Latest news with #Gen.G
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Gen.G clinches 2025 EWC championship, following MSI victory
Gen.G becomes the second team to win the EWC title following T1 South Korean League of Legends juggernaut Gen.G cemented their status as esports royalty by capturing the 2025 Esports World Cup title on Monday, following hot on the heels of their recent Mid-Season Invitational triumph. In a best-of-five grand final, Gen.G edged out China's Anyone's Legend, securing the championship with a 3-2 victory and a $600,000 prize. The series featured notable performances from mid laner Jeong 'Chovy' Ji-hoon and top laner Kim 'Kiin' Ki-in, who contributed to early wins. Jeong's control of Twisted Fate — a champion known for his global map presence and effective burst damage — played a major role in Gen.G's success. Before the final, Gen.G had overcome Europe's G2 Esports 2-1, while Anyone's Legend had swept Korea's T1 by 2-0. By finishing among the top four teams at MSI 2025, Gen.G and T1 bypassed the preliminaries and advanced directly to the playoffs. With this victory, Gen.G becomes the second team to clinch the EWC championship, following last year's winners, T1. The Riyadh-based event, launched in 2024, is an annual international tournament series featuring multiple esports titles, including Starcraft, Battleground Mobile, Fortnite and League of Legends. Gen.G's EWC triumph adds to its winning streak, coming off their back-to-back MSI titles — one of the three major annual international tournaments organized by Riot Games. Widely regarded as the second-most prestigious League of Legends event after the League of Legends World Championship, Gen.G clinched the tournament's championship by beating T1 3-2 in a July 13 final. The match not only reignited the longstanding Gen.G-T1 rivalry but also gained significant attention as it marked the first international final clash between popular mid laners Jeong and Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok. With their MSI championship, Gen.G has boosted its chances of securing a direct berth to the 2025 World Championship. Riot Games' 2024 rule grants MSI champions automatic Worlds qualification, provided they return to their regional league and achieve at least a playoff-level finish. Currently sitting in the legend group for the upcoming League of Legends Champions Korea rounds 3 to 5, which kick off Wednesday, Gen.G needs 4 to 5 more wins — on top of their 18-0 record from rounds 1 and 2 — to guarantee a spot in the World Championship playoffs. Since the tournament's debut in 2015, only two teams, T1 and Royal Never Give Up, had secured back-to-back MSI titles. Now, Gen.G joins the list with their consecutive MSI championship win.
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First Post
22-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Arjun Erigaisi becomes first Indian chess player to qualify for upcoming Esports World Cup
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, who had joined leading Esports organisation Gen.G in February, secured his qualification for the second edition of the Esports World Cup by qualifying for the playoffs of the Classic, the second event of the Champions Chess Tour. read more Arjun Erigaisi became the first Indian chess player to qualify for the Esports World Cup that will be taking place in Saudi Arabia later this year. The 21-year-old Grandmaster confirmed his participation in the upcoming event by finishing among the top 12 players in the Champions Chess Tour. Arjun confirmed his ticket to the Saudi capital, which will be hosting the second edition of the Esports World Cup from 8 July to 24 August this year, by advancing to the playoffs of the Classic – the second event of the Champions Chess Tour that got underway on Sunday and will conclude on Saturday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Arjun secured his qualification for the Esports World Cup Arjun had already collected 40 CCT points with a semi-final finish in the Chessable Masters event that took place in February, where he lost to eventual champion Magnus Carlsen. And by advancing to the playoffs of the Classic, Arjun ensured that he finishes among the top 12 in the CCT leaderboard. A total of 16 players will be participating in chess section of the Esports World Cup ; while 12 players qualify on the basis of their standings, the remaining four will have to confirm their place in the tournament by participating in a 'Last Chance Qualifier'. Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda too confirmed his participation at the EWC along with Arjun by entering the Classic playoffs in addition to collecting 50 points in the first leg of the tour. World No 1 Carlsen as well as Hikaru Nakamura and Ian Nepomniachtchi had already qualified for the World Cup before the second leg of the tour even began. Exclusive | Arjun Erigaisi 'excited' to participate in ESports World Cup: 'It will open many doors' Reigning world champion D Gukesh received a direct invitation into the Classic playoffs, only to lose to Slovenian GM Vladimir Fedoseev, who had won the Swiss round of the tournament with 7.5 points out of 9. He would lose his subsequent match in the loser's bracket against Arjun, who in turn would get vanquished by French GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in his subsequent game. Arjun and Gukesh weren't the only Indians competing in the second leg of the Champions Chess Tour though, with R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Nihal Sarin and M Pranesh having also taken part. Arjun, incidentally, was also among the first chess players to join an Esports organisation, having signed with Gen.G in February. Nihal and Aravindh Chithambaram would join Indian Esports organisation S8UL a couple of months later. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Why inclusion of chess in Esports World cup will cause friction with FIDE
The upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) will see some of the world's top competitive gamers and garner interest from gaming enthusiasts from all over the globe. Also at the event will be some of the top names of a 1000-year-old sport that has seen a boost in popularity through digital matchplay and is transitioning into a new avatar. With Indian speed chess star Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram making their way to Team S8UL — the only Indian Esport body competing at the EWC in Saudi Arabia's capital city Riyadh from July 31 to August 4 — the buzz around chess becoming an Esport is only getting bigger. Three Indians, after Aravindh and Nihal, have signed with an Esports organisation for the highly anticipated world cup. The highest-ranked Indian, Arjun Erigaisi, previously signed with Gen.G, making him one of the first players to join an Esports organisation. How did chess become part of EWC? It started with a partnership announcement between the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and one of the largest online chess platforms, in December 2024. The EWCF also appointed five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen as the Global Ambassador. The Esports World Cup brings together top esports clubs across 24 popular titles, featuring chess as an online event for the first time. On offer will be prize money of $1.5 million (≈₹12.8 cr) with a time control set to be 10 minutes for the entire game with no increment (10+0). How is an Esports chess event different from a regular online chess tournament? While traditional online chess events have players competing remotely from different locations, the EWC adopts a hybrid model. The top 16 players will gather physically in Riyadh but compete on computers in the LAN-style setup rather than over traditional boards. 'This part of playing in the same place but playing on the computer is also rare in chess. It was tried out in the Champions Chess Tour in one of the years, all the players there were at the same place but playing online. At the end of the day, it is still chess. So it won't make a huge difference. But the difference that will be made will be the no increment rule,' explains Arjun. Are top chess players joining the Esports circuit? Which players are involved? The chess world's elite are enthusiastically embracing Esports. Multiple top GMs have already signed with prominent Esports organisations for the EWC. Team Liquid secured the legendary Magnus Carlsen and American star Fabiano Caruana, while Team Falcons boasts speed chess specialist Hikaru Nakamura and French phenom Alireza Firouzja. Other notable signings include Ian Nepomniachtchi with Team Aurora and former World Champion Ding Liren with LGD Gaming. Arjun himself was among the first chess players to join an Esports organisation, partnering with Gen.G. He explains his contract, 'The contract is to play in the two Champions Chess Tour events and then if I don't qualify, will play in the last-minute qualifier. And then to represent the club at the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia.' What have been the traditional Esports disciplines? And which are the most famous Esports video games? Traditional Esports have historically focused on video game genres like first-person shooters (Counter-Strike, VALORANT), multiplayer online battle arenas (League of Legends, Dota 2), battle royales (PUBG /BGMI, Fortnite), and sports simulations (FIFA, NBA 2K). Wasn't Esports just about multiplayer video games? Originally, yes, but chess naturally became part of Esports too. Since chess works perfectly online and is highly competitive, it fits right in with other Esports. The digital format and exciting matches make it a great addition to competitive gaming. When was chess included in Esports? Chess's Esports journey gained momentum through platforms like and pioneering events such as the 2022 FTX Crypto Cup, which was part of the Champions Chess Tour where players played in a LAN set-up. What is FIDE's position on chess as an Esport? FIDE, chess's international governing body, has maintained an arms-length approach to Esports, neither endorsing nor opposing these developments. This reluctance and cautious distance stems partly from the involvement of private entities like in organising these events, and partly from historical tensions between FIDE and alternative chess circuits. Could there be conflicts between FIDE and Esports organisations over chess? Given FIDE's history of protecting its governance of competitive chess, tensions with Esports organisers could well be on the cards. The precedent set by the Freestyle Chess disputes, where FIDE objected to the unauthorised use of official titles like 'World Champion', suggests the governing body might assert its authority if Esports events grow in prestige and influence. However, the current situation appears to be one of cautious coexistence, with Esports providing an alternative competitive platform that complements rather than directly challenges FIDE's traditional tournament structure.
Syyaha
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Syyaha
Gen.G Global Academy Launches Gen.G Collegiate Cup in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – April 21, 2025 : Gen.G Global Academy, the education arm of the renowned global esports organization Gen.G, is proud to announce its inaugural collegiate esports tournament in the MENA region. This groundbreaking event will bring together over 15 universities from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marking the first collegiate esports tournament of its kind in the region. The Gen.G Collegiate Cup is more than just a competition; it is part of a broader initiative titled 'The Road to Gen.G Collegiate Cup' . This comprehensive program provides students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of professional esports and the gaming industry. Participants will engage in training sessions with esports professionals, attend seminars, and participate in conferences focused on key topics in the esports ecosystem. A total of 300 students have signed up to compete across three popular game titles: PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and Valorant. These players will battle for a total prize pool of USD 11,000, showcasing their skills on both mobile and PC platforms. During the tournament, HONOR will enhance Gen.G Collegiate Cup experience by equipping the teams with the brand's cutting-edge HONOR Magic7 Pro smartphones. This powerful smartphone features top-tier performance, ultra-responsive display, and advanced cooling system, which will ensure players have the best possible competitive experience. Guan Wang, President of Gen.G Global Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament: 'The overwhelming interest in participating in the Gen.G Collegiate Cup is a demonstration of students' desire and motivation to actively participate in building the esports ecosystem for the region. Together with our partners, we are looking forward to building the collegiate esports ecosystem in the region towards new heights.' Ingmar Wang, CEO of HONOR Middle East & Africa shared similar sentiments: 'At HONOR, we see esports as more than just competition—it's about community, innovation, and inspiring the next generation of talent.' He added 'being part of this exciting tournament allows us to showcase how our technology, especially on HONOR Magic7 Pro, can empower young gamers and elevate their gameplay experience to the next level.' HONOR's participation underscores the brand's dedication to advancing the esports industry, elevating mobile gaming and establishing new standards of innovation. Adding to this, Joe Zoghbi, Publishing Lead, MENA at Tencent Games, commented on the initiative: 'As we continue to nurture the next generation of esports talent in the region, this initiative stands as a powerful platform for discovery and growth. Reaching thousands of students and activating tournaments across 15 universities, we're not only spotlighting emerging talent, but also giving them the tools, coaching, and competitive stages they need to level up. It's inspiring to see how these students are seizing the moment, and we're proud to play a part in shaping their journey'. Gen.G Esports continues its mission to develop talent for the gaming and esports industry globally, aligning with Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES). With offices in Seoul, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and now Riyadh, Gen.G is committed to fostering innovation and growth within the esports landscape. For more information about the Gen.G Collegiate Cup or partnership opportunities, please visit Gen.G collegiate cup website:
Mid East Info
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Mid East Info
Gen.G Global Academy Launches Gen.G Collegiate Cup in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates - Middle East Business News and Information
Gen.G Global Academy Launches Gen.G Collegiate Cup in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates Students from leading universities will battle it out using HONOR Magic7 Pro, delivering elite-level mobile performance. Gen.G Global Academy, the education arm of the renowned global esports organization Gen.G, is proud to announce its inaugural collegiate esports tournament in the MENA region. This groundbreaking event will bring together over 15 universities from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marking the first collegiate esports tournament of its kind in the region. The Gen.G Collegiate Cup is more than just a competition; it is part of a broader initiative titled 'The Road to Gen.G Collegiate Cup'. This comprehensive program provides students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of professional esports and the gaming industry. Participants will engage in training sessions with esports professionals, attend seminars, and participate in conferences focused on key topics in the esports ecosystem. A total of 300 students have signed up to compete across three popular game titles: PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and Valorant. These players will battle for a total prize pool of USD 11,000, showcasing their skills on both mobile and PC platforms. During the tournament, HONOR will enhance Gen.G Collegiate Cup experience by equipping the teams with the brand's cutting-edge HONOR Magic7 Pro smartphones. This powerful smartphone features top-tier performance, ultra-responsive display, and advanced cooling system, which will ensure players have the best possible competitive experience. Guan Wang, President of Gen.G Global Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament: 'The overwhelming interest in participating in the Gen.G Collegiate Cup is a demonstration of students' desire and motivation to actively participate in building the esports ecosystem for the region. Together with our partners, we are looking forward to building the collegiate esports ecosystem in the region towards new heights.' Ingmar Wang, CEO of HONOR Middle East & Africa shared similar sentiments: 'At HONOR, we see esports as more than just competition—it's about community, innovation, and inspiring the next generation of talent.' He added 'being part of this exciting tournament allows us to showcase how our technology, especially on HONOR Magic7 Pro, can empower young gamers and elevate their gameplay experience to the next level.' HONOR's participation underscores the brand's dedication to advancing the esports industry, elevating mobile gaming and establishing new standards of innovation. Adding to this, Joe Zoghbi, Publishing Lead, MENA at Tencent Games, commented on the initiative: 'As we continue to nurture the next generation of esports talent in the region, this initiative stands as a powerful platform for discovery and growth. Reaching thousands of students and activating tournaments across 15 universities, we're not only spotlighting emerging talent, but also giving them the tools, coaching, and competitive stages they need to level up. It's inspiring to see how these students are seizing the moment, and we're proud to play a part in shaping their journey'. Gen.G Esports continues its mission to develop talent for the gaming and esports industry globally, aligning with Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES). With offices in Seoul, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and now Riyadh, Gen.G is committed to fostering innovation and growth within the esports landscape.
