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United States
Mastering the Moveset: @Evo organizer RTS has been fully acquired by Saudi Arabian mega-city project @qiddiya: esportsadvocate.net/2025/09/…
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Exclusive: @riotgames has already begun opening up new sponsorship categories for teams in the @lolesports ecosystem including CBD, beer & wine, and government entities, according to sources. Gambling is also carefully being considered... ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/03/…
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Early Challenges: The @luminosity sale left players, contractors, and creators waiting on overdue payments. ✍🏼 @jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/09/…
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The One That Got Away: Sources tell TEA that @VALORANT would have been a part of this year's @ESWCgg (Esports World Cup) if not for the competitive calendar scheduling conflicts. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/06/…
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The #LCS Spring Finals generated $1.6M USD for the local economy of Raleigh, North Carolina says @visitRaleigh. esportsadvocate.net/2023/04/…
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Head in the Clouds: @cloud9 launches a new AI chatbot built on @Theta_Network technology to improve engagement with its fanbase: esportsadvocate.net/2025/05/…
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Exclusive: Sources tell TEA that @riotgames put out a request for proposals (RFPs) looking for third-parties interested in handling scholastic/collegiate esports in North America. esportsadvocate.net/2023/06/…
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Sources in China Tell TEA's @CHYchenhongyu that the "SAMR’s decision was no surprise as Microsoft has a good relationship with China, and the deal would not affect the country’s interest." Also the SAMR will likely publish its decision at the end of May. esportsadvocate.net/2023/05/…
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Game Over: The International Olympic Committee (@iocmedia) and the Saudi Arabian government have mutually agreed to kill the 12-year contract for the Esports Olympic Games. We dive into why this happened, with the help of multiple sources. ✍🏼 @jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/10/…
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The Ties That Bind: 3 execs from @RefractTech (two of its games were selected for Olympic Esports Series) have direct ties @GE_Federation and @SGEsportsAssoc. GEF President Chris Chan is also the SG of the Singapore National Olympic Council. Our Report: esportsadvocate.net/2023/03/…
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The Nod: @AlbanDechelotte has been named the permanent CEO of @G2esports . G2 also announced a new CFO and COO. esportsadvocate.net/2023/01/…
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Breaking: As @FaZeClan prepares for a reverse stock split, the company’s founders ( FaZe Apex, FaZe Banks, FaZe Temperrr, and FaZe Rain), leadership team, and largest investors are putting their stake up for sale. Great reporting from @TobiasSeck esportsadvocate.net/2023/05/…
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Power Players: In a deal brokered by @PIVOTAgency, R6 content creator @yoboyRoyGaming teams up with @Theta_Network to create an AI agent to serve his various communities. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/04/…
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Intel Inside: @GlobalEsportsIn partners with @intel to provide supports for its #valorant team. esportsadvocate.net/2023/07/…
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Exclusive: @BelongArenas will cease operations of its game center business in the United States and has laid off a majority of its staff: ✍@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2023/07/…
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Exclusive: TEA has confirmed that @KnightsGG and @KnightsArena will shut down by the end of the year. This news follows a round of layoffs this week. @riotgames also confirmed that it is taking RFPs for Valorant Challengers NA in 2025: ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/10/…
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Exclusive: TEA can confirm that @version1gg /@ROKKR have been in talks with @G2esports for several months to merge. We have also gathered additional info from multiple sources on how the ownership group came to this decision. esportsadvocate.net/2023/10/…
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Suspended: @Disguised Valorant pro @JayHVLRT has been given a "suspension" by @valesports_mysg for suspicion of engaging in match-fixing, but sources tell TEA that this is likely related to betting on himself while at @NIP in 2023. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/04/…
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BLASTing off: The first Major of the 2025 season for @RLEsports will take place in Birmingham in March, thanks to some financial support for @BLASTEsports from the local and federal government. esportsadvocate.net/2024/10/…
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Orgs Gone Wild: In May, 27 teams promoted the #EsportsWorldCup but didn't disclose that they were engaging in marketing. We asked multiple regulators/SROs (@FTC, @ASA_UK, @CompBureau, etc.) if these orgs broke any rules: ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/05/…
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Double Dip: TEA has unearthed some early details on the @QiddiyaGaming Club Program, which encourages esports orgs to set up shop in the Kingdom. Orgs that are already a part of the @EWC_EN Club Support Program will likely be a part of this. ✍🏻 @jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/07/…
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BREAKING: @riotgames will allow @leagueoflegends and @TFT competitions at the Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) in Saudi Arabia this summer. Riot said it did not want to deprive cash-strapped teams of opportunities. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/03/…
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EXCLUSIVE: @ESL is in the process of laying off the majority of staff at the @EsportsEng Burbank office. The move is part of an effort to consolidate its NA operations. The company confirmed some details of our story in a statement. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/02/…
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New Deal: @FURIA has renewed its partnership with @PokerStars in a new multi-year deal esportsadvocate.net/2023/04/…
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EXCLUSIVE: @GalaxyRacerDxb has closed @hergalaxygg and fired all staff in North America following demand letters asking for back pay and the threat of a class action lawsuit: ✍@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2023/11/…
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EXCLUSIVE: Sources tell TEA that @G2esports is in the final stages of acquiring @ROKKR owner @version1gg and that remaining staff could be affected as soon as early December, though no definitive timeline for that has been revealed. ✍@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2023/11/…
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Alive and Well: @Sentinels announced Monday afternoon that the ownership group has committed to a cash injection of $3.4M USD, which will allow it to continue ongoing operations and expand into new areas. esportsadvocate.net/2023/10/…
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TEA has learned that Victor Davila (@Quetzal_Nero) has been charged with two felonies for allegedly soliciting sex from a minor. The former @msiUSA manager has worked with @eaJPark, @Miamineversleep, @COMBOBREAKER, and @OfflineTV, among others. esportsadvocate.net/2023/08/…
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EXCLUSIVE: UK-based @PromodEsports (the TO behind @valleague_ne) files for bankruptcy and lays off staff even as players and casters remain unpaid. @riotgames confirms it is looking for other options for 2024. ✍@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2023/11/…
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Grassroots: The Spanish Call of Duty Federation (@FECOD_es) and @MiamiHeretics announce an agreement to create a Spain-focused COD circuit to promote the region and its competitive scene: esportsadvocate.net/2025/09/…
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OPINION: In a new op-ed, educator and host of @taoesports Podcast @jimohagan speaks his mind on what he views as the hypocrisy of Western esports organizations embracing the @ESWCgg (Esports World Cup) while simultaneously celebrating Pride Month. esportsadvocate.net/2024/06/…
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Big Player: @vaynersports announced Monday that it is now representing #fortnite streamer and content creator Cody "@Clix" Conrod. esportsadvocate.net/2023/03/…
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Sources tell TEA that @GalaxyRacerDxb closed its Dubai headquarters in March and its CEO Paul Roy has left the country. Meanwhile, winners of the $100K HER Galaxy Apex Legends Open that concluded on June 25, 2023 still have not been paid. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/05/…
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TEA has confirmed that @overwatchleague team @ChengduHunters has disbanded, putting to bed months of speculation that the organization was no longer operational. esportsadvocate.net/2023/05/…
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.@TeamLiquid shows a a serious financial commitment to Brazil with new @Alienware Training Facility in in São Paulo, Brazil: esportsadvocate.net/2023/05/…
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Sitting Pretty: @FlyQuest partners with Korean skincare brand @brmud_official , helps the company tap into the U.S. market. esportsadvocate.net/2025/05/…
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Big Changes: @playvs announced that it will eliminate all fees for students/schools in its scholastic esports program in NA. CEO Jon Chapman tells us how he plans to pay for it, and how it will turn the page on past controversies. esportsadvocate.net/2023/11/…
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A reprint from this week's newsletter, because we think it's an important story: Winners of the $100K Her Galaxy Apex Legends Open (put together by by Dubai-based @GalaxyRacerDxb) remain unpaid nine months later: ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/04/…
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.@ESL @FACEIT Group has laid off 15% of its global workforce, although it is unclear what divisions including @DreamHack, @EE, and @vindex have been affected at this time. esportsadvocate.net/2024/02/…
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Former @eUnited Producer Luis Ortiz (@shonenLewis) joins the Phoenix @Suns as the NBA team's new senior producer of partner marketing. TEA spoke to Ortiz about the new role, his time at eUnited, and if he'll ever return to esports. esportsadvocate.net/2023/01/…
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Sources tell TEA that the @iesf_official board held a vote on Sept. 10 to cancel the World Esports Championship 2024. The proposal, which was ultimately defeated, was put forward by IESF President HRH Prince Faisal, according to sources: ✍🏼 @jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/09/…
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Power Play: @iBUYPOWER has been named and official partner of @ValorantEsports VCT Americas, VCT Game Changers NA, and VCT Game Changers Brazil. The company will also release a line of "spec approved PCs." esportsadvocate.net/2024/02/…
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Plugged In: @NRGgg teams with @ThetaLabs_io to bring its new fan engagement platform "volt" to life: esportsadvocate.net/2025/04/…
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Open Revolt: Full-time employees at @hergalaxygg are at a breaking point because they have not been paid for two months. They are considering a mass resignation and/or legal action if they are not paid this week, according to multiple sources: ✍@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2023/11/…
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TEA has learned that the Illinois High School Association (@IHSA_IL) voted this weekend to dump @NBA2K competitions in 2023 after @playvs informed them that they held the rights for the game. Around 175 schools enrolled for the 2023 State Series season. esportsadvocate.net/2023/03/…
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It Begins: Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee (@GOPoversight) have invited CEOs of @Twitch, @Reddit, @discord, and @valvesoftware to discuss extremism on their platforms: ✍🏼@jfudge, @Kevin_Hitt esportsadvocate.net/2025/09/…
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Breaking: @GGTECH_es has secured a $12.4M USD investment from Glisco Partners and Heart Beat to expand into the U.S. This aligns with our reporting that it will secure the U.S. collegiate/scholastic rights to #valorant and #LoL esports. esportsadvocate.net/2023/06/…
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Souled Out: @NodwinGaming buys Sony Interactive Entertainment's stake in @Evo, @qiddiya takes a stake in Evo co-owner RTS. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/08/…
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Dating: Sources tell @SBJ's @Kevin_Hitt that @WeAreEnthusiast and @GSQHoldings are in talks for a possible buyout of @FaZeClan: esportsadvocate.net/2023/07/…
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EXCLUSIVE: TEA has learned that (@vindex-owned) @EsportsEng Co-Founder and President Adam Apicella (@MrAdamAp) is leaving the company it what has been described as mutually agreed upon and amicable. esportsadvocate.net/2023/03/…
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Government-Backed Middle East Expansion: @NIP secures $40M USD in funding from ADIO Holdings Restricted Limited (ADIO Group), an Abu Dhabi-based entity established by the government-owned Abu Dhabi Investment Office. ✍🏼 @jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/01/…
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Welcome Home: Award-winning investigative journalist @Kevin_Hitt has joined @TEAdvocated as its new Editor-at-Large! esportsadvocate.net/2025/03/…
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Open Dialogue: @riotgames has confirmed that it is in talks with third-parties including the Saudi-backed Esports World Cup, following a report Tuesday from @JacobWolf that it is considering allowing a @lolesports competition at the event this summer. esportsadvocate.net/2024/01/…
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A Royal Appointment: The de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, HRH Crown Prince MBS, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Esports World Cup Foundation (@EWC_EN). He is also the Chairman of Savvy Games Group. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/09/…
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Exit, Stage Left: Longtime @OGesports CEO @jmrLuna announced that he is leaving the organization. esportsadvocate.net/2023/02/…
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Road Trip: @Lamborghini will have a major presence at @DreamHack Dallas in May, thanks to a new partnership with @ESL FACEIT Group: esportsadvocate.net/2025/04/…
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Exclusive: @NewzooHQ confirms with TEA that it has sunset dedicated reports related to esports, mobile, and data and that its esports partnership program that launched in 2016 has been shut down. The company will focus on core gaming going forward. esportsadvocate.net/2023/03/…
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COMMENCE THE SHENANIGANS: @EsportsIllus and @HOF__gaming announce strategic partnership for #content and #esports tournaments. esportsadvocate.net/2023/08/…
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Behind the Curtain: Sources tell TEA that the @QiddiyaGaming Club Program stipend is not enough to set up an operation in Riyadh, ,details on possible changes to the @EWC_EN next year, and much more. ✍@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/07/…
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Nope: @RiotGames tells TEA that it has not changed its approved sponsor categories for any games in its esports ecosystem. esportsadvocate.net/2023/03/…
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Calamity in France: Three teams (@SectorOneEU, @HEET_Gaming, @beGeniusESC) in the French #Valorant league leave €50K in unpaid bills to players, while broadcaster @freaks4ugaming is accused of not paying casters on tim. Great reporting by @Coco_VLR cocovlr.medium.com/valorant-…
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Longtime ESL marketing executive Mark Cohen has passed away at the age of 50. RIP, good sir. 🙏🏼 esportsadvocate.net/2025/03/…
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Army of Two: @Luminosity has signed a multi-year strategic partnership with Mexico's world-famous football club Club Deportivo Guadalajara (@Chivas) to launch LG Chivas. The team will compete in @PlayApex Global Series #algs esportsadvocate.net/2023/06/…
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FaZe Out: @GSQHoldings divested its remaining interest in Faze Media to @Banks and his partners, gets $2 million from the Jones Family (@dallascowboys), and plans to launch new divisions to tackle events and collegiate esports. ✍🏼@jfudge / @TobiasSeck esportsadvocate.net/2025/03/…
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The Case of the Missing $100K Prize Pool: Tournament organizer @EFLARE_SEA burst onto the scene in Oct. 2023 with a $100K SEA Counter-Strike 2 competition, but six months later players wonder where the money is (guest-starring @ggBleed): ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/06/…
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No More Fear: @riotgames signs a three-year deal with @EWC_EN to bring @TFT, @ValorantEsports, and @lolesports to annual Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, event. Riot also signs a deal to promote EWC during its league competitions. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/02/…
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Greenlight for Greenbacks: Following a "test the waters" reservation period launched last month, @sentinels has officially launched an equity crowdfunding campaign on @StartEngineLA. Community investments start at around $300 USD. esportsadvocate.net/2023/08/…
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Big Player: Professional tennis player Daniil Medvedev (@DaniilMedwed) has joined the ownership group of @M80gg today and will help the org with sports psychology, securing more partnerships and sponsorships, and growing its fanbase. ✍@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2023/11/…
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The French government with the help of stakeholders in the country announced plans to create a national esports ecosystem and to tie esports into the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. esportsadvocate.net/2023/01/…
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A Reunion of Sorts: WISE Ventures (the Wilf family) and @garyvee invest in @G2esports as part of a Series B funding round that is described as a "seven-figure sum." The funding shows confidence in G2's operation of CDL team @ROKKR. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/03/…
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Center Stage: @overactivegg announced that the @CODLeague Championship Weekend will be hosted in Canada (at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium in the Waterloo Region) in partnership with its CDL team @TorontoUltra and its long-time partner @Bell. esportsadvocate.net/2025/03/…
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Brazilian esports organization @FURIA has hired Patricia Lima 🌈 and Thales Moura to lead DEI and content creation efforts. esportsadvocate.net/2023/04/…
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Family Business: @ESL @FACEIT Group announces a five year strategic partnership with the @qiddiya_en City Project. Both companies are backed by the Saudi Arabian government's Public Investment Fund: esportsadvocate.net/2024/04/…
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Leveling Up: @FullSquadGaming welcomes @Class and @lanche to the team, appoints Hung Tran (@Tran) as its new president: esportsadvocate.net/2023/09/…
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Bigger in Texas: @redbull is named the official energy drink of @DreamHack, will make its first stop at Dreamhack Dallas later this month: esportsadvocate.net/2025/05/…
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More, More, More: Saudi Arabian government funded esports competition @EWC_EN expands its Club Partner Program with $20M USD in funding, support for 40 teams in 2025. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/12/…
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Abandoned: @x1entgroup shut down @X1TalentGG this week, but content creators who worked for the agency like @iamBrandonTV and @MDee14 are still owed thousands of dollars. Instead of responding, the company and its CEO @MarkElfenbein have gone silent. esportsadvocate.net/2023/02/…
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TEA has confirmed with multiple sources that @eUnited is closed, and that all players and employees except the CEO left at the end of 2022. ✍️@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2023/01/…
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A Fond Farewell to Lifelong Friends: Longtime @100Thieves President & COO @RohnJobinson announced that he would be stepping down from his roles at the company. esportsadvocate.net/2024/03/…
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Locked In: @Sentinels announce that it will join @cloud9 in competing in the @redbullgaming Home Ground NA Qualifier (a VCT//Off Season event) in Seattle in Sept. esportsadvocate.net/2024/07/…
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Consolidation: @playvs has acquired @playflygg and @JoinGenEsports for an undisclosed amount. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/04/…
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Breaking: @overwatchleague has forgiven past entry fees owed to the league by @TorontoDefiant, signaling that past debt with franchised teams will likely get a similar deal, but @overactivegg is the first company to make an announcement esportsadvocate.net/2023/06/…
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ICYMI (We Know You Did Edition): @MSE, the co-owner of @TeamLiquid parent @aXiomaticGaming as well as @capsgaming and @WizardsDG took an undisclosed investment from the Qatar sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, in July. esportsadvocate.net/2023/09/…
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The Path: @rafihuezo gave up working with brands like @adidas, @ProcterGamble, and @Ciroc to create @OMiTGG, an esports organization where diversity is a founding principle. This is his story: esportsadvocate.net/2023/03/…
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Top Honors: @BreakingPointGG and @TheFlank have teamed up to create the BP Awards, designed to honor the best of the best in the 2024 Call of Duty competitive scene: esportsadvocate.net/2024/07/…
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Cordially Invited: TEA can confirm that all 12 @CODLeague teams have an open invite to attend the Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN), if they so choose. As far as we know, none of the franchised teams have officially announced their participation. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/06/…
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#ICYMI: @RaidiantGG, @Thypeachcobbler, @GonnaNeedMilk, and others team up once again to bring The Milk Cup, a @Fortnite competition for women, back in 2025 with a new format and a larger prize pool. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2025/03/…
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Head in the Clouds: Tim Mulligan (@MulliganTM) officially joins @Cloud9 as its new VP, head of sales. Mulligan previously served in the same position at @XSET. ✍🏼 @jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/01/…
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LoL Esports in 2025: @riotgames reveals @lolesports will add a global event and five global leagues: - America League (@LCSOfficial, @LLA, @CBLOL) - APAC League (@lolesportspcs, @vcs_english, @LCO, @Official_LJL) - @lplenglish - @LEC - @LCK ✍🏼 @jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/06/…
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TEA talks to @TSM's all-women #ApexLegends team - @ItzJaney, @BearSabz, @avuhlie, and @heyGuhRL - about why they prefer Apex, if they encounter toxicity while competing, and if there's a need for women-only tournaments and leagues: esportsadvocate.net/2023/03/…
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Seeking Compensation: A lawsuit (which seeks class certification) filed in a California federal court claims @riotgames through its @LCSOfficial partnership with now dead crypto exchange @FTX_Official knowingly engaged in fraud. ✍🏼 @jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/03/…
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Join The Team: @NALCSPA and @valorant_pa announce the launch of a new Agent Certification Program to help players competing in @LCSOfficial and @ValorantEsports Americas find qualified representation. The new program is supported by @RiotGames. ✍🏼@jfudge esportsadvocate.net/2024/05/…
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Big Money: @DreamHack San Diego generated millions for the local economy during its recent three-day gaming and esports festival, according to information provided exclusively to TEA: esportsadvocate.net/2023/04/…
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