Latest news with #eSports
The Verge
5 days ago
- The Verge
GuliKit's new anti-drift Switch 2 controllers are budget-friendly alternatives to Nintendo's
After debuting its affordable $29.99 Elves 2 controller last month, GuliKit is back with another budget-friendly alternative to Nintendo's Switch 2 Pro Controller — if you prefer an asymmetrical joystick layout. Both the $24.99 GuliKit ES and $29.99 ES Pro controllers are available starting today in gray for the cheaper version and your choice of black or white for the pro model. GuliKit is positioning both controllers as being ideal for e-sports competitors with high Bluetooth polling rates and reduced latency that the company claims outperforms the controllers included with the PS5 and Xbox. But the ES and ES Pro will potentially appeal even more to non-competitive gamers who are more interested in finding an affordable alternative to the $89.99 Switch 2 Pro Controller without sacrificing much functionality to hit a lower price point. The $25 GuliKit ES features anti-drift Hall effect joysticks (Nintendo's uses the same problematic joystick technology as the previous version) and triggers, a gyroscope for games that support motion controls, and a 950mAh battery with up to 30 hours of playtime. It supports Windows PCs and Android devices, but like GuliKit's Elves 2, the ES and ES Pro are both Switch compatible and can be used to wake the Switch 2. That's a feature that's still not common amongst third-party Switch 2 controllers. The pricier $30 GuliKit ES Pro carries forward all the same features but adds upgraded and more precise anti-drift tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks with adjustable sensitivity, a D-pad that can be switched between four and eight-direction modes, and the ability to swap between PC and Switch button layouts — with alternate buttons being sold separately. There are a couple of Switch 2 Pro Controller features you won't find on either of these. The ES and ES Pro can't be used to scan Amiibo figures, and they don't have an additional set of buttons on the back. But those seem like small tradeoffs given you're not only saving over $60 by choosing either of these over Nintendo's, you're also getting a controller with better joystick hardware that will potentially last a lot longer. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Andrew Liszewski Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gadgets Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Nintendo Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All PC Gaming
Arab News
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Ibrahim Albassam: From school champion to Saudi eLeague competitor
RIYADH: Few achieve their dreams by the age of 16. Yet, fresh from high school, Ibrahim Albassam has already achieved a key life goal, leveling up to go from a gaming fan to an electronic sports professional, joining Twisted Minds as a pro player. While millions around the globe battle it out daily in 'EA Sports FC 25,' only the best of the best get to cross the white line and go for glory as a professional player. As in real football, goals win games in 'EA Sports FC 25,' and Albassam knows how to hit the back of the net, but progressing to a pro was a steep learning curve as he balanced his studies with his newfound career. 'Balancing my life as a student and with competitive e-sports was a critical part of my early journey,' he explained. 'I always made it a priority to stay focused on my studies and exams, while also dedicating time daily for practise and improvement. That discipline helped shape my mindset as a player, learning how to manage pressure, stay consistent, and remain committed to both education and gaming. 'I truly believe that when you're passionate about something, you'll always find the time to pursue it and succeed. During that time, I practiced consistently for one to two hours each day to stay sharp and improve my performance.' Albassam began his e-sports journey through the School eLeague. His talent quickly stood out leading him to represent the Eastern Province in the 'EA Sports FC 25' tournament, where he delivered strong performances. After winning first place in the School eLeague Championship, he was signed by Twisted Minds, one of the Kingdom's leading e-sports organizations. 'The School eLeague was my first step into the professional scene and served as the gateway for me to join one of the top teams in Saudi Arabia, Twisted Minds and represent them in the Saudi eLeague 'EA FC 25' tournament,' explains Albassam. 'The biggest difference I noticed was the level of intensity and seriousness. In the Saudi eLeague, you're facing top-tier players from every club, each with their own achievements and experience. 'It's a much more competitive environment, which forces you to grow, learn, and elevate your game quickly. On top of that, representing a team like Twisted Minds adds even more motivation to perform, win, and continue developing as a professional.' Albassam's success is one of many examples of the Saudi Esports Federation's success in investing in grassroots development, creating pathways for talent to progress, compete at the highest level and represent Saudi Arabia in the global e-sports scene. The Schools eLeague, organized by the Saudi Esports Federation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has become a hotbed for talent and a platform for aspiring players to learn, develop and showcase their abilities with opportunities to take the leap into careers in e-sports. Albassam is grateful for the opportunities available to young players in the Kingdom and for the support of his family who were initially unsure about his ambitions but were quickly convinced that e-sports is a significant focus area for Saudi Arabia, with young players like him at the forefront of its progression. 'At first, my family had some concerns about me pursuing a professional career in gaming, which is understandable, as they hadn't seen or experienced the opportunities in esports the way our generation has,' Albassam explained. 'Over time, they began to recognize the potential of this industry and how a passion for gaming can evolve into a legitimate and promising career path, especially with the level of support e-sports is receiving here in the Kingdom. 'As always, they stood by me. Like with any emerging field, initial doubt is natural, but once it becomes real, it becomes normal.' For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mirage Digital & Team Liquid Join Forces On 24/7 Esports FAST Channel
EXCLUSIVE: Next gen studio Mirage Digital is partnering with globe eSports organization Team Liquid to launch the first 24/7 eSports FAST Channel. Launching on July 22 across leading OTT platforms including Roku, the initiative will focus on Team Liquid's upcoming 'Race to World First' World of Warcraft event, which is set to debut late August exclusively on Roku. More from Deadline ADVERTISEMENT For the first time, fans will have continuous access to championship eSports coverage outside traditional platforms like Twitch, including in-depth tournament broadcasts, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, daily highlights, and real-time strategy insights. With over 35 million social media followers across platforms, more than 100 championship titles and more than 120 players and content creators worldwide, Team Liquid is one of the biggest eSports teams in the world. Mirage has created a new content monetization model for creators and enterprising entities, unlocking previously untapped non-traditional revenue streams. 'This launch marks a huge moment not just for Team Liquid, but for the future of all eSports and creator content' said Griffin Haddrill, Founder of Mirage Digital. 'We're unlocking a format that merges always-on content with world-class competitive play, giving fans a reason to tune in every hour of every day. This is a monumental moment for both television networks and eSports to recognize the boundaries they are breaking in both parallels. ' ADVERTISEMENT Team Liquid will bring its world-renowned Race to World First event to new audiences with a livestream on The Roku Channel in late August. Race to World First draws millions of global viewers eager to watch elite teams battle for supremacy in World of Warcraft, one of the world's most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing (MMORPG) games. 'This collaboration is the result of our mission to re-imagine where and how gaming and creator content lives,' said Robin Bigge, Co-CEO of Mirage Digital. 'All parties saw an opportunity to take one of the most anticipated eSports events of the year and expand its reach to new audiences through OTT and FAST distribution. This is about creating long-term value for teams, fans, and platforms alike—and Race to World First is just the beginning.' Claire Hungate, President & COO of Team Liquid, described the initiative as 'an historic evolution' for the way eSports are broadcast. ADVERTISEMENT 'We've built a legacy on competitive excellence, and this partnership lets us showcase the heart, hustle, and humanity of our players in a way we've never done before—24/7, across every screen,' she said. This moment also marks the first time Team Liquid has programmed content specifically for a FAST Channel, a move that speaks to the maturation and crossover appeal of eSports for general audiences. 'This moment represents a turning point in how competitive gaming is consumed,' said John Littell, CEO of Mirage Digital. 'We're not just broadcasting a tournament – we're building a 24/7 experience that blends storytelling, access, and gameplay into one seamless format. Partnering with Team Liquid allows us to push the industry forward and set a new standard for how eSports lives across platforms.' Team Liquid is a global eSports powerhouse founded in 2000, now operating in over 15 titles, including League of Legends, Counter‑Strike 2, Dota 2, VALORANT, Rainbow Six. It is headquartered in Utrecht with major training facilities in the U.S. and Brazil. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Inside Alienware And Liquid's $1M Play To Reignite NA Counter Strike
Team Liquid and Alienware know how to throw a party. North American Counter Strike just had one of it's biggest moments in years. The BLAST TV Major broke records globally, becoming the most watched CS Major of all time, all in a region that many have claimed in dying when it comes to Counter Strike's popularity. It was, without question, a defiant challenge to that way of thinking, showing that North American Counter Strike is well and truly alive. While BLAST deserves a lot of plaudits for its event, alongside it were two organisations that have been continuously supporting NA CS for over 13 years, Team Liquid and Alienware. The duo have long been partners, and have made the region a focus of their deal, supporting an NA based CS team, and activating continuously in the region, including the major where they had over $1 million in activations, featuring two fan-facing booths, a giant laptop centerpiece, 1v1 competitions, a NA GOAT Tier List experience, and a two-day watch party. 'North America is a key region for CS2, and we have a long history in the region,' said Steve Arhancet, co-CEO of Team Liquid. 'We've won titles in Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston, so this is definitely not a one-off, it's a part of our long history representing North America in Counter Strike. Some of our organization's greatest moments have come on home soil, and with Valve bring the Major back to the US, it's our chance to let the world know that NA CS is still alive and kicking.' Liquid players still had fun at the Major despite a 15th place finish. The commitment to North American Counter Strike has been one of the key parts of the deal with Alienware, with both partners keen to make sure they keep active in the region even if others have started to leave in recent years. This is not only because they see potential financial rewards from NA, but also because they want to continue to support the region they have been such a key part of for many years and not leave it without another major player. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder 'There's been significant consolidation within gaming and esports in the region in comparison to Europe, and because the total number of teams has been reduced, that's left a lot of fans yearning for someone new to cheer for,' said Arhancet. 'They want someone that represents North America, taking the gold against the rest of the world. Doing this in North America with North American fans makes perfect sense for Team Liquid and Alienware because we understand that the region is a critical part of our growth strategies and worth investing in.' While the commitment to NA CS is admiral and from a business point of view is working out, on the competitive side of things, it isn't quite as simple. At the Major, Team Liquid finished in 15th-16th place, right in the middle of the pack. Not a terrible result by any means, but for an organization as storied as Liquid, the expectations are to be right at the top of the pack, even with the challenges their commitment to NA adds. 'Operating a Counter Strike team with a North American base is incredibly challenging,' said Victor Goossens, founder and co-CEO of Team Liquid. 'The talent pipeline has thinned significantly in recent years. This is largely due to ecosystem disruptions during COVID, a shift in focus toward Europe, and the rise of Valorant, which attracted many of North America's promising players. This has made building competitive rosters extremely difficult. Not only is the talent pool limited, but it is also hard to find high-quality practice within North America. Most top-tier teams with American players now spend the majority of their time in Europe, where the practice environment is much more competitive. While this is the only viable path to remain globally relevant, it has accelerated a downward spiral for the North American scene.' North America still loves Counter-Strike The extra challenges being an NA team brings obviously make things harder, but with the support of Alienware the Liquid organization has gone a long way to minimise them. The two companies have built state of the art training facilities on both sides of the Atlantic, which gives the team the chance to compete in both regions and should help even up the gap. 'Together with Alienware, we've built training facilities around the world, including in North America and the Netherlands,' said Goossens. 'That global infrastructure was critical during COVID, when we hosted our North American team in the Netherlands to keep them competing at a high level. And that support hasn't stopped, it's something we benefit from every single day. Thanks to our global setup, we're able to give our North American core the best environment possible. We believe in the region, we believe in our players, and with the backing of partners like Alienware, we're confident we'll make it back to the top of the podium.' It may be a while until a Counter Strike Major graces North American soil again, but with Alienware by their side, there is no doubt that Liquid will still be there, waving the flag for NA CS and supporting a region that many have developed. There is obviously a financial side that the companies see as viable, but it is clear that the deal between the two and the focus on North America is much more than that. Liquid and Alienware have built a legacy in the NA CS scene, and they aren't going to let that come to an end anytime soon, even if others start to walk away.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool football star Diogo Jota killed in car crash
Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died in a car crash. The 28-year-old Portuguese forward died in the accident in the early hours of Thurdsay morning near Zamora, in northwestern Spain. His brother, Andre, was also killed in the crash on the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52) near Palacios de Sanabria, heading towards Benavente. Follow the latest updates following Diogo Jota's death The Guardia Civil in Zamora told Sky Sports News the accident happened at 12.30am. "A vehicle left the road and everything indicates a tyre burst while overtaking," it said in a statement. "As a result of the accident, the car caught fire and both people were killed. Pending the completion of forensic tests, one of the deceased has been identified as Diogo Jota, a Liverpool FC player, and his brother, Andre Felipe." It comes just 10 days after the player married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso. He had three children. played as a striker for Liverpool. He began his career in his native Portugal and played at Atletico Madrid in Spain before coming to England. He joined the Merseyside club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. Jota played an important role throughout his five years with the Reds, including scoring six times in Liverpool's recent Premier League-winning season. An avid video gamer, Jota also owned an eSports team and regularly streamed on Twitch. His brother, Andre, 26, played for Pennafiel, a Portuguese second division club. The Portuguese football federation said it was "utterly devastated by the deaths". "Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community. "We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily." This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the latest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
