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Ludwig x Tarik Invitational Day 1 Recap

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The last invitational tournament before the official Valornat season has started is in full swing courtesy of Ludwig and Tarik. The pair has got some of the best teams to compete against each other like they did last year, and much like its previous iteration, it has been a smashing success.

The two-day event is already will have six matches between the 13th and 14th January. Big names like C9, 100T, Oxygen, and Moist Shopify have been invited to take part in the event ahead of their VCT season in the coming days. All the teams were directly invited which makes it more of a friendly tournament.

Day 1

StageTeam 1Team 2Map 1Map 2Map 3Score
UB SFCloud9Moist ShopifyIcebox (10-13)Ascent (8-13)Bind0-2
UB SF100TOxygenSplit (7-13)Ascent (12-14)Lotus0-2
UB FinalMoist ShopifyOxygenSplit (4-13)Lotus (15-13)Ascent (14-12)2-1
LB SFCloud9100TLotus (13-11)Sunset (11-13)Icebox (14-12)2-1

Day 2

StageTeam 1Team 2Map 1Map 2Map 3Score
LB FinalOxygenCloud9
Grand FinalMoist x Shopify

The event boasts a prize pool of $50,000 followed by $15,000 for the second and $5000 for the last place. With some cash on the line, the teams would like to test themselves against some of the big names to make sure they are ready in time for when the real action begins with their VCT season.

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Counter-Strike 2 Knife Commands List: How To Test Knives in CS2

Knife skins in Counter-Strike 2 are some of the most sought-after cosmetics in the competitive shooter, which is why they also consistently rank among the most expensive items on the Steam Market.

If you’re looking to get a new knife in CS2, there are several interesting options for you to choose from. From the prestigious Karambit to the sleek Butterfly Knives, there’s something for everyone in the title.

However, obtaining a knife skin in CS2 is not an easy feat. Not only do the desirable knife skins come with a steep price tag on the market, but they are also exceedingly rare to unbox from cases. The odds of obtaining a knife skin from any CS2 case is only 0.26%.

Luckily, there’s a way for players to test these knives in-game without having to spend a dime. Although you don’t get to use these attractive knives in competitive, you can test out any knife you want in your custom servers using simple knife commands.

How To Test Any Knife in CS2 for Free

Testing out knives in CS2 for free involves using a few console commands that anyone can do in only a few seconds to try out their dream knife.

First, set up a custom server in CS2 or launch a game with bots. Once you’re in-game, ensure your developer’s console is enabled so you can enter commands in your console.

In case you’re having difficulty enabling your developer’s console, feel free to check out our quick guide on the topic.

CS2 Knife Console Commands List

Here are the essential console commands that you need to enter into your console before testing any knife in CS2:

  • sv_cheats true
  • mp_drop_knife_enable true

Once you have these commands enabled, close the console and drop your knife by pressing ‘G’.

Now, leave the buy area and move to a part of the map where you aren’t able to buy guns (you can’t spawn new knives into your buy area).

Point your crosshair to where you want your desired knife to spawn, and enter any console command from the following list:

KnifeKnife Command
M9 Bayonetsubclass_create 508
Navaja Knifesubclass_create 520
Nomad Knifesubclass_create 521
Paracord Knifesubclass_create 517
Shadow Daggerssubclass_create 516
Skeleton Knifesubclass_create 525
Stiletto Knifesubclass_create 522
Survival Knifesubclass_create 518
Talon Knifesubclass_create 523
Ursus Knifesubclass_create 519

When you enter any of the aforementioned commands to your console, you’ll be able to spawn its respective knife into your own game and test it out as much as you want.

Do note that you’ll only be given the vanilla version of the knife, and won’t be able to get skins for any of the knives in this list. If you wish to try out knives with skins, there are plenty of community servers available where you can do so using pre-installed plugins.

How to Complete Ashley Cole Centurions Icon SBC in EA FC 24?

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Gaming enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an exhilarating addition to your EA FC 24 squad – the Ashley Cole Centurions Icon SBC. As an Icon, Ashley Cole brings a unique blend of defensive prowess and attacking flair, embodying the spirit of a true football legend. This opportunity is not just about adding a player; it’s about infusing your team with a legacy of excellence.

How to Complete Ashley Cole Centurions Icon SBC in EA FC 24?

Embarking on the journey to acquire the Ashley Cole Centurions Icon requires strategic planning and smart decision-making. The SBC comprises various tasks, each designed to test your team-building skills and resource management. Here’s a breakdown of the tasks you need to conquer:

Task Breakdown:

  1. Born Legend: A test of basic team-building skills with a focus on Bronze players.
  2. Rising Star: Elevate your approach with a team of Silver players.
  3. On a Loan: A moderate challenge with a minimum team rating of 81.
  4. Ashley in Red: Arsenal and Team of the Week players, with a minimum rating of 85.
  5. Ashley in Blue: Chelsea’s finest and Team of the Week players, needing a rating of 86.
  6. The Three Lions: Showcase your English talent in a team with a minimum rating of 87.
  7. League Legend: Premier League’s best, again with a team rating of 87.
  8. 88-Rated Squad: The ultimate test, requiring a team rating of 88.

Affordable Solutions

To make your quest more achievable, consider these cost-effective solutions for each task. Remember, the goal is to balance quality with affordability.

  • Born Legend & Rising Star: Use 11 Bronze and Silver Rare Items, respectively, each costing around 2,200 coins.
  • On a Loan: A combination of mid-tier players like Mateo Kovacic and Raphael Gurreiro can complete this task for approximately 4,200 coins.
  • Ashley in Red & Ashley in Blue: These tasks require a bit more investment, with costs around 72,000 and 110,000 coins, respectively.
  • The Three Lions & League Legend: Each of these tasks will cost about 130,000 coins.
  • 88-Rated Squad: This final hurdle requires an investment of 210,000 coins.

Before diving in, it’s crucial to evaluate the worth of the Icon SBC. The total cost hovers around 875,000 coins, a hefty sum for any gamer. However, the allure of the 89-rated LB item, boasting the Jockey+ playstyle and impressive offensive options, makes it a tempting addition.

VAC-Banned CS2 Pro Ousted Mid-Game in Major Qualifier

Former Counter-Strike pro Joel “emilio” Mako, who was handed a VAC ban in 2014, made a bold attempt to join a CS2 Major Qualifier, only to face disappointment as he was abruptly kicked mid-game. 

The PGL Copenhagen Major open qualifiers has seen its fair share of controversies over the past few days, with Mako’s mid-game expulsion being the latest. 

The ex-CS:GO pro was streaming his Major Qualifier game in front of a live audience on Twitch when he, along with his entire team, was kicked from the game. 

This isn’t the first instance of Mako being removed from an ongoing game, as his previous VAC ban also occurred during a CS:GO tournament. Back then, emilio was playing for Team Property and was seemingly doing well in their 2014 Fragbite Masters game against HellRaisers when he received his VAC ban mid-game.

As a result, Team Property was disqualified from Fragbite Masters 2014 and emilio was banned from participating in their events.

On top of that, due to the nature of a VAC ban, emilio is permanently ineligible to qualify for any Valve-sanctioned event, as outlined in the Major rulebook.

In the aftermath of this incident, the CS2 community is perplexed, questioning how emilio managed to sneak into the Major qualifiers undetected in the first place.

Evil Geniuses Announce Exit From Counter-Strike

Evil Geniuses have officially confirmed their exit from the world of Counter-Strike in 2024, marking the end of an era that began with the North American organization signing the former NRG roster back in September 2019.

Their departure was officially announced via a tweet from their official Twitter handle on January 12th.

“From multiple trophy lifts to incredible players championing our name, we are extremely grateful for the legacy we built in Counter-Strike over the last two decades,” the tweet reads. “This past year, we had an amazing group of players, coaches and staff that persevered through long travel days and back-to-back tournaments both online and offline. These individuals always showed up to every practice and game day with a smile and ready to compete. We look forward to following them on their next journey and will continue to support them as fans.”

The organization further said that they will “keep an eye on the CS scene,” in hopes of engaging with Counter-Strike once again in the future.

Previously, Evil Geniuses had bid farewell to CS in 2012, before returning to the scene in 2019 with their acquisition of NRG Esports. Since then, EG has dominated several S-tier tournaments including the BLAST Premier: Spring 2020 American Finals, ESL One: Cologne 2020 Online – North America, and others.

However, the departure of EG from the CS2 scene comes as no surprise. In a November report by Richard Lewis, it was already disclosed that the org was on the brink of exiting the scene due to a confluence of economic challenges and internal struggles.

In a follow-up Tweet, Evil Geniuses have expressed gratitude to their Counter-Strike lineup, which includes Colby “Walco” Walsh and Timothy “autimatic” Ta, while also extending appreciation to the women’s team, acknowledging their captain Kiara “m1lky” Makua and the head coach Joseph “muenster” Lima.

Luminosity Gaming Signs Competitive Apex Legends Roster

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Luminosity Gaming has confirmed its return to the competitive Apex Legends scene by signing a new roster for the battle royale title.

The North American esports organization recently disclosed its Apex Legends roster through a Tweet on January 12th.

The active lineup for the Luminosity Gaming Apex Legends roster includes veterans Christopher “sweetdreams” Sexton, “Slayr”, and Nicholas “Fuhhnq” Wall, alongside analyst “Sven” and trial coach Noah “Android Dream” Martinez.

Fans will be able to catch the new Luminosity Gaming Apex Legends roster in action during the upcoming Apex Legends Global Series: 2024 Split 1 Pro League – North America, which is set to kick off on January 21, 2024. The event will feature some of the best North American Apex teams battling it out to secure a slot in the World Championship later in the year.

Smite 2: Release Insights, Alpha Sign-Up, and Gameplay Evolution

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There is good news for fans of Smite. A sequel to this well-loved game, titled Smite 2, has been officially announced, promising to elevate the godly battles to new heights. The anticipation for Smite 2 is palpable, as it aims to revitalize the classic gameplay with enhanced graphics, modernized systems, and an array of strategic possibilities.

Smite 2 Release Date

While the exact release date of Smite 2 remains a mystery, the good news is that players won’t have to wait too long to get a glimpse of the action. The game is set to enter closed alpha testing in Spring 2024. Those eager to participate can sign up, with a chance of getting early access. Moreover, purchasing a Founder’s Pack guarantees a spot in the alpha testing, providing a unique opportunity for avid players to contribute to the game’s development process.

Gameplay Overhauls

Smite 2 is set to introduce significant changes that will transform the gameplay experience. Players can expect:

  • Reworked maps featuring new jungle camps and innovative lane designs
  • An added interact button to manage objectives and explore strategic options
  • A revamped item system, removing previous restrictions and allowing for more tactical freedom
  • Enhanced abilities with stunning visual effects and animations

These changes promise to refresh the game’s dynamics, offering both new players and veterans a fresh and engaging experience.

Platform Availability

In a bold move, Smite 2 will be available exclusively on next-generation platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Leveraging the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5, Smite 2 aims to deliver a cutting-edge gaming experience. However, this means players using older consoles like the PS4, Xbox One, and Switch will need to upgrade to enjoy the new installment.

How to Sign Up for Smite 2 Alpha?

For those keen on joining the alpha phase, registration is open on the Smite 2 website. Remember, buying a Founder’s Pack not only supports the game but also secures your place in the alpha testing.

In parallel, Smite 1 will continue to receive updates and support through 2024, allowing players to enjoy the original game alongside the new sequel. This approach ensures that both new and long-standing fans of the franchise have plenty to look forward to.

Tekken 8’s Xbox Game Pass Availability: What We Know So Far

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Tekken is making a monumental comeback with its latest installment, Tekken 8. Fans of the series and newcomers alike are eagerly anticipating its release, slated for January 26, 2024. The game promises a roster brimming with iconic characters like King and Yoshimitsu, alongside fresh faces ready to challenge Kazuya’s G-Corp.

Tekken 8’s Debut on Xbox

Tekken 8 isn’t just launching; it’s making a grand entrance on the Xbox Series X/S. This move ensures that Xbox enthusiasts won’t miss out on the high-octane action that Tekken 8 brings to the table. With the game available for pre-order on the Xbox store, starting at $69.99, fans are already lining up to dive into the action.

The anticipation around the various editions of Tekken 8 is palpable, and you can find more details in our comprehensive breakdown.

Will Tekken 8 Join Xbox Game Pass?

The burning question on every gamer’s mind is whether Tekken 8 will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. Unfortunately, as it stands, Tekken 8 will not grace the Game Pass library immediately upon its release. This means that, for now, the only way to experience the latest chapter in the Tekken saga is through a one-time purchase.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope. The Xbox Game Pass is renowned for its ever-expanding library, often adding titles that initially launched with a price tag similar to Tekken 8. There’s a possibility that Tekken 8 might join the Game Pass lineup in the future, once the initial launch excitement has simmered down.

Twitch is not profitable, claims the CEO

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Twitch has been under fire for laying off over 500 staff and the CEO Dan Clancy has come out to defend the Amazon-owned streaming service.

Clancy has been very active on his Twitch channel lately where he addresses the doubts and concerns of the users after confirming that they have let go of 500 employees. He was attacked with a plethora of questions to which he revealed the financial condition of Twitch and that they have not been profitable in recent times.

Thanks to their parent company Amazon, a financial calamity has been avoided until now but factoring in the cost of running the companies and paying the streamers, they have not been able to see profit in 2023, when the total payout for the content creators amounted to a staggering $1 Billion.

“We’ve implied this before where we need to run it sustainably, but I’ll be blunt, we aren’t profitable at this point,” Clancy said. “Amazon has been extremely supportive of Twitch. A big thing for being sustainable over time is ensuring that we don’t lose money, and that’s a big part of my job, because that’s gonna be what makes sure we can be here for long-term.”

“So while the Twitch business remains strong, for some time now the organization has been sized based upon where we optimistically expect our business to be in three or more years, not where we’re at today. As with many other companies in the tech space, we are now sizing our organization based upon the current scale of our business and conservative predictions of how we expect to grow in the future.”

The company’s downsizing is solely because it failed to scale at the level it had hoped for. Twitch for the longest time had ruled the streaming industry but now they have serious competitors who are taking streamers away from them and as a result, the number of daily active users is suffering. As things stand, it is tough for the situation to turn around anytime soon and more employees might be shown the door.

Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.

How to Complete Dominic Solanke Premier League POTM SBC in EA FC 24?

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EA FC 24 has announced Dominic Solanke as the Premier League’s Player of the Month (POTM) for December. This exciting development has brought a new Squad Building Challenge (SBC) into the game, offering you the chance to add Solanke’s 88-rated POTM card to your team.

Let’s dive into the details and explore the most cost-effective ways to complete this SBC.

Dominic Solanke’s remarkable performances in December have not gone unnoticed. Scoring six goals throughout the month, he played a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s rise in the league standings. His efforts have been aptly rewarded with the POTM title, beating seven other contenders.

His new 88-rated POTM card in EA FC 24 boasts impressive stats, including 88 pace, 90 shooting, 83 passing, 89 dribbling, and 92 physical. Solanke now stands alongside other Premier League POTM recipients such as Mohamed Salah and Harry Maguire in Ultimate Team.

How to Complete Dominic Solanke POTM SBC in EA FC 24?

To complete the Solanke POTM SBC and secure his card, you need to meet specific requirements in your squad. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Premier League Players: Include at least one Premier League player in your Starting 11 and Subs.
  • Team Overall Rating: Ensure a minimum team rating of 86.
  • Squad Size: Your squad should consist of 11 players.

Once these requirements are met, you’ll be able to add the 88-rated Solanke to your Ultimate Team. The SBC is estimated to cost around 75k coins.

Now, the big question: should you invest in completing the Solanke SBC? This decision depends on several factors, including your current team composition, playing style, and coin reserves. Solanke’s card, with its high physical and shooting stats, can be a game-changer, especially in challenging matches.

If you’re looking to bolster your attacking options with a robust and skillful striker, Solanke’s POTM card is worth considering.