Team Spirit Launches Its First-Ever Dota 2 Academy

Team Spirit has officially opened a new chapter in its storied Dota 2 history by launching its first-ever Team Spirit Academy Dota 2 roster. The move adds another major title to the organisation’s development pool, joining its existing CS2 and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang projects.

pic.twitter.com/fDDLe6iUmE

— Team Spirit Dota 2 (@TSpirit_Dota2) November 3, 2025

In an official statement, Team Spirit said that expanding into Dota 2 under its academy banner was a natural step, considering that the organisation’s roots began with its Dota roster. The academy aims to develop young esports athletes, not only in competitive skills but also in professionalism, teamwork, and mental discipline.

“The goal of our academy is the comprehensive development of young esports athletes. We don’t just train gifted players, but also help them become mature individuals,” Team Spirit explained in the announcement.

A Structured Pathway for Rising Dota 2 Talent

The new academy has been designed as a distraction-free training environment where players can focus entirely on improving their gameplay, teamwork, and mindset. Team Spirit emphasised an individualised approach to training, with coaches and support staff guiding each player’s progress.

Regular tournament participation will also play a major role in the academy’s development process, allowing players to gain hands-on experience and refine their strategies under real match conditions.

The First Team Spirit Dota 2 Academy Line-Up

Team Spirit has confirmed its first-ever academy roster, with a mix of up-and-coming players from across the region. The lineup includes:

• Vladislav “rubikon155” Gaideu
• Arsenii “86” Babiuk
• Ruslan “SunshineRR” Lakhonia
• Aidar “Aidar” Nurgalin
• Danil “Kyford” Gorbachev

The team will be coached by Danil “MeTPuM” Gilev, managed by Semyon “Paradise” Volkov, with Bakuri “baki_1014” Mortshkulava serving as the team’s analyst.

Following the Legacy of Team Spirit’s TI Champions

Team Spirit’s Dota 2 legacy is one of the most successful in modern esports. The organisation famously lifted The International 10 trophy in 2021 after a historic underdog run, cementing its name among the greats. Interestingly, that championship-winning lineup was also born from a development-focused project similar to this new academy—making fans hopeful that lightning could strike twice.

Whether the new Team Spirit Academy roster will reach the same heights remains to be seen, but the structure and vision behind the project make it one to watch.

A Strong Year for Team Spirit’s Main Roster

While the academy begins its journey, Team Spirit’s main Dota 2 roster has had a busy 2025 season. The team took home titles at DreamLeague Season 25, defeating Tundra Esports 3-2, and later dominated the Esports World Cup 2025, sweeping Team Falcons 3-0 to secure a massive $1 million USD prize.

However, not every tournament ended on a high note. Team Spirit’s run at The International 2025 was cut short after an early elimination, losing 2-0 to Team Falcons in the Group Stage elimination round. More recently, the team finished fifth at FISSURE Playground 2, once again falling to Team Falcons in a closely contested lower bracket series.

Looking Ahead

With both the main roster and the newly-formed academy now competing under the same banner, Team Spirit appears committed to building a sustainable future for Dota 2 talent. Fans can follow the academy’s journey through Team Spirit’s social channels as these young players aim to rise through the ranks and continue the organisation’s legacy of excellence.

The post Team Spirit Expands with New Dota 2 Academy Roster appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Investing in the Future of Esports

Esports Global has announced the creation of the Esports Global Fund LP, a new $50 million investment initiative designed to fuel innovation and long-term growth across the global esports and gaming industries.

The Guernsey-based fund, backed by the Kuwait-based Alshaya family, will target between 10 and 15 promising companies from around the world, offering not just capital but access to Esports Global’s deep industry network and expertise. Alongside this, a portion of the fund will support early-stage and Series B investments to help emerging ventures scale up effectively.

Backed by Industry Veterans

The fund is led by an experienced team with deep roots in esports, technology, and investment. At the helm is Dave Martin, CEO of Esports Global and a co-founder of the London Royal Ravens Call of Duty League team, joined by Chester King, Founder and President of the British Esports Federation.

King brings over 30 years of experience spanning sport, hospitality, and esports, including multiple successful investments such as the Royal Ravens franchise, which was sold in 2023 to Infinite Reality and rebranded as the Carolina Royal Ravens.

The leadership group also includes Susanne Chishti, Founder of Fintech Circle; Dr Melita Moore, a physician and consultant specialising in sports and esports; and Mark “Garvey” Candella, a former competitive gamer and industry veteran known for his work with Twitch, AcadArena, and Nodwin Gaming.

“Smart Capital” for a Growing Industry

Martin emphasised the fund’s role in bridging the gap between innovation and opportunity:

“Over the last ten years we’ve seen many changes in how the esports ecosystem is owned, operated and funded,” said Martin. “This potential for long-term growth, together with the ecosystem’s improving infrastructure in tech, defence, data and AI, makes for extremely exciting times. But businesses need access to smart capital to give them every chance to succeed — and that’s exactly what we are here to do.”

King echoed those sentiments, highlighting the fund’s vision for the next phase of the industry.

“We’ve seen many great businesses come and go due to a lack of funding or access to industry knowledge,” said King. “We believe the next five years will see major growth in the ecosystem surrounding gamers, and this fund will help those founders build sustainable companies that support that evolution.”

Alshaya Family Joins the Game

The Alshaya family’s backing marks a major step in esports’ growing appeal to traditional investors. Known for their extensive portfolio across retail, hospitality, and technology, the Alshayas are expanding into esports as part of their broader investment strategy.

“Esports is an exciting new addition to our portfolio,” said Bader Alshaya. “The experience of Chester King and the team at Esports Global is vast in the industry. We look forward to supporting them with our global network.”

A Boost for Global Esports Growth

The launch of the Esports Global Fund comes at a time when major organisations and investors are once again betting big on competitive gaming. Recent months have seen significant funding rounds from the likes of G2 Esports and Veloce, alongside new ventures such as Wolves Esports’ expansion in China.

With the rise of global events like the Esports World Cup and increasing collaboration between traditional sports and gaming, the Esports Global Fund aims to accelerate this momentum, focusing not just on teams, but also on businesses in education, technology, and sport that can enhance the wider gaming ecosystem.

Businesses interested in seeking investment can contact info@esportsglobal.com for more details.

The Bigger Picture

For many within the industry, this fund represents more than just financial backing, it’s a signal of confidence in the maturing esports ecosystem. As King puts it, “We are seeing unprecedented change in our industry, and we firmly believe the growth over the next five years will be in the ecosystem that surrounds the gamer.”

With experienced leadership, strong capital support, and a focus on sustainable innovation, Esports Global’s $50 million fund could be the push that powers the next generation of gaming success stories.

The post Esports Global Launches $50 Million Fund to Power the Next Generation of Gaming and Esports Companies appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The King of Fighters legend becomes the newest face of Falcons Esports’ global fighting game roster

The Legend Lands a New Nest

Chinese fighting game icon Zeng “Xiao Hai” Zhuojun has officially signed with Team Falcons, the Saudi Arabian esports powerhouse known for its star-studded line-ups and global ambitions. The announcement, made via Falcons’ social channels, celebrated the moment with fitting grandeur, calling Xiao Hai “The best. The icon. The legend.”

THE BEST. THE ICON. THE LEGEND. 👑

It’s official. @Xiaohai_ is a Falcon 🦅⚡️#FalconsAreHere pic.twitter.com/2rMGrBmKXc

— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) October 16, 2025

This move follows a string of major wins for Xiao Hai in 2025, including his recent victory at Evo France 2025’s Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves tournament on October 11. Regarded by many as the greatest The King of Fighters player of all time, Xiao Hai’s arrival solidifies Falcons’ growing dominance across multiple esports titles.

A Champion’s Record

Xiao Hai’s competitive career spans more than a decade, and it’s nothing short of legendary. Since his debut in 2012, he’s become a five-time Evo champion and a two-time Neo Geo World Tour champion, earning a reputation as one of the most consistent and technically skilled players in the fighting game community.

In 2025 alone, he’s been on a tear. Alongside his Evo France title, he won CEO 2025’s Fatal Fury event in June, then claimed another major victory by defending his Street Fighter 6 crown at the Esports World Cup 2025 in August, the same tournament where Team Falcons captured the overall Club Championship title.

Debut Set for SNK Championship Finals

Fans won’t have to wait long to see Xiao Hai represent his new team. He’s set to make his official Team Falcons debut at the SNK Championship Series 2025 Finals in Shanghai, China. The top two players from the event will earn automatic spots in the SNK World Championship 2025 Finals taking place later this month in Atlanta, Georgia.

With his proven record and current momentum, many expect Xiao Hai to be one of the key contenders heading into the final stretch of the SNK competitive circuit.

Falcons’ Esports Empire Keeps Growing

Team Falcons’ expansion into the FGC marks yet another major step for the organisation. Xiao Hai becomes their 21st fighting game player, joining an already stacked roster of international talent.

The signing comes during a banner year for Falcons. In September, their Dota 2 squad won The International 2025, while the Overwatch 2 team claimed the OWCS Mid-Season Championship in front of a home crowd in Riyadh. The organisation also recently launched a Counter-Strike 2 academy roster, highlighting its commitment to nurturing the next generation of competitive talent.

As Falcons continues to grow across multiple scenes, the addition of a player like Xiao Hai sends a clear message: they’re not just competing, they’re building a legacy.

The post Xiao Hai Joins Team Falcons After Evo France Triumph appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

UK Warzone star and reigning World Series of Warzone champion, Lenun, has officially declared free agency ahead of the upcoming 2026 competitive season.

From Champion to Free Agent

Just weeks after lifting the World Series of Warzone 2025 Global Finals trophy in Las Vegas with Team Vision, Lenun took to social media on October 16 to confirm his departure.

F/A for the upcoming Warzone season.

World Series of Warzone Champion 2025

6th at EWC 2025

Let me know 🤝

— Lenun (@LenunLH) October 16, 2025

The announcement comes as a surprise to many, given Team Vision’s dominant year on the Warzone circuit. Alongside teammates Echo and Ethan “Fifakill” Pink, Lenun helped the European trio make history as the first from the region to claim one of Warzone’s biggest titles.

A Breakout Year for Team Vision

Throughout 2025, Team Vision established itself as a powerhouse within the Call of Duty: Warzone esports scene. The squad not only captured the WSOW Global Finals title but also placed sixth at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, solidifying their place among the world’s elite.

Lenun’s performance was key to their success, earning widespread recognition for his clutch plays and leadership in high-stakes moments. His departure now leaves a notable gap in what many considered the top European Warzone lineup.

What’s Next for Lenun?

Lenun’s move away from Team Vision is expected to shake up the EMEA Warzone scene, with roster shuffles likely as teams prepare for the next major update to the game, set to arrive alongside Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

While Activision has yet to reveal details about Warzone’s 2026 esports plans, the title has been confirmed as one of 24 games featured at the Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh next July and August.

Given his resume, Lenun will likely have no shortage of offers. As World Series of Warzone 2025 champion and a consistent top finisher, he remains one of the most valuable free agents in the competitive Warzone space.

Community Reactions

Fans and fellow players were quick to respond to the announcement, with reactions ranging from shock to excitement.

“Massively confused,” said on-air talent Ellen “Dreamcrazzy” Elizabeth Jean, reflecting the sentiment of many who didn’t see the split coming.

Another fan suggested a reunion of the championship trio: “You, Jukeyz and Vision should run it back.”

You, jukeyz and vision should run it back.

— Yorky (@RealYorky) October 16, 2025

Lenun hasn’t confirmed any future plans yet, but all eyes will be on where the World Series champion lands next as teams gear up for the 2026 Warzone season.

The post World Series of Warzone Champion Lenun Announces Free Agency Ahead of 2026 Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

NAVI has officially disbanded its Tekken 8 roster, stepping away from the fighting game scene just over a year after first entering it. The move means that Kim ‘Kkokkoma’ Moo-jong and Alexandre ‘AK’ Laverez are now free agents and on the lookout for new organisations to represent in upcoming Tekken 8 tournaments.

Our Tekken 8 chapter pauses here. Huge thanks to @kkokkoma_mujoy and @AK_Philippines! #navination pic.twitter.com/I7USFuUPz4

— NAVI (@natusvincere) August 29, 2025

The Ukrainian esports giant first joined the Tekken scene in April 2024 when it signed Kkokkoma, before expanding the roster a month later with the addition of AK. During that short time, both players managed to carve out impressive results on the international stage. Kkokkoma secured a Top 12 finish at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia and also lifted the trophy at Emirates Showdown 2024. Meanwhile, AK made waves with a victory at Combo Breaker 2024 and a strong runner-up finish at Red Bull Golden Letters 2024.

Guess who will perform on Friday?#EWC2025 pic.twitter.com/7ye5wESmwY

— NAVI (@natusvincere) August 13, 2025

NAVI’s Tekken run came to an end following this year’s Esports World Cup, where the team fell short of deeper success. While the organisation has confirmed it is only temporarily leaving the Tekken esports scene, no timeline has been given for a return.

Part of a Bigger Year for NAVI

2025 has been a huge year of expansion for NAVI across multiple esports titles. The organisation is part of the Esports World Cup Club Programme, a multi-million dollar initiative designed to provide stability and growth for the industry. NAVI competed in nine different titles at this year’s World Cup, finishing 32nd overall with 500 points, narrowly missing out on a share of the massive $27 million prize pool.

Beyond Tekken, NAVI has been growing its footprint across the esports landscape. In the last eight months, the organisation has entered CrossFire, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and even chess. It also purchased a spot in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) after Rogue exited the competition. Alongside big names like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Apex Legends, NAVI is still active in the fighting game scene too, currently fielding a player in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.

What’s Next for the Players

For now, the spotlight turns to Kkokkoma and AK as they search for new homes. With proven results at top-tier events and experience under one of the biggest esports banners in the world, it’s likely both players will be highly sought after by organisations looking to make their mark in Tekken 8.

NAVI’s exit from Tekken 8 might only be temporary, but it marks the end of an exciting chapter for the organisation. Whether it returns to the scene or not, the team’s short run has already left its mark on the fighting game community.

The post NAVI Disbands Tekken 8 Roster After Esports World Cup appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The biggest night in competitive gaming returned in style, as the Esports Awards 2025 rolled out a special one-off “Decade Awards” to honour ten years of esports excellence.

Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside the Esports World Cup as part of the “Summer of Celebration”, this year’s ceremony marked the 10th anniversary of the Esports Awards. With more than 9.8 million fan votes cast across 14 categories, it was a true showcase of the people, teams and games that have shaped esports over the past decade.

Faker and T1 Sweep the Stage

One of the evening’s biggest moments belonged to Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, who was named Esports PC Player of the Decade.

The winner of the Esports PC Player of the Decade award is…@faker

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/H17xXlhFxV

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Let’s hear from the Esports PC Player of the Decade award winner @faker!

Congratulations! 🏆#EsportsAwards #DecadeAwards pic.twitter.com/Am20UhSJBS

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

The League of Legends icon wasn’t the only one from T1 walking away with silverware.

• T1 claimed Esports Team of the Decade
• Long-time coach Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun took home Esports Coach of the Decade

On top of that, Riot Games dominated the publisher side, winning Esports Publisher of the Decade, while League of Legends was crowned Esports Game of the Decade. The 2017 LoL World Championship also secured Esports Live Event of the Decade, further proving the game’s lasting legacy.

ZywOo Recognised as Esports’ Biggest Breakthrough

French Counter-Strike superstar Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut earned the title of Esports Breakthrough Player of the Decade.

ICYMI

The winner of the Esports Breakthrough Player of the Decade award is…@zywoo

Congratulations! 🏆#EsportsAwards #DecadeAwards pic.twitter.com/nKdSdbTJfr

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 25, 2025

From his rapid rise to becoming one of CS’ most feared players, to cementing himself as a consistent top performer, ZywOo’s story reflects the new era of competitive gaming.

xQc Named Streamer of the Decade

When it comes to streaming, Félix “xQc” Lengyel stood tall, being voted Streamer of the Decade.

The winner of the Streamer of the Decade award is…@xQc

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/A0toilHNuq

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Known for his unfiltered personality and massive Twitch presence, xQc beat out big names like Ninja, Shroud, Ibai, Pokimane, and Tyler1 to secure the award.

Nadeshot, Intel, Sjokz and More Among Winners

Elsewhere:

• Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag took home Esports Personality of the Decade, recognising his journey from Call of Duty pro to 100 Thieves CEO.
• Intel claimed Esports Commercial Partner of the Decade.
• Liquipedia was crowned Content & Coverage Platform of the Decade.
• On the broadcast side, Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere was voted On-Air Talent of the Decade, reflecting her long-standing influence in esports hosting.
• And when it came to organisations, Team Liquid stood above the rest as Esports Organisation of the Decade.

Esports Awards 2025 — Decade Celebration Winners & Nominees

Esports Game of the Decade

Winner: League of Legends
Nominees: Counter-Strike, DOTA 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Rocket League, Valorant, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege

ICYMI

The winner of the Esports Game of the Decade award is…@LeagueOfLegends

Congratulations! 🏆#EsportsAwards #DecadeAwards pic.twitter.com/wfa7HondF2

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 25, 2025

Esports Personality of the Decade

Winner: Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag
Nominees: Tarik, Sjokz, Faker, Ibai, Scump, S1mple, H3CZ, Nobru, Caedrel, Fallen

The winner of the Esports Personality of the Decade award is…@Nadeshot

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/tU3fxo1TbW

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Streamer of the Decade

Winner: Félix “xQc” Lengyel
Nominees: Ninja, Ibai, Shroud, Pokimane, Gaules, Summit1G, Tarik, Tyler1, Rivers, TimTheTatMan, SodaPoppin, Mortal, Kameto

The winner of the Streamer of the Decade award is…@xQc

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/A0toilHNuq

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports Commercial Partner of the Decade

Winner: Intel
Nominees: Red Bull, Logitech G, Monster Energy, HyperX, MasterCard, Secretlab, Razer, DHL, Corsair, Alienware

The winner of the Esports Commercial Partner of the Decade award is…@intel

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/KXmjvCd9Fv

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports Content & Coverage Platform of the Decade

Winner: Liquipedia
Nominees: Dexerto, Esports Charts, TheScore, HLTV, Esports Insider

The winner of the Esports Content & Coverage Platform of the Decade award is…@LiquipediaNet

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/jjXJnXErwd

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports Publisher of the Decade

Winner: Riot Games
Nominees: Valve, Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, EA, Tencent, Krafton, Moonton, Ubisoft

The winner of the Esports Publisher of the Decade award is…@riotgames

Congratulations! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/77YV3YjcqQ

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports Live Event of the Decade

Winner: League of Legends Worlds 2017
Nominees: Esports World Cup 2024, The International 8, EVO 2024, Fortnite World Cup 2019, IEM Katowice 2017, ELeague Major CS:GO Boston, FFWS Singapore 2021, M5 World Championship 2023, Call of Duty League Playoffs 2020

The winner of the Esports Live Event of the Decade award is…

League of Legends Worlds 2017 – @lolesports

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/p0ff945FcQ

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports PC Player of the Decade

Winner: Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok
Nominees: S1mple, N0TAIL, ZywOo, Aspas, Caps, ColdZera, Miposhka, Nisha

The winner of the Esports PC Player of the Decade award is…@faker

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/H17xXlhFxV

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports Breakthrough Player of the Decade

Winner: Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Nominees: SIMP, M0NESY, Keria, Bugha, Kenny, Shotzzy, Miracle, M0nkey M00n, Malr1ne, Punk

ICYMI

The winner of the Esports Breakthrough Player of the Decade award is…@zywoo

Congratulations! 🏆#EsportsAwards #DecadeAwards pic.twitter.com/nKdSdbTJfr

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 25, 2025

Esports Controller Player of the Decade

Winner: Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro
Nominees: Scump, SonicFox, SIMP, HungryBox, Formal, ImperialHal, Crimsix, TurboPolsa, Kaydop, SnakeBite

The winner of the Esports Controller Player of the Decade award is…@Shotzzy

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/YIFdMMreGV

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports Coach of the Decade

Winner: Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun
Nominees: Zonic, Potter, B1AD3, XTQZZZ, Moon, Heen, Kim “Kim” Jung-Su

The winner of the Esports Coach of the Decade award is…#Kkoma

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/HHY4P701gh

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports Team of the Decade

Winner: T1 – League of Legends
Nominees: Astralis (CS:GO), OpTic Texas, OG (DOTA 2), G2 Esports (LoL), TSM (Apex Legends), Natus Vincere (CS:GO), Team Secret (DOTA 2), Team Liquid (DOTA 2), Atlanta FaZe, Team Vitality (CS:GO), Team Vitality (Rocket League), Team BDS

The winner of the Esports Team of the Decade award is…@T1LoL

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/8EWr2SZXfW

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports Organisation of the Decade

Winner: Team Liquid
Nominees: G2 Esports, T1, OpTic Gaming, Team Vitality, Cloud9, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, Natus Vincere, Gen.G, Edward Gaming

The winner of the Esports Organisation of the Decade award is…@TeamLiquid

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/urwUiRFwmp

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

Esports On-Air Talent of the Decade

Winner: Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere
Nominees: GoldenBoy, Puckett, Machine, Sheever, Spunj, Captain Flowers, Dash, Pansy, Uber, Kobe, Soe

The winner of the Esports On-Air Talent of the Decade award is…@sjokz

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/MNj1t5Y2Bu

— Esports Awards (@esportsawards) August 24, 2025

A Celebration of 10 Years in Esports

Hosted by Trevor “Quickshot” Henry, Jessica “JessGOAT” Bolden, and Barney Banks, the night was packed with celebrity presenters, from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk to EVO champion Justin Wong and Twitch star Tyler1.

Speaking after the event, Mike Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards, said:

“Over the past ten years, the growth in the esports industry has been incredible to see. Tonight, we showed the world just how global and impactful esports has become, and celebrated the individuals and companies that have consistently driven its success.”

From Faker’s legacy to ZywOo’s rise, xQc’s streaming empire, and League of Legends’ dominance, the Esports Awards Decade Celebration was a fitting tribute to a scene that has grown into a global phenomenon.

The post Esports Awards 2025 Full Winners List Featuring Faker, ZywOo, xQc, and League of Legends appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The final stop before Dota 2’s biggest stage, The International 2025, has wrapped up, and it’s Team Falcons standing tall. The Western European squad dismantled Team Spirit 3-0 in the grand final of FISSURE Universe Episode 6, bagging the title, US$125,000 in prize money, and, perhaps most importantly, revenge.

🔥 Team Falcons — Champions of FISSURE Universe: Episode 6!

They defeated Team Spirit with a score of 3:0. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/1JLvrgrIzX

— FISSURE_ENG (@fissure_eng) August 24, 2025

This wasn’t just another tournament win. It was a full-circle redemption arc. Just over a month ago, Falcons had their hearts broken by Spirit at the Esports World Cup 2025, falling in a brutal 0-3 sweep. This time around, Falcons flipped the script, sweeping Spirit in identical fashion to claim the last tier-one trophy before TI14 in Hamburg.

🏆 YOUR #EWC DOTA 2 CHAMPIONS ARE @TSpirit_Dota2! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/rVrWwHqR94

— EWC Extra (@EWC_Extra) July 19, 2025

Game by game: Falcons’ dominance

Game 1 – Troll Warlord takes flight
The opener set the tone right from the draft. Spirit threw a curveball by slotting Marat “Mirele” Gazetdinov on midlane Slardar, filling in for Denis “Larl” Sigitov who’s recovering from surgery. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite land. Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak’s Sand King outclassed him, giving Falcons the early edge.

Spirit fought back with trademark resilience, even clawing back a 7,000-gold deficit to even things up. But Oliver “Skiter” Lepko’s Troll Warlord proved unstoppable once he got his items. With Black King Bar and Linken’s Sphere in hand, Skiter shredded Spirit’s defences, forcing the tap-out before the 50-minute mark.

Game 2 – Malr1ne and ATF show up big
The second map was tight for the first 20 minutes until Malr1ne’s Nature’s Prophet took over. Constant ganks and map pressure saw him rack up 14 kills without a single death, swinging momentum firmly towards Falcons.

Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf then sealed the deal on his signature Mars, dictating teamfights and leaving Spirit with no way back. Jing “Sneyking” Wu also shone on Pugna, providing clutch support that tilted the long midgame in Falcons’ favour.

Game 3 – Bristleback brilliance
The closer was all Falcons. ATF pulled out Bristleback, a hero largely ignored in the current meta, and made it look broken. Spirit’s Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk had Morphling, but the hero needs time — and Falcons simply didn’t give it. Once again, ATF proved why he’s considered the best Bristleback player in pro Dota, bulldozing Spirit in under 30 minutes.

Revenge, redemption, and timing

This victory carried more weight than just silverware. It snapped Spirit’s monstrous 10-series win streak and served as poetic justice for Falcons after their painful Riyadh loss.

It also couldn’t have come at a better time. Falcons’ form earlier in the year was shaky, bottoming out at 9th–11th at PGL Wallachia Season 4. Their runner-up finish at EWC hinted at a resurgence, and now, with their first tournament win of 2025, Falcons have hit peak form just 10 days before The International kicks off in Hamburg, Germany.

Their roster, Skiter, Malr1ne, ATF, Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen, and Sneyking, has always had pedigree, but consistency was the missing piece. With momentum now firmly on their side, Falcons have cemented themselves as one of the scariest teams heading into TI.

What’s next

TI14 runs from 4–14 September with a growing prize pool already at US$2 million, boosted by Supporter’s Club bundles. The field is stacked with 16 of the world’s best teams, though it’s worth noting that Gaimin Gladiators withdrew after internal conflicts, leaving the door even more open.

Team Spirit will regroup, they’re still two-time TI champions and never out of the picture. But for now, it’s all about Team Falcons, who’ve found their wings at the perfect moment.

The post Team Falcons Sweep Team Spirit 3-0 to Win Dota 2 FISSURE Universe Episode 6 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The MongolZ have done it, the Mongolian powerhouse has claimed the Counter-Strike 2 Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) trophy in Riyadh, sweeping Aurora 3-0 in the grand final to secure their first-ever Big Event title.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE ESPORTS WORLD CUP 2025!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the families of our players. You raised these kind and healthy young boys. Today, they are coming home to you with the EWC trophy. This victory belongs to you just as much as it… pic.twitter.com/OtJkj7jpmn

— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) August 24, 2025

It’s a milestone moment for a team that’s been knocking on the door all year. Before this, The MongolZ’s only major win was YaLLa Compass 2024, but now they’ve cemented themselves as one of CS2’s elite.

The road to the final

The EWC 2025 was a brutal sprint. Sixteen teams battled it out in a single-elimination format, packed into just five days. Every round felt like a high-stakes clash, and The MongolZ thrived under the pressure.

They started strong against GamerLegion and 3DMAX, before facing their toughest challenge yet: Team Vitality. The French side had been dominant earlier this year, famously denying The MongolZ the BLAST.tv Austin Major trophy. But this time, it was different.

Vitality managed to grab Dust II, but the Mongolian squad came alive on Nuke with a crushing 10–2 first half, eventually closing out the series and knocking their rivals out of contention.

The semifinal win felt like a statement: The MongolZ were no longer outsiders, they were favourites.

The only team to beat Vitality twice @1mongolz 🇲🇳 pic.twitter.com/2U1WQ6kh1m

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) August 23, 2025

Aurora’s run cut short

Aurora had their own rollercoaster journey. After a big upset over Team Falcons in the semis, the Turkish lineup arrived in the final with plenty of confidence. XANTARES and woxic delivered some huge plays on Mirage, forcing overtime, but it wasn’t enough.

The MongolZ clawed back map one before tightening the screws on Dust II, where they read MAJ3R’s calls like a book. Even Wicadia’s flashy Desert Eagle quad kill couldn’t shift the momentum.

By the time the action moved to Nuke, it was clear who the better side was. Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch put the exclamation mark on the series with a clinical 1v3 AWP clutch, while Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold’s Desert Eagle triple shattered Aurora’s second-half hopes. The 13-4 closer sealed the 3-0 sweep.

The MongolZ defeat Aurora 3:0 to win the Esports World Cup! pic.twitter.com/EoNWr7JM5L

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) August 24, 2025

Upsets and surprises

The MongolZ’s victory might have felt inevitable, but EWC 2025 was anything but predictable elsewhere.

• Vitality’s downfall – After dominating the first half of 2025, apEX’s crew fell flat. They lost to The MongolZ in the semis and then to Team Falcons in the third-place decider.
• Falcons’ inconsistency – True to form, Falcons mixed brilliance with chaos. They toppled MOUZ but crashed out against Aurora before redeeming themselves against Vitality for bronze.
• Spirit stumble early – Fresh off wins at IEM Cologne and BLAST Bounty Fall, Team Spirit looked unstoppable… until they were sent packing by HEROIC in their opener.
• NAVI’s shock exit – 3DMAX stunned NAVI with a dominant Inferno finish, handing Aleksib’s team another painful early exit.

A new era for Asia

For years, Asian Counter-Strike has struggled to break into the tier-one scene. Now, The MongolZ have delivered a moment of history, lifting a Big Event trophy on the world stage.

Their journey isn’t done either. With BLAST Open Fall 2025 kicking off later this week, the Mongolian squad will be heading into the next challenge with momentum, confidence, and a shiny new EWC title to their name.

Esports fans wanted surprises, drama, and clutch plays, and EWC 2025 delivered all of that and more. But at the end of the day, the story belongs to The MongolZ.

The post The MongolZ Dominate Aurora 3-0 to Win CS2 EWC 2025 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The 2025 Esports World Cup has been full of big moments across different games, but one of the standout stories came from CROSSFIRE, which made its debut at the event in Riyadh. After five days of intense FPS action, China’s AG.AL rose above the rest to claim the very first CROSSFIRE trophy on the EWC stage, and their second overall title at this year’s tournament.

The one team that Rose Above the rest 🏆@AGGlobalEsports are your CROSSFIRE at EWC 25 Champions! pic.twitter.com/yPXWsStiBZ

— EWC Extra (@EWC_Extra) August 23, 2025

The favourites deliver

Coming into the competition, AG.AL were already tipped as favourites. They cruised through the group stage, sweeping Virtus.pro 2-0 before edging out Stallions 2-1 to lock in their playoff spot. Things got shaky in the quarterfinals against fellow Chinese side KINGZERO-eSports, who opened with a crushing 10-1 win. Just when it looked like AG.AL’s run might be cut short, Zhang “ZY” Ye rallied the team, flipping the script and sealing a 2-1 comeback with a 10-1 map of their own.

From there, momentum was firmly in their hands. AG.AL took down Evolution Power 2-0 in the semis, while Baisha Gaming knocked out the young Filipino squad Stallions, setting up a blockbuster all-Chinese grand final.

A historic rivalry on the world stage

Fans couldn’t have asked for a better final: AG.AL versus Baisha Gaming, two long-time rivals in the Chinese CROSSFIRE scene. Baisha struck first in dominant fashion with a 10-1 win, but AG.AL kept their cool. They hit back with back-to-back 10-4 victories to reach match point. Baisha clawed it back to force a decider, but AG.AL sealed the deal 10-3 on Port to lift the trophy.

What a dominant run through this tournament!

Congratulations @AGGlobalEsports on your CROSSFIRE at EWC 25 pic.twitter.com/czFkj0NWvm

— EWC Extra (@EWC_Extra) August 23, 2025

It was another reminder of just how deep CROSSFIRE talent runs in China, as all three podium spots ended up going to Chinese teams. Evolution Power fought off Stallions in a nail-biting third-place match, pulling off an overtime comeback in the opener before closing the series 2-0.

Doo takes MVP honours

AG.AL’s Meng “Doo” Kun was awarded the SONY MVP for his incredible consistency throughout the tournament. His clutch performances in the final, in particular, earned him the extra $10,000 prize and the MVP trophy.

Image Credit: Esports World Cup

CROSSFIRE makes its mark

This win also adds to AG.AL’s EWC legacy, after their earlier gold in KWC pushed them past Gen.G into sixth place in the overall Club Championship standings. Beyond the results, though, CROSSFIRE’s first appearance at the Esports World Cup felt significant.

Smilegate has been running CROSSFIRE Stars for over a decade, but bringing the game to the EWC spotlight underlined its status as a global esport. With fresh young teams like Stallions showing promise and Chinese squads proving their dominance, the tournament highlighted a generational shift and set the stage for an even bigger future.

There’s even talk that CROSSFIRE could feature in future multi-sport events like the Asian Games, especially given the game’s proven track record in both domestic and international circuits. And with the CFS Grand Final later this year, the EWC debut feels like the perfect lead-in to CROSSFIRE’s next big chapter.

Looking ahead

From a competitive point of view, CROSSFIRE’s debut at the Esports World Cup couldn’t have gone much better. AG.AL stamped their name in history as the first champions, Baisha and Evolution Power kept the Chinese rivalry alive, and Stallions showed the potential of a new generation coming through.

If this event is anything to go by, CROSSFIRE has found a new global stage, and it’s only just getting started.

The post AG.AL Crowned First CROSSFIRE Champions at the 2025 Esports World Cup appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Street Fighter legend Zeng “Xiaohai” Zhuojun has once again proven why his name is etched into fighting game history. The Chinese veteran claimed the Street Fighter 6 title at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, pocketing $250,000 and securing back-to-back championships at the event. With this win, Xiaohai also handed KuaiShou Gaming their first EWC victory and pushed them higher in the Club Championship standings.

The definition of greatness!

Congratulations to the TWO TIME, BACK-TO-BACK Street Fighter 6 at EWC Champion @Xiaohai_ 🏆 pic.twitter.com/12i0PCRHlF

— Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) August 23, 2025

Champion vs. Prodigy

The grand finals set the stage for a generational clash. On one side, the defending champion, Xiaohai, cool and composed with years of experience. On the other, 15-year-old Chilean prodigy Derek “Blaz” Blaz, whose fearless run through the brackets had fans buzzing.

Image Credit: Esports World Cup

Both players carved through world-class competition to reach this point. Blaz went unbeaten in groups and knocked out names like Hiromiki “Itabashi Zangief” Kumada, YHC-Mochi, and Shin “Leshar” Moon-sup — the latter being especially impressive given Leshar’s consistency this year. Meanwhile, Xiaohai’s path wasn’t without drama. He performed a reverse sweep over Victor “Punk” Woodley, earned sweet revenge against his FATAL FURY rival Goichi “GO1” Kishida, and even demolished AngryBird’s Akuma to secure his spot in the final.

A Nail-Biting Grand Final

The grand finals kicked off with Xiaohai running M. Bison while Blaz went with his trusty Ryu. Early on, Blaz shocked the arena by storming to a 3–0 lead, leaving many wondering if the teen was about to dethrone the champ.

But Xiaohai wasn’t done. Switching to Mai Shiranui, a nod to his legendary FATAL FURY and KOF roots, he clawed his way back into the set. Blaz adjusted too, swapping Ryu for Ken, and the scoreboard tightened. Blaz even reached match point first, but Xiaohai, known for his ice-cold composure, forced a decider.

The final game went down to the wire. Blaz had the life lead, but Xiaohai pulled off a clutch combo into Critical Art, sealing the 5–4 victory and his second straight EWC crown.

2x EWC champion Xiaohai (@Xiaohai_)! Huge respect.

Congrats to Blaz (@DerekBlaz11) for an incredible run.

What a championship!#EWC2025 #StreetFighter6 #SF6 pic.twitter.com/Qj645v6ElL

— Street Fighter Play (@SF6Play) August 23, 2025

Revenge, Comebacks, and Meta Shifts

Xiaohai’s win wasn’t just about resilience, it was about adaptability. Coming into 2025, many thought his focus on the new FATAL FURY game might have slowed his Street Fighter form. He skipped big events and only managed 5th–6th at Evo Las Vegas earlier in the year. But when it mattered most, he showed up.

Along the way, he avenged his FATAL FURY finals loss to GO1, silenced doubts about his form, and proved he could thrive under the long, high-pressure EWC format. It also didn’t hurt that the Elena update and the arrival of Sagat shook up the SF6 meta, creating a stage where Xiaohai’s mastery of multiple characters could shine.

We saw plenty of variety in the tournament:

• Sagat made appearances through pugera and Kakeru.
• Dhalsim and Kimberly showed new strength in the hands of YHC-Mochi and Matsu56.
• And of course, Xiaohai’s use of Mai felt like destiny for a player who built his name on King of Fighters.

Blaz, EndingWalker, and the Next Generation

While Xiaohai took the trophy, Blaz’s run was arguably just as inspiring. The 15-year-old proved he wasn’t a one-off wonder, defeating decorated veterans and proving he belongs on the biggest stage.

He wasn’t the only young star to shine. EndingWalker dominated his group and even swept MenaRD 5–0 in the quarterfinals, a massive statement win against an Evo champion. Both he and Blaz also made waves by sticking to gamepads rather than the leverless controllers or fight sticks most pros swear by. It’s a good reminder that in SF6, it’s not about the gear, it’s about the player.

Club Championship and What’s Next

For KuaiShou Gaming, Xiaohai’s win was more than just a trophy. His results across EWC, including his FATAL FURY runner-up finish, brought in a massive 1,750 Club Championship points. That effort landed the team 9th place overall and a tidy $700,000 from the prize pool.

Xiaohai now heads into the rest of the season qualified for Capcom Cup 12, while the SF6 competitive calendar rolls on with the Ultimate Fighting Arena 2025 in France next month.

A Historic Repeat

With his second straight EWC win, Xiaohai joins an exclusive club of back-to-back champions in Riyadh, joining the likes of ULSAN in Tekken 8. His clutch comeback against Blaz will no doubt go down as one of the most electrifying finals in fighting game history.

At the end of it all, the message is clear: Xiaohai isn’t just still here, he’s still on top.

The post Xiaohai Back-to-Back Champion at the Esports World Cup Street Fighter 6 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.