

eSports
2025 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship Details, Format, and Map Changes Revealed at Esports World Cup
James Yang, Senior Director of Global Esports at Level Infinite, has shared a number of exciting reveals for the future of PUBG MOBILE Esports. Among this news is the official plan for the second half of the 2025 competitive season, including further information on the format and changes coming to the prestigious PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC) at the end of the year. These changes are set to amplify the excitement at the final major competition in this year’s circuit, allowing more opportunities for teams to make it to number one.
As the final tournament of the annual PUBG MOBILE Esports circuit, the 2025 PMGC is the most anticipated event of the year, with professional teams vying for their chance to etch their name in esports history as the ultimate Champions of the PUBG MOBILE year. For this reason, the best teams across the world are invited to take their shot at victory. This year sees the introduction of the Gauntlet Stage to the tournament — an initial stage where the 16 best teams from each region are selected for an initial chance to go straight to the Grand Finals, with six slots up for grabs.
In order to qualify for the Gauntlet Stage, teams must be placed within the top two or three spots in the regional 2025 PUBG MOBILE Super League (PMSL) Fall Rankings, but this is not the only opportunity to enter the tournament. The bottom 10 ranked teams from the Gauntlet will enter the Group Stage, alongside 22 teams from across the globe. These 22 teams are made up of the top-scoring teams from every region, with the combined 32 teams facing off in two groups for a further four qualifying slots per group.
The final two slots are made up of the overall winner of the host-region invite slot and the winner of the Last Chance stage, where the teams ranked 5th-12th from the Group Stage will get one more shot at qualifying for the Grand Finals.
Many other changes were announced as PUBG MOBILE Esports seeks to close the gap between professional play and the wider player experience. Kicking this off, Rondo is replacing Sanhok in the official map rotation from the 2025 PMSL Fall Season, and with it comes a myriad of impactful changes. To begin, the Recall System makes a return to the competitive formula, allowing eliminated players to rejoin the battle should their teammates safely secure their tag. Sentry Guards and drops will also be introduced in keeping with the original Rondo experience and the Blue Zone speed will remain the same. However, the iconic map stores will not be available, meaning players will have to scavenge for gear just as they do in other maps.
With the action-heavy updates revealed, PUBG MOBILE Esports has also highlighted some of the best moments across the various tournaments to date. This involves a look at the skill of standout performances, key historical moments, and also recognising amazing examples of how gaming can connect people across the globe.
Beginning with the former, following two years of persistence, Indonesia’s GluSquad Esports made their mark on the game, qualifying for the PMSL SEA for the first time, earning widespread support for their fresh energy in the summer season. Waves were also made in Africa, as Memoitho made history becoming the first woman in PUBG MOBILE Esports to reach the Top 3 in the 2025 PUBG MOBILE Africa Cup (PMAC) Kenya Solo Competition. Then to Nepal, where Horaa Esports celebrated their qualification in the 2025 PMWC, marking their debut entry into a major global tournament.
Alongside these great stories are many heartwarming highlights from over the years, such as Team Nile’s own 11011Enemy, who defied the odds while managing mobility issues from sickle cell disease, securing MVP in a crucial match, and going on to represent Nigeria in Saudi Arabia. In a similar vein, a community of gamers with disabilities from Turkey were brought together by PUBG MOBILE, growing into a 50 person group of supportive players across the country. PUBG MOBILE is also celebrating the love and support shown by pro players’ families. Earlier this year, the father of Regnum Carya Esports’ Sylas celebrated his son’s success at the 2025 PUBG MOBILE Global Open (PMGO). Then at the 2025 PMWC, the father of POWR Esports’ Alhaje cheered on his son from the crowd as the weekend unfolded. With this, both of these proud fathers proved their place as their sons’ number one fans. Last but not least, fans will remember how football star Richarlison met his partner through their mutual love for PUBG MOBILE Esports.
With a plethora of significant updates to the tournament formula, the reintroduction of impactful features, and many more stories to be made, PUBG MOBILE Esports fans have plenty to look forward to for the rest of the year and beyond.
The post 2025 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship Details, Format, and Map Changes Revealed at Esports World Cup appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
THE ESPORTS AWARDS CROWNS THE BEST IN ESPORTS FROM THE PAST DECADE, INCLUDING NADESHOT, SJOKZ AND FAKER

The Decade Awards ceremony, held alongside the Esports World Cup as part of the ‘Summer of Celebration’, saw an incredible 9.8 million votes cast by fans, celebrating esports and gaming’s most legendary figures in a landmark tribute to a decade of excellence.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, August 24th, 2025: The most prestigious night in the esports calendar returned this evening, as the Esports Awards hosted their one-off special, the “Decade Awards”. Presented by Trevor “Quickshot” Henry, Jessica “JessGOAT” Bolden and Barney Banks, this year’s Decade Awards marked the Esports Awards’ 10th anniversary and honoured a decade of industry-defining achievements and trailblazers in esports across 14 different categories.
Among the evening’s standout honours was League of Legends superstar Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, who was named Esports PC Player of the Decade, alongside his team T1, who were crowned Esports Team of the Decade, and their coach Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun, recognised as Esports Coach of the Decade. Riot Games were also at the forefront, receiving multiple accolades including Esports Publisher of the Decade, Esports Game of the Decade for League of Legends, and Esports Live Event of the Decade for the unforgettable League of Legends Worlds 2017 Championship.
Marking the grand finale of the Summer of Celebration, the Esports Awards delivered yet another iconic evening, with a star-studded roster of presenters taking to the stage to announce the winners. Highlights included legendary professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, Twitch sensation Tyler1, renowned content creator and Sidemen member Vikkstar, and multiple-time EVO champion Justin Wong.
Over the past decade, the esports scene has grown exponentially, with countless players, teams and creators contributing to its growth into the global phenomenon it is today. Tonight, the Decade Awards celebrated those who have defined the last ten years in esports, honouring the individuals, teams and organisations whose achievements have left a monumental mark on the industry. The complete list of Decade Awards winners is as follows:
- Esports Game of the Decade – League of Legends
- Esports Personality of the Decade – Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag
- Streamer of the Decade – Félix “xQc” Lengyel
- Esports Commercial Partner of the Decade – Intel
- Esports Content and Coverage Platform of the Decade – Liquipedia
- Esports Publisher of the Decade – Riot Games
- Esports Live Event of the Decade – League of Legends Worlds 2017
- Esports PC Player of the Decade – Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok
- Esports Breakthrough Player of the Decade – Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
- Esports Controller Player of the Decade – Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro
- Esports Coach of the Decade – Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun
- Esports Team of the Decade – T1 – League of Legends
- Esports Organisation of the Decade – Team Liquid
- Esports On-Air Talent of the Decade – Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere
“Over the past ten years, the growth in the esports industry has been incredible to see, and it’s been a great honour to recognise the icons who have contributed to its rise in popularity,” says Mike Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards, “Tonight, we showed the world just how global and impactful esports has become, and celebrated the individuals and companies that have consistently driven its success. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to the esports community for your ongoing dedication and support.”
The Decade Awards is brought to you by the Esports World Cup, Oakley and Media Partner Hitmarker. The full stream can be found here: twitch.tv/esportsawards.
The post THE ESPORTS AWARDS CROWNS THE BEST IN ESPORTS FROM THE PAST DECADE, INCLUDING NADESHOT, SJOKZ AND FAKER appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience

With four spots, one stage and R60 000 on the line, South Africa’s sharpest squads are gearing up for a Call of Duty clash like no other.
The 2025 Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience is about to get louder, faster and more intense. Hyprop, in collaboration with MTN, is introducing SHIFT COD – a Call of Duty tournament designed to test South Africa’s sharpest squads in a no-excuses, high-pressure arena. Four online qualifiers. One LAN finale. R60,000 in prize money. Only the best survive.
The format stays sharp and unforgiving: each qualifier is a single-elimination best-of-five series. Teams will battle across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. Only the top squad from each of the four qualifier events will earn a shot at the LAN finale, taking place at Canal Walk on 12 and 13 September. Finalists will cover their own travel and accommodation, but the stage – and the spotlight – will be waiting.
“The Shift Gaming Experience is about putting real competition at the centre of public spaces and connecting people through the power of play,” said Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “Adding Call of Duty to the lineup takes the intensity up a notch. We’re giving gamers a serious platform to show what they can do – live, on stage and in front of a crowd.”
The four qualifiers took place online, where teams signed up for free:
All qualifier finals were broadcast, giving fans full access to the action and allowing players to gain exposure beyond the scoreboard.
Four teams qualify for the LAN finale, where they’ll compete in a double-elimination bracket for a prize pool structured as follows:
- 1st place: R30,000
- 2nd place: R15,000
- 3rd place: R10,000
- 4th place: R5,000
Now in its third year, the Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience has become one of the country’s most visible platforms for esports and casual gaming. Hosted at Hyprop-owned malls including Canal Walk, Clearwater and The Glen, the experience blends competitive tournaments with public engagement to bring gaming into the mainstream.
“MTN SHIFT isn’t about gimmicks. It’s built for players, whether you’re grinding in ranked or showing up to prove a point on LAN,” said Stanbridge. “We’ve seen how gaming can energise our spaces and create new communities. SHIFT COD builds on that energy.”
With only four LAN spots available, the window to make your mark is narrow, and the competition will be ruthless. Visit acgl.gg/mtnshift.
Remaining Tournament Dates & Venues:
SHIFT COD is part of the MTN Shift Gaming Experience which takes place at:
Capegate – Online Qualifier: 31 Aug | In-Centre Event: 5 – 7 Sep
Canal Walk – Online Qualifier: 7 Sep | In-Centre Event: 17 – 21 Sep
The post Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon Fights off the Competition to Reign as TEKKEN 8 at 2025 Esports World Cup Champion, Securing Back-to-Back EWC Titles

Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon has claimed the TEKKEN 8 at EWC 25 crown having beaten Yoon “LowHigh” Sun-woong in a 5-2 grand final finish. His victory secures DN Freecs their first win at EWC 25 as he takes home $250,000 of the $1,000,000 prize pool.
Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon had a strong run at EWC 25, losing just one series against Kim “Kkokkoma” Mu-jong in the first match of the second phase. From that point on, however, he went unbeaten on his way to the grand final, even taking down Kim “Kkokkoma” Mu-jong for revenge on his way back from the lower bracket.
In the semifinals, Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon booked his place in the grand final with a 5-3 finish over Kim “CherryBerryMango” Jae-hyun, securing his second EWC TEKKEN 8 grand final in a row. Ulsan showcased his mastery of Dragunov throughout the grand final, setting the scene with a decisive victory in the first set, before taking the title in the seventh set with a 5-2 win.
His grand final opponent, Yoon “LowHigh” Sun-woong, took down Team Vitality’s Jeon “JeonDDing” Sang-hyun in a 5-2 finish to lock his place in the grand final. The former EVO champion displayed his Bryan skills throughout the final against Ulsan, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the overall winner.
“I never expected this. I cannot imagine I would win again. I mean, this year I had a rough start; there was a nerf to Dragunov, I had a lot of difficulties – I wanted to prove myself on this stage, and I have done it,” said Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon. “It’s been like a dream to be here. Thank you to those who support me from everywhere, my team, my friends, all my partners, and especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for making this the biggest tournament in the world.”
“I’m still hungry. I just want to make myself a legend,” said Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon.
Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon secured 1000 Club Championship points for DN Freecs, who, as a result, jumped up to joint-eleventh place in the Club Championship standings, with 1200 points. Despite having three players in the top eight, DN Freecs will only receive one lot of points.
It was a disappointing showing from Team Falcons in TEKKEN 8, as all three representatives were eliminated before earning any points. With only a few games left to earn points, Team Falcons had high hopes for TEKKEN 8. Elsewhere, Twisted Minds, who secured victory earlier in the day in PUBG, failed to make it two for two on Saturday, also failing to score points in TEKKEN 8 as Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique was eliminated by overall winner, Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon.
The post Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon Fights off the Competition to Reign as TEKKEN 8 at 2025 Esports World Cup Champion, Securing Back-to-Back EWC Titles appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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