Latest news with #LeagueOfLegends
The Verge
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Verge
Riot turns to sports betting to help fund its esports leagues
As the esports industry searches for new sources of revenue, Riot Games has opened up its League of Legends and Valorant esports leagues to sports betting sponsorships. The decision will permit tier one organizations – or the highest level of professional players – in the North and South America and European esports leagues of Valorant and LoL to secure paid sponsorships from sports betting companies, a previously prohibited category of sponsor. According to Riot, the reason for this change is because it's what the players and esports organizations have been asking for. 'We agreed it was time to open up this category to create more revenue opportunities for teams,' wrote John Needham, president of publishing and esports at Riot Games. There was a time in esports history when sponsorship dollars flowed in, generating lots of revenue for game publishers and enabling organizations to pay players salaries in the millions of dollars. Esports was seen as an investment vehicle, with media corporations and even traditional sports companies investing their dollars in hopes of capitalizing on what was then an untapped but steadily growing market. One of the most famous examples, Activision Blizzard's Overwatch League, sold franchise slots for tens of millions of dollars to investors like New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Comcast. But the comparatively small revenue these leagues generate in conjunction with the high costs to run them, combined with the general economic downturn of the covid-19 pandemic, meant that companies could not get a return on their investments and began pulling their money out. It's forced esports organizations and esports game publishers alike to find new ways to pay players and staff or risk shuttering entirely, as the Overwatch League has. Over the last few years, Riot has changed how its esports leagues have worked to better weather what's being called the 'esports winter' or general contraction of the esports industry. The LoL league ecosystem has gotten smaller, thereby eliminating some teams' financial burden of participating (it costs $10 million dollars to have a slot) while also reducing Riot's financial responsibilities via its revenue sharing agreement with partnered teams. The addition of new categories of sponsors is the company's latest attempt to bring sustainability to its corner of the struggling esports scene. And sports betting companies are well-poised to fill that funding gap. While gambling sites aren't the only game in town if your esport needs money, they are some of the best paying. (Even The Verge is not immune with Vox Media displaying ads for gambling companies on its sites and podcasts.) Stake is an infamously known quantity in the video game streaming ecosystem, throwing eye-watering sums of cash at the most popular streamers to either make content on their own platform (Stake owns livestreaming site and Twitch competitor Kick) or to gamble on stream to their millions of viewers. Until now, Riot has prohibited its esports partner organizations from taking sponsorships from gambling companies. But the publisher says its guidelines can help implement the new type of sponsorship in a 'responsible' way with guidelines for teams and Riot to follow. These guidelines include Riot vetting all potential betting sponsors, teams adhering to an integrity program, and the prohibition of gambling ads on team jerseys or official Riot broadcasts. The formal inclusion of sports betting comes with significant risk to both competitive and moral integrity. Kids and young adults watch these streams, as well as the media around them. While Riot is not letting gambling companies put their logos on jerseys or the official broadcasts, the media around its esport is likely to become even more inundated with offers for gambling. This is what we've already seen with programming and podcasts focused on traditional sports like the NBA and NFL in the years since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in 2018. There have also already been allegations of and investigations into match fixing in both League of Legends and Valorant esports, with Riot recently banning two players from Riot competitions for three years. The addition of sports betting sponsorship – which could become a significant if not main source of revenue for many teams – has the potential to exacerbate existing competitive integrity issues as well as open up a potential avenue of harassment for players. With esports revenues still comparatively low, the industry has been getting increasingly desperate for any new sources of funding. Riot has already faced criticism for participating in events funded by Saudi Arabia as a part of the country's longstanding sportswashing strategy. Riot's inclusion of sports betting for League of Legends and Valorant will likely be no less controversial.
Economic Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
From IP to cosplay influencer: Singapore student builds career in fashion and wig design
Singapore cosplay influencer Elise Lim styles custom wigs and props in her home studio, where she builds a career after leaving the Integrated Programme to pursue fashion design Student transitions from Integrated Programme to cosplay design Elise Lim, a 19-year-old student in Singapore, transitioned from the prestigious Integrated Programme (IP) at National Junior College to pursue a diploma in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic. Initially part of the Art Elective Programme, Lim developed an interest in cosplay during her fourth year of the IP and began experimenting with costume and wig her fifth year, she decided to leave junior college to focus on fashion full-time. Lim said, 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable', to The Strait Times. Also read: Who is Khaby Lame and why the world's most popular TikTok star left the US? TikTok following grows as cosplay content gains traction Now in her third year at polytechnic, Lim has grown a substantial online following. Her TikTok account has more than 94,000 followers, and her most viewed video, featuring a self-made wig of the character Magical Mirai Miku, has garnered over 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers and manages commission requests for wigs on a rolling basis. Her wigs are priced between US$100 (S$130) and US$700, and she has created more than 30 character wigs and over 10 props. Many of her clients are international, and she frequently sends availability updates to her followers. 'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' Lim explained. Finding the cost of high-quality props too high, she began making her own at the end of cosplay props and wigs for global clientsLim works from a studio set up in her attic, equipped with a sewing machine and materials sourced both online and locally. Her costume accessories are made using ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and repurposed cardboard from platforms like Taobao. When pressed for time, she sources materials from stores in Chinatown. Also read: Viral icon Khaby Lame detained by ICE and forced to leave the U.S. — fans worldwide rally behind the TikTok starThe workspace includes cosplay props such as a shark-themed rocket launcher based on the character Jinx from the Arcane series and wigs styled for characters like Gwen from League of Legends. Demonstrating her process, Lim showed how she begins with a pre-colored base wig, styles the synthetic hair, and constructs an internal structure to match the character's design to The Strait stated, 'This is skilled labor, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified.' Future plans include studio launch and overseas study Despite concerns from some about the stability of an arts-based career, Lim's mother has remained supportive. 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs,' said Mrs. Lim, who is an only child and lost her father at a young age, hopes to open a commissioning studio with fellow cosplayer Jade Tang, 21. She noted that both frequently receive commission requests and see the potential for a long-term venture if they continue improving their skills. Also read: New TikTok diet trend sparks backlash as experts warn it's fueling a dangerous new wave of harmful eating habits After completing her diploma next year, Lim plans to take a gap year to attend short courses in garment construction. She is also considering applying to art universities in China, Belgium, or Italy to study costume design.'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible,' she said of her polytechnic education. 'At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it.'Reflecting on her decision, Lim said, 'If I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts… so I switched to TP.'She advises others to research and consult mentors before making non-traditional choices. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional.'
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From IP to cosplay influencer: Singapore student builds career in fashion and wig design
Singapore polytechnic student Elise Lim left the Integrated Programme to pursue fashion and cosplay, gaining nearly 100,000 TikTok followers. Now a wig and prop designer, she balances school and commissions while building a career in the creative arts. Her work highlights the rise of cosplay influencers and alternative career paths Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Elise Lim, a 19-year-old student in Singapore, transitioned from the prestigious Integrated Programme (IP) at National Junior College to pursue a diploma in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic. Initially part of the Art Elective Programme, Lim developed an interest in cosplay during her fourth year of the IP and began experimenting with costume and wig her fifth year, she decided to leave junior college to focus on fashion full-time. Lim said, 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable', to The Strait read: Who is Khaby Lame and why the world's most popular TikTok star left the US? Now in her third year at polytechnic, Lim has grown a substantial online following. Her TikTok account has more than 94,000 followers, and her most viewed video, featuring a self-made wig of the character Magical Mirai Miku, has garnered over 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers and manages commission requests for wigs on a rolling wigs are priced between US$100 (S$130) and US$700, and she has created more than 30 character wigs and over 10 props. Many of her clients are international, and she frequently sends availability updates to her followers.'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' Lim explained. Finding the cost of high-quality props too high, she began making her own at the end of works from a studio set up in her attic, equipped with a sewing machine and materials sourced both online and locally. Her costume accessories are made using ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and repurposed cardboard from platforms like Taobao. When pressed for time, she sources materials from stores in read: Viral icon Khaby Lame detained by ICE and forced to leave the U.S. — fans worldwide rally behind the TikTok star The workspace includes cosplay props such as a shark-themed rocket launcher based on the character Jinx from the Arcane series and wigs styled for characters like Gwen from League of Legends. Demonstrating her process, Lim showed how she begins with a pre-colored base wig, styles the synthetic hair, and constructs an internal structure to match the character's design to The Strait stated, 'This is skilled labor, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified.'Despite concerns from some about the stability of an arts-based career, Lim's mother has remained supportive. 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs,' said Mrs. Lim, who is an only child and lost her father at a young age, hopes to open a commissioning studio with fellow cosplayer Jade Tang, 21. She noted that both frequently receive commission requests and see the potential for a long-term venture if they continue improving their read: New TikTok diet trend sparks backlash as experts warn it's fueling a dangerous new wave of harmful eating habits After completing her diploma next year, Lim plans to take a gap year to attend short courses in garment construction. She is also considering applying to art universities in China, Belgium, or Italy to study costume design.'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible,' she said of her polytechnic education. 'At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it.'Reflecting on her decision, Lim said, 'If I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts… so I switched to TP.'She advises others to research and consult mentors before making non-traditional choices. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional.'
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Leaving ‘safe path': IP student who quit JC to study fashion now a cosplay influencer on TikTok
Elise Lim with a shark-inspired rocket launcher, which is based on the one from the show Arcane, that she made. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Leaving 'safe path': IP student who quit JC to study fashion now a cosplay influencer on TikTok Behind every academic result is a young person quietly chasing their dreams, beating the odds, and hoping to make something of themselves. In More than Grades, a monthly series by The Straits Times, we tell the stories of youth who are making waves in school and beyond. SINGAPORE – She was on a conventional path to success, having done well enough at the Primary School Leaving Examination to get into the six-year Integrated Programme (IP), and even gained entry into the Art Elective Programme to pursue her interest in art. But in her fifth year of the IP at National Junior College, Elise Lim decided to put it all aside – to go into fashion. She had taken an interest in cosplay in the fourth year, and tried her hand at making character wigs and props, and tailoring costumes. Also feeling demotivated from not doing as well as she had hoped in secondary school, she made a switch to pursue a course in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), something she had dreamt of exploring since her younger days. Not everyone would have approved of her decision. 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable,' Elise said, adding that junior college (JC) is typically seen as the 'safe path' for students. Three years on, the 19-year-old, who is in her third year in polytechnic, has amassed more than 94,000 followers on TikTok, where she posts tutorials on how to make wigs, and other cosplay content. Her most viral video, where she cosplays the 2023 design of a virtual character named 'magical mirai miku' with a self-made wig, has more than 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has a following of 12,200. Elise Lim working on a cosplay wig for League Of Legends character Gwen. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR She takes commission orders for wigs via her Instagram page on a first come, first served basis, and in between juggling schoolwork, she sends out blasts to her followers to say she is free to take up projects. The prices of her wigs range from US$100 (S$130) to US$700. She has made more than 30 character wigs and more than 10 props, some of which are commissioned orders for international customers. 'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' she said. Realising how much commissioning good-quality cosplay wigs and props would cost, she decided to try making them on her own at the end of 2022. She did this by watching online tutorials, speaking to other cosplayers at conventions and looking for cheap supplies online. Her mother, who wanted to be known only as Mrs Lim, has been supportive of her decision to pursue an unconventional path. Elise Lim has made more than 30 character wigs and more than 10 props, some of which are commissioned orders for international customers. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs, and I hope she takes care to protect herself,' said the 52-year-old, who did not want to reveal her occupation. Elise's father died when she was younger. She is an only child. When The Straits Times visited Elise's work studio in her attic in April, more than five bright blue wigs were displayed on her work table. Equipped with a sewing machine and other tools, the room was also filled with various props she has made over the years. These include a 1m-long shark-inspired rocket launcher and machine gun based on the ones belonging to the Arcane character, Jinx. The Arcane series is a science-fantasy show based on the League Of Legends game. Some other works-in-progress include a crochet top for a small crafting online business she runs and a drill-curl hairstyle wig for a League Of Legends character, Gwen. Her costume accessories and props are made with materials including ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and recycled materials such as cardboard tubes from online shopping platforms like Taobao where supplies are cheaper. When she is in a rush, she buys her materials from Chinatown. Sitting on a stool, Elise showed ST how she makes a wig – starting with a pre-coloured base wig bought online and trimming the synthetic hair to the desired length, keeping any excess hair for future use. A base wig is an unstyled wig that can be easily cut, coloured and styled to match a character's specific hairstyle. Afterwards, she works on putting together an internal structure for the wig depending on the hairstyle needed. Elise Lim starts with a pre-coloured base wig bought online and trims the synthetic hair to the desired length, keeping any excess hair for future use. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR 'I first started styling my wigs on soft toys, and after that I realised I should invest in a mannequin head,' she recalled with a laugh. 'It's very time-consuming – you have to work slowly because the glue needs time to dry, but it's very easy to be impatient and want to move on to the next step,' she said, adding that the longest time she took to make a wig was 60 hours. 'This is skilled labour, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified,' she said. People often reach out to her asking if she can make specific props, but she has difficulty putting a reasonable price on some of them as she has spent up to 90 hours making some, she added. Her goal in the long term is to open an independent commissioning studio with one of her cosplay friends, Jade Tang, 21. 'We both get commission requests sometimes, so we think that if we continue to develop our skills, this is something we can do in the long run,' said Elise, who will graduate from polytechnic in a year. Some of the cosplay wigs Elise Lim has made, displayed at her home studio in April. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The polytechnic course curriculum aligns more with her interests, as she has more freedom to be creative and put her own personality into her works. 'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible. At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it,' Elise said. After graduating, she plans to take a gap year to enrol in short courses related to making clothes. She is also exploring studying costume design at an arts university in China, Belgium or Italy. 'I want to go to an art university, so if I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts, and I would have come out the other end with nothing good. I would have no good academics or a good portfolio, and also wasted two years, so I switched to TP.' Speak to teachers, parents and others in the field before making decisions – this is Elise's advice to young people wondering whether they should follow their dreams, including those out of the ordinary. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional,' she said. Know of a young person who would be a good fit for this series? Email us at stnewsdesk@ Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
ArabGT
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
League of Legends Star Drives Off with a Real G-Class SUV
In a landmark moment uniting the worlds of esports and automotive luxury, Mercedes-Benz has celebrated Chinese gaming icon Jian 'Uzi' Zìháo with a bespoke, all-electric G 580 equipped with EQ Technology. This tribute marks Uzi's induction as the second-ever member of Riot Games' prestigious League of Legends Hall of Legends—an honor reserved for players who have fundamentally shaped the game's history. Who Is Uzi and Why He Matters Born in 1997, Uzi began his professional League of Legends career as a teenager and quickly rose to global prominence. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential bot laners of all time, known for his unmatched mechanical skill and aggressive playstyle. Uzi's career helped elevate China's position in international esports and inspired a new era of competition. His induction into the Hall of Legends is a recognition of his lasting legacy in the game and the broader gaming community. The Custom Electric G-Class To honor this milestone, Mercedes-Benz created a one-of-one version of its all-new electric G-Class SUV through the exclusive MANUFAKTUR customization program. The vehicle is finished in a matte Kalahari Gold Magno, symbolizing prestige and celebration. Inside, it features handcrafted detailing, Hall of Legends engravings, and personalized elements that reflect Uzi's gaming legacy—transforming the car into a rolling monument to his achievements. The G 580 with EQ Technology is not only a showpiece—it's a high-performance machine. It comes with four individual electric motors (one per wheel), producing 579 horsepower and 1,165 Nm of torque. Each motor is paired with a two-speed transmission, offering advanced torque vectoring and off-road capability. The SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, with a top speed limited to 180 km/h. Powered by a 116 kWh battery, it delivers up to 473 km of range under the WLTP standard. Celebration Beyond the Wheel Mercedes-Benz's tribute doesn't end with the car. A custom artwork of Uzi in Shanghai, posing with the G-Class, was also created. The illustration includes Easter eggs highlighting his most iconic in-game moments. Additionally, the vehicle will be publicly unveiled during the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, bringing the celebration to fans worldwide. This collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Riot Games isn't just a personal tribute—it reflects a larger cultural shift. Uzi's recognition by a prestigious luxury automaker signals how far esports has come, now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with traditional sports in terms of cultural relevance and commercial value. It also highlights how luxury brands are increasingly aligning themselves with digital performance, innovation, and youth culture. From dominating in-game arenas to commanding the road in an electric G-Class, Uzi's journey bridges the digital and physical worlds—showing that excellence, no matter where it begins, deserves to be celebrated in style.
