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LoL 26.18 Patch Notes Revealed: All Changes

Riot Games has officially released the patch preview for the upcoming League of Legends 26.18 update, and itโ€™s almost certain to shake up the competitive meta of the MOBA.

The LoL 26.18 patch brings major changes to several Champions in the game, with some of the more popular champs getting nerfed while the underpowered ones are seeing some notable buffs.

In this article, weโ€™ll take a look at everything you need to know about the LoL 26.18 update, including its full patch notes preview, release date, time, and more.

LoL 26.18 Patch Notes

Hereโ€™s the detailed breakdown of the upcoming LoL 26.18 patch, as confirmed by the devs:

>>> Champion Buffs <<<

Ekko

[Q] Timewinder buffs:

Return AP ratio increased 60% >>> 70%

Mana cost reduced 50/60/70/80/90 >>> 40/50/60/70/80

Kassadin

[Q] Null Sphere AP ratio increased 70% >>> 80%

[R] Riftwalk base damage increased 70/90/110 >>> 80/95/110

Master Yi

Armor per level increased 4.5 >>> 5

[R] Highlander bonus Move Speed increased 35/45/55% >>> 40/50/60%

Viego

AD per level increased 3.5 >>> 4

[P] Sovereign’s Domination heal bonus HP ratio added 0% >>> 2% per 500 bonus HP

Zaahen

[Q] The Darkin Glaive buffs:

Now placed on cooldown immediately upon entering [P] Cultivation of War – Determination resurrection

[Q2] Recast base damage increased 25/50/75/100/125 >>> 30/60/90/120/150

Champion Nerfs

Bard

Base Armor reduced 34 >>> 32

Armor per level reduced 5 >>> 4.7

Nautilus

Base AD reduced 61 >>> 58

[Q] Dredge Line base damage reduced 85/130/175/220/265 >>> 85/125/165/205/245

Seraphine

[E] Beat Drop cooldown increased 11/10.5/10/9.5/9 >>> 11 flat seconds

Syndra

[P] Transcendent Splinter of Wrath mana restore reduced 20-215 (based on levels 1-18, backloaded, 255 at 20) >>> 20-178 (based on levels 1-18, backloaded, 199 at 20)

[W] Force of Will cooldown increased 12/11/10/9/8 >>> 13/12/11/10/9 seconds

Zeri

[W] Ultrashock Laser total AD ratio reduced 120% >>> 100% (Wall Critical Strike Damage total AD ratio reduced 180% >>> 150%)

>>> Champion Adjustments <<<

Cassiopeia

[P] Serpentine Grace reduced bonus Move Speed ratio increased 6-40% (based on levels 1-18, linear, 44% at 20) >>> 5-35.6% (based on levels 1-18, linear, 39.2% at 20)

[Q] Noxious Blast damage adjusted 75/110/145/180/215 (+65% AP) >>> 65/100/135/170/205 (+75% AP)

[E] Twin Fang adjustments:

Damage adjusted 52-120 (based on levels 1-18, linear, 128 at 20) (+10% AP) >>> 50-118 (based on levels 1-18, linear, 126 at 20) (+20% AP)

Poisoned target bonus damage AP ratio reduced 55% >>> 45%

Mana cost increased 40 >>> 45

[R] Petrifying Gaze damage adjusted 150/250/350 (+50% AP) >>> 125/225/325 (+75% AP)

>>> System Buffs <<<

Guinsoo’s Rageblade

Seething Strike stack duration increased 3 >>> 4 seconds

LoL 26.18 Patch Release Date and Time

The LoL 26.18 update is scheduled to go live on September 10, 2026. The exact release times for the patch will vary based on your account region.

Here are the LoL 26.18 patch release times for various time zones throughout the globe:

  • 3 pm CT (NA)
  • 5 am GMT (EU West)
  • 3 am CET (EU North East)
  • 8 am KR (Korea)

When Is VALORANT Mobile Coming Out

Upon its release, VALORANT hit the ground running, becoming one of the most popular competitive titles rivaling Counter-Strike in the FPS space, backed by Riotโ€™s strong esports foundation. Its success in PC gaming sparked rumors of a mobile version, which grew until last year’s developments.

VALORANT Mobile China Release

VALORANT Mobile officially launched in China on August 19, 2025, turning rumors into a reality. The game launched after extended beta testing and pre-release campaigns, developed in partnership with Lightspeed Studios, a gaming house with extensive experience creating mobile FPS games.

Initial impressions suggested that Riot has managed to bring an extremely similar experience to the mobile version, sparking global interest, which got the community hyped about having a mobile version, but only to get total silence from the developers ever since.

When Is the VALORANT Mobile Global Launch?

A year has passed since the game launched in China, but the rest of the world is still waiting to have the game in their pockets. While Riot has not officially confirmed a release date, popular community figures predicted it would be released in 2026, with no official word yet as of August.

Latest rumors suggest that we will get an announcement from Riot before the end of the year, and if we are lucky, the game might hit the App Store and Play Store ahead of 2027.

PUBG PC was the first major esports title that saw a mobile version, which led to a parallel esports title that now pulls more viewers than the PC version. VALORANT Mobile might be the next game to follow its footsteps, and given how efficiently Riot backs esports culture, we just might see another PUBG Mobile story with VALORANT.

BGMS 2026 Grand Finals: Teams, Dates, Timings, Where to Watch, Format, and More

The BGMS 2026 Grand Finals are finally here after nearly a month of action. A total of 16 teams will fight for the BGMI Masters Series Season 5 title across three days. While GodLike Esports failed to reach the final stage despite its strong international run at the Esports World Cup, the Grand Finals still have several major storylines.

Team Soul and Orangutan’s growing rivalry, the comeback runs of Apex Gaming and Revenant XSpark, Genesis Esports’ impressive form, and Omega’s attempt to defend his BGMS title are some of the biggest talking points heading into the final stage. Check out the BGMS final date and other details.

BGMS 2026 Grand Finals Dates and Venue

The BGMS 2026 Grand Finals will take place from September 4 to September 6 in Delhi.

Six teams directly qualified through the Super Weekend Leaderboard, while the remaining 10 earned their spots through the Playoffs. This leaves 16 teams competing for the championship.

Read More: BGMI Next Update Date: Check BGMI 4.6 Update Release Date Expectations

BGMS 2026 Grand Finals Qualified Teams

Here are all 16 teams competing in the Finals:

  • 7Gods Esports
  • 8Bit
  • Elite Nova
  • Genesis Esports
  • Gladiators Esports
  • Myth Official
  • Nebula Esports
  • Orangutan
  • Rapid Chaos
  • Reckoning Esports
  • Revenant XSpark
  • Apex Gaming
  • Team Outrage
  • Team Soul
  • Team Tamilas
  • Wyld Fangs

One major name missing from the list is GodLike Esports. The team entered BGMS after its international campaign but could not secure a Grand Finals spot.

BGMS 2026 Grand Finals Schedule and Timings

The Finals have a maximum of 18 matches, with six games scheduled each day.

The match timings will remain the same across September 4, 5 and 6:

MatchTime (IST)
Match 14:00 PM
Match 24:40 PM
Match 35:20 PM
Match 46:00 PM
Match 56:40 PM
Match 67:20 PM

Fans looking to follow the complete action should be ready from 4:00 PM IST on all three days.

Read More: BGMI Low MB Download: How to Download BGMI in Less Storage

BGMS 2026 Grand Finals Format and Smash Rule Explained

The first two days will follow the normal BGMI points system. However, things will change on Day 3 with the introduction of the Smash Rule.

After the first 12 matches, the Match Point threshold will be calculated by taking the points of the first-place team and adding 20 points.

For example, if the leaderboard topper has 120 points after 12 matches, the Match Point threshold will be 140 points.

On Day 3, once a team reaches 140 points, it becomes Match Point Eligible from the subsequent match. If that team then secures a WWCD in a later match, it immediately becomes the BGMS 2026 champion and the tournament ends.

A team cannot become champion by crossing the threshold and taking a WWCD in the same match. Its eligibility only begins from the following match.

There are a maximum of six matches on Day 3. If no Match Point Eligible team secures a WWCD by the end of Match 18, the overall points table will decide the champion. The team with the highest total points will win the trophy.

This also makes the opening 12 matches extremely important. Teams need to build enough points during Days 1 and 2 to put themselves close to the Match Point threshold before the final day begins.

Where to Watch BGMS 2026 Grand Finals?

Fans can watch all the BGMS 2026 Grand Finals matches live on NODWIN Gaming’s official channel on KICK.

Several creators and streamers are also expected to host watch parties during the Grand Finals, giving fans another way to follow the tournament.

With 16 teams, three days and a maximum of 18 matches, the stage is set for an exciting finish to BGMS Season 5. From Soul vs Orangutan to Genesis Esports’ strong form and the comeback stories of Apex Gaming and Revenant XSpark, there is plenty to watch.

By September 6, however, only one of these 16 teams will leave Delhi as the BGMS 2026 champion.

Jio Launches JioPC: Turn Your Old Computer Into a Cloud PC Starting at โ‚น1,000

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Reliance Jio has opened up JioPC as a standalone subscription available to all Indian internet users, regardless of their telecom or broadband provider. The cloud PC service, originally restricted to JioHome broadband subscribers since its July 2025 launch, now lets anyone with a stable internet connection turn an existing computer into a cloud-powered virtual desktop with up to 8 virtual CPUs, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage. Plans start at โ‚น1,000 for 2 months. The service runs on Ubuntu Linux and can be activated in under 5 minutes with no hardware installation, no data migration, and no downtime.

What Is JioPC and How Does It Work?

JioPC is a computer-as-a-service subscription. Instead of relying on the processor, RAM, and storage inside your existing device, the service streams a virtual desktop from Jio’s cloud infrastructure to your screen. The heavy computing happens on Jio’s servers. Your local machine acts as a display and input terminal.

The result: a computer that is 3, 4, or even 8 years old can access the same performance and storage as a new machine, without replacing a single component. Jio says the service is particularly suited for computers that have slowed down, run out of storage, or are stuck on outdated operating systems.

JioPC requires a stable internet connection. Broadband or reliable 4G/5G both work. The experience depends on connection quality. On a slow or unstable connection, latency and lag will be noticeable.

JioPC Plans and Pricing

JioPC is available in 2 configurations. All prices include GST.

JioPC (Standard):

  • 4 virtual CPUs
  • 8GB RAM
  • 500GB cloud storage
ValidityPrice
2 monthsโ‚น1,000
5 monthsโ‚น2,000
10+2 monthsโ‚น4,000

JioPC Ultra:

  • 8 virtual CPUs
  • 16GB RAM
  • 1TB cloud storage
ValidityPrice
2 monthsโ‚น1,200
5 monthsโ‚น2,500
10+2 monthsโ‚น5,000

The 10+2 month plan gives 12 months of access for the price of 10. Both tiers run on Ubuntu Linux.

How to Set Up JioPC

Setting up JioPC takes under 5 minutes:

  • Visit jio.com/jiopc/pwa on any existing computer or laptop
  • Choose between JioPC Standard or JioPC Ultra
  • Subscribe and pay
  • The virtual desktop loads in your browser
  • No hardware installation, no data migration, no operating system reinstall needed

You do not need to be a Jio subscriber. Any internet connection from any provider works.

What JioPC Can and Cannot Do

What it can do:

  • Run a full Ubuntu Linux desktop environment
  • Handle document editing, browsing, email, and productivity tasks
  • Access AI-powered applications through cloud processing
  • Provide up to 1TB of cloud storage accessible from the virtual desktop
  • Work on computers as old as 8 years, per Jio’s claim

What it cannot do (based on current limitations):

  • Run Windows applications natively (the OS is Ubuntu Linux, not Windows)
  • Support external peripherals like cameras and printers (this limitation was noted when JioPC launched in July 2025; it is unclear if it has been resolved)
  • Guarantee a smooth experience on slow or unstable internet connections
  • Replace a dedicated gaming PC or workstation for GPU-heavy tasks (no dedicated GPU or AI accelerator has been disclosed in the specs)

Why This Matters for Gamers

JioPC is not a gaming product. There is no dedicated GPU in the disclosed specs and no mention of game streaming or cloud gaming support. If you are looking to play BGMI, Valorant, or any graphically demanding title on an old PC through JioPC, that is not what this service is designed for.

Where it does matter for the gaming community is on the productivity side. Content creators who need a second machine for editing, streaming overlays, or managing social media accounts could use JioPC as a lightweight secondary setup. Students and young gamers who share a family computer can access their own cloud desktop without interfering with the main system.

The bigger picture is the pricing. At โ‚น1,000 for 2 months of 8GB RAM and 500GB storage, JioPC undercuts the cost of a RAM upgrade on most old machines. For โ‚น5,000 per year, the Ultra plan gives you 16GB RAM and 1TB storage on a machine that might have 2GB RAM and a 256GB hard drive. Whether that value proposition holds depends entirely on your internet connection quality.

JioPC vs Buying New Hardware

JioPC Ultra (1 Year)Budget Laptop (New)
Costโ‚น5,000/yearโ‚น25,000+ one-time
RAM16GB (cloud)8GB (local)
Storage1TB (cloud)256GB to 512GB (local)
Internet requiredYes (always)No
OSUbuntu LinuxWindows
GPUNone disclosedIntegrated
OwnershipSubscriptionYou own it

The comparison is not straightforward. JioPC is cheaper per year but requires a permanent internet connection and does not run Windows. A budget laptop costs more upfront but works offline and runs the operating system most Indian users are familiar with. The right choice depends on what you need the machine to do and how reliable your internet is.

FAQs

What is JioPC? A cloud-based virtual desktop service by Reliance Jio. It streams a full Ubuntu Linux desktop from Jio’s cloud to your existing computer. Plans start at โ‚น1,000 for 2 months.

Do I need to be a Jio subscriber to use JioPC? No. JioPC is now available as a standalone subscription to anyone with an internet connection from any provider.

What operating system does JioPC use? Ubuntu Linux. It does not run Windows.

Can I use JioPC for gaming? JioPC is not designed for gaming. No dedicated GPU has been disclosed in the specs. It is a productivity and general computing service.

How fast does my internet need to be for JioPC? Jio says a stable broadband or reliable 4G/5G connection is needed. Exact minimum speed requirements have not been published.

Can I use JioPC on a laptop? Yes. JioPC works on any existing computer or laptop through a supported web browser.

What is the cheapest JioPC plan? โ‚น1,000 for 2 months on the Standard plan (4 CPUs, 8GB RAM, 500GB storage). The cheapest Ultra plan is โ‚น1,200 for 2 months (8 CPUs, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage).

When was JioPC originally launched? JioPC launched in July 2025 for JioHome broadband subscribers. It was opened to all Indian internet users on September 2, 2026.

Apex Legends Adding New Anti-Cheat System to Detect Modified Controllers and Software

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Apex Legends is rolling out new detection systems built specifically to catch players using modified controllers, external hardware, and unauthorized software. Respawn Entertainment confirmed on September 2, 2026, that the systems cover all platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2. Players caught using prohibited modifications will face enforcement and bans. Respawn also revealed that 8,609 cheating bans were issued during the most recent 7-day ban wave, including 290 DMA-related bans and 96 Predator-level account bans across all platforms in the previous 2 weeks.

Apex Legends Anti-Cheat: What Is Being Detected?

Respawn said the new systems target controller modifications, external devices, and software used to gain an unfair advantage. The studio spent several months validating the detection technology before announcing it to make sure it accurately identifies prohibited behaviour before taking action.

The specific hardware and software categories Respawn has classified as cheating include:

  • Strikepacks
  • Cronus devices
  • XIM adapters
  • DMA (Direct Memory Access) hardware
  • Titan Controllers
  • Any external software or hardware used to automate actions, manipulate recoil, alter inputs, or bypass platform restrictions

Respawn’s warning to players using any of these was direct: stop using them. The detection systems are active and enforcement will follow.

Console Players Are Not Exempt

This is the part that matters most for PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch 2 players. Respawn confirmed that the detection and enforcement systems apply across all platforms, not just PC.

Previously, console players using devices like XIM adapters or Cronus had operated in a grey area where detection was difficult and enforcement was rare. That window is closing. As TalkEsport reported in February 2026, Respawn permanently banned over 2,000 accounts for XIM use in what was the first major wave targeting hardware spoofing on consoles. The new detection systems are an expansion of that effort.

XIM adapters are especially controversial. They allow a player to use a mouse and keyboard on console while the system still registers a controller, meaning the player gets mouse accuracy with controller aim assist. Respawn and EA have publicly classified this as cheating.

Latest Ban Wave: 8,609 Cheaters in 7 Days

Respawn shared the numbers from its latest enforcement cycle:

CategoryBans
Total cheating bans (7-day period)8,609
DMA-related bans290
Titan Controller bans76
Newly detected cheat provider267
Predator-level bans (2-week period)96

96 Predator-level accounts banned in 2 weeks is a notable figure. Predator is Apex Legends’ highest competitive rank. Bans at that level mean cheating is not confined to casual lobbies. It is present at the top of the ranked ladder.

Respawn also reported that the match infection rate has dropped from 5.7% at the start of the current season to 3.9%. That means roughly 1 in 25 matches was affected by a cheater at the start of the season, now down to about 1 in 26. Progress, but still a noticeable rate.

Why Modified Controllers Are a Problem in Apex Legends

Modified controllers and external hardware create unfair advantages that standard players cannot match. Recoil scripts eliminate weapon recoil patterns that players normally need to learn and control manually. Rapid fire mods automate trigger pulls faster than a human can physically press. XIM adapters give mouse precision with aim assist that is designed for analogue sticks.

In a game like Apex where time to kill is higher than most shooters, gun control and tracking are the defining skills. A device that automates recoil control removes the core mechanical skill gap that separates good players from average ones.

Respawn has been gradually expanding its definition of cheating to include these hardware modifications. Earlier this year, the studio formally classified Strikepacks, Cronus, XIM, and similar devices as cheating when used in Apex Legends, regardless of platform. The new detection systems are the enforcement layer built to back up that classification.

What Happens If You Are Caught?

Respawn has not published a formal penalty tier for hardware cheating. Based on previous enforcement waves, the standard penalty for hardware cheating in Apex Legends is a permanent ban. DMA and XIM bans issued earlier in 2026 were all permanent. Respawn has also issued hardware ID bans, which prevent the banned player from creating a new account on the same device. As TalkEsport covered in 2019, Apex Legends started issuing permanent hardware bans from the game’s earliest months, and the practice has continued.

FAQs

What is the new Apex Legends anti-cheat system targeting? Modified controllers, external hardware (Strikepacks, Cronus, XIM, DMA devices, Titan Controllers), and unauthorized software used to gain an unfair advantage. The detection covers PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Are console players affected by the new anti-cheat? Yes. Respawn confirmed the detection and enforcement systems apply across all platforms, including consoles and Nintendo Switch 2.

How many cheaters were banned in the latest wave? 8,609 cheating bans in 7 days. 96 Predator-level accounts were also banned across all platforms in the previous 2 weeks.

Is using a XIM adapter considered cheating in Apex Legends? Yes. Respawn and EA have formally classified XIM adapters and similar devices as cheating. Players caught using them face permanent bans.

What is the current match infection rate in Apex Legends? 3.9%, down from 5.7% at the start of the current season, according to Respawn.

Will legitimate controller players be affected? Respawn said it spent several months validating the detection systems to ensure they accurately identify prohibited behaviour before taking action. Standard controllers without modifications should not trigger the system.

What happens if I get caught using a modified controller? Based on previous enforcement waves, the standard penalty is a permanent account ban. Respawn has also issued hardware ID bans that prevent new account creation on the same device.

BGMI Redeem Codes September 3: Get Ducky Fighter Set and More Free Rewards

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BGMI Redeem Codes September 3 are now available, giving players another chance to collect free in-game rewards. KRAFTON India has released 50 new redeem codes as part of the ongoing BGMI 5th Anniversary Edition 4.5 Update.

The main attraction of this new code drop is the Ducky Fighter Set. The outfit comes with a fun duck-inspired design, including a bright duck-billed helmet, padded combat gear and webbed-foot details. All the new codes will remain valid until September 25, 2026, subject to their redemption limits.

BGMI Redeem Codes September 3: All 50 Codes

Here are all the new BGMI redeem codes released by KRAFTON India:

  1. LRZBZ5VDFRXHBNTD
  2. LRZCZDHQSMBBAHFF
  3. LRZDZ5RC8R7CW67A
  4. LRZEZKQ9ED9DU83M
  5. LRZFZU3M3EFP7CTF
  6. LRZGZEUVCCVTTMW7
  7. LRZHZ984KT3FRCEK
  8. LRZIZD47AKRB5BC6
  9. LRZJZADXTAWHPJHW
  10. LRZKZW67B7KB3HTR
  11. LRZLZMSTUG9NT5QW
  12. LRZMZWA7G7ACWHBQ
  13. LRZNZDH8QBJ4MTKB
  14. LRZOZVEFATPSARE4
  15. LRZPZSSJVPG8TABV
  16. LRZQZF6UCFDK7WE9
  17. LRZRZHXJEMRQSAMP
  18. LRZVZ79W6V6K96BF
  19. LRZTZEFMWAFVJV8R
  20. LRZUZ3PXU7RT3SED
  21. LRZBAZWCTEPDKUNR
  22. LRZBBZPKSMD9TRE7
  23. LRZBCZPNSXAHW3G8
  24. LRZBDZKSW8VPU84P
  25. LRZBEZVDHDHFMFDE
  26. LRZBFZKQF7TH74TM
  27. LRZBGZ78HCRCNRAH
  28. LRZBHZACSWH5U8J8
  29. LRZBIZ5V6QW95UR5
  30. LRZBJZ4GX7CQAUG3
  31. LRZBKZCJUJPJJVKX
  32. LRZBLZKPWDQ4PHKC
  33. LRZBMZ8N5USQ75A8
  34. LRZBNZAUTS7VTH5B
  35. LRZBOZFJD9TPGVBW
  36. LRZBPZ49E8XU8XHS
  37. LRZBQZP74ARA35SH
  38. LRZBRZPEE4MCJ7U4
  39. LRZBVZME7EAHR4MT
  40. LRZBTZJ8RJUH65AN
  41. LRZBUZFXTVEQ5TTP
  42. LRZCAZU4SDH69XPU
  43. LRZCBZ48QKXG86JR
  44. LRZCCZCEUQG87CGC
  45. LRZCDZ9WQRA3H9B9
  46. LRZCEZBBDFBBJJNM
  47. LRZCFZ6C6CW35KET
  48. LRZCGZGWC9V3KCER
  49. LRZCHZTPTF7TCFPD
  50. LRZCIZNQCG96PTVT

How to Redeem BGMI Codes

Players need to use BGMI’s official Redeem Centre to claim the rewards. BGMI Redeem Centre

Visit the page and enter your Character ID. After that, enter one of the redeem codes listed above, complete the Captcha verification and select Redeem. If the redemption is successful, the reward will arrive through the in-game mail section.

Important BGMI Redeem Code Rules

These codes have limited availability. Each code can only be used by a maximum of 10 players, making them first-come, first-served.

A player can redeem only one code per day, while the same code cannot be used twice on one account. Guest accounts are also not eligible for redemption.

The codes are valid until September 25, 2026, unless their redemption limit is reached earlier. Successfully delivered rewards must also be collected from in-game mail within 30 days.

BGMI World of Wonder Continues to Grow

Along with the new redeem code drop, KRAFTON India shared new numbers for BGMI’s World of Wonder (WOW) mode.

According to the company, WOW now has more than 50,000 creator-made maps, while 23 million players have explored the mode. Nearly one million players are also visiting WOW every day.

KRAFTON added that maps made by gaming influencers now contribute more than 22% of the total playtime inside WOW.

For players mainly looking for free rewards, however, the new BGMI Redeem Codes September 3 offer another limited opportunity to add items like the Ducky Fighter Set to their collection.

Revenant XSpark to Represent India at Brawl Stars Challengers Finals in Istanbul

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Revenant XSpark will compete at the Brawl Stars Challengers Finals on September 5 and 6, 2026, at the ESA Espor Arena in Istanbul, Tรผrkiye. The team represents Southeast Asia at the 12-team offline tournament, which serves as the final qualification event for the Brawl Stars Championship One Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) in Guangzhou, China. Revenant XSpark has been drawn into Group B alongside SK Gaming (France) and Good Game (South Korea). The winner of the Istanbul event earns the last spot at the LCQ, which is the final gateway to the Brawl Stars World Championship.

Brawl Stars Challengers Finals: Format and Schedule

The Challengers Finals is a 2-day offline event. 12 regional Challengers champions compete across 4 groups.

Day 1 (September 5): Group Stage. 12 teams play in a round-robin format across 4 groups. The top 8 teams advance to the playoffs.

Day 2 (September 6): Playoffs. Single-elimination bracket leading to the Grand Final and trophy presentation in front of a live audience.

Revenant XSpark’s Group B Draw

TeamRegion
Revenant XSparkSoutheast Asia
SK GamingFrance (Europe)
Good GameSouth Korea

SK Gaming and Good Game are both experienced rosters. SK Gaming is a legacy European esports brand. Good Game comes from the most competitive Brawl Stars region in the world. Group B is not an easy draw.

Revenant XSpark Brawl Stars Roster

PlayerIGNRole
Ashmit Raj SinghSergeant ClashCore player
Jayden WongX9JayCore player
โ€”WalkthroughCore player

Sergeant Clash (Ashmit Raj Singh) is one of India’s top Brawl Stars talents. He was a key part of Revenant XSpark’s 2025 LCQ victory that sent the team to the World Finals. Known for composure in pressure situations, he is the backbone of this roster.

X9Jay (Jayden Wong) brings deep SEA circuit experience. He won 4 SEA Monthly Finals titles in 2023 and an Asia Pacific Monthly Finals championship in 2024. He was also part of the 2025 World Finals run.

Walkthrough is a Singaporean player in his first year of international LAN competition. He plays an aggressive style that adds a different dimension to a roster built around experience.

RNTX’s Brawl Stars Track Record

Revenant XSpark is not new to this stage. The organisation has one of the strongest Brawl Stars records of any Indian team.

In 2025, RNTX qualified through the Last Chance Qualifier and went on to finish 3rd to 4th at the Brawl Stars World Finals 2025 in Sweden, earning $80,000 in prize money. It was only the second time an Indian team had reached the World Stage Finals in Brawl Stars. As TalkEsport reported, Revenant XSpark qualified for the Brawl Stars World Finals 2025 playoffs after losing their opening match to SK Gaming but bouncing back through the elimination and decider matches.

The Istanbul campaign builds on that run. The same opponent from 2025, SK Gaming, is in their group again. The rematch happens on Day 1.

What Is at Stake

The Challengers Finals winner gets the final qualification spot for the One Last Chance Qualifier in Guangzhou, China. The LCQ is the last pathway to the Brawl Stars World Championship.

For Revenant XSpark, the path is linear: win Istanbul, earn the ticket to Guangzhou, and keep the road to another World Finals alive.

Rohit Jagasia, CEO of Revenant XSpark, said: “Every international campaign is an opportunity to raise the bar, and Istanbul is no different. We know the level of competition we are walking into, but we also know what this roster is capable of when it performs at its best. Having already reached the World Finals last season, our ambition is not simply to participate. Istanbul is the first step, Guangzhou is the next target, and ultimately, we want to be back on the World Finals stage.”

Where to Watch

The Brawl Stars Challengers Finals will be broadcast on event.brawlstars.com. Day 1 covers the full Group Stage. Day 2 covers the playoffs and Grand Final.

For context on how Revenant XSpark’s Brawl Stars ambitions fit into the organisation’s broader competitive portfolio, see TalkEsport’s report on Revenant XSpark’s Lenovo Legion jersey partnership, which also covers their current title spread across BGMI, VALORANT, Free Fire MAX, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends, and Brawl Stars.

FAQs

When is the Brawl Stars Challengers Finals? September 5 and 6, 2026, at the ESA Espor Arena in Istanbul, Tรผrkiye.

Who is Revenant XSpark drawn against? SK Gaming (France) and Good Game (South Korea) in Group B.

What does the winner get? The final qualification spot for the Brawl Stars Championship One Last Chance Qualifier in Guangzhou, China.

Who are the players on RNTX’s Brawl Stars roster? Sergeant Clash (Ashmit Raj Singh), X9Jay (Jayden Wong), and Walkthrough.

How did Revenant XSpark perform at the Brawl Stars World Finals 2025? They finished 3rd to 4th and earned $80,000.

Where can I watch the Challengers Finals? On event.brawlstars.com. Day 1 is the Group Stage. Day 2 is the playoffs and Grand Final.

FPS Games Show 2026 Date, Time, Lineup, and Where to Watch

For the first time, fans of the first-person shooter genre finally have an event that belongs entirely to them, and it comes from Bulkhead, the devs behind the upcoming mil-sim Wardogs.

The FPS Games Show 2026 is termed the first showcase built exclusively around first-person shooters. The show is all set to kick off in a few hours, with the event lineup being stacked with amazing titles that any avid FPS fan wouldnโ€™t wanna miss out on.

What makes the event stand out from the usual crowded gaming showcases is the business model behind it: nobody paid to get a slot. Every participating developer joined for free, and the idea is that studios promote each other’s games rather than compete for a few minutes of screen time.

In this article, weโ€™ll go through everything you need to know about the FPS Games Show 2026, including its exact start time, full lineup, and where you can watch it live.

When is the FPS Games Show 2026? Start Date and Time

The FPS Games Show 2026 is scheduled to go live on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 7 pm BST. Weโ€™ve converted the exact start time of the show to various time zones throughout the globe. Feel free to go through them below:

RegionTime
UK (BST)7:00 PM
Central Europe (CEST)8:00 PM
UTC6:00 PM
US Eastern (ET)2:00 PM
US Central (CT)1:00 PM
US Pacific (PT)11:00 AM
Brazil (BRT)3:00 PM
India (IST)11:30 PM
Singapore / Hong Kong (SGT/HKT)2:00 AM (Sept 4)
Japan / South Korea (JST/KST)3:00 AM (Sept 4)
Australia Eastern (AEST)4:00 AM (Sept 4)

Note that the show is pre-recorded rather than a live-hosted broadcast, so expect a tightly edited runtime rather than the usual slow pacing of a traditional live conference.

Where to Watch FPS Games Show 2026

Fans will be able to catch the FPS Games Show 2026 exclusively on Twitch, on the show’s dedicated channel. No simulcast on YouTube or other platforms has been confirmed at the time of writing, so Twitch is your best bet to watch it live.

FPS Games Show 2026: Full Confirmed Lineup

Sixteen titles make up the debut lineup for the FPS Games Show 2026, spanning everything from long-running live-service giants to indie newcomers:

  • Rainbow Six Siege
  • Escape from Tarkov
  • Ready or Not
  • Gray Zone Warfare
  • Wardogs
  • Hell Let Loose: Vietnam
  • Stalzone
  • SCUM
  • Beautiful Light
  • Bellum
  • Incursion Red River
  • Road to Vostok
  • Sand Raiders of Sophie
  • Bodycam
  • 83
  • Terminal War

Alongside this, thereโ€™s also a major announcement for Wardogs thatโ€™s set to take place during the show.

Whether youโ€™re a fan of Wardogs or the FPS genre as a whole, be sure to mark your calendars for September 3.

When Is the Valorant Champions 2026 Bundle Coming Out

The Valorant Champions 2026 Bundle is set to be the most hyped skin release of the year, and as we approach its launch, freshly minted information has surfaced surrounding the content of the bundle. If it turns out to be true, then we are about to see a highly popular topic.

According to the latest leaks, the Champions Bundle will bring one weapon and one melee, out of which the weapon is expected to be a Phantom, given that a Vandal was introduced last year. But in reality, it could be any weapon.

Champions Bundle Release Date

The Valorant Champions 2026 bundle is expected to be released on September 23 as per the latest leaks. Popular data miners with a solid track record have confirmed that it will come out right on the edge of Champions Shanghai, just as it did in past years.

Champions Bundle Weapons

The leaks suggest that the bundle will come with one melee and a Phantom, with the latter being the highlight of the bundle.

The highly anticipated Phantom will be released with 4 upgrade levels, which will allow players to access several visual animations and other improvements, making it highly desirable. The melee, on the other hand, will come with 3 levels, but no information beyond this is available at the time of writing.

With the biggest Valorant tournament set to commence in a few weeks, fans are already hyped, and to have a Phantom skin to commemorate it would be like the cherry on top. That being said, Riot has not officially released any information about the bundle or its release date, so take all the information with a pinch of salt.

Wardogs Closed Beta 2 Details: Start and End Times, How to Access, Progression, and More

With just over a week remaining till the launch of Wardogs, Bulkhead has officially confirmed a second closed beta for the highly anticipated title.

As announced by the dev team, Wardogs closed beta 2 is an attempt to test out the limits of the game servers, with the devs urging players to flood login queues and put as much stress on the servers as possible.

Similar to the earlier closed alpha and beta tests, players will be able to enjoy the mil-sim as usual. Whether weโ€™ll see any new maps, game modes, or other additional content remains to be seen.

With that being said, hereโ€™s everything you need to know about Wardogs closed beta 2, including its start date, time, full progression loop, and more details.

Wardogs Closed Beta 2 Schedule: Start and End Dates

As already confirmed by Bulkhead, the second closed beta of Wardogs will begin September 3, 2026, around 6 pm UTC, right after the FPS Games Show.

The beta will continue over the weekend before coming to a conclusion on September 6, 8 am UTC.

Prior to that, players will be able to access the firing range starting September 2, 5 pm UTC. The devs have also mentioned a possibility of some servers kicking off as early as September 2, so be sure to check the server list every once in a while.

Once the closed beta concludes, players will have to wait four days till the early access launch of Wardogs on September 10.

How to Get Access to Wardogs Beta 2

Similar to the last Wardogs closed beta, any player who pre-orders the game will get direct access to the upcoming playtest.

The devs have also stated that they will slowly send out more invites to players who request access to the test over the course of the weekend.

To request access to Wardogs beta 2 without pre-ordering the game, simply head over to the gameโ€™s official Steam page and hit โ€œRequest Access.โ€

Will Progression From Wardogs Beta 2 Carry Over to Launch?

No, any progression you make in the Wardogs closed beta will not carry over to the gameโ€™s early access release.

The progression in the Wardogs beta has been made much more lenient compared to the final game to enable players to get a taste of all the available classes or roles. Upon the early access launch, players will likely require much more time to get the best-in-class weapons, vehicles, and other unlockable content.

Thatโ€™s everything you need to know about Wardogs beta 2 before it kicks off in a few hours.