Latest news with #MSC2025
Saudi Gazette
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
MSC 2025 welcomes 16 new teams and regions in its quest for the Esports World Cup
The ES TIMES — The MSC 2025 Mid-Season Cup, held in partnership with the Esports World Cup (EWC), is back for its second global edition with a record-setting 16 participating teams and the addition of two new Wild Card regions: Japan and Vietnam. Following a landmark debut at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh last year, MSC 2025 further cements its transformation from a regional event to a global spectacle. The inclusion of Japan—returning to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) international stage for the first time since M2 2020—and Vietnam's debut through the 2024-launched Wild Card system, represents a significant expansion in regional diversity. Wild Card expansion fuels global inclusion The Wild Card system now brings eight teams into the playoffs, providing emerging regions with a valuable chance to earn a spot on the MSC 2025 x EWC main stage. This addition boosts representation and ensures more competitive diversity than ever before. In 2024, the Wild Card stage attracted 373,543 peak concurrent viewers, according to Esports Charts, setting a new record for MLBB international viewership. This year's format continues to build on that momentum. A milestone year for global MLBB esports In total, 16 teams will compete on the MSC 2025 main stage, including the eventual Wild Card champion. The increased global footprint and broader player pool make this year's edition the most inclusive and competitive in MSC history. This expansion aligns with the 2024 rebrand of the tournament from the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup to the Mid-Season Cup, reflecting Moonton's strategy to create a truly international MLBB esports ecosystem. 'The addition of new regions to MSC 2025 x EWC highlights our commitment to building a comprehensive MLBB esports ecosystem,' said Mike Chu, Head of Regional Esports at Moonton Games. 'This expansion not only raises the level of competition but also celebrates the diverse passion that drives the MLBB community around the world. We are excited to once again partner with EWC to showcase how the two esports giants celebrate the spirit of competition together.' From record-breaking viewership to regional glory At MSC 2024 x EWC, Selangor Red Giants made history by becoming the first Malaysian team to win an MLBB World Championship title, capturing the lion's share of the event's $3 million prize pool. In 2024, MLBB was crowned the most-watched mobile esports title globally, amassing more than 475 million watch hours across regional, international, and third-party tournaments. With its expanded global footprint, strategic partnership with EWC, and growing viewer base, MSC 2025 is set to elevate MLBB's profile even further on the international stage. By Raouf Belhamra – Esports and Gaming Writer
Shafaq News
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
President Barzani heads to Jordan for key talks
Shafaq News/ Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani is set to undertake an official visit to Amman, the capital of Jordan, on Sunday. According to a statement from the Region's presidency, Barzani will hold discussions with King Abdullah II to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and Jordan. During the visit, Barzani is also expected to meet with a number of senior Jordanian officials. In a recent meeting at the Munich Security Conference (MSC2025), Barzani expressed to Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Hussein Abdullah al-Safadi the Kurdistan Region's desire to strengthen cooperation with Jordan. In 2021, the Kurdish president visited Jordan and met with King Abdullah II to deepen ties.
Shafaq News
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
President Barzani lands in Jordan for official visit
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani arrived in the Jordanian capital, Amman, for an official visit. The Kurdish president will hold discussions with King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and Jordan, according to a statement from the Region's Presidency. During the visit, Barzani is also expected to meet with several senior Jordanian officials. In a recent meeting at the Munich Security Conference (MSC2025), Barzani expressed to Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Hussein al-Safadi the Kurdistan Region's desire to strengthen cooperation with Jordan.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hamilton Elementary, Moline, chosen as Model School
Hamilton Elementary School, Moline, has announced its selection as a Model School at the 2025 Model Schools Conference in Washington, D.C., June 22-25, a news release says. Hosted by the Center for Model Schools, this highly anticipated event honors forward-thinkingschools that drive transformation, inspire change, and implement groundbreaking strategies toimprove student outcomes. Chosen from a competitive group of schools nationwide, Hamilton has demonstrated anunwavering commitment to student success and innovation. By fostering a culture ofcollaboration, ambitious instruction, and continuous improvement, the school exemplifiesexcellence in education. 'We are honored to be recognized as a Model School,' said Lynsy Oswald, principal atHamilton Elementary School. 'Every child deserves a learning environment that is welcoming toall families, has high expectations for student achievement, and has a strong sense ofbelonging. Our staff goes above and beyond to provide this. I feel very fortunate to work with the best.' As part of this recognition, Hamilton Elementary School will present at MSC 2025, engaging with more than 5,000 educators to share insights on their success. Last year, the Moline-Coal Valley School District was designated as an Innovative District at the 2024 Model Schools Conference held in June. Three district leaders presented on 'Prioritizing Culture to Drive Student Achievement,' engaging with educators and enabling them to learn how to embrace the power of creating culture led by data to maximize personalized learning. The three presenters included Brian Prybil, deputy superintendent; Oswald, and Steven Etheridge, former principal of Bicentennial Elementary and now director of elementary education. About the Center for Model Schools The Center for Model Schools, a division of HMH, is the only organization devoted to providingyear-round leadership support through its namesake Model Schools Conference, leadershipcohorts, and 1:1 consulting. Each team member at The Center for Model Schools has a proven history of successfully driving student growth – with specializations that include creating equitable and inclusive learning environments and building cultures of collaboration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Shafaq News
16-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
From Erbil to Munich: President Barzani's active diplomatic engagement at MSC2025
Shafaq News/ The Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani's sixth participation in the Munich Security Conference (MSC2025) marked a paramount moment for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) as the president held extensive meetings with global leaders and senior officials, discussing pressing regional and international issues. Representing both Baghdad and Erbil, he emphasized the Kurdistan Region's commitment to regional peace, counterterrorism, and economic development. According to observers, President Barzani's participation in MSC2025, along with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, reinforced the Region's strategic importance in regional and global affairs. Through high-level diplomatic engagements, he positioned Kurdistan as a key partner in addressing security challenges, fostering economic growth, and enhancing international cooperation. Stronger Ties with Baghdad Barzani's Participation was not limited to Kurdish issues but also extended to enhancing Iraq's image. He stated in various meetings that the situation in Iraq is "good," with new construction projects underway. He also expressed optimism that the country would not experience major crises affecting its people, 'who deserve a better quality of life.' Barzani praised the improvement in Erbil-Baghdad relations, thanking Al-Sudani for his mediation efforts and emphasizing cooperation as key to mutual interests. Syrian Crisis and Regional Stability During a press conference held on the sidelines of the conference, President Barzani revealed that the Syrian issue was one of the main topics in all the meetings. "What is happening in Syria is encouraging in terms of the fall of an authoritarian regime, and we hope the current authorities will include all components of Syria." Barzani expressed his longing for the cities of Qamishli and Damascus, wishing to visit them someday, as well as Aleppo and Afrin. In a key meeting with Syrian Transitional Government Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shibani, he stressed the importance of 'safeguarding the rights of all Syrian communities, including Kurds,' highlighting the need for an inclusive governance framework and reiterating his call for a peaceful transition in Syria. He called for 'a political model acceptable to all Syrian parties, one that reflects a pluralistic vision that accommodates the unique characteristics of each country.' Strengthening US-Kurdistan Relations President Barzani also met with key US officials seeking to deepen strategic ties in security and defense amid ongoing regional challenges. The US officials included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Elissa Slotkin, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen, to discuss enhanced security and military cooperation. He extended an invitation to Rubio to attend the inauguration of the new US Consulate in Erbil. In turn, Washington reaffirmed, through its officials, its commitment to supporting the Peshmerga forces and broader security coordination. 'The new US administration views matters differently, with President Trump focusing on ending wars and establishing peace in the region, which aligns with the current needs of the world.' Barzani reaffirmed in his meetings. Regional Cooperation: Turkiye and Arab world In a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Barzani emphasized Kurdistan's commitment to continued security cooperation with Ankara. He referred to Fidan as his "friend" and emphasized the mutual interests driving this partnership. In addition, the Kurdish President met top Arab officials including Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani. Talks centered on deepening political and economic ties, as well as regional security challenges. In a separate meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Barzani discussed Iraq's political situation and Middle East developments, with a focus on Syria. 'Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace and stability in Syria, while also addressing the Kurdish situation and other communities in the new Syria.' European Partnerships Barzani engaged with key German leaders, including Boris Pistorius, Defense Minister, Niels Schmid, spokesperson for foreign affairs in the Social Democratic Party (SPD); Andreas Schwarz, a member of the Defense Committee; Metin Hakverdi, a member of the Budget Committee; and Niels Annen, Minister of State at the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. He also met with Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, and State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, Hans-Georg Engelke. President Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region's appreciation for the 'continuous' German support and assistance, emphasizing the importance of its continuation to enhance stability in the Region and Iraq. In turn, the German officials reiterated the country's commitment to supporting the Kurdistan Region, stating that strengthening cooperation between Germany, Iraq, and Kurdistan is essential in the context of international efforts to combat terrorism. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Barzani's discussions focused on security cooperation, economic partnerships, and the Kurdistan Region's role in stabilizing Iraq. Lammy reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to strengthening its ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing regional security and economic challenges, assuring that the UK would continue to support the Kurdistan Region. In his meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Barzani expressed gratitude for France's ongoing support, particularly in the fight against terrorism and efforts to secure stability in the region. He also met Estonian President Alar Karisand, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. NATO and EU Commission In his discussions with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Barzani reaffirmed the importance of NATO support for the Peshmerga forces to preserve regional stability. Stoltenberg also emphasized the shared commitment of NATO, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region to combating terrorism. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between NATO, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in combating terrorism and boosting the capabilities of security forces. He also held discussions with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who praised the Kurdistan Region's stance on the Syrian issue and highlighted the bravery of the Peshmerga in combating ISIS. Expanding Ties with Iran President Barzani did not meet with Iranian officials, however, he described, in an interview, his latest engagements with Iranian officials as marking a "new phase" in Kurdistan-Iran relations. During an interview with ISNA on the sidelines of the Conference, he acknowledged progress in implementing a security agreement between Iraq and Iran, aimed at stabilizing border areas and preventing security threats. Barzani also highlighted Kurdistan's significant role in the Iraq-Iran trade, which exceeds $10 billion annually.
