BetBoom Team has officially announced Artem “Pioneer” Saveliev as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a fresh chapter for the esports organisation as it looks ahead to the 2026 competitive season.

Meet the new CEO of BetBoom Team – Artem “Pioneer” Saveliev

“I could say we’ll easily win TI and make playoffs at every Major… but I won’t promise miracles – there’s a lot of work ahead. Step by step, we’ll move toward our goals in a structured, systematic way. The team already… pic.twitter.com/ZizA4D3OqO

— BetBoom Team (@BetBoomTeam) December 29, 2025

The move sees Pioneer step into the CEO role following the departure of Alexander “Dyrem” Sevirinov, who had led the organisation since 2023. BetBoom confirmed the appointment through a post on X, welcoming Pioneer to the role and expressing confidence that more stories, emotions, and trophies lie ahead.

Pioneer’s Measured Vision for BetBoom Team

In his first public comments as CEO, Pioneer struck a calm and realistic tone about the road ahead. Speaking in BetBoom Team’s announcement, he made it clear that success would come through structure and long term planning rather than bold promises.

“I could say we’ll easily win TI and make playoffs at every Major, but I won’t promise miracles. There’s a lot of work ahead. Step by step, we’ll move toward our goals in a structured, systematic way,” Pioneer said.

He added that the organisation already has a strong foundation, and his focus will be on helping it grow further and unlock its full potential in the new season.

Before his promotion, Pioneer had served as BetBoom Team’s Head of Esports, Influence, and Media, a position he has held since 2021. His long standing involvement with the organisation gives him deep familiarity with its teams, staff, and competitive ambitions.

Reflecting on Dyrem’s Tenure

While celebrating Pioneer’s promotion, BetBoom Team also took time to acknowledge the achievements of outgoing CEO Alexander “Dyrem” Sevirinov during his two year tenure.

Under Dyrem’s leadership, the organisation enjoyed several notable milestones. The Dota 2 roster secured a top four finish at The International 2025, the PUBG squad claimed victory at PUBG Global Series 8, and the Counter-Strike 2 lineup qualified for the BLAST.tv Austin Major, earning valuable exposure and team stickers.

Dyrem shared a farewell message alongside the announcement, thanking everyone who had been part of his journey with the organisation and wishing BetBoom Team continued success and growth as their paths diverge.

What’s Next for BetBoom Team in 2026

BetBoom Team currently fields rosters across three core esports divisions, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and PUBG, all of which face busy schedules heading into 2026.

In Dota 2, the team closed out the 2025 season at DreamLeague Season 27 but exited during the group stage after missing out on a top eight finish. Looking forward, qualification for DreamLeague Season 28, PGL Wallachia Season 7, and ESL One Birmingham will be key targets.

The PUBG roster finished 11th out of 33 teams at the PUBG Global Championship, the final major event of the season. Attention now turns to potential invitations for PUBG Global Series 11 and 12, scheduled for March 2026.

Meanwhile, BetBoom Team’s Counter-Strike 2 lineup recently placed eighth at the CCT Season 3 European Series. Their 2026 campaign begins with the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Closed Qualifier, where the goal is to secure a spot at the LAN Finals.

With Pioneer now at the helm, BetBoom Team appears set for a steady and methodical push toward sustained success across all of its competitive divisions.

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The PUBG Global Championship 2025 (PGC 2025) has officially been revealed, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest showdown in PUBG Esports history. From 28 November to 14 December, the world’s best 33 teams will descend on Bangkok, Thailand, to battle for glory, pride, and the ultimate chicken dinner.

🏆 PUBG Global Championship 2025

From November 28 to December 14, Bangkok will host the final stage of PUBG Esports.
Over 3 weeks, 33 of the world’s best teams will clash for glory, prestige, and the ultimate chicken dinner 🐔🔥

📍 CentralWorld PULSE & Siam Paragon, Thailand
💰… pic.twitter.com/8FnlE5zewn

— PUBG Esports (@PUBGEsports) September 25, 2025

This year’s PGC is also part of PUBG United, a new initiative that brings together the year-end championships for both PUBG PC and PUBG Mobile, making it a true global festival for fans across platforms.

Schedule and Venues

The three-week event will be split into stages, keeping the action intense right up until the finals:

• Group Stage: 28 November – 3 December (CentralWorld PULSE, Bangkok)
• Last Stage: 5 – 7 December (CentralWorld PULSE, Bangkok)
• Grand Finals: 12 – 14 December (Siam Paragon Hall, Bangkok)

Fans attending the event in person can expect exclusive programmes, influencer appearances, and special fan zones, making it more than just a competition—it’s a full-on esports celebration.

Format Explained

Krafton has simplified the tournament structure for PGC 2025 to make it easy for viewers to follow without losing the drama that keeps PUBG exciting.

• Group Stage: 32 teams are divided into two groups. The top five from each group advance directly to the Grand Finals. The bottom three are eliminated, while the middle eight move to the Last Stage.
• Last Stage: 16 teams compete for the final five Grand Finals spots.
• Grand Finals: A 16-team showdown featuring the 10 Group Stage qualifiers, five from the Last Stage, and one regional wildcard team.

Image Credit: Krafton

At the end of the Grand Finals, only one squad will lift the trophy and claim the title of PGC 2025 Champion.

Prize Pool and Pick’em Challenge

The base prize pool sits at a massive $1.5 million USD, with the final figure set to grow through the Pick’em Challenge crowdfunding system. Last year’s pool hit $1.78 million, and given the hype around this year’s combined PUBG United format, that number could climb even higher.

Fans will once again be able to take part in the Pick’em Challenge, predict winners, and engage with the event online, giving them a direct stake in the action.

Confirmed Teams So Far

As the road to PGC concludes in each region, more teams are being confirmed. Right now, 10 squads have already secured their spots:

• Europe: Twisted Minds, Geekay Esports, Virtus.pro, FaZe Clan, SLAMG
• Americas: Team Liquid, FURIA, Mission Ready International Alliance, Al Qadsiah, ROC Esports

The remaining teams from Asia, APAC, and other regions will be finalised in the coming weeks.

A Global Celebration of PUBG

PGC 2025 isn’t just about competition. Krafton has emphasised the event as a global festival, with interactive fan activities, exclusive on-site events, and a continuous storyline that allows fans to follow their favourite teams from start to finish.

From bold strategies to dramatic comebacks, and of course the final chicken dinner, PUBG Global Championship 2025 promises non-stop action and some of the most intense moments in competitive battle royale.

Further details on broadcasts, ticketing, and on-site promotions will be revealed soon. PUBG fans worldwide will want to mark their calendars—Bangkok is about to become the centre of the PUBG universe.

The post PUBG Global Championship 2025 Heads to Bangkok with New Format and $1.5m Prize Pool appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The PUBG Americas Series 6 (PAS6) is officially underway, bringing another round of top-tier battle royale esports to North and South America. With a $50,000 prize pool, valuable PGC Points, and direct qualification to the PUBG Global Series 9 and 10 (PGS9 & PGS10), this event is one of the biggest stepping stones on the road to the PUBG Global Championship (PGC) 2025.

Image Credit: KRAFTON

After an action-packed first half of the year, the second half is shaping up just as exciting with PAS6. Here’s everything you need to know about the tournament’s format, schedule, prize distribution, and where to watch the matches live.

PUBG Americas Series 6 Format

The Americas Series is split into North America (NA) and South America (SA) divisions, each with their own Open Qualifiers before coming together for unified playoffs.

Open Qualifiers

• Up to 128 teams in each region
• Four elimination rounds played across six competition days
• Matches begin at 4 p.m. PT (12 a.m. BST)

Format:

• Round of 128 (BO6): August 25
• Round of 64 (BO6): August 26
• Round of 32 (BO12): August 27–28
• Round of 16 (BO12): August 30–31

From here, the top 8 NA teams and top 7 SA teams advance to the Playoffs.

Group Stage

• 24 teams total (9 invited, 15 from Open Qualifiers)
• Split into three groups of eight
• Three match days: September 5–7
• Each team plays 12 matches (six per day)

At the end of this stage, the top 8 teams qualify directly to the Grand Finals, while the rest head to Last Chance.

Last Chance

• 16 teams (the bottom 16 from Group Stage)
• Two match days: September 13–14
• 12 matches in total (six per day)
• The top 8 teams qualify for the Grand Finals

Grand Finals

• September 19–21
• The best 16 teams battle it out for prize money, PGC Points, and tickets to PGS9 and PGS10.
• Full details including map pool and format will be confirmed closer to the date.

PUBG Americas Series 6 Prize Pool & PGC Points

There’s more than just glory on the line, teams are chasing both cash prizes and crucial PGC Points to lock in their spot for the year-end PUBG Global Championship 2025.

Prize Distribution:

Map Pool

The Americas Series rotates across PUBG’s competitive maps, with Erangel, Miramar, Taego, and Rondo all making appearances.

Typical Day Map Order:

• Erangel → Erangel → Taego → Rondo → Miramar → Miramar

This map mix keeps the competition fresh, forcing teams to adapt to different strategies across every stage.

How to Watch PUBG Americas Series 6

Fans won’t miss a moment thanks to official broadcasts on Twitch, YouTube, TikTok

Image Credit: KRAFTON

The event also features a talented on-air lineup including Cameron, Gibson, Godspeed, Matrym, Porosaurus, and Toffees for the English stream, while Portuguese and Spanish streams will have their own regional casting teams.

Why PAS6 Matters

This isn’t just another PUBG tournament, it’s the last chance for Americas teams to earn PGC Points in 2025. With direct spots at PGS9 and PGS10 also on the line, every match carries massive stakes. Whether you’re backing your favourite roster or just love the chaos of competitive PUBG, PAS6 is shaping up to be one of the most important events of the year.

The post PUBG Americas Series 6: Format, Schedule, Prize Pool & How to Watch appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Luminosity Gaming, one of North America’s most recognisable esports names, is being sold. The organisation is set to be acquired by Vertiqal Studios, a gaming and lifestyle company, in a deal worth around C$900,000 (~US$645,000). The acquisition, which also includes Enthusiast Gaming’s YouTube network Omnia, is expected to close on September 5th, 2025.

For Vertiqal Studios, this move is all about scale. The company already has a strong presence on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, but with Luminosity and Omnia onboard, it’s expanding its reach across Twitch, YouTube, and beyond. Vertiqal’s CEO Jon Dwyer said the deal was more than just adding brands, it’s about combining audiences, sales networks, and cross-platform capabilities to create a much bigger digital advertising ecosystem.

The End of an Era With Enthusiast Gaming

This acquisition also signals the end of Luminosity’s run under Enthusiast Gaming. The Canadian holding company had owned the org since 2019, but its CEO made it clear earlier this year that Luminosity wasn’t part of its long-term future. Instead, Enthusiast will now turn its focus to publications like Pocket Gamer and Icy Veins.

Luminosity’s Legacy

Founded in 2015, Luminosity Gaming quickly became a household name in esports. The org first broke through in CS:GO, signing the Brazilian roster led by Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and featuring stars like coldzera, fer, TACO, and fnx. That squad etched their names into history by winning MLG Columbus 2016, the first-ever Counter-Strike Major held on American soil.

Relive the historic day, when @Luminosity won the $1,000,000 @MLG Columbus Major!
Read More: https://t.co/4tC7INgHcN pic.twitter.com/Lqq0K0pqXw

— Luminosity Gaming (@Luminosity) April 10, 2016

While the roster left for SK Gaming soon after and went on to win back-to-back Majors, Luminosity’s place in esports history was already secured. The organisation stuck with the Brazilian scene until 2019, but never managed to reach the same heights again.

Luminosity and SK Gaming are one of our biggest inspirations.

— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) June 21, 2025

Outside of CS, Luminosity has remained active across multiple titles. The org currently competes in Apex Legends, League of Legends, and PUBG, and it also represents fighting game legend Dominique “SonicFox” McLean. In the past, it has also fielded squads in Call of Duty, Super Smash Bros., and Rainbow Six.

What Happens Next?

With Vertiqal Studios now steering the ship, questions remain over Luminosity’s competitive future. The organisation pulled out of Rainbow Six earlier this year after its cosmetics were removed from the in-game store, and its roster went on to play as “Orgless” in the North America League.

Given Vertiqal’s focus on digital content and platforms, it’s still unclear whether Luminosity will stay committed to esports in the long run or transition more into content creation and community building.

Either way, the acquisition is a big moment, both for Vertiqal Studios’ growth strategy and for Luminosity Gaming as it enters a brand new chapter in its storied history.

The post Vertiqal Studios Buys Luminosity Gaming in $645k Deal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Twisted Minds have finally done it. After falling short at last year’s Esports World Cup, the squad came back stronger in 2025, holding their nerve through one of the closest PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS finals we’ve seen in years to lift the trophy in Riyadh.

عادات وتقاليد 🧠

تويستد أبطاااال العالم لببجي 🏆🏆

WE ARE YOUR PUBG EWC CHAMPIONS!!!#TwistTheGame #EWC2025 pic.twitter.com/CeZjZCGN9T

— Twisted Minds 🧠 (@TwisMinds) August 16, 2025

The road to the grand final wasn’t entirely smooth. Placed in Group C during the qualifiers, Twisted Minds didn’t exactly dominate, but steady results were enough to secure their place in the finals. They weren’t considered top contenders heading in, but the Eastern European side had other plans once the pressure was on.

Across the 12-round finale, the team showed grit and consistency, becoming the only side to claim two chicken dinners on the second day. Their penultimate win gave them a vital buffer on the leaderboard, one they’d desperately need in the final match.

That last game was a nerve-shredder. Two of their players were taken out almost instantly, leaving Dmytrii “Perfect1ks” Dubenyuk and Artem “xmpl” Adarkin stranded in the storm. Somehow, the duo fought their way to a fifth-place finish, grabbing enough points to keep their rivals at bay and secure the title.

Aleksandr “BatulinS” Batulin summed it up best after the win:

“I’m thankful for my team, my family, my girlfriend, and the whole Twisted Minds family. To the fans cheering us here—it was the most amazing tournament. Now we are finally world champions.”

Image via esportsworldcup.com

Image via esportsworldcup.com

SONY MVP: sxntastico shines

While Twisted Minds celebrated, ROC Esports’ Gabriel “sxntastico” Silva was recognised as the SONY MVP of the tournament. The Brazilian was in fine form across the finals, notching 18 kills and 25 knockouts that often swung matches in his team’s favour. His efforts earned him $10,000 alongside the MVP medal, a huge individual highlight despite ROC Esports finishing 11th overall.

Image Credit: Esports World Cup

The Club Championship shake-up

The result also had a big impact on the Esports World Cup Club Championship standings. Twisted Minds’ 1,000-point haul moves them into joint fourth alongside Virtus.pro, while Team Falcons’ third-place finish was enough to push them back into first overall. Gen.G also solidified their spot near the top after taking home 750 points for finishing second.

With hundreds more matches still to come across multiple titles, the EWC 2025 story is far from over. PUBG may be wrapped, but the spotlight now shifts to Counter-Strike 2, where fans can expect clutch plays, iconic maps, and another battle for the ages.

The post Twisted Minds Crowned PUBG Champions at Esports World Cup 2025 After Nail-Biting Final appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The original battle royale king is stepping back into the spotlight. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is returning to the Esports World Cup in 2025, and this year’s looking just as intense, if not more, than the last.

From August 12–16, Riyadh will once again play host to 24 of the world’s best squads, all dropping in for their shot at the massive $2 million prize pool.

PUBG: Battlegrounds at EWC 25 is HERE.

Here’s everything you need to know to be a part of the action! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/rLimuexagD

— EWC Extra (@EWC_Extra) August 8, 2025

Last Year’s Mayhem

In 2024, the EWC PUBG stage saw Soniqs absolutely tear through the competition – three chicken dinners, over 60 kills, and their first-ever S-tier title. It was dominance with a capital D. But they won’t be there to defend their crown. The org announced it’s parting ways with its PUBG roster, marking the end of an era after a run filled with trophies, insane plays, and that unforgettable win at EWC 2024.

End of an incredible era ♥️ pic.twitter.com/ogKxI5Ie9F

— Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) January 14, 2025

Participating Teams and Formats

This year, the throne is wide open, and every team in the lobby knows it. Big names like Gen.G, Team Liquid, Twisted Minds, Natus Vincere, and Virtus.pro are all lining up to claim it.

Participating Teams | Image via esportsworldcup.com

The format’s simple but brutal: three groups of eight teams in the Group Stage, then the top 16 make it to the Finals. Score the most points there, and you’re crowned the best PUBG team in the world. Easy to explain, not so easy to do.

Tournament Format | Image Credit: Esports World Cup

The OG Battle Royale Still Holds Its Ground

Even with rivals like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Warzone grabbing headlines, PUBG keeps its gritty, grounded style. No superpowers, no cartoon chaos, just tense rotations, calculated pushes, and that nerve-wracking panic when the safe zone shrinks. It’s still one of the most unpredictable esports to watch.

What’s at Stake

It’s not just about bragging rights. The exact $2 Millions prize pool for PUBG at EWC 2025 hasn’t been revealed yet, but teams will also be fighting for valuable Esports World Cup Club Points. These points contribute to each organisation’s overall standing across all EWC events, and can make a huge difference in the race for the ultimate club championship.

Even if a team misses out on the top spot, every placement still matters, both for potential prize money and for racking up those crucial points. Expect squads to push hard right until the last circle closes.

When and Where to Watch

Fans can catch all the action live on the official EWC Twitch and YouTube channels. For those keen to experience it in person, tickets are available via the official EWC ticketing site.

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