Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Home Blog Page 43

Multiple Former Indian Pros Hit With FACEIT Bans for Platform Abuse

FACEIT has banned multiple former Indian Counter-Strike 2 pros from its platform following a series of allegations involving match manipulation, admin abuse, privacy violations, and other forms of misconduct.

The allegations were first raised by Reddit user ‘ITACHI_Daisuki’ on the ‘FACEITCom’ subreddit. The user claimed that a number of FACEIT players, including multiple former Indian CS pros, had been involved in match manipulation to farm FACEIT points, reportedly with the assistance of admin/support member “DarKPhoeniXC.”

According to the Reddit thread, the following FACEIT users were reportedly involved in match manipulation for farming points:

  • ChAmp
  • AIM-4-HeAD
  • PyR0_
  • Owned07
  • vel0city
  • RIDDLESDICE
  • Recoilmaster

ChAmp, Recoilmaster, and vel0city are all former Indian pros who had been a part of the competitive CS scene in the past. ChAmp and Recoilmaster played for Victores Sumus earlier this year, while vel0city has previously been a part of teams like Wasted Potential and Marcos.

The Reddit post puts forward the following allegations against the aforementioned players:

  • Admin-assisted match manipulation
  • Intentional disconnections to force match abandonment
  • Players jumping between two tournaments simultaneously
  • Admin misusing platform privileges
  • Privacy violations (reading the Matchroom chat of other teams)

Following an investigation by FACEIT, staff member Keith confirmed that the entire team was indeed found to be in violation. Consequently, the admin was removed from the team and received a year-long platform ban for abusive conduct. All other players involved in the situation were issued temporary bans for three months.

Comment
byu/ITACHI_Daisuki from discussion
inFACEITcom

“We did not have enough conclusive evidence to state that the admin was abusing permissions,” Keith said in a reply to the Reddit thread. “Our tools did not indicate any instances of malicious actions. However, they did violate the tournament rules (rule 3) with full knowledge of what they were doing. This is why the ban lengths are what they are.”

Deadpool is Coming To Marvel Rivals in Season 6 Update

Deadpool is finally coming to Marvel Rivals!

The fan-favorite antihero is set to join the ever-expanding roster of heroes in Marvel Rivals with the game’s highly anticipated Season 6 update.

NetEase officially unveiled Deadpool’s arrival in Marvel Rivals during The Game Awards 2025. The reveal trailer showcases Deadpool doing what he does best, fighting baddies while cracking some of his signature fourth-wall-breaking jokes.

Prior to Deadpool’s arrival, fans of the hero shooter will be able to greet Rogue, who makes her debut in Marvel Rivals with the Season 5.5 update.

Deadpool Marvel Rivals Release Date

NetEase has confirmed that Deadpool will be added to Marvel Rivals with the launch of Season 6: Night at the Museum. The Marvel Rivals Season 6 update is set to go live on January 16, 2026, bringing a ton of new content to the game, including the new hero, a fresh Battle Pass, and a lot more.

While you wait for Deadpool’s launch, Marvel Rivals players can tune into the game right away to enjoy the newly released Season 5.5 update. Not only will you be able to meet the game’s newest Vanguard, Rogue, but you can also partake in a variety of new events and game modes to snag some free in-game goodies.

Fans can check out the full reveal trailer of Deadpool in Marvel Rivals below.

Counter-Strike 2 Crowned Best Esports Game at The Game Awards 2025

Counter-Strike 2 has taken home the honor for Best Esports Game at The Game Awards 2025, cementing its name as one of the most influential competitive titles this year.

As usual, the Best Esports Game was a highly contested category, but the popular first-person shooter by Valve managed to edge out heavyweights like Dota 2, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Valorant to claim the prestigious trophy.

Last year, the award for Best Esports Game went to League of Legends, the incredibly popular MOBA by Riot Games. LoL enjoyed another strong year for its esports scene in 2025, as did Valorant. Valve’s own MOBA, Dota 2, also continued its tradition of delivering enormous prize pools and tournaments packed with exceptional plays.

Despite such fierce competition, Counter-Strike 2 ultimately came out on top this year, a testament to its continued dominance in the competitive FPS genre.

Alongside CS2 claiming the Best Esports Game award, Austin Major 2025 champions Team Vitality secured the honor for the Best Esports Team.

While CS2 enjoyed an amazing overall year packed with great events, the Austin Major found exceptional success. The first Major of 2025 drew in a whopping 1.8 million peak concurrent viewers, making it one of the most-watched CS2 events of all time.

Fans looking to catch some CS2 action can do so right away by checking out the official livestreams of the ongoing StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, with the playoffs for the tournament currently underway at the time of writing.

Epic Introduces 67 Fortnite Emote

Epic Games continues to ride on viral internet trends as it releases the much-anticipated 67 emote with Fortnite Chapter 7. The 67 emote, which landed on the Item Shop tab earlier in the week, marks yet another event in which it uses meme culture.

It traces its roots back to the online phenomenon, ‘Doot Doot (6 7),’ which went viral on several online platforms over the past few months. It all began with a young fan named Maverick Trevillian, who would soon become known as ‘the 67 Kid,’ as he stood before the cameras at a basketball match and made his signature hand movement and shout ‘6 7.’ The short clip filmed by online personality Cam Wilder in March 2025 soon took on a life of its own.

A meme that caught on initially as an internet joke soon made an impact on mainstream culture. Based on an original song called “Doot Doot (6 7)” made by rapper Skrilla, it reached mainstream success as it peaked at position number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Its impact on mainstream culture went beyond online gaming and music. Dictionary.com recognized it as ‘Word of the Year’ with usage as an inspiration for various promotions.

The 67 meme was first teased at the cinematic Zero Hour Finale event, which signified an extremely important transition from Fortnite Chapter 6 to Chapter 7. Although it lasted for a short period, it exactly epitomized what large franchises are doing today, which is taking advantage of viral content.

The 67 emote becomes yet another addition with similar releases found within competing titles, such as Clash Royale and Overwatch. The Icon Series rarity emote sells for 500 V-Bucks.

Are you going to purchase it? Let us know in the comments below.

Total War: Warhammer 40K Announced by SEGA and Creative Assembly

Creative Assembly has finally broken one of gaming’s worst-kept secrets with the unveiling of Total War: Warhammer 40,000 at The Game Awards 2025. It was introduced at The Game Awards ceremony by David Harbour, an avid Warhammer fan and an actor from Stranger Things, and it’s more than just an entry into a new IP. It marks a radical departure for Total War itself.

The cinematic reveal trailer, with Space Marines mowing down hordes of Orks amidst beautifully rendered anarchy, raised the bar at once. Aside from all that glitz and polish, gameplay footage confirms what a dedicated fan base has been waiting for all along: Total War strategy gameplay will incorporate battles across multiple planets.

It’s an unprecedented scale for a Total War game. There are four iconic factions the player will control: Space Marines, Astra Militarum, Orks, and Aeldari. All of these have completely different gameplay and ways to win. The galactic campaign system introduces features never seen before in Total War. It includes things like planetary battles and destruction, and these are fought on various planetary strongholds that are all interlinked. Something that might catch your eye is that there are apocalyptic weapons capable of destroying whole planets.

A truly revolutionary aspect, however, is Creative Assembly’s focus on unprecedently customization. It’s for the first time in Total War history that players will be able to build completely personalized armies with customization options pertaining to faction names, iconography, and soldier squad buildouts. It meets the fan demand for Warhammer 40K’s army customization.

The news also brings with it a historic shift in the scope of the Total War franchise as Total War: Warhammer 40K will be arriving on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, making it the first mainstream Total War game on consoles. ​​

For more of the latest updates and news, follow TalkEsport.

PUBG Mobile Esports 2026 Roadmap Announced: 30+ National Championships, 2 PMGOs, and More

PUBG Mobile officially revealed the PUBG Mobile Esports 2026 roadmap during the PMGC 2025 Grand Finals Day 1 in Bangkok, Thailand, introducing major changes, new tournaments, and an upgraded qualification system. The new season will feature two PMGO events, a bigger World Cup in Riyadh, and the PMGC 2026 Grand Finals in Türkiye, with a combined prize pool of over $7 million. PUBG Mobile has added multiple upgrades, including an in-game participation system, expanded offline entertainment experiences, and stronger third-party tournament support, making esports more accessible for all players.

The roadmap also confirms 30+ national championships, expanded regional qualifiers, and a two-season format where teams earn PMGC points to reach the world championship. Four global events are confirmed: PMGO Season 1 (SEA), PMGO Season 2 (Pakistan), PMWC Riyadh, and PMGC Türkiye, offering more opportunities than ever.

PUBG Mobile Esports 2026 Roadmap

All Global Tournaments in PUBG Mobile Esports Roadmap 2026

PUBG Mobile has confirmed 4 major global tournaments for next year.

  • 1) PMGO 2026 – Season 1
    • Location: Southeast Asia
    • Prize Pool: $500,000 USD

    This is the first global event of the year, taking place in the SEA region. PUBG Mobile Global Open PMGO Season 1 will feature top teams from national and regional qualifiers, alongside invited teams based on 2025 performance. This event officially kicks off the 2026 global esports season.

    • 2) PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 (PMWC)
      • Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
      • Prize Pool: $3,000,000 USD

      The PMWC will be held as part of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. This is one of the biggest events of the entire year, bringing together top teams from PMGO, national qualifiers, and regional qualifiers. The PMWC will be a major highlight with a massive trophy and huge audience.

      • 3) PMGO 2026 – Season 2
        • Location: Pakistan
        • Prize Pool: $500,000 USD

        PMGO Season 2 will take place later in the year in Pakistan. It will serve as a second opportunity for teams to earn PMGC qualification points. With another $500K prize pool, this event strengthens South Asia’s role in global PUBG Mobile esports.

        • 4) PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) 2026
        • Location: Türkiye
        • Prize Pool: $3,000,000 USD

        The final event of the year is the PMGC 2026 Grand Finals. The tournament will take place in Türkiye and feature the world’s best teams. PMGC is the ultimate stage where PMGC points from both seasons decide qualification, along with national and regional champions.

        Key Features of PUBG Mobile Esports Roadmap 2026

        1. 30+ PMNCs Across More Than 8 Regions

        PUBG Mobile will run national championships in over 30 countries. This increases participation for smaller regions and expands the global reach of esports.

        1. Regional Finals → PMGO Qualification

        The winners of regional finals will move directly into PMGO. This creates a clearer and more rewarding path for new teams.

        1. PMGO Will Have 2 Seasons

        There will now be PMGO Season 1 and PMGO Season 2 every year. Each season gives teams another chance to earn PMGC points.

        1. PMGC Points Accumulation System

        Teams collect points throughout the year in PMGO, PMWC, and official qualifiers. These points decide which teams qualify for PMGC 2026.

        Total Number of Major Tournaments in 2026

        • 4 Global Tournaments
        • 30+ National Championships (PMNCs)
        • Multiple Regional Qualifiers
        • Two PMGO Seasons
        • One PMWC
        • One PMGC

        2026 will be one of the biggest competitive years in PUBG Mobile history.

        Read More: BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers Date Announced: Check Here

        What’s New in PUBG Mobile Esports 2026

        1. In-Game Participation System Upgrade

        PUBG Mobile is upgrading the in-game esports menu, making it easier for players to register, play qualifiers, check rankings, and see tournament schedules directly inside the app. This upgrade will help underdog teams join national and regional qualifiers more smoothly.

        1. Offline Entertainment Experience

        The 2026 season will include more offline fan events, live-stage activations, and LAN experiences at tournaments across different countries. Fans can enjoy meet-and-greet sessions, stage shows, and interactive entertainment during major competitions.

        1. 3rd-Party Tournament Support & Upgrade

        PUBG Mobile Esports will now support more third-party events, including national LANs, community tournaments, and partner-hosted events. This means more competitions, more visibility for teams, and a stronger esports ecosystem in every region.

        Pro Team’s Path in the PUBG Mobile 2026 Esports Roadmap

        PUBG Mobile has introduced a clear qualification system for pro teams. The esports year is divided into two seasons, and teams earn PMGC points across both seasons.

        Season 1 Path

        1. National Qualification

        Teams start by competing in their country-level qualifiers (PMNCs). Winners advance to regional qualifiers. PMNCs will be held across 30+ countries, giving more teams a chance to enter the global circuit. National champions move ahead to represent their country in the next stage.

        1. Regional Qualification

        Top national teams compete against other countries in their region. Regional qualifiers decide which teams can move into PMGO or the PMWC path. These events are more competitive and feature only the best from each nation.

        1. PMGO Season 1 / PMWC

        Qualifying teams and invited teams play in the first PMGO of the year or enter PMWC based on performance. This stage is where teams begin earning PMGC points. Performances here will strongly impact their chances of reaching PMGC 2026.

        Season 2 Path

        1. National Qualification

        The cycle restarts with a second national qualifier later in the year. New teams get a fresh chance in the second season. This ensures that underdog teams can still make PMGC even if they miss Season 1.

        1. Regional Qualification

        As before, the best national teams compete regionally. Season 2 regional qualifiers help finalize teams for PMGO Season 2 and PMGC qualification.

        1. PMGO Season 2

        Teams compete for PMGC points and big prize money. PMGO Season 2 is crucial because it is the final event before the PMGC qualification closes.

        1. PMGC 2026

        Top PMGC point teams + regional champions qualify. Teams that consistently perform across both seasons earn enough PMGC points to reach the final and biggest event of the season.

        BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers Date Announced: Check Here

        Krafton India has officially announced the BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers date. Registrations are set to begin on 15 December 2025, and the BGIS In-Game Qualifiers will take place in January 2026. This stage is where underdog teams and aspiring players compete in classic BGMI matches to earn a spot in the next rounds of the tournament. It is the biggest opportunity for players to showcase their skills, with the grand finals being a LAN event featuring a massive ₹2 crore+ prize pool. Here’s everything you need to know about BGIS 2026 IGQ.

        BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers Date

        The BGIS 2026 In-Game Qualifiers will kick off on 8 January 2026 and run until 14 January 2026. During these seven days, players can compete with their registered squads in classic matches and aim for consistent wins and strong finishes. Their overall performance during this period will determine whether they qualify for the upcoming stages of the tournament.

        Key Dates

        • Registrations Open: 15th December 2025
        • Registrations Close: 4th January 2026
        • Registration Data Verification: 5th – 7th January 2026
        • InGame Qualifiers: 8th – 14th January 2026

        Read More: BGMI 4.2 Update: Theme Mode, Expected Release Date, AI Companion, and More

        BGIS 2026 will begin its journey soon, and players need to keep a close eye on the important dates. Registrations will officially open on 15 December 2025 and will continue until 4 January 2026. After that, all team details will go through a verification process from 5 to 7 January 2026 to make sure the information is correct. Once verification is done, the real action starts with the In-Game Qualifiers running from 8 to 14 January 2026, where all registered squads will compete to move to the next round.

        Teams will be able to register through the official Krafton India Esports website, where the Registration Link will be available. Players searching for the BGIS 2025 Registration Link or the updated link will get the new link on BGMI’s social media handles, Krafton India Esports pages, and possibly in-game announcements once the window goes live. As of now, the link is not active, but it will be released on 15 December 2025 when the registrations open.

        BGIS 2026 Registration: Key Dates, Start–Close Schedule, Verification & In-Game Qualifiers

        KRAFTON India announced the opening of registrations for the 5th edition of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) 2026, the country’s biggest and most inclusive Open-to-All esports tournament. The BGIS 2026 registrations are set to go live on 15th December, and the In-Game Qualifiers will kick off on 8 January 2026.

        Recognised as one of India’s most-watched and most-participated esports properties, BGIS 2026 returns with a larger-than-ever format, running from January to March 2026. Thousands of squads from across India will battle through multiple online and LAN stages for national recognition and a share of the ₹2 Crore prize pool.

        Built for Everyone: India’s Largest Open Entry Esports Platform BGIS 2026

        Since launch, BGIS has been defined by one principle: every player deserves a shot. The tournament has consistently championed grassroots access, enabling any individual or team – from across the length and breadth of the country – to register, compete, qualify, and rise. Over the years, BGIS has produced unforgettable undergod stories, massive participation numbers, and some of India’s most exciting competitive breakthroughs.

        The 2026 edition strengthens this vision even further. Whether someone is entering their first tournament, competing with their neighbourhood squad, or aspiring to become India’s next esports star, BGIS 2026 is your stage. Registrations open December 15, 2025, on the Krafton India Esports Website, with qualifiers starting early January.

        BGIS 2026 Key Dates

        • Registrations Open: 15th December 2025
        • Registrations Close: 4th January 2026
        • Registration Data Verification: 5th – 7th January 2026
        • BGIS 2026 In‑Game Qualifiers: 8th – 14th January 2026

        Karan Pathak, Associate Director- Esports, KRAFTON India said, “In 2026, our goal is to elevate Indian esports by creating a system that is more inclusive, more aspirational, and more deeply connected to the millions of players who have supported BGMI over the years. BGIS has always stood for opportunity, a place where undergodss become champions, and this year, we are expanding that promise with a wider stage, stronger structures, and more pathways for growth. Our long-term commitment is to empower every aspiring player across India, strengthen the competitive ecosystem at every level, and deliver world‑class experiences that honour the passion and support of our incredible community.”

        Read More: BGIS 2026 Registration Starts 15 December 2025: Key Rules Every Player Should Know

        As part of KRAFTON India’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the country’s esports landscape – through sustained investment, structured competition, and global pathways – BGIS 2026 stands as a pivotal milestone in discovering and supporting homegrown talent.

        FFMAI 2025 Main Event Day 2: Match Timings, Points Table, Groups, and More

        The Free Fire Max Asia Invitational (FFMAI) 2025 Main Event Day 2 will take place today, 12 December 2025. Group A and B, including teams like Godlike Esports, Team Falcons, Total Gaming Esports, GOW, and Kagendra, will battle in a total of six matches from 5:30 PM IST onwards. After the first day, Bigetron by Vitality is leading the FFMAI 2025 overall standings with a total of 132 points, followed by P Esports and Kagendra. Here’s the full FFMAI 2025 Main Event Day 2 schedule, groups, where to watch, and all key details you need to know.

        FFMAI 2025 Main Event Day 2 Schedule and Groups

        Day 2

        MatchGroupsDateTime (IST)
        Match 7A x B12 Dec5:30 PM
        Match 8A x B12 Dec6:00 PM
        Match 9A x B12 Dec6:30 PM
        Match 10A x B12 Dec7:00 PM
        Match 11A x B12 Dec7:30 PM
        Match 12A x B12 Dec8:00 PM

        Groups

        Group AGroup BGroup C
        Reckoning EsportsRevenant XSparkMeta Ninza
        NG ProsNightmare EsportsS8UL Elite
        Godlike EsportsTotal Gaming EsportsP Esports
        Team FalconsGOWBigetron by Vitality
        AvidaKagendraMaqna Esports
        GB EsportsRed HawksDRS Gaming

        Read More: FF OB52: Free Fire Advance Server Registration 2025 Expected Date

        FFMAI 2025 Overall Standings After Main Event Day 1

        • 1st Place – Bigetron by Vitality – 132 points
        • 2nd Place – P Esports – 83 points
        • 3rd Place – Kagendra – 81 points
        • 4th Place – DRS Gaming – 80 points
        • 5th Place – IQOO Total Gaming – 75 points
        • 6th Place – GOW Esports – 74 points
        • 7th Place – Meta Ninza – 72 points
        • 8th Place – Maqna Esports Club – 64 points
        • 9th Place – RedHawks – 51 points
        • 10th Place – Revenant XSpark – 41 points
        • 11th Place – Nightmare Esports – 40 points
        • 12th Place – S8UL Elite – 30 points
        • 13th Place – IQOO Reckoning – 0 points
        • 14th Place – Avida×KDC – 0 points
        • 15th Place – GodLike Esports – 0 points
        • 16th Place – Team Falcons – 0 points
        • 17th Place – GB Esports – 0 points
        • 18th Place – NG Pros – 0 points

        Main Event Format

        The Main Event will feature 18 teams. Out of these, 8 teams are directly invited, and 10 teams come from the Play-ins. Just like the earlier stage, the teams will again be placed into three groups of six. Over three matchdays, 18 matches will be played, and each team will play 12 matches. Once this stage ends, the top 12 teams will move to the Grand Finals. Also, the top 16 teams will qualify for the Clash Squad mode.

        Where to Watch the Free Fire Max Asia Invitational 2025?

        Fans can enjoy all matches of the Free Fire Max Asia Invitational 2025 on the official YouTube channel of the Free Fire Max Esports India in Hindi and English.

        Free Fire Redeem Codes Indian Server (December 12, 2025): New FF Max Codes Released

        Free Fire Max players in India have received a fresh set of Free Fire redeem codes for Friday, December 12, 2025. These new codes give players a chance to collect free in-game rewards such as diamonds, premium outfits, weapon skins, gloo wall skins, characters, loot crates, and many more exclusive items. Garena releases new redeem codes regularly, and today, a total of 30 new codes have been made available for the Indian server. Players can redeem these rewards directly through the official Free Fire Max redemption website before the codes expire. Check out all Free Fire Redeem Codes Indian Server.

        What Are Free Fire Max Redeem Codes?

        Free Fire Max redeem codes are short 12–16 character alphanumeric combinations released by Garena. These codes unlock different in-game rewards like diamonds, bundles, skins, characters, vouchers, and more. Each code can be used only once per account, and the validity period is usually short. Because they expire quickly, players should redeem them as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the rewards.

        Free Fire Redeem Codes Today Indian Server – December 12, 2025

        Here are the latest codes available for today. These codes are active for the Indian server and can be claimed through the official redemption site:

        • P4QK-7M2L-V8RJ
        • K9MJ-3Q6L-R2PV
        • F2QP-8L1M-N7RJ
        • Z6QH-4K9L-V3PJ
        • B1QP-5M7K-R4VK
        • M4QK-2L8M-V9PR
        • G7QP-9K5M-N1LV
        • Y3QJ-6M2K-R8PV
        • D5MJ-8Q1L-V7RK
        • N7QK-4L3M-R6PJ
        • J2QP-5M9K-V1LV
        • E9QH-7K3L-N4PV
        • S4PL-2M8L-R5VK
        • V8QP-6K4M-V3RJ
        • O1QK-9L5M-R7PR
        • L9QP-3M6K-N2LV
        • X4QJ-5K1M-V8PV
        • R8MJ-7Q9L-R1VK
        • H6QP-2L4M-N5PR
        • A3QK-8M7L-V6RJ
        • T1QH-6K5L-R8PJ
        • B8PL-9M3L-V2VK
        • M7QP-1K4M-R9PR
        • G3QK-8M6K-V5LV
        • Y9QP-2L7M-N4PJ
        • D4QH-7M1L-R3VK
        • N2PL-5K8M-V9PR
        • J5QP-6M3K-R7LV
        • E1QK-4L9M-V2RJ
        • S9QH-3M7L-R5PJ

        Redeem these codes quickly as they may expire at any time.

        Read More: Free Fire OB52 Advance Server: Expected Release Date and Website

        How to Redeem Free Fire Max Codes

        To redeem, players need to visit the official Garena Free Fire Max rewards redemption website. After opening the site, they must log in using their preferred platform such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, VK, or Apple ID. Once logged in, players can enter any redeem code in the text box and click the confirm button. The reward is then processed and delivered to the player’s in-game mailbox within the next 24 hours. Only bound accounts are eligible to receive rewards, so guest accounts must be linked before redemption.

        Important Information for Players

        All cosmetic items received through redeem codes will appear in the vault section inside the lobby. Diamonds and gold will be added automatically to the player’s account balance. Expired codes or region-mismatched codes will not work, and the system will show an error message if a code is invalid. If players face any issues while redeeming rewards, they can reach out to Garena customer service for assistance.

        About Free Fire Max

        Free Fire Max is an enhanced version of Garena Free Fire, designed to offer players a more immersive and polished battle royale experience. Launched on September 18, 2021, the game features improved graphics, better visual effects, smoother gameplay, and detailed character models. This upgraded version quickly became popular in India due to its fast-paced matches, unique characters with special abilities, and well-optimized performance on mobile devices. It remains one of the most played battle royale games in the country.