Esports is grappling with a crisis of payment delays and disputes, tarnishing its reputation. A $3.7 million debt in the Dota 2 scene highlights the industry's systemic issues and lack of accountability.

Riot Games has announced the format for Valorant Champions Tour 2027, introducing significant payouts for non-partner teams, including up to $400,000 for Champions qualification. This move aims to boost competitiveness and inclusivity by rewarding top-performing teams in the open circuit, alongside a new promotion and relegation dynamic.

CS2 dominated esports prediction markets during IEM Cologne, with Spirit leading tournament winner bets at 22.5%, and Vitality closely trailing at 16.8%. Kalshi recorded $66.2M in contracts, with CS2 accounting for 63.1% of trading volume, far surpassing LoL and Valorant.

Esports events face rampant ticket scalping, frustrating fans as digital scalpers dominate sales and inflate prices. The booming secondary market highlights the need for better ticketing controls to ensure fair access and channel revenue back into the esports industry.

The Fighting Game Community (FGC) is transitioning from grassroots to a more professional esports structure to ensure growth and sustainability. This involves enhancing tournament organization, standardizing production, and establishing a governing body to oversee fair play and improve player experience, while maintaining the community's authentic spirit.

FURIA secured a historic victory on Mirage, advancing to the Major semi-finals for the first time by defeating 9z with clutch plays from FalleN and KSCERATO. After early struggles on Dust2, they dominated Overpass, setting the stage for their breakthrough performance.

Ballistic gets a major enhancement with his Passive, Tactical, and Ultimate abilities revamped, offering team-wide sprint boosts and expanded kit options in Apex Legends Season 29's midseason patch. Meanwhile, Pathfinder, Ballistic, and Seer receive buffs for balance, as Axle, Conduit, Mad Maggie, and Valkyrie face nerfs, aiming to curb their dominance.

MIBR is actively pursuing nqz and try as potential new AWP players, while still negotiating for kl1m despite G2's initial rejection. With looming deadlines like the XSE Pro League starting July 1, MIBR is under pressure to finalize their roster amidst competing transfer interests and contract complexities.

Kazakhstan's CS:GO sensation, Danil 'Molodoy' Golubenko, rises from humble beginnings in Semey to join FURIA, despite language barriers. His journey, filled with personal challenges and mentorship from FalleN, is spotlighted in ESL’s Major player profile series, underscoring his ascent in the global esports arena.

The HLTV Hall of Fame is revising its eligibility rules for the 2026 class, allowing former players with no ongoing cross-domain activity to qualify. New rules include an 18-month inactivity threshold, and a ten-member panel will oversee nominations, planning to induct four players.

PARIVISION revamps its lineup by adding seasoned player HObbit, replacing BELCHONOKK to fortify its roster. This marks HObbit's return to tier-one play, aiming to leverage his experience.

Riot Games relaunches Pick’ems for the 2026 Mid-Season Invitational with a new Crystal Ball feature predicting MSI outcomes. Top participants can win exclusive rewards like the Broken Covenant Jhin skin.

Imperial Esports has reclaimed the rights to player Santino “try” Rigal after cancelling a transfer deal with Passion UA. This comes amid disappointing performances from Passion UA and ongoing negotiations.

PARIVISION benches key player BELCHONOKK following a disappointing Cologne Major and a winless streak, aiming to revitalize the team. Coach dastan indicated the need for change due to declining performance.

As the IEM Cologne Major playoffs approach, HLTV hosts a media day with updates and interviews from eight teams, building anticipation for the event. Key figures like 'soulfly' and 'm0NESY' are spotlighted, while HLTV Confirmed offers live analysis with experts, enhancing coverage of Monte's performance and predicting playoff outcomes.

The TI 2026 South America Qualifier kicks off with notable teams like LGD Gaming and PlayTime, vying for a single spot at The International 2026. Featuring a mix of invited and Open Qualifier teams, the event runs June 16-19, with matches streamed live for fans.

The Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC) is moving from New Orleans to Chicago's McCormick Place in 2027 to accommodate rapid growth. This relocation decision reignites debate over whether NAIC should be hosted outside the U.S., reflecting a broader concern of inclusivity and international representation in esports.

The HLTV Awards 2026 will be held at the Sava Center in Belgrade, introducing a new Lifetime Achievement Award. The event promises a packed agenda featuring a red carpet, various awards, and networking opportunities.

A vibrant photo gallery from the IEM Cologne Major highlights thrilling tournament moments, capturing celebrations and setbacks by photographers Brtan, Makuch, and Allana. As the field narrows, it showcases emotional highs and lows, including BetBoom's progress and 9z's historic playoff entry, offering a visual journey through the tournament's stages.