 |
| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/eSports Foundation) |
The eSports Foundation (EF) recently confirmed the complete 16-game lineup for the inaugural eSports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the global nation-based eSports competition set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 2-29, 2026. More than 100,000 players are expected to compete in hundreds of qualification events across 100 markets throughout 2026 for the opportunity to represent their nation and territory at the global stage. The ENC 2026 edition will feature 16 game titles, reflecting the diversity of the global eSports. These include Apex Legends, Chess, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, EA SPORTS FC, Fatal Fury, Honor of Kings, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG MOBILE, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, Street Fighter 6, Trackmania, and VALORANT.
NODWIN Gaming, a global leader in gaming, eSports, and youth entertainment, has been selected as India’s National Team Partner for the prestigious tournament. The company will lead the nationwide qualifiers, spearhead team formation, mobilize grassroots and competitive communities, support coaches across game titles, and coordinate with publishers, clubs, and ecosystem stakeholders to establish the pathways needed for Indian players to represent the country on the global stage. “The full ENC 2026 games lineup wasn’t built around the biggest titles alone, but to create the broadest possible footprint. No single game can do that — different titles reach different regions and communities, and bringing them together is what makes the ENC truly open. The same applies to national reach: some titles open pathways in a few countries, some extend across dozens. Working hand-in-hand with our partners, we’re creating a shared stage for millions of people, opening opportunities for talent to break through and giving communities a reason to rally behind their teams, bringing esports to every corner of the world,” said EF Chief Games Officer Fabian Scheuermann. The ENC introduces nation-based competition to the global eSports calendar in a structured and recurring format. By enabling countries and territories to organize their teams, develop talent pathways and compete on a global stage, the ENC provides a structured framework for expanding participation and strengthening eSports ecosystems worldwide.
The ENC is backed by a $45M (45 million dollars) funding commitment, including a $20M (20 million dollars) prize pool paid directly to players and coaches across 16 titles. With equal pay per player and coach for the same finishing position, first place awards $50,000 per player with $30,000 for second place and $15,000 for third place, ensuring a consistent and transparent prize structure across the competition. Additional information about the ESports Nations Cup will be released in the coming weeks thru esportsnationscup.com and ENC on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
* * * *
Fanatical Partners With Whale And Dolphin Conservation (WDC) For Earth Month Charity Bundle
 |
| (Image Source: Fanatical) |
In observance of this year's Earth Month, leading global PC gaming retailer Fanatical launched the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Charity Bundle, a special game collection featuring 11 fantastic titles available for just $6.99 in which all proceeds from the bundle will be donated directly to Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) to support its essential conservation efforts. This collection marks Fanatical’s first official collaboration between Fanatical and WDC. The bundle features a diverse selection of engaging games ranging from cozy management sims to deep-sea adventures, highlighting the beauty and fragility of our natural world.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Charity Bundle comprises of Loddlenaut, Planet Coaster, We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip, Mudborne: Frog Management Sim, SUMMERHOUSE, Imagine Earth, APICO, Beyond Blue, The Tenants, Mythic Ocean, and Don't Be Afraid. WDC Head of Digital Partnerships Sally Ward expressed the importance of this partnership, stating, “We’re very excited to be working with Fanatical to celebrate Earth Month. Whales and dolphins are our allies in the fight against climate and biodiversity breakdown - they are incredible, sentient, and intelligent beings that deserve to swim free from the threat of harpoons, pollution and capture for a life in captivity. To have a healthy planet, we need a healthy ocean and to have a healthy ocean, we need whales and dolphins. It is partners like Fanatical and the awesome games companies who take part in these bundles that we truly rely on to enable our global conservation work to continue so we can achieve our vision of a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. Thank you Fanatical!” Fanatical Head of Business Development Alan Wild added, "Launching our first-ever charity bundle with WDC during Earth Month is a perfect alignment of values; it’s collectively an incredible force for good. From both a company and personal perspective, working with the fabulous team at WDC is a reward in itself, and I’m delighted with the plans we have in place together to help contribute to the vital protection of these magnificent marine beings.”
Fanatical Brand Marketing Manager Char Harborne said, “We’re incredibly proud to be the platform between the gaming community and environmental action. Seeing the gaming industry come together to support WDC’s mission is a really exciting part of our 2026 charity roadmap, and I look forward to seeing our community support WDC alongside us.” The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Charity Bundle is available for a limited time at www.fanatical.com. For $6.99 (£6.99, €6.99), gamers can secure over $180 worth of content while ensuring all proceeds go toward the conservation and protection of all whales, dolphins and porpoises worldwide.
* * * *
Honor Of Kings: World Announces First Ever Closed PC Alpha Test, Inviting Players To Explore The Extraordinary Realm Of Primaera
| (Image Source: PinoyGamer.ph/TiMi Studio Group) |
TiMi Studio Group is pleased to announce the first ever overseas closed PC alpha test for its Eastern Fantasy multiplayer action RPG, Honor Of Kings: World. PC players can register now at https://hokw.onelink.me/O1Gv/0g540cy0 for the chance to be among the first to get hands-on with an early build of the highly anticipated title. Rooted in the globally renowned Honor Of Kings franchise which becomes the world’s most-played MOBA with over 260 million monthly active users, Honor Of Kings: World expands the series’ rich lore into a vast open world filled with adventure, mystery, and legendary heroes. Set against the backdrop of Eastern Fantasy infused with futuristic elements, the game introduces players to “the Flow”, a powerful and mysterious force shaping the fate of the world.
In Honor Of Kings: World, players begin their journey as students at the prestigious Jixia Academy before venturing across the continent of Primaera. Along the way, they will encounter iconic heroes, forge alliances, and ultimately challenge the “Chain of Fate” to create their own legend. Participants in the Alpha Test will gain early hands-on access to the game whilst development continues. This early test will provide valuable insight into core gameplay systems and offer players a first look at the world and features of Honor Of Kings: World. The Alpha Test features free exploration of the expansive world of Primaera; a dynamic combat system with dual hero; Flow Styles, allowing players to seamlessly switch between the fighting techniques of two heroes in real time; a rich blend of PvE adventure and competitive PvP experiences; skill-based combat with precise parries, perfect dodges, and highly responsive action gameplay; cooperative multiplayer boss encounters with evolving mechanics; social features such as shared world hubs and co-op activities; and home building, farming, and crafting systems.
The test will be open to select countries in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia. The current build will be available in English only, with additional language support planned for future versions. “We can’t wait to welcome new overseas players into the world of Primaera for the first time. This early playtest gives us our first opportunity to get player feedback at scale that will help us shape the future of Honor Of Kings: World,” said the game's lead combat designer Big Huang. To stay up to date on the development of Honor of Kings: World, visit the game's official website at www.honorofkingsworld.com and Discord page at https://discord.com/invite/honorofkings as well as its official X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram accounts.
* * * *
SM Reinforces Public Safety Through Nationwide Fire Prevention Month Programs
 |
| SM Mall of Asia Globe lighted up in purple last March 1, 2026, signaling the joint celebration of Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month in 2026. The purple illumination and formation of the Venus symbol signifies dignity, justice, and empowerment for all women and girls and marked the start of SM Cares’ month-long advocacy in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).(Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Supermalls) |
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety and community resilience, SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), led a series of impactful, nationwide initiatives in celebration of Fire Prevention Month, empowering Filipinos with life-saving knowledge, preparedness skills, and a shared responsibility for fire safety across its network of most-loved malls.
Mounted through SM Supermalls' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm SM Cares, the 5th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill engaged almost 30,000 participants composed of SM employees, tenant employees, security and janitorial personnel, students, mall goers, and residents of barangays near SM malls which was a 30% increase in participants versus the previous year. With the theme ‘Sa pag-iwas sa sunog hindi ka nag-iisa, kababaihan kasama mo!’, the drill strengthened coordination in emergency response, especially helping communities practice life-saving evacuation procedures. In addition, the Fire Square Road Show brought interactive fire safety education to the public across 16 participating SM malls, reaching 8,611 participants through demonstrations, equipment showcases, and hands-on safety activities designed for families, students, and community members.
Meanwhile, a large-scale Fire Prevention Month illumination at the SM Mall of Asia Globe featured a dramatic “Venus Symbol Formation” created by 263 fire trucks and emergency vehicles with 2,827 participants, honoring firefighters and raising awareness about fire safety and emergency preparedness. On the other hand, the search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines (TOFF) 2026 was formally launched with officers of SM, BFP and DILG headed by Usec. Rolando C. Puno as Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHAS). TOFF is on its 3rd solid year of recognizing Filipino firefighters for their exemplary service in fire safety and protection, emergency response, community education, and resilience-building initiatives. This highlights the partnership between SM Prime and BFP for a safer, more resilient Philippines.
* * * *
TrillerTV And India’s WXM Join Forces For New Pro-Wrestling Partnership
 |
| (Image Source: TrillerTV) |
TrillerTV is expanding its global professional wrestling offerings through a new partnership with India's Wrestling Xtreme Mania (WXM), a fast-rising promotion building a premium wrestling brand featuring top Indian talent alongside international superstars. As part of the new agreement, WXM Ground Zero, the promotion's flagship weekly series, is now streaming every Saturday on the TrillerTV Free Tier, making it accessible to fans worldwide. The partnership also includes WXM's premium live events to be distributed on PPV.
New episodes will mirror WXM's existing premiere cadence, giving fans a consistent weekly destination to follow the promotion's rising stars, evolving rivalries, and signature "Jigra"-driven presentation. Since launching in December, Ground Zero has already built an engaged and growing weekly audience, establishing WXM as one of the most promising new entrants in global wrestling. Former world champion Raj The Maharaja, known to many fans as Jinder Mahal during his WWE run, leads the WXM roster. He is joined by an array of international names, including Zack Sabre Jr., arguably the finest technical wrestler in the world, as well as former WWE standouts Axel Tischer, Samuray Del Sol, Big Damo and Donovan Dijak. Built around courage, intensity, and modern wrestling spectacle, WXM is carving out a distinctive space in the pro-wrestling industry with a vision to create a premier wrestling brand from India for a global audience. "WXM is bringing fresh energy, ambition, and identity to pro wrestling in India, and we're pleased to partner with them as they continue to build their brand. Ground Zero is exactly the kind of weekly wrestling content that can engage fans consistently, and we also see strong potential in helping WXM grow the reach of its premium live events on PPV," said TrillerTV Chief Content Officer Adam Bigwood.
WXM's content is designed to bring together elite Indian and international talent, anchored by weekly programming and bigger-event moments that can scale over time. The promotion's positioning around "Jigra" reflects a bold, fearless spirit at the core of its identity. "WXM is being built with a clear vision — to create a globally relevant wrestling brand from India. Partnering with TrillerTV allows us to take that vision to a worldwide audience every week. ‘Jigra' sits at the heart of WXM — and we believe there is space for a new global player that reflects that mindset through its identity and talent," said WXM CEO Rishi. With this deal, TrillerTV continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for pro wrestling fans worldwide, offering a wide range of content across free, subscription, and PPV models. From weekly programming to premium live events, WXM is bringing a new voice in pro wrestling out of India — and fans around the world will now be able to follow the journey on TrillerTV.
* * * *
PFL Africa To Bring The Largest MMA Event To West Africa With Historic Nigeria Debut In Lagos On June 13
 |
| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League recently announced the first pair of bouts as PFL Africa heads to Nigeria for the first time at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos on June 13, 2026. The event will mark the largest MMA event in West African history, featuring the opening round of the PFL Africa bantamweight and lightweight tournaments, alongside showcase bouts highlighting top regional talent.
Headlining the event will be a featherweight Showcase Bout featuring Nigeria’s Wasi “The Nigerian Jaguar” Adeshina (10-3), who will compete in front of a home crowd in the main event against Spanish star Ignacio “Nacho” Campos (7-2). Adeshina enters as one of the notable local athletes on the card and will look to deliver a strong performance as PFL Africa lands in Nigeria for the first time. Campos, on the other hand, is coming off a big win over Mathys Duragrin at PFL Madrid last month. The co-main event will feature a lightweight first round tournament bout between Nigeria’s Patrick “Star Boi” Ocheme (8-1) and Cameroon’s Octave “The Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-1). Ocheme will look to capitalize on the home advantage as he begins his tournament campaign while Ayinda enters as a challenger aiming to secure a statement victory in the opening round.
“Making our West African debut in Lagos is a major milestone for PFL Africa, and one we’re incredibly excited about. Nigeria brings incredible passion, culture, and talent, and Lagos is the perfect stage for this moment. The energy from the fans, the depth of local talent, and the opportunity to showcase it all on a global platform make this event truly special. We’re bringing elite competition to one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and highlighting the pride, colour, and intensity that define African MMA,” said PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze. Additional bouts for the PFL Africa: Nigeria card will be announced in the coming weeks. PFL Africa: Nigeria will be aired across Africa in English on Supersport and in French on Canal+.
