The PUBG Lite APK download is still searched by many players who want to enjoy the PUBG battle royale experience on phones with less RAM and storage. The lighter version was originally made for low-end Android devices and offered smaller maps, shorter matches and lower system requirements compared to the main PUBG Mobile game.
However, there is some confusion around PUBG Lite APK in 2026, especially with the announcement of the new PUBG MOBILE LIGHT. Players should understand the difference before downloading anything from the internet.
PUBG Lite APK Download: Is It Still Available?
The older PUBG MOBILE LITE is still listed on its official website, which provides options for Google Play and an APK download. Its Google Play listing is also currently accessible and shows more than 100 million downloads.
According to the Google Play listing, the lightweight game requires around 600 MB of free space and 1GB RAM to run. It features 60-player matches on a smaller 2km x 2km battlefield.
Players looking for the official download can check:
Select the APK Download option or open its Google Play listing.
Download the installation file.
If installing an APK, allow installation from the required source in Android settings.
Install the game and open it.
Download any additional resources requested by the game.
Availability can vary depending on the player’s country or device.
PUBG Lite APK vs New PUBG MOBILE LIGHT
Players should also know that the older PUBG MOBILE LITE should not be confused with the newly announced PUBG MOBILE LIGHT.
The old Lite version is a separate game with smaller 60-player maps, and its official FAQ says PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite accounts are not shared. It also does not support playing together with users of the regular PUBG Mobile.
The new PUBG MOBILE LIGHT announced in 2026 is a different lightweight experience and is being prepared as a newer way to access the main PUBG Mobile ecosystem.
Therefore, players searching for terms such as PUBG Lite APK download 2026 should check exactly which version they are downloading.
Is PUBG Lite APK Safe to Download?
The official APK is the better option. Players should be careful with unknown websites advertising modified versions, unlimited UC, unlocked skins or hacked APK files.
Such files are not official releases and could potentially create security or account problems.
For now, players interested in the older version can check the official PUBG MOBILE LITE website and Google Play listing. Those waiting for the new lightweight experience should follow official PUBG Mobile announcements rather than confusing the upcoming product with the older PUBG Lite APK.
The Free Fire anime now has an official title, release window, story details and first promotional trailer. Garena and KADOKAWA have announced that the upcoming anime adaptation of the popular battle royale game will be called Free Fire Daybreak.
The series is being co-produced through a joint investment from Garena and KADOKAWA and will receive a worldwide broadcast and streaming release, including Japan. Along with its official title, the companies have also revealed the first key visual and promotional trailer, giving fans an early look at Kelly, Hayato, Moco and the world of New Dawn.
Free Fire Daybreak Anime Release Date
Free Fire Daybreak is scheduled to premiere in Spring 2027. An exact release date has not been announced yet.
More importantly for Free Fire’s massive global player base, Garena has confirmed that the anime will be broadcast and streamed worldwide. However, the company has not yet revealed which streaming platforms will carry the series.
The announcement makes Daybreak a major expansion of the Free Fire universe beyond the mobile game and esports.
The Free Fire anime story will take place in a futuristic metropolis called New Dawn, which is controlled by the powerful Horizon Corporation.
The main character is 16-year-old Kelly, who wakes up without memories of her past. She eventually becomes involved with Horizon Corporation’s mysterious experimental program known as Project Bloom.
Kelly awakens a special ability called “Limit Break,” which is described as having the power to unlock things that have been sealed away.
As Kelly slowly begins recovering pieces of her past, she joins new allies and tries to uncover the conspiracy surrounding Horizon Corporation while fighting against forces threatening New Dawn.
Kelly, Hayato and Moco Confirmed for Free Fire Anime
Players will recognize several familiar faces from the game.
The official key visual shows Kelly alongside Hayato and Moco, confirming that these popular Free Fire characters will have roles in the anime.
The visual also provides a glimpse of Kelly after awakening her special ability, teasing how her character could develop throughout the series.
This connection with existing characters should make the anime particularly interesting for longtime players who already know them through Free Fire.
Who Is Making Free Fire Daybreak?
The anime is being produced by Studio CANDYBOX, with Ken Takahashi serving as director.
Hotaru Asafuji is responsible for series composition and screenplay, while Kouji Fujimoto of Sus4 Inc. is handling the music.
The confirmed main staff currently includes:
Animation Studio: Studio CANDYBOX
Director: Ken Takahashi
Series Composition & Screenplay: Hotaru Asafuji
Music: Kouji Fujimoto (Sus4 Inc.)
Garena and KADOKAWA are expected to reveal additional information, including the full cast, episode details, streaming platforms and exact premiere date, as the Spring 2027 launch gets closer.
The Free Fire OB55 Update release date is getting closer, and players are waiting for Garena to bring the next major version of the battle royale game. Testing for the upcoming update has already started through the OB55 Advance Server, where selected players can experience new content before its final release.
Garena has not officially confirmed the final launch date of the stable update yet. However, based on the current testing schedule, previous update patterns and reports around the upcoming version, we now have a possible release window. Here is everything players need to know about the Free Fire OB55 Update, including its expected date, time, Advance Server and download details.
Free Fire OB55 Update Release Date and Time
The Free Fire OB55 Update is expected to release between September 9 and September 16, 2026, with September 9 currently looking like a strong possibility.
The update is expected to become available at around 9:00 AM IST for players in India. However, while this is the expected rollout timing, players should wait for an official announcement from Garena for final confirmation.
Here are the expected details:
Details
Information
Update
Free Fire OB55
Expected Release Window
September 9-16, 2026
Strong Possible Date
September 9, 2026
Expected Release Time
9:00 AM IST
Platforms
Android and iOS
Earlier reports also pointed towards September 16 as a possible launch date. This means September 9-16 currently remains the safest expected window, with September 9 being a strong possibility.
Before releasing the stable version, Garena is testing the upcoming content through the Free Fire OB55 Advance Server.
The OB55 Advance Server went live on August 21, 2026, giving selected players early access to features being prepared for the next update.
Players who received access can download the Free Fire Advance Server APK and test new gameplay features before everyone else. They can also report bugs and other technical problems to Garena.
This testing period is important because it allows developers to collect feedback and fix problems before releasing the update globally.
However, content available on the Advance Server is still under development. This means some features can be changed or removed from the final version.
What to Expect From Free Fire OB55 Update?
The Free Fire OB55 Update is expected to introduce several new features and gameplay changes.
Based on the content currently being tested, players can expect new or adjusted weapons, gameplay improvements, balance changes, events and other additions.
The OB55 version could also make changes to existing characters and weapons to improve the overall gameplay experience.
Garena should reveal the complete patch notes and final feature list closer to the official release. Therefore, players should not consider every feature appearing on the Advance Server confirmed for the stable version.
Free Fire OB55 Update Download
Once the Free Fire OB55 Update goes live, Android players should be able to download it directly through Google Play. iPhone and iPad users can check the Apple App Store for the latest version.
The rollout may happen gradually, meaning the update might not appear for every player at exactly the same moment.
Players should also avoid downloading unknown Free Fire OB55 APK files before the official release. Using the official application stores is the safest way to update the game.
For now, the Free Fire OB55 Update release date is expected between September 9 and September 16, 2026, with September 9 at around 9:00 AM IST currently emerging as a strong possibility. Garena’s official announcement should provide the final confirmation as the current Advance Server testing phase moves closer to completion.
The Free Fire Proxy Server has become a popular search among players who want to access different skins, bundles, emotes and other features outside the regular game experience. Android users can find several third-party APK files online, but the situation is very different for players searching for aFree Fire Proxy Server download on iPhone.
There is currently no official Free Fire VIP Proxy Server application released by Garena for iPhone. Most of the services advertised online as proxy servers are third-party tools and are not connected with or supported by Garena. This means iOS players should understand the risks and limitations before trying any such service.
Can You Download Free Fire Proxy Server on iPhone?
Downloading a Free Fire VIP Proxy Server on an iPhone is much more difficult compared to Android.
Android allows users to manually install APK files after changing certain device permissions. Apple’s iOS does not support APK files at all. Applications normally need to be installed through Apple’s App Store or through other Apple-supported distribution methods.
Therefore, websites claiming to offer a FF Proxy Server APK for iPhone can be misleading. An APK file made for Android simply cannot be directly installed on an iPhone.
Some third-party websites may instead offer configuration profiles, unofficial app files or other methods, but these are not official Garena downloads and can create privacy, security and account-related risks.
Free Fire VIP Proxy Server May Not Work Properly on iOS
Even if players manage to install or access an unofficial FF Proxy Server on an iPhone, there is no guarantee that it will continue working.
Players could face problems such as login errors, server connection issues, crashes, missing resources or features that do not function as advertised. Compatibility can also change whenever Free Fire receives a new update.
Another important issue is that third-party services may stop functioning if Free Fire’s systems detect an unsupported or incompatible connection. In such situations, players may find themselves redirected back toward the regular game experience or simply unable to connect through the third-party service.
There is no guarantee that any unofficial server will remain accessible for a particular period.
Is Free Fire Proxy Server Safe?
Players should be particularly careful with websites advertising Free Fire VIP Proxy Server APK, unlimited diamonds, unlocked skins or similar benefits.
Garena’s official support information states that using unauthorized third-party programs, modified clients or programs not released by Garena can result in account penalties, including permanent suspension.
Players should also avoid entering their main account credentials on unknown websites or applications. An unofficial download can potentially expose login details or other information stored on the device.
Free Fire Proxy Server vs Official Free Fire
A proxy server should not be confused with an official test environment such as the Advance Server. Garena operates the Advance Server for selected players to test upcoming content before a major update, whereas third-party proxy services are not an official alternative version of the game.
Players looking for the normal experience should therefore stick to the official Free Fire or Free Fire MAX application available for their region.
For iPhone users in particular, there is no official Server download provided by Garena. Even if an unofficial method appears to work temporarily, players may experience compatibility problems, connection failures or account risks later.
The BGMI 4.6 update release date is becoming one of the biggest questions among Battlegrounds Mobile India players as the current 4.5 update moves closer to its end. KRAFTON India has not officially announced the launch date of the next major update yet, but the release schedule of PUBG Mobile and BGMI’s previous update pattern give us some strong clues.
PUBG Mobile has already confirmed the release schedule for its upcoming 4.6 version. BGMI generally receives its corresponding major update a few days after the global version, and this pattern has remained very consistent across recent updates. So, let’s take a look at when the BGMI 4.6 update could arrive in India.
BGMI 4.6 Update Release Date: When Could It Arrive?
The BGMI 4.6 update is expected to release between September 11 and September 19, 2026. However, September 15 or September 16 currently looks like the strongest possibility based on the previous update pattern.
KRAFTON India has not officially confirmed the BGMI 4.6 update release date, so players should treat this as an expected window for now.
Previous PUBG Mobile and BGMI Update Release Pattern
Looking at the last five major updates gives us a much clearer picture:
Update
PUBG Mobile Release
BGMI Release
Gap
4.1
November 6, 2025
November 13, 2025
7 Days
4.2
January 7, 2026
January 15, 2026
8 Days
4.3
March 12, 2026
March 19, 2026
7 Days
4.4
May 12, 2026
May 20, 2026
8 Days
4.5
July 9, 2026
July 16, 2026
7 Days
The pattern is quite clear. BGMI 4.1 arrived seven days after PUBG Mobile, while Version 4.2 had an eight-day difference. The same 7-8 day cycle continued through Versions 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5.
For example, PUBG Mobile 4.4 arrived on May 12, while BGMI 4.4 launched on May 20. Similarly, BGMI 4.5 officially arrived on July 16.
Therefore, if PUBG Mobile 4.6 releases on September 9, a seven-to-eight-day gap would point towards September 16 or September 17 for BGMI 4.6.
Still, it would be better to consider September 16-19 as the wider expected window until KRAFTON India makes an official announcement.
The global PUBG Mobile 4.6 update is set to release on September 9, 2026.
This is particularly important for Indian players because BGMI follows the PUBG Mobile update cycle. Most of the major gameplay content introduced globally eventually makes its way to BGMI, although KRAFTON India can make changes and introduce India-specific content.
The global release should also give players a much clearer look at the final features before BGMI 4.6 arrives.
What to Expect From BGMI 4.6 Update?
The BGMI 4.6 update is expected to bring much of the content being tested for PUBG Mobile Version 4.6.
Based on the 4.6 Beta and our previous coverage, the update is expected to include a new themed mode for Erangel, alongside Classic Mode improvements, World of Wonder content, Metro Royale changes, new events, rewards, gameplay optimizations and bug fixes.
Since these features are being tested before the final launch, some content could be changed or removed before BGMI receives the update.
KRAFTON India could also announce exclusive collaborations, events, rewards or other India-specific content separately.
BGMI 4.5 Update Ends in September 2026
Another clue comes from the current BGMI 4.5 update.
The Naruto collaboration arrived with Version 4.5 on July 16 and is scheduled to remain available until September 14, 2026.
This timing fits closely with the expected arrival of the next major version. If the Naruto-themed content ends on September 14, a BGMI 4.6 rollout shortly afterward would make sense.
However, the ending of the collaboration should not be treated as confirmation of the new update date.
BGMI 4.6 Update Download for Android and iOS
Once KRAFTON India officially releases the update, Android players should be able to download it through the Google Play Store, while iPhone and iPad users should receive it through the Apple App Store.
KRAFTON also provided an official APK download through the BGMI website for Version 4.5. During that rollout, Android availability started at 6:30 AM IST, iOS at 9:00 AM IST and the official APK became available at 12:30 PM IST.
However, these timings were specifically for BGMI 4.5. The BGMI 4.6 update release time has not been announced, so players should not assume that the same timings will be used again.
For now, all eyes are on KRAFTON India for the official announcement. Based on the previous five update cycles and PUBG Mobile 4.6’s September 9 launch, September 11-19 appears to be the most likely window for BGMI 4.6, with September 15 or 16 standing out if the usual seven-to-eight-day pattern continues.
BGMI Lite release date in India is one of the biggest questions among Battlegrounds Mobile India players after KRAFTON India officially opened pre-registration for the upcoming game. While KRAFTON has confirmed that BGMI Lite will launch by the end of 2026, November is now being discussed as a possible launch window.
However, players should know that an exact BGMI Lite launch date has not been officially announced yet. KRAFTON India has only committed to releasing the game later this year.
Is BGMI Lite Releasing in November 2026?
A November launch would fit inside KRAFTON India’s confirmed end-of-2026 release window, but November should currently be treated as an expected window rather than a confirmed BGMI Lite release month.
This distinction is important because the global PUBG MOBILE LIGHT project has separately announced a November launch window. Battlegrounds Mobile India Lite is the India-specific product, and KRAFTON India has so far only confirmed that it will arrive by the end of 2026.
Therefore, players should wait for a separate announcement before considering November as the final BGMI Lite release date in India.
BGMI Lite Pre-Registration Is Already Live
While the exact launch date remains unknown, BGMI Lite pre-registration has already started for Android users in India.
KRAFTON India opened registrations through Google Play on August 25, 2026. The initial download size is expected to be around 1GB, making it significantly more accessible for players dealing with limited phone storage.
Details regarding iOS availability are expected to be announced separately.
BGMI and BGMI Lite Cross-Play
One of the biggest features announced for the lighter version is its connection with the existing BGMI ecosystem.
KRAFTON India has said existing players will be able to use their BGMI accounts rather than starting completely from scratch. Cross-play support is also planned, allowing users of the lighter version to squad up with friends playing regular BGMI.
This is particularly important for players who want a smaller game without leaving their existing squad behind.
The game is being developed to offer the core Battlegrounds experience in a lighter package.
Its around 1GB initial download size should make it easier for users with limited storage to get started. KRAFTON is expected to reveal more information about supported devices, gameplay, additional downloadable content and other features closer to launch.
For now, the most important confirmed information is simple: BGMI Lite is officially coming to India by the end of 2026, and Android pre-registration is already underway.
Whether the final release happens in November or later in December remains to be officially confirmed.
BGMI redeem codes have received another fresh update as KRAFTON India continues its fifth-anniversary rewards campaign. On August 26, 2026, the company released 50 new BGMI redeem codes, giving players a chance to unlock the exclusive Suave Master Set along with several other limited-time in-game rewards.
The latest codes are part of the ongoing BGMI 5th Anniversary Edition 4.5 Update celebrations. All 50 codes will remain valid until September 25, 2026, unless they reach their redemption limit earlier.
New BGMI Redeem Codes Offer Suave Master Set
The main attraction of the latest drop is the Suave Master Set, which features a polished and stylish design. Along with the featured outfit, players can receive a variety of other in-game rewards from the new batch.
If successful, the eligible reward will arrive through in-game mail.
Important Rules for BGMI Redeem Codes
Players should remember that having a valid code does not guarantee a reward. Each code can only be used by a maximum of 10 users, making these rewards first-come, first-served.
Each player can redeem only one code per day, and the same code cannot be used more than once on the same account. Guest accounts are also not eligible to use the redemption system.
Once a reward is delivered through in-game mail, players must claim it within 30 days. The codes themselves are valid until September 25, but they may stop working earlier if all 10 redemption slots have already been used.
The latest codes are part of the BGMI 5th Anniversary Edition 4.5 Update. The update also features CarryMinati as a fully playable character.
Players can experience a World of Wonder map inspired by the creator, a special Boss Battle and a collection developed in collaboration with NotYourType.
KRAFTON India says BGMI has more than 260 million registered Indian players. The latest Suave Master Set drop gives the community another opportunity to collect in-game content without additional cost.
The GTA 6 Discord subpoena from Take-Two Interactive has not yet reached the platform, according to Discord. Take-Two filed the subpoena request in a US federal court on August 20, 2026, seeking to identify the leaker behind a wave of Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay clips.
Discord’s marketing director, Ryan K. Rigney, confirmed on X that the company has not been served yet and will review the request once it arrives. The leaks have continued for over a week, with new footage appearing almost daily online.
I can share an update on this:
Discord has not yet been served with a subpoena from Take Two.
When we do, we'll evaluate the validity and scope before responding. https://t.co/FshT3VlUCy
GTA 6 Discord Subpoena: What Take-Two Is Asking For
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, filed two separate DMCA subpoena requests with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on August 20, 2026. The filings target Microsoft and Discord and were submitted by attorneys Dale Cendali and Joshua Simmons of Kirkland & Ellis.
A DMCA subpoena lets a copyright holder ask a court to reveal the identity of an anonymous infringer without filing a full lawsuit. Take-Two is using this process to try to unmask the person or group behind the “Cyberleek” persona, which has been posting alleged GTA 6 gameplay footage online.
What Information Take-Two Wants
The subpoena directed at Discord requests identifying information for every account active in specific listed servers between June 1, 2026, and the present day. According to the filing, Take-Two is asking for:
Account IDs and registration emails
Registration and last-login IP addresses
Phone numbers
Linked accounts, including Google and Xbox
Device identifiers such as MachineGuid and MSA
Any GTA, Rockstar, or Cyberleek-related content stored in the account’s OneDrive
The Microsoft subpoena separately seeks internal business and investigative records tied to Microsoft’s own probe into the Cyberleek persona.
Discord’s Response
Rigney addressed the situation directly on X on August 24, 2026, after concerns spread online that Take-Two’s request could expose the data of users unconnected to the leaks. He said Discord has not yet been served with a subpoena from Take-Two and that the company will “evaluate the validity and scope” once it is.
Discord has not issued any further public statement on the matter since that post.
Microsoft’s Role and the Deadline
Microsoft has taken a different tone. Xbox CTO Scott Van Vliet wrote on X that Microsoft is working closely with Take-Two and Rockstar Games to support efforts to protect the studio’s creative work and intellectual property.
Both Microsoft and Discord have until September 4, 2026, to respond to their respective subpoenas, though neither company has confirmed handing over any user records so far.
GTA 6 Leaks So Far
The Cyberleek leaks began roughly a week before the subpoena filings, with new gameplay clips surfacing almost daily. The leaker has claimed to have access to a playable build of the entire game and has continued posting new material despite Take-Two’s DMCA takedown efforts across multiple platforms.
The leaker has also taunted Take-Two and Rockstar directly, saying the leaks will continue and even encouraging fans to visit Rockstar’s offices in person.
The controversy comes just days before Rockstar’s official Netflix “extended look” at GTA 6, scheduled for August 27, 2026. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, 2026.
The Esports World Cup 2026 has officially ended after seven weeks of competition in Paris, and the numbers suggest that taking the tournament outside Saudi Arabia helped EWC grow its global reach. The 2026 edition recorded 850 million viewers and 440 million hours watched, while ticket sales for esports competitions nearly doubled compared to the previous year.
The move was a major change for the Esports World Cup. The 2025 edition was held in Riyadh and attracted more than 3 million visitors, while over 2,500 players and club staff participated. Paris became the first city outside Riyadh to host EWC in 2026, making it an important test of whether the event could succeed internationally.
So, how did Esports World Cup 2025 vs 2026 compare, and was moving to Paris actually a good decision?
Esports World Cup 2025 vs 2026: Numbers Compared
Here is a simple comparison based on the official figures shared for both editions:
Category
EWC 2025 – Riyadh
EWC 2026 – Paris
Players/Staff
2,500+
2,000+ players
Clubs
218
200
Countries/Nationalities
89 nationalities
100+ countries
Tournaments
25
25
Games
24
24
Prize Pool
$70M+
$75M
Hours Watched
340M
440M
Peak Viewership
7.5M
4.3M
Physical Visits
3M
2M
Esports Tickets Sold
~90K*
175K
Creators/Co-streamers
700+
5,000
*The approximate 2025 ticket figure is inferred from the official statement that 2026’s 175,000 esports tickets represented a 94% year-on-year increase.
The comparison shows an interesting picture. Riyadh remained ahead when it came to overall physical visitors, but Paris delivered major growth in online consumption and paid esports attendance.
EWC 2025 Was Massive in Riyadh
The Esports World Cup 2025 was already a huge event. More than 2,500 players and team staff representing 89 nationalities competed across 25 tournaments and 871 matches. The total prize money was over $70 million.
A total of 218 clubs competed, with 103 earning Club Championship points. Team Falcons eventually took the Club Championship and its $7 million prize.
Riyadh’s biggest strength was the festival experience.
Around 3 million visits were recorded across the tournament and festival, with the event spread across four esports arenas and eight festival venues at Boulevard Riyadh City.
Online numbers were also strong. EWC 2025 generated 340 million hours watched, while the League of Legends final reached a peak of 7.5 million concurrent viewers.
What Changed at Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris?
Paris had fewer total visits but showed strong growth in several other areas.
More than 2,000 players from 200 clubs and over 100 countries competed across 25 tournaments in 24 games. The prize pool also increased to a record $75 million.
The biggest improvement came online.
According to the official numbers, EWC 2026 reached 850 million viewers and recorded 440 million hours watched, with those figures reported as increases of 13% and 26% year-on-year respectively. The event was distributed through more than 100 broadcast and OTT partners in 47 languages.
Another major jump came from ticket sales. Paris sold 175,000 tickets for esports competitions, which was 94% higher than 2025. Total visits across tournament venues, Fan Fest and other city activations crossed 2 million.
Paris Brought EWC Into the City
One of the most interesting parts of the 2026 edition was how EWC was promoted across Paris.
More than 22,600 campaign placements were used around the French capital, reportedly reaching 94% of Parisians. EWC branding also appeared around famous locations including the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower. The final weekend’s Counter-Strike tournament was moved to the 20,000-seat Accor Arena following strong ticket demand.
This was important because EWC was no longer operating only from its established base in Riyadh. Paris gave the organizers a chance to prove that the event could travel to another major global city and still attract fans.
AG.AL End Team Falcons’ Club Championship Run
There was also a major change inside the competition.
AG.AL won the EWC 2026 Club Championship with 5,300 points and received the $7 million prize. Team Falcons, who entered as two-time defending champions, finished second with 4,600 points.
AG.AL’s results included a championship in Tekken 8, second-place finishes in Chess, Free Fire and Honor of Kings World Cup, and third place in Teamfight Tactics. Their Trackmania victory on the final weekend ultimately secured the Club Championship.
Was Moving Esports World Cup From Riyadh to Paris a Good Decision?
Based purely on the available numbers, Paris appears to have been a successful experiment, although it did not beat Riyadh in every category.
Riyadh 2025 recorded more overall physical visits at 3 million compared to Paris’ 2 million. The 2025 peak concurrent viewership of 7.5 million was also higher than the 4.3 million peak reported for 2026.
However, Paris produced 440 million hours watched compared with 340 million in 2025, while esports ticket sales increased by 94%. The 2026 event also expanded to 5,000 creators and co-streamers and reached audiences through broadcasts in 47 languages.
So rather than simply asking whether Paris was “better” than Riyadh, the more useful conclusion is that the move showed EWC could work outside its original home.
Paris delivered stronger online engagement and esports ticket demand, while Riyadh remained stronger as a huge festival destination.
Esports World Cup Will Return to Riyadh in 2027
Paris will not host the next edition. The organizers have officially confirmed that the Esports World Cup 2027 will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
That does not necessarily make Paris a one-off failure. In fact, the organizers described Paris as the event’s first international host city and an important step toward building a global foundation for future editions.
After two editions in Riyadh followed by Paris in 2026, EWC has now shown two different models: Riyadh as its established home and Paris as proof that the competition can travel internationally.
The numbers suggest the Paris experiment worked. The bigger question now is whether EWC will continue rotating through major cities after its return to Riyadh in 2027.
The Valorant Night Market is one of the most anticipated in-game events for skin collectors, and players are already asking when the next one will arrive. The Night Market is a limited-time storefront that offers random weapon skins at discounts between 10% and 49%, and it typically appears once per Act.
The most recent Night Market ran from July 16 to July 29, 2026. Riot Games has not confirmed a date for the next one yet. This article covers which skins are eligible for the Night Market, the full list of qualifying collections, and TalkEsports’ prediction for the next event window.
Which Skins Are Eligible for the Valorant Night Market
Not every skin in the game appears in your Night Market offers. Riot applies a fixed set of rules to decide which skins qualify:
The skin must come from a Select, Deluxe, or Premium edition bundle.
Melee skins must have an original price under 3,550 VP.
The skin must have been released in the store at least two Acts before the Act in which the Night Market opens.
Gear skins are not eligible.
Battle Pass skins are not eligible.
Any weapon skin from an Ultra tier bundle or above is automatically excluded from the Night Market, regardless of when it was released.
Best Deals
Based on the eligibility rules above, here are the skin collections currently qualified to appear in the Valorant Night Market.
Knife skins priced above 3,550 VP cannot appear in the Night Market, even if they belong to one of the bundles listed above.
When Is the Next Valorant Night Market?
Riot has not announced the date for the next Valorant Night Market. Based on the event’s history, we predict it will open around September 23 or 24, 2026, and run until somewhere in the second or third week of October 2026.
This estimate is based on two patterns. First, the Night Market usually lands once per Act, and the current Act is expected to run into late September. Second, in recent years the Night Market has consistently returned during the fall season in late September, following the same seasonal rhythm each time.
This is a prediction, not an official date. Riot typically confirms the exact start time through the VALORANT X account about a week before the event goes live, so players should keep watch on official channels closer to late September.
