 |
| (Image Source: HIPTHER/BASILISK) |
BASILISK, the global eSports organization built to champion science, recently announced the signing of legendary fighting game competitor Justin 'JWong' Wong as captain of its newly formed Fighting Game Community (FGC) Division. Wong will lead BASILISK 's entry into the FGC by recruiting players, developing community events, and creating FGC - science crossover content. "Justin isn't just a competitive genius – he is a cultural icon and humble leader within the FGC. We are incredibly proud to have him leading our FGC division and support the amazing work he already does for the community," said BASILISK co-founder Christopher Bothur.
A nine-time Evolution Championship Series (Evo) Champion and Guinness World Record holder, Wong brings unparalleled FGC credibility and expertise to BASILISK. His reach extends across the entire FGC fandom of millions and he was immortalized in Evo Moment #37 which has over 100 million views. As Captain of BASILISK FGC, Wong will leverage BASILISK's data analytics to scout and train the next generation of FGC pros. Upon joining BASILISK, Wong said, "Math is super important to fighting games. I'm excited to join science's eSports team. I'm passionate about finding promising players with a positive mentality and shaping them into the next big thing. I want to see somebody else in the spotlight after me and help them reach their potential. If we can discover the next world champion, that would be fantastic." The signing comes on the heels of BASILISK's new partnerships with The Planetary Society and Caltech's Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM), announced in July. These collaborations create a powerful bridge between renowned scientific institutions and gamers which Wong will amplify to his millions of followers and fans.
BASILISK Co-Founder Hans Kassier added, "Justin is a dream addition to our organization. He exemplifies the dedication and analytical capacity required to be an eSports champion or great scientist." Wong becomes the second "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) to join BASILISK alongside Finnish StarCraft 2 legend Joona 'Serral' Sotala who just captured the SC2 eSports World Cup Championship in July 2025. The signing also creates opportunities for cross-over content with BASILISK's diverse roster including chess Grandmaster Vincent Keymer and award-winning science communicator Kyle Hill who brings over 2.5 million followers and a vast network of science enthusiasts to the organization.
* * * *
Madden NFL 26 Championship Series Competitions Return To Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress For Second Consecutive Year
 |
| (Image Source: West Virginia's News/PR Newswire/Electronic Arts) |
EA (Electronic Arts) eSports and Full Sail University are proud to announce the return of the Madden NFL 26 Championship Series (MCS 26) to the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress for the second consecutive year. Following the overwhelming success of last year's events, four select MCS 26 competitions and broadcast productions, beginning in September 2025 through January 2026, will be held on Full Sail's Winter Park campus just minutes from EA's offices in Orlando, Florida. "EA SPORTS Madden NFL is proudly developed in Orlando, so it's fitting that Full Sail will continue to be our home for the Madden Championship Series this season. We're looking forward to continuing to tap into Full Sail's deep alumni network to support our production and provide great real-world experience for students," said EA's Head of eSports Monica Dinsmore.
Year one of the relationship featured more than forty (40) Full Sail graduates hired in key production positions with a total of over fifty (50) Full Sail students experiencing real world learning opportunities during the production. As part of the expanded strategic collaboration in year two, EA is exploring content creation opportunities on Full Sail's campus in support of this year's series. The EA eSports team will once again tap into Full Sail's alumni talent to assist in the broadcast production. Students within the university's media and entertainment programs will have the opportunity to gain hands-on learning experience in areas including shoutcasting, in addition to shadowing the professional crew across each on campus event date. The EA eSports team will once again contribute to a scholarship fund for Full Sail University students. Full Sail University Executive Director and Head of Partnerships John P. Saboor seated, "Our experience in hosting the MCS last season exceeded our expectations on so many levels. Our partners at EA eSports created a dynamic real-world experience for our students as next-gen industry talent, and our grads who worked alongside and learned from 'best in class' professionals to bring every aspect of this iconic title and competition to life. We are excited to build upon this success in year two as we work with our partners to create an even more powerful immersion and experience for our students, grads and fans around the world."
The university's state-of-the-art eSports arena, Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress, will once again host the top Madden competitors as they compete for US$150,000 in prizing and first grabs at valuable MCS points. Audiences around the globe are invited to tune in to catch MCS 26 action on Twitch and YouTube. Select MCS 26 competitions and broadcast productions taking place at the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress include the Kickoff Challenge (September 10, 2025), Most Feared Challenge (October 15, 2025), Zero Chill Challenge (December 10, 2025), and the Last Chance Qualifier (January 21, 2026). To stay in the loop on all things MCS 26 follow the tournament series on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. For the Official Rules and to register for MCS 26, visit http://maddenchampionship.com/rules.
* * * *
PlayVS College League (PCL) Partners With National Junior College Athletic Association eSports (NJCAAE) To Elevate Two-Year College eSports Nationwide
 |
| (Image Source: National Junior College Athletic Association eSports) |
PlayVS, North America's leading eSports platform, recently announced a landmark six-year partnership with the National Junior College Athletic Association eSports (NJCAAE), establishing it as the Official Two-Year College Partner of the PlayVS College League (PCL). This agreement solidifies PlayVS' commitment to expanding access to structured collegiate eSports and elevating the experience for two-year college programs nationwide. The collaboration with the NJCAAE builds on the momentum of the PCL which was formally launched in July 2025. By working together, PlayVS and the NJCAAE will introduce new competitive pathways and resources designed to help two-year college eSports programs flourish.
"Partnering with the NJCAAE is a meaningful step in our commitment to building a truly inclusive and scalable collegiate eSports ecosystem. Two-year colleges play a critical role in shaping student opportunity and community, and we're honored to support that mission through structured competition, professional production, and a clear pathway for growth. This collaboration ensures that NJCAAE programs and their athletes have the tools, visibility, and support they need to thrive," said PlayVS CEO Jon Chapman. The landmark six-year agreement with the NJCAAE is set to enhance the competitive infrastructure, support systems, and visibility of two-year college eSports across the country. PlayVS will also recognize the NJCAAE as the Official Two-Year College eSports Association of the PCL and will serve as the official platform provider for NJCAAE competitions.
"We are proud to align with PlayVS and bring even more resources, structure, and visibility to our growing community of two-year collegiate eSports programs. This partnership represents a major step forward in elevating the NJCAAE experience from match operations to championship productions and positions our member institutions for long-term success in a rapidly evolving eSports landscape," said NJCAAE Executive Director Jeff White. As part of this collaboration, PlayVS will provide a comprehensive suite of services focused on access to its platform and professional stream production. NJCAAE members will benefit from a continuation and enhancement of the weekly "Match Of The Week" broadcasts and professionally produced championship events each season.
* * * *
Razer And Sentinels Renew Partnership With New Co-Branded Gear For Competitive Gamers
 |
| (Image Source: Razer) |
Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, recently announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with Sentinels, one of North America’s most iconic and forward-thinking eSports organizations. This continued collaboration builds on Razer’s commitment to supporting top-tier eSports talent and delivering performance-driven gear that empowers players to compete at the highest level while celebrating the culture and creativity that define modern gaming. Sentinels, known for their dominance in VALORANT and expanding presence in Apex Legends and StarCraft, recently made their international debut at the 2025 eSports World Cup, further solidifying their reputation as one of the most recognized and respected organizations in competitive gaming.
The renewed partnership with Razer underscores a shared commitment to empowering elite athletes and delivering high-performance gear that reflects Sentinels’ bold identity. Since the beginning of their collaboration, the two brands have released a series of co-branded peripherals such as the Viper V3 Pro – Sentinels Edition and the Razer Iskur V2, that fuse Razer’s engineering excellence with Sentinels’ unmistakable flair, becoming staples among players and fans alike. “We’re proud to extend our partnership and continue building on the momentum we’ve created together — delivering cutting-edge gear that meets the demands of the world’s top players,” said Razer Director of Global eSports Jeffrey Chau. “Razer’s been with us through some of our biggest moments, and our fans know what to expect when we team up. This renewed partnership is about continuing to deliver gear that elevates the experience for our players and community,” said Sentinels CEO Rob Moore. Building on that momentum, the partnership now introduces a limited-edition custom Sentinels faceplate for the newly released Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, Razer’s flagship esports headset. Designed to be swappable, the faceplate features the team’s signature red-and-black aesthetic — giving fans a bold new way to personalize their setup while enjoying crystal-clear, tournament-grade audio. Sentinels is the first eSports team to offer their custom faceplate along with the BlackShark V3 Pro directly to their fans, marking a new milestone in fan-focused hardware customization. Fans can purchase the BlackShark V3 Pro with Sentinels branded faceplate exclusively at sentinels.gg.
With this renewed partnership, fans can expect deeper integrations, exclusive product drops, and unforgettable moments that celebrate the spirit of competitive gaming. Razer and Sentinels remain united in their pursuit of excellence — driving innovation, elevating eSports culture, and inspiring the next generation of gamers. To learn more about Team Razer and its roster of elite eSports athletes, visit www.razer.com/esports.
* * * *
Make-A-Wish® International Launches Infinite Wishes Initiative To Inspire Hope Through The Power Of Gaming
 |
| (Image Source: PocketGamer.biz/Make-A-Wish International) |
Make-A-Wish® International, the world’s leading wish-granting organization, has announced the launch of its Infinite Wishes Initiative, a global programme aimed at uniting the video games industry to help grant life-changing wishes for children living with critical illnesses. Launched in response to a dramatic rise in gaming-related wishes – ranging from building custom PCs to meeting developers or creating custom skins – Infinite Wishes provides a flexible, inclusive framework for the industry to make a meaningful impact, no matter an organization’s size or budget. With tiered partnership levels and non-financial participation options, companies can get involved in ways that align with their goals and resources.
Make-A-Wish International Charitable Gaming and Creators Community Manager April Stallings commented, “Infinite Wishes is about creating pathways for the games industry to do great things, whether that’s funding wishes, hosting a livestream, or simply sparking a new idea for impact. We know how passionate and talented this community is. This initiative is about giving teams a purpose-driven outlet to rally around – one that lifts spirits, sparks creativity, and changes lives.”To help shape and guide the programme, Make-A-Wish International has assembled a Games Industry Advisory Committee made up of leaders and experts across the sector. Going into its second year, the committee includes representatives from Square Enix, Bethesda, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Raccoon Logic, 2K, Deviant Legal, Modoyo, Stream For A Cause, and Dames4Games. Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Communications & Community Engagement Senior Director and Make-A-Wish Games Industry Advisory Committee Chair Wouter Van Vugt added, “There’s never been a better time for the games industry to show its heart. Through Infinite Wishes, our industry has the opportunity to channel our collective goodwill and reach into something that delivers lasting, real-world impact for children who need it most. The opportunity to help fulfil a child's wish is one of the most powerful things we can offer.”
Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted over 615,000 wishes globally. In 2024 alone, the international network granted more than 16,000 wishes, with gaming playing a growing role in the wish journey of many children. The Infinite Wishes initiative reflects Make-A-Wish International’s commitment to expanding its impact through new and innovative partnerships with the gaming community. Inaugural members of the Infinite Wishes Initiative include Raptor PR and PlaySafe ID. To learn more or join the Infinite Wishes Initiative, visit https://worldwish.org/infinite-wishes/.
* * * *
Riot Games To Launch PH's First-Ever Gameserver For VALORANT
 |
| (Image Source: BALASTECH/Riot Games Philippines) |
Riot Games has announced that its sixth gameserver for VALORANT in the Asia Pacific region is slated to launch in Manila. Set to go live with Patch 11.04 on August 20, 2025 at 5:00 am (PHT), the Manila gameserver aims to bring better connectivity and enrich the game experience of Filipino VALORANT players. The Manila server is expected to deliver lower ping, reduce instability, and improve overall connectivity. It hopes to eliminate many of the infrastructure-related limitations Filipino players often face when connecting to overseas servers — most notably in Hong Kong. VALORANT’s gameserver in Manila will not affect the performance of its Hong Kong server which has been the primary hub for Pinoy players since 2020. The game has a strong and active player base across Asia Pacific so even if some players choose to switch to the new server, game quality and matchmaking on the Hong Kong server will stay resilient.
Moreover, the Manila server is an additional option, not a replacement. Filipino players can move to the new server and those who prefer to continue playing using the Hong Kong server can do so without any disruption. It will also not affect players’ ability to join competitive tournaments like Premier and top Filipino teams competing from the Manila server will still have the chance to qualify for the Challengers Southeast Asia league. This keeps the path to higher-level competition open and fair. The Manila server will also function like existing game pods in Southeast Asia, such as those in Hong Kong and Singapore. Its location will be labelled ‘MNL’ in the server options under the Southeast Asia region for eligible players. The launch of the Manila server follows the month-long celebration of VALORANT’s fifth anniversary, which spotlighted Filipino players through community-led moments such as a tribute video, ‘Humans Of VALORANT’ mini-documentary series, and a massive mural at a tenement in Taguig City that exhibited local moments that shaped the Pinoy VALORANT experience. These tributes reflect the game’s deep cultural impact and the passion of the local community.
“The launch of VALORANT’s first-ever gameserver in the Philippines reinforces Riot Games’ commitment to improving the local player experience while celebrating the Filipino players and communities that have fueled the game’s growth. Our priority has always been to enrich the game experience for local players and ensure we’re providing the right level of support to our base. We’re excited for them to try out the Manila gameserver and experience smoother connectivity and more hyperlocal matches that will bring fresh excitement to their games,” said Riot Games Philippines Brand Manager for VALORANT Jason Roberto. In celebration of the new game server in Manila, Riot Games Philippines will be mounting a series of community tournaments for Filipino players across the nation. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to VALORANT’s official PH social media channels for more updates. Follow VALORANT PH on Facebook and Instagram for the latest announcements on the new server, Patch 11.04, and nationwide community tournaments updates.
