The Evolution Championship Series ownership has officially changed again, with Saudi-owned RTS now taking full control of EVO. The update confirms that former co-owner NODWIN Gaming has exited, leaving RTS as the sole owner of the world’s largest fighting game tournament brand.

For the fighting game community, this is not just a business reshuffle. EVO’s ownership has been a sensitive topic for several years, especially as Saudi investment in global esports continues to grow.

How RTS Became The Sole Owner Of EVO

RTS, a talent management and brand consulting company originally co-founded by streamer Pokimane, has been involved with EVO since 2021. That year, Sony Interactive Entertainment partnered with RTS to acquire the tournament series, sparking early concerns about how first-party platform ownership might affect game line-ups.

In August 2025, NODWIN Gaming acquired Sony’s stake, becoming a majority shareholder alongside RTS. At the time, NODWIN publicly stated it would honour EVO’s legacy while expanding opportunities for a new generation of players.

Shortly after, Saudi-backed Qiddiya Investment Company entered the picture. Qiddiya had already invested in RTS and announced plans to remain an EVO partner through 2027. Within a month, however, Qiddiya fully acquired RTS. That move effectively placed EVO under Saudi ownership.

Now, with NODWIN fully exiting its ownership position, RTS holds complete control of EVO. NODWIN will reportedly continue assisting with marketing support, and some leadership figures are expected to remain involved operationally, but decision-making authority sits with RTS.

Official Statements From RTS Leadership

RTS CEO Stuart Saw addressed the change in a public statement, saying the company is proud of its five-year legacy with EVO and intends to continue investing in the fighting game community. He emphasised working closely with developers and empowering community members, signalling that the brand’s direction will remain focused on competitive integrity and global partnerships.

Earlier, Qiddiya’s Chief Strategy Officer Muhannad Aldawood described the acquisition as a milestone that would set new heights for EVO and align with the aspirations of the FGC.

From a structural standpoint, this means RTS now oversees the Evolution Championship Series brand, event production, partnerships, and long-term expansion plans without external ownership constraints.

Community Reaction And Ongoing Controversy

The reaction from parts of the fighting game community has been openly critical. Discussions across forums like r/Fighters have seen some fans calling for renewed focus on grassroots local tournaments instead of major tentpole events.

Criticism largely centres on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the involvement of the Public Investment Fund, which backs Qiddiya’s broader entertainment and gaming initiatives. Some prominent community figures, including content creators and commentators, have previously stated they would not attend EVO once Saudi involvement became clear.

Concerns have also been raised about LGBTQ+ player safety and inclusivity, given the country’s legal and social climate. These discussions have been ongoing since Qiddiya’s initial investment in RTS became public knowledge.

What This Could Mean For EVO’s Future

With RTS now fully in control, speculation has naturally turned to how EVO might evolve. One question resurfacing is whether Super Smash Bros. could return to the main stage.

Back in 2021, Sony’s involvement raised concerns about cross-platform representation, and Nintendo later pulled Smash from EVO 2022. While no official statement links that decision solely to Sony’s ownership, many in the community have long speculated that platform politics played a role.

Now that Sony is completely out of the picture, some fans believe the door could reopen for Super Smash Bros. Melee and Ultimate to return. At this stage, there is no confirmation either way.

Beyond Smash, full Saudi-backed ownership could mean greater international expansion. Saudi Arabia has already increased its footprint in esports through acquisitions and partnerships, including ESL and large-scale events such as the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. EVO could potentially become part of a broader, interconnected global circuit.

EVO’s Identity Under New Ownership

RTS has publicly promised to preserve EVO’s values and identity. Whether that reassurance satisfies the wider community remains to be seen.

EVO Japan and EVO Las Vegas are both approaching in the coming months, which will likely serve as the first real test of how this new ownership structure plays out in practice. For now, the Evolution Championship Series continues under RTS leadership, but the conversation around its future is far from settled.

The post RTS Takes Full Ownership Of EVO As Saudi Investment Deepens appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

2XKO is officially gearing up for a massive competitive year. Following the game’s recent console launch, Riot Games has unveiled the full 2026 esports roadmap, confirming dates, locations, and structure for the 2XKO Competitive Series.

sign up for the 2xko competitive series 2026! find our full calendar of events and how to register here: https://t.co/Q0nm0zvooV pic.twitter.com/g4UU3wcQ55

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) January 21, 2026

The circuit will feature five Major tournaments and 15 Challenger events across multiple regions, all Riot-sponsored and run in partnership with community organisers. With the first Major just days away, the publisher has now laid out what players and fans can expect for the rest of the year.

A New Competitive Structure For 2026

Riot has confirmed that 2XKO’s competitive events will no longer be grouped by in-game seasons. While this approach was originally planned, the developer says the seasonal format is still evolving. Separating esports events from in-game seasons gives Riot more flexibility, and allows it to support more tournaments overall.

This change also comes alongside a reduction in in-game seasons for 2026, dropping from five to three, while still ensuring the competitive scene delivers five Major champions across the year.

Every Confirmed 2XKO Major And Challenger Event In 2026

Below is the current competitive calendar for 2026. Riot notes that some late-year Challenger events are still being finalised, and the list will be updated as more details and registration links become available.

Major events are highlighted in bold.

Riot has currently revealed 11 Challenger tournaments, with four additional events expected to be announced later in the year.

Image Credit: Riot Games

Frosty Faustings Kicks Off The Season

The 2026 season begins with Frosty Faustings XVIII, the first Major of the year, running from January 29 to February 1 in Illinois. The tournament is set to feature 962 players and a combined prize pool of $50,000, split among the top 24 competitors.

we’ll be at @frostyfaustings jan 29-feb 1 with:
– the first-ever 2xko competitive series major event
– a special duos-only tournament
– dev vs pros showmatch
– developer meet n greets
– free popcorn & swag
– and more!

here’s everything to know before you go:… pic.twitter.com/IiUDngRDer

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) January 23, 2026

From there, the spotlight shifts heavily to EVO, with Major events at Evo Japan in May, Evo Las Vegas in June, and Evo France in October. The final Major of the year will be Battle Coliseum in São Paulo, closing out the competitive season in November.

Challenger Events Span The Globe

Challenger tournaments will take place between Major events and cover a wide range of regions. After Genesis X3 and Texas Showdown in the United States, the circuit expands to Austria, Australia, France, the UK, Canada, Brazil, and Puerto Rico.

With 15 total Challenger events planned, Riot says registrations are already open for selected tournaments, and more sign-up details will be added over time.

Frame Perfect Skins Launch January 29

Riot has also confirmed that Frame Perfect, the competitive-themed skin bundle, launches on January 29. Featuring Frame Perfect Ekko and Ahri, every purchase helps fund prize pools and tournament operations for future 2XKO Competitive Series events.

Image Credit: Riot Games

The bundle will return to the in-game store around each Major event, with proceeds supporting tournaments that take place after the skins leave the store.

More Updates Still To Come

Riot has made it clear that this is not the final word on the 2026 calendar. Some late-year events are still being confirmed, and additional registration links will be added as details are locked in.

Whether you’re planning to compete, support a friend, or just soak in the atmosphere, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for 2XKO esports.

The post 2XKO Reveals Full 2026 Esports Calendar With Five Major Events And 15 Challengers appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

American esports organisation M80 has officially expanded its fighting game ambitions, announcing the signing of Jo’siah “Hikari” Miller as a professional player for 2XKO. The move marks a major return to the FGC scene for M80, adding one of the most decorated tag fighter players of the modern era to its roster.

Fight club expanded ✅

welcome @HikariNYC to M80 2XKO! pic.twitter.com/BO9JeWPLxh

— M80 💣 (@M80gg) December 30, 2025

A Proven Champion Joins M80

Hikari is widely regarded as one of the greatest Dragon Ball FighterZ players of all time. His competitive resume includes championship victories at Evo 2023 and Evo France 2025, as well as back to back World Tour Finals titles in 2024 and 2025. Those achievements cemented his status as a defining figure in the Dragon Ball FighterZ esports era.

Now, Hikari brings that experience and winning mentality into Riot Games’ new tag team fighter, as M80 looks to establish itself in the rapidly growing 2XKO ecosystem.

Hikari’s 2XKO Journey So Far

Hikari has been actively competing in 2XKO throughout 2025, starting with the TNS Alpha Lab 2 tournament back in April. Since then, he has appeared across multiple high profile events, including a third place finish at the 2XKO tournament during DreamHack Atlanta 2025 and the FlyQuest 2XKO Christmas Clash.

He has also picked up several tournament wins along the way, most recently claiming victory at IB Games First Impact 2. Many of these community driven competitions were supported by Riot Games’ First Impact initiative, helping Hikari earn close to $10,000 in prize money so far during his early 2XKO career.

A Big Step For M80 And The FGC

M80 is best known for its presence in titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Rainbow Six Siege and Rocket League. The signing of Hikari signals a clear commitment to the fighting game community and a renewed focus on the FGC.

This is not M80’s first step into fighting games. The organisation previously signed Street Fighter player Samuel “EndingWalker” Arm, who competed in events such as the Topanga World Championship while representing M80 in 2023. Bringing in a player of Hikari’s calibre, however, represents the organisation’s most high profile FGC move to date.

What’s Next For 2XKO In 2026

2XKO made significant progress in 2025, moving into early access and hosting its first official tournament at Evo France 2025. Momentum is expected to continue into 2026, with the arrival of Caitlyn, a popular League of Legends champion, joining the roster in January.

Leaks have also suggested that 2XKO will officially launch on January 20 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. On the competitive side, one of the first major events of the year will take place at Frosty Faustings XVIII, where a mixed mode 2XKO tournament is scheduled for January 30, 2026. Riot Games has also confirmed that 2XKO will feature at Evo 2026 and Evo Japan, further solidifying its place in the global FGC calendar.

With Hikari now representing M80, all eyes will be on how quickly the Dragon Ball FighterZ legend can translate his success into Riot Games’ newest fighting title.

The post M80 Signs Dragon Ball FighterZ Legend Hikari As 2XKO Player appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Legendary Rivalry Lights Up DreamHack Atlanta

DreamHack Atlanta 2025 delivered one of the most electric moments in fighting game esports this year, as William ‘Leffen’ Hjelte defeated Dominique ‘SonicFox’ McLean to win the 2XKO championship. The two legendary figures of the fighting game community (FGC) clashed in a thrilling showdown that highlighted the early competitive potential of Riot Games’ new 2v2 platform fighter.

The event, which carried a $5,000 prize pool, was part of Riot’s First Impact program, a global initiative supporting 22 community-led tournaments designed to jumpstart the 2XKO esports scene.

Congrats @TSM_Leffen on winning 2XKO at DreamHack Atlanta! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/qnliUuvIgW

— 2XKO Intel (@2XKOIntel) November 2, 2025

Leffen’s Path to Victory

Both Leffen and SonicFox were dominant throughout the tournament, cruising through the early brackets with commanding performances. The Upper Bracket matchup between the two set the tone for the weekend, with Leffen taking the set 3-1 to advance directly to the Grand Finals.

SonicFox, ever the competitor, bounced back in the Lower Bracket by defeating Jo’siah ‘Hikari’ Miller in a clean victory to earn a rematch. What followed was an incredible display of skill, strategy, and grit that had the Atlanta crowd roaring.

In the Grand Finals, SonicFox managed to pull off a wild comeback, even surviving with just 4 HP to reset the bracket with a 3-1 win. But in the end, it was Leffen who prevailed, edging out a close 3-2 victory in the reset to secure the title and $2,000 in prize money.

“Absolutely insane finals, had so much fun. GGs to Sonic and everyone else,” Leffen tweeted after the win. “Just won in 2XKO and all I wanna do is keep playing to keep getting better so I can play to my potential. Been since Melee since I felt this hunger.”

A New Era for the Fighting Game Community

Leffen’s win marks a major statement for the competitive 2XKO scene. Known for his success in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Guilty Gear Strive, the Swedish player seems fully committed to mastering Riot’s new fighter. Many fans are already calling this victory his “God Killer” return, a reference to his infamous Melee days when he regularly took down the top players in the world.

SonicFox, meanwhile, remains one of the most decorated FGC competitors in history, boasting multiple EVO titles across Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Skullgirls. Despite the loss, they showed remarkable adaptation and creativity throughout the tournament, proving why they remain one of the best in the business.

After the event, SonicFox praised the 2XKO competitive environment but expressed curiosity about the game’s future balance updates. “The biggest thing I’m hoping for is an update on when the next balance changes for 2XKO are,” they said. “I’m excited to go home and study more 2XKO though! My next study is Duos.”

Leffen replied with a simple but telling response: “Same.”

2XKO’s Esports Future Looks Bright

With standout performances from both players, DreamHack Atlanta offered a glimpse into the future of 2XKO esports. Riot’s early support through its First Impact program, which has already hosted events like EVO France 2025 — is setting the stage for what could become one of the next big titles in the FGC.

Leffen currently mains Teemo and Yasuo, while SonicFox continues to experiment with various team combinations. With more patches, balance changes, and new champions expected soon, both players are poised to remain key figures in shaping the early meta.

As 2XKO continues to evolve, one thing is clear, the rivalry between Leffen and SonicFox is far from over, and fans are here for every match.

The post Leffen Crowned 2XKO Champion at DreamHack Atlanta 2025 After Beating SonicFox in Grand Finals appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Skullcandy, the number one selling brand in true wireless earbuds under $100, announced its all-new collaboration with Burton, the world’s leading snowboard brand.

The limited-edition collection includes Skullcandy fan-favourites Crusher Evo true wireless headphones, along with Push Active and Mod true wireless earbuds. Each offering features a bold asymmetrical aesthetic in a unique Naughty Nature colourway inspired by nature’s wild energy and the drive to push boundaries on and off the mountain. The collaboration is available globally, exclusively on the official Skullcandy website.

“Jake Burton Carpenter spent more than four decades advancing snowboard design and fighting for lift access for snowboarders at resorts around the world. Skullcandy was born on one of those chairlifts. Without Burton, snowboarding wouldn’t be what it is today. In a way, Skullcandy might not be either,” said Derek Steiner, director of global brand partnerships, Skullcandy.

Both a Skullcandy and Burton ambassador, Olympic Gold Medalist and three-time female Snowboarder of the Year Anna Gasser, lends her image to the Skullcandy x Burton collaboration.

She not only drives progress in her sport but in her community as well, pushing boundaries and inspiring up and-comers to follow their dreams.

“With similar backgrounds and philosophies, this collaboration with Burton has been a long time coming,” Steiner continued. “A collection with a look this loud, needs serious performance to back it up and Skullcandy’s Crusher Evo, Push Active and Mod deliver just that. We hope this unique collab inspires our fans to express themselves on the mountain and in life, always daring to venture down the road less travelled.”

The limited-edition Crusher Evo, Push Active and Mod true wireless solutions feature a uniquely-wild asymmetrical look with a Naughty Nature peach, pink and purple cheetah-print on one side and olive green on the other, channeling the fierce energy brewed within those who venture off the beaten path. The design takes inspiration from Burton’s Rewind and Name Dropper board graphics.

The Crusher Evo true wireless headphones will be available in April 2023.

The post SKULLCANDY & BURTON UNLEASH THE WILD SIDE appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Once described ‘the world’s coolest ear bud’ Skullcandy began producing more pocket friendly bluetooth and wired headphones all the way back in 2003.

The U.S. audio company has forged ahead over nearly two decades producing solid audio accessory performance without the hefty price tag.

Now they are truly wireless with their Evo series – the pick of the lot being the Sesh true wireless buds.

Sure, nearly all smart device and audio manufacturers have a slew of wireless buds in their product line – but ultimately these come at a less than friendly cost.

What also sets the Sesh apart is the partnership between Skullcandy and Tile.

The two wireless buds both have Tile technology built in to them. Have a habit of losing your buds? Then the Sesh Evo are undoubtedly for you.

The Sesh Evo will connect to either iOS (Apple) or Android via bluetooth for your audio. While there is a Skullcandy app, the Sesh Evo is not supported.

So, it is a direct connect. I found that from the box you’re likely to need to factory reset and then attempt your connection.

The left earbud is the dominate one with the right connecting itself to it. This occurs autonomously.

I did fuss about trying to get the Sesh Evo’s connected to both Android and iOS, having both devices seeing two ‘Sesh’ buds. But connection was not possible without the use of an app… and that’s the app I refer to above that doesn’t support the Sesh Evo.

After a factory reset from the box – finding and connecting via bluetooth for audio and hands free calling was instant.

Being that there is a Tile in each bud, you will also need to instigate a second setup with the Tile app. This is super easy as the app finds them straight away.

I do feel that for newcomers to wireless buds for the Sesh Evo’s Skullcandy really do need to make the audio bluetooth set up a bit easier, or at best update their Skullcandy app to include the Sesh for a more straightforward connection.

But that’s my only gripe when it comes to the Sesh Evo.

The buds fit snuggly and securely and are the Goldilocks of wireless buds. Not too big and not too small.

You have audio playback controls on the buds – but this is not touch, it’s a built in tactile button. This is also used for hands free calls and if you need to keep one ear free then sure you can use just the left bud.

Not only this – you can adjust EQ audio settings and activate your device’s Smart Assistant with a series of clicks.

The audio these small buds produce is phenomenal. I must be honest, given that the price of these being a bit over a hundred bucks I wasn’t expecting much.

Deep bass will rumble through your ear canal as you zone out to your streamed media or gameplay on your smart device.

The charging case will offer up to 24 hours worth of charge – each bud giving upto 5 hours continuous use.

If you’re caught short a quick 10 minute juice top up will give you 2 hours of playback time. The case is not wireless chargeable – you will need to use the supplied USB-C cable.

The tactile button on the front of the charge case will show your remaining battery level.

The Sesh Evo’s are IP55 water resistant and sweat proof. Pop them in, splash about or go for a workout and sweat like a pony without the fear that you’re going to destroy your Sesh Evo’s.

Given the retail price on the Sesh Evo’s, you’re getting more than most wireless buds offer in one go.

The audio output is crisp, clear and bass filled enough to please even me. It is an added bonus of having that Tile functionality.

Whether you’re just jumping on to the wireless buds bandwagon, or looking for a low cost replacement, the Skullcandy Sesh Evo are a worthy weapon for your audio arsenal.

The post Skullcandy Sesh Evo Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

NOW CLOSED – If you’re a prolific phone fumbler, someone whose phone hits the ground more than in your pocket, then you NEED one of these to protect your mobile investment.

tech21 is the largest selling phone case producer in the U.K. and due to their rigorous testing of each and every one of their phone cases they can also wear the crown as being the most protection you can have in the mobile market.

Thanks to tech21 STG has THREE of their much coveted EVO Check phone cases up for grabs with your choice to match your existing phone model from either iPhone 7 / 8 / X or Samsung Note8 or S8. Even for the just released Google Pixel 2 if you have one already.

All you need to do is answer this Question correctly:

tech21 makes the worlds toughest phone cases for Samsung, iPhone and now in a joint effort with Google, Pixel 2. Having been the forerunners in smart device protection around the Globe, when did tech21 begin producing phone cases?

A: 2000

B: 2005

C: 2015

You can give us your Answer by placing a Comment below, hitting us up on Facebook, Tweet to us, or Email Us.

Or you might find the answer HERE.

To Find Out More on tech21 smartphone cases check out their Official Website.

* Winner(s) will be randomly selected from those that Comment below / Facebook Comment / Email in accordance to the above Question. Winner(s) will receive a New tech21 EVO Check Phone Case for their phone model of choice: iPhone 7 / 8 / X or Samsung S8 / Note8. Mobile Phone is not included. Competition ends on the 3rd December 2017. There is no Age Restriction to Enter this Promotion.

The post Enter to Win One of the World’s Toughest Phone Cases! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.