riot’s other major titles, including League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. The goal is to ensure that the pinnacle of competitive play is protected by the highest possible hardware security standards, such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which are already standard for Windows 11 users.

Inclusivity vs. Integrity

The new policy has raised concerns regarding accessibility. Riot has built its massive global success by ensuring its games run on low-end hardware, particularly in emerging markets. Many older PCs are physically incapable of supporting the latest security-focused BIOS updates, meaning a “hard block” could effectively ban legitimate players with aging systems.

However, Riot appears to be betting that players serious enough to reach the top 1% of the leaderboard are also likely to invest in modern, secure hardware. For now, the “slippery slope” remains a topic of debate: if BIOS updates successfully clear cheaters from Radiant ranks, the pressure to implement them across lower ranks will only increase.

5 Best Roblox Christmas Gifts for Every Gamer in 2025

Yash More
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0
5 Best Roblox Christmas Gifts for Every Gamer in 2025

Finding the perfect holiday surprise for a gamer can feel like navigating a complex “obby” in the dark. With millions of active users, Roblox has become a global phenomenon that transcends age groups. Whether you are shopping for a young child obsessed with Adopt Me! or a teenager who spends hours in Brookhaven, the right gear makes all the difference.

If you are searching for the best Christmas gifts for Roblox players of all ages this year, this curated list covers the most popular and high value options available in 2025.

1. Roblox Gift Cards (Robux)

Roblox Gift Card

The most versatile gift for any player is the official Roblox gift card. These cards allow players to purchase Robux, the digital currency used to buy avatar accessories, limited edition skins, or special game passes that unlock hidden areas. For many fans, the freedom to choose their own virtual items is better than any physical toy. Look for the special 2025 Holiday Edition cards which often include an exclusive virtual item like a festive hat or shoulder pet.

2. Roblox Action Collection Figure Packs

Roblox Action Collection Figure Packs

For younger fans who enjoy physical play, the Action Collection series is a top tier choice. These sets, such as the Legends of Roblox or the Zombie Attack Playset, feature iconic characters with mix and match parts. A major selling point for these figures is the included “Exclusive Virtual Item” code. These codes provide a unique item that cannot be obtained anywhere else, making them a status symbol within the digital community.

3. “Dress to Impress” and “Adopt Me!” Mystery Plush

Plush toys are a massive hit for the younger demographic and collectors alike. In 2025, the Dress to Impress Model Mystery Dolls and Adopt Me! Neon Pets are trending across retail stores. These soft collectibles often come with a “blind bag” element, adding a layer of excitement to the unboxing experience. They are perfect for decorating a gaming desk or bed while showcasing a player’s favorite in game experiences.

4. High Quality Gaming Apparel

Roblox is more than a game; it is a lifestyle. Many players love to wear their passion. Look for high quality hoodies or 3D printed t-shirts featuring the classic “Noob” character or logos from popular games like Blox Fruits or Murder Mystery 2. Opting for high cotton blends ensures the gift is comfortable for long gaming sessions. This is a great practical option for parents who want a gift that serves a daily purpose.

5. Personalized LED Gaming Signs

For the dedicated player who has their own gaming setup, a personalized LED sign is a standout gift. You can find custom acrylic lights that feature the player’s unique Roblox username alongside their favorite avatar style. These signs create a professional “streamer” vibe in any bedroom and are particularly popular with older children and teenagers who take pride in their gaming environment.

Choose the Perfect Gift

Whether you choose the digital flexibility of Robux or the tactile fun of an action figure, these gifts are guaranteed to bring a smile to any Roblox fan this Christmas.

Would you like me to find the best online retailers currently offering discounts on these Roblox items?

Riot Games Shares $105M with VCT Teams: Record VALORANT Revenue in 2025

Yash More
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0
Riot Games Shares $105M with VCT Teams: Record VALORANT Revenue in 2025

Riot Games has officially announced a historic financial milestone for the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), revealing that over $105.2 million was shared with partner teams during the 2025 season. This figure represents a massive leap in the commercial scale of the tactical shooter, effectively doubling the revenue-sharing totals from the previous year.

The announcement, delivered in a year-end review by Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports, highlights the “healthiest and most sustainable” ecosystem in the current esports landscape.

Digital Skins Drive Explosive Growth

The backbone of this record-breaking payout is the massive success of in-game digital items. Of the $105.2 million total, a staggering $86 million was generated directly from fan purchases of esports-related cosmetics. This includes:

  • Team Capsules: Individual bundles featuring team-branded weapon skins (the Classic), player cards, and gun buddies.
  • Champions 2025 Collection: The annual limited-edition bundle celebrating the world championship in Paris.
  • Season Capsules: Time-limited bundles introduced to keep engagement high throughout the competitive calendar.

This $86 million figure marks a 94% year-over-year increase from 2024, proving that VALORANT fans are increasingly willing to financially support their favorite organizations through direct in-game purchases.

Viewership Peaks and Global Stability

The financial surge was mirrored by record-breaking engagement on the broadcast side. Masters Bangkok became the most-watched Masters event in VCT history with a peak of 5.2 million viewers, while the Champions Paris final where NRG Esports defeated Fnatic drew a cumulative 28 million viewers.

Riot’s model differs from traditional esports structures by prioritizing digital sales over volatile sponsorship deals. “Our community continues to elevate this sport,” Faria stated, noting that the revenue-sharing model provides a more predictable and stable foundation for teams to manage their business operations.

Expanding the Circle in 2026

Looking ahead, Riot plans to democratize these earnings. Starting in 2026, non-partner teams (those from the Challengers/Ascension circuit) who qualify for Champions will receive a “Champions competitive share,” which has exceeded $500,000 per team in recent years. Additionally, Riot hinted at a major overhaul for 2027, teasing that new digital goods may move beyond the “Classic” weapon skin to other popular rifles like the Vandal or Phantom.

Paper Rex Wins Radiant International Invitational 2025

Satyam Kumar
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0
Paper Rex Wins Radiant International Invitational 2025

Southeast Asian powerhouse Paper Rex (PRX) has kicked off its 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, clinching back-to-back titles at the Radiant International Invitational in China. The victory was particularly sweet as it marked a successful debut for the team’s newest signing, Filipino star Adrian “invy” Reyes, and ended a long-standing losing streak against regional rivals Gen.G.

The tournament, which featured elite international squads like G2 Esports and FunPlus Phoenix, served as a high-stakes testing ground for updated rosters ahead of the next VCT season.

A Debut to Remember for Invy

Just days after officially joining Paper Rex from Team Secret to replace Masters Toronto hero Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza, invy found himself lifting an international trophy. While the team started slowly in the group stages with narrow losses to FPX and Gen.G, they found their “W-Gaming” rhythm in the playoffs.

Invy’s integration into the roster appeared seamless, providing the flexible firepower and utility support the coaches had hoped for. “The win sees Reyes lift his first trophy with Paper Rex, just a week after exiting his longtime squad,” noted analysts, signaling a potential shift in power for the upcoming VCT Pacific circuit.

Breaking the Gen.G Curse

The Grand Final was a classic Pacific derby against Gen.G, a team Paper Rex had failed to beat in their last six encounters a drought lasting nearly 600 days. The series began with Gen.G dominating on Abyss (13-5), but PRX responded with a tactical masterclass.

Led by veteran Khalish “d4v41” Rusyaidee, who earned the tournament MVP award, Paper Rex dismantled Gen.G on the subsequent three maps: Split (13-5), Haven (13-3), and Bind (13-9). D4v41’s performance was nothing short of legendary, recording 65 kills over the four-map affair and proving that the old guard of PRX still has world-class impact.

Setting the Pace for VCT 2026

The Radiant International Invitational victory is Paper Rex’s third major trophy of 2025 (following Masters Toronto and VCT Pacific Stage 2), cementing their status as the team to beat. As the “Paper Rex Express” heads into the 2026 Kickoff, the rest of the world has been put on notice: the addition of invy has only made their trademark aggressive style more dangerous.

Fnatic Explores Massive $100 Million Sale Amid Esports Market Shift

Yash More
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0
Fnatic Explores Massive $100 Million Sale Amid Esports Market Shift

LONDON – One of the most iconic names in global esports, Fnatic, is reportedly exploring a potential sale that could value the organization at approximately $100 million (£74.7 million). The London-based giant, founded in 2004, has hired sports advisory firm Oakwell Advisory to field interest from potential bidders following a series of unsolicited approaches.

The move marks a pivotal moment for the European organization, which has established itself as a “flagship” brand across multiple titles, including League of Legends, VALORANT, and Counter-Strike 2.

Strategic Expansion vs. Financial Reality

According to reports from Sky News and industry analysts, Fnatic is open to either a minority investment or a full takeover. Founder and CEO Sam Mathews stated that the organization is “constantly evaluating strategic opportunities to scale our international footprint.”

While the $100 million price tag is ambitious especially given the current “esports winter” that has seen valuations for other teams like FaZe Clan plummet Fnatic’s appeal lies in its sustainability. The organization is reportedly close to breaking even, a rarity in the industry. However, financial filings show a revenue dip from €20.5 million in 2023 to €16.5 million in 2024, highlighting the pressure even top-tier brands face to monetize their massive fanbases.

High-Value Assets and Global Reach

The $100 million valuation is backed by Fnatic’s ownership of prestigious franchised slots. Their LEC (League of Legends) and VCT EMEA (VALORANT) spots are estimated to be worth tens of millions alone. Furthermore, Fnatic has successfully diversified its income through collaborations with luxury brands like Gucci and pop-culture icons like Hello Kitty.

Earlier in 2025, Fnatic also streamlined its operations by selling its “performance product line” from its hardware division, Fnatic Gear, to Sony. This move allowed the team to lean into its core strength: competitive performance and lifestyle branding.

Interest from Traditional Sports and Media

The search for buyers has attracted interest from traditional sports owners and major media conglomerates eager to capture the elusive Gen Z and Gen Alpha demographics. As esports continues to professionalize, a brand with Fnatic’s 21-year legacy is viewed as a “safe bet” for investors looking for an entry point into the digital arena.

Arc Raiders Players Furious Over Last-Minute Expedition Change That Deletes All Workbenches

Sonu Banerjee
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Arc Raiders Players Furious Over Last-Minute Expedition Change That Deletes All Workbenches

Over the last few months, Embark has continued to receive widespread praise from gamers worldwide regarding how it handled the launch of its extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, while quickly responding to feedback and addressing issues raised by the community. However, a recent decision from the dev team has sparked backlash within the game’s player base, with a number of players upset over a change that was not clearly communicated ahead of today’s update.

The change in question involves the game’s Expedition system, which is Arc Raiders’ answer to inventory wipes, a mechanic present in most titles in this genre to put players on a level playing field at regular intervals. Long story short, upon participating in the Arc Raiders Expedition, players can get several bonuses on their accounts, ranging from permanent enhancements to a series of limited-time boosts at the cost of most of the progress they’ve already made, including their entire stash, accumulated coins, blueprints, and more.

Arc Raiders Expedition Deletes All Workstations

Before the Expedition departure window, Embark had shared a list of what players would lose and what they would get to keep upon participating in the Expedition. This was the list that they initially revealed:

Arc Raiders Expedition

However, shortly before the Expedition’s departure on December 22nd, players noticed that the list had been changed by Embark ahead of the reset.

So why was the Unlocked Workshop Stations removed from what is kept when doing the Expedition?
byu/EirikurG inArcRaiders

While “Workshop” had always been on the list of things that would be reset post-expeditions, “Unlocked Workshop Stations” being on the “This Will Be Kept” side implied that players would have their workbenches reduced to level 1 after the departure.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Following the departure today, all the unlocked workstations of players who chose to partake in the Expedition were removed. As a result, the confusion within the community was palpable following the big reset.

Needless to say, Arc Raiders players were not happy with this sudden change of plans, with many criticising Embark for its lack of communication compared to other live-service games.

Others have pointed out that the workbenches being reset aren’t necessarily a big deal for most players. Installing workbenches doesn’t require a lot of resources and can easily be done with materials from a couple of raids. Upgrading them, on the other hand, can be far more frustrating as the materials required aren’t very easy to find.
If you’re looking for materials to upgrade your Arc Raiders workstations, be sure to go through the guides available on our website.

How to Get Batman Beyond Skin in Fortnite

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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0
How to Get Batman Beyond Skin in Fortnite

Fortnite has flooded the game with collaborations for the holiday season, bringing in tons of skins for fans to enjoy. The latest skin to catch everyone’s fancy has been the Batman Beyond skin, and in this article, we will explain how you can get it for yourself in Fortnite.

It goes without saying that Batman is one of the most popular superheroes in the world, and Epic was able to bring the Dark Knight of Gotham to the game. Batman Beyond follows the story of Terry McGinnins who inherited the mantle of Batman from Bruce Wayne, and while it’s not Mr. Wayne under the mask, the show remains critically acclaimed by fans as one of the best adaptations.

Fortnite has successfully captured the original art style of the animated TV series within the game, blending it seamlessly into Fortnite. The developers, maintaining the same theme, added a great touch and brought a lot of value to the skin, especially for players who are fans of the series.

How to get Batman Beyond skin in Fortnite

  • Open the Fortnite Item Shop.
  • Go to the Batman Beyond section at the top.
  • Buy the Batman Beyond Bundle for 2,800 V-Bucks.
  • Or get Batman Beyond and The Joker (Beyond) individually for 1,500 V-Bucks each.

Unfortunately for fans, the skin is not available in the game as a part of any event or challenge, leaving the Item Shop as the only place to get it as of now.

The Batman Beyond skin will be rotating out of the game on December 29th, so make sure to grab it before time runs out. While we do not know when it might be back again, Fortnite has been dropping banger collaborations left, right, and centre, so there is a chance that you can get something of your liking even if you miss out on this one.

How to Get Bombardier Cell Arc Raiders

Aritra Patra
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0
How to Get Bombardier Cell Arc Raiders

Bombardier Cells are the key to unlocking the endgame progress in Arc Raiders. Bombardier ARC units drop only these elite resources in the game. Upgrading your refinery to level 3 requires Bombardier Cells; hence, the importance of reaching level 3.

Follow the steps mentioned below to obtain Bombardier Cells in Arc Raiders.

How to Get Bombardier Cell Arc Raiders

Bombardiers are heavily armored mobile artillery units equipped with a 60mm mortar that fires on enemies up to a distance of 300 meters. These are among the most dangerous enemies of the Arc Raiders, and thus preparation is not optional. Travel to profitable farming areas, namely the Buried City – either Marano Park or Plaza Rosa – where Elite Bombardiers are spawned.

Penetration is vital for arming the Hullcracker efficiently for damage efficiency, or Ferro for those on a budget. To round out your arsenal, use grenades. Wolfpack Grenades, custom-made for ARC troopers, pack massive punch damage. However, for versatility in tactics, either Trigger Grenades and/or Snap Grenades can be effectively substituted. A combination of two Wolfpacks along with three to four Snap Grenades is sufficient to whittle down the Bombardier extensively before turning to your main gun.

Destroy the two Spotter drones accompanying each Bombardier, allowing precise targeting by exploiting holes in their defenses. Second, install sufficient defense, including a closed roof and multiple exits. After gaining access, start attacking the area where the Bombardier is most damage-ineffective – its rear side – while using grenades there. When using Blaze grenades, target their slow speed and proclivity to remain burning in one spot. ​​

After defeating a Bombardier, immediately use smoke grenades to mask the region. It is essential to loot for large body parts such as the torso and legs, which have a higher likelihood of Bombardier Cells being dropped. You can expect to have three to four cells in a kill, and in lucky RNG circumstances, you can have a total of six. Having Looting MK.2 Active in the Bombardier Cell farm ensures that a total of six cells will be protected in case you die before extraction.

When Is Arc Raiders Wipe

Aritra Patra
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0
When Is Arc Raiders Wipe

Arc Raiders has been one of the standout extraction shooters of 2025, carrying a torch that bridges the gap between hardcore Tarkov enthusiasts and casual PlayStation players. But when Embark Studios announced its take on the most infamous wipe mechanic, one that’s deeply rooted in the core of extraction shooters, the community held its collective breath. It’s called the Expedition Project.

Arc Raiders Wipe Timing

Unlike traditional extraction shooters such as Escape from Tarkov and Delta Force, which force global progression resets, leaving casual and hardcore players equally disadvantaged, Arc Raiders‘ wipe system is a choice left to the player. The first Expedition window launched on December 17, 2025, with registration closing today, on December 22. Every eight weeks thereafter, players will face the same tough decision – wipe or hold steady.

Why is this a big deal?

The original grievance was a valid one. Forcibly wiping players of their gear penalizes casuals, who essentially have to reset months of progress at one moment’s notice. Embark’s system respects player choice. Those who opt to embark are rewarded permanently with an outfit called the Patchwork Raider, skill points determined by stash value given to a maximum of five, and a dozen more stash slots. Temporarily, players will receive a 10% repair bonus, a 5% XP boost, and a 6% material increase, all lasting until the next cycle.

Community analysis uncovers that the system is actually working in a “soft-forced” framework. Players who forgo wipes walk away with a competitive disadvantage of about 13% fewer skill points after three wipes-in PvP-centric extraction shooters. The science of today is the technology of tomorrow. Reception remains mixed. Some appreciate the choice, others chide that the coin-skill-point conversion was delivered too abruptly.

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