Riot Games has announced a new League of Legends tournament for women in the EMEA region (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa). The ’Game Changers�?event will start this summer with an inaugural tournament called LGC Rising, and end with a live final in October at Paris Games Week.

Riot said they want to bring the same positive impact of Game Changers in VALORANT to League of Legends. ‘This isn’t just a one-off tournament,�?the company noted. ‘It’s the beginning of a new path.�?/p>

The format is inspired by Riot’s successful VALORANT Game Changers, which helped grow women’s esports. Riot hopes to bring in well-known names like G2 Hel, SK Gaming Avarosa, and Vitality Rising Bees. Newer teams from local leagues can also take part.

Many in the community see this as a key moment for League of Legends. With more support and structure, this new league could make the game more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

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Esports has not been around for as long as traditional sports, but it has already delivered some unforgettable moments across various games. Some of these are considered landmark moments that have helped draw more attention to competitive gaming. 

Before diving into these moments, find out what makes a moment iconic.

What makes a moment iconic in esports?

Not every highlight goes down in history even though esports games are usually packed with exciting moments. For a play to be significant enough, it needs to be impactful to remain part of the ongoing conversation around the game. When fans discuss the game, that moment should be the first to come to mind.

One thing that makes a moment iconic is when it sparks a strong reaction from fans, as it captures the essence of what makes it exciting. It should be one of the standout examples everyone recalls when the game comes up in a conversation.

The Na’Vi Fountain Hook (Dota 2)

One of the most unforgettable and controversial moments in esports happened at The International 3 in a match between Natus Vincere and TongFu. This involved the Fountain Hook, an exploit that made use of Pudge’s Meat Hook and Chen’s Recall abilities.

Recall is designed to teleport allies back to the fountain, while the Meat Hook has a certain range where Pudge can hook enemies to him. With the Recall bringing Pudge to the fountain, it drags the enemy along to the fountain where enemies cannot escape from due to the fountain damage.

Na’Vi was on the verge of losing this match, but after using this tactic, they were able to turn the game around and win. That propelled them to reach the Grand Final where they would play the infamous series against fierce rivals, Alliance. However, this moment is not without its issues as many players around the TI player base argued it was unfair, but Valve allowed it to happen.

Daigo’s Evo Moment #37 (Street Fighter - FGC)

This is one of the most iconic moments that comes to mind when fighting games are discussed. At the most popular fighting game event in the world, Evo, Daigo Umehara pulled off one of the most impressive and jaw-dropping plays you would ever see. 

Down to a sliver of health, Daigo parried 15 hits from Justin Wong’s Chun-Li Super Art, which required frame-perfect precision and reaction speed. After the final parry, Daigo hit back with a combo to take the round and then the match. Wong could not do anything at the time, though he looks back now and laughs about it.

It is a moment remembered by many because of the incredible skills to pull it off, but also for the powerful emotions it can elicit from the audience. The fighting game community is one of the most passionate in esports, and that moment encapsulates what it means to be part of the FGC because raw talent, hype, and respect are part of that moment.

Coldzera’s jumping AWP play (Counter-Strike)

Brazil was a powerhouse nation during the Counter-Strike 1.6 days, but in the Global Offensive, they were lacking that star power. That all changed in 2015 and 2016 when Luminosity Gaming broke out as one of the best teams. It was further stamped during MLG Columbus 2016 when they had a moment that defined their dominance during that year.

That was when Marcelo ‘coldzera�?David was watching the apartments section of the Mirage map. When Team Liquid tried to break through his defence with his AWP, coldzera pulled off the impossible by getting four frags, two of which came in one jumping shot from his AWP. 

The AWP requires precision to deal big damage, but coldzera hits those shots without using the scope. He completely turned the tide of the series, as LG came back from 9-15 down to win Mirage. That eventually led to a series victory and them taking the tournament. Brazil would become one of the strongest countries in CS:GO, which raised the level for everyone else.

Faker’s miraculous play against Ryu (League of Legends)

Few names are as synonymous with League of Legends as Lee ‘Faker�?Sang-hyeok. While his achievements have cemented his legendary status, he was already pulling off some iconic moments early in his career. In 2013, SK Telecom T1 was playing against KT’s Ryu ‘Ryu�?Sang-wook and beat him in a flashy one-on-one play. 

In most cases, Ryu would win the matchup against Faker, but with pixel-perfect decision-making, Faker came out on top. He danced around Ryu’s abilities and punished him for extending too far from the safety zone. It was a perfect display of skill, which became more normalised with Faker through the years.

This moment played a major role in Faker’s rise in the scene, proving he deserved to be called a superstar. He went on to dominate the League of Legends scene in the following decade, eventually winning five World Championships.

The esports industry will continue to deliver big moments

In esports, there is always a fun match yet to be played—one that’s bound to capture everyone’s attention. As the industry evolves, the popular games now might be replaced by new titles in the future, which will bring their own legendary moments. It will be interesting to see many more iconic moments emerging and becoming a big part of why esports is popular in the future.

With all of these moments, it is fair to say that esports has become one of the most exciting parts of the gaming industry. From massive audiences in the stadiums and online, the enthusiasm for esports will keep growing. Esports is here to stay, and these iconic moments play a big role in that longevity.

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Riot Games has placed Uzi in the Hall of Legends, making him one of the most influential ADC in League of Legends (LoL) history. Over the years, Uzi changed how the ADC role is played. He was not just good, he was the model for others. From his early games to big wins in 2018, Uzi became the face of the Chinese League of Legends and a star known worldwide. Here are his notable journey:

Tristana shines in 2014 World Quarterfinal

In the 2014 World Championship Quarterfinals, Uzi played Tristana against Edward Gaming. His team was behind, but he jumped into four enemy players and won the fight. It looked risky, but it was a smart, well-timed move. That play pushed Star Horn Royal Club into the finals, showing Uzi’s fearless style and sharp skills.

Breaking the curse in 2018 LPL Spring final

After years of near-misses, Uzi finally won his first LPL title in 2018. He played Xayah in the Spring Finals and led RNG to a 3�? win over Edward Gaming. This win was more than a trophy, it proved that Uzi could finally turn strong play into big wins. Fans celebrated with him, and he proved he was not just a top ADC, he was a champion.

Kai’Sa carries at MSI 2018

During the MSI 2018 group stage, Uzi’s Kai’Sa performance against Kingzone DragonX was one of his best. In a tight battle, he dodged crowd control with perfect timing and survived what looked like a sure loss. He kept calm and made the right moves at the right time. Uzi stayed strong through the whole tournament, helping RNG win MSI and taking home the MVP title.

Gold for China at Asian Games 2018

Uzi helped China win gold at the 2018 Asian Games, where LoL appeared for the first time. The team beat South Korea 3�? in the final, and Uzi played a big part in that win. Many still doubted China’s strength in esports, but this win changed minds. Uzi beat top Korean players, which included Faker.

Final crown at 2018 LPL summer finals

Uzi’s peak year ended with a win at the LPL summer finals. RNG faced Invictus Gaming and won a hard-fought 3�? series. The last game came down to a near-loss, but Uzi helped RNG hold on. Invictus would later win Worlds, making RNG’s win even bigger in hindsight. Uzi proved again that he was a steady force in late-game fights.

Uzi’s story lives on

Even though he won only one big international title, Uzi’s mark on the game runs deeper than trophies. He led a new era of Chinese players, proved the ADC role could lead a team, and pushed China to global success. 

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On May 20, Riot Games announced that Jian ‘Uzi�?Zihao, one of the best ADC players in the LPL and known as one of the greatest Vayne players ever, has been named the second member of the League of Legends Hall of Legends.

A year after Faker became the first member, Uzi earned this title due to his impact on the game, both when playing and beyond. Chris Greeley, the Global Head of LoL esports, said ‘Uzi’s legacy goes beyond his titles and achievements; he changed the way we view the bot lane role and left a permanent mark on League of Legends Esports.�?nbsp;

To celebrate, Riot will hold a special event with a ceremony and an in-game celebration. This will include a special Transcendent skin, a game Pass with unique items, and more to praise Uzi’s amazing influence in League of Legends esports. 

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Riot Games, best known for League of Legends (LoL), is not slowing down. After the success of Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, and other spin-offs, the company now has several new titles in the works. These upcoming games are expected to span many genres, showing Riot’s push to stay at the top of gaming. Here’s a look at what Riot is building now.

2KXO: Riot’s first console fighter

Riot’s most complete project is 2KXO, a free-to-play fighting game set in the LoL world. You choose two champions and switch between them in battle. Names like Darius, Ahri, and Ekko are already confirmed. The game will be Riot’s first on console, launching on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. A set date hasn’t been given, but Riot has said it will come out sometime in 2025.

LoL Esports Manager: A mobile sim with no global plan yet

LoL Esports Manager was teased back in 2019. It’s a sim game where you run a LoL esports team. The game uses gacha-style systems and is made for mobile. It went into open beta in China in 2022. However, Riot has been quiet since then. There’s no update on when or if it will launch outside of China.

Project F: A ghost of the past?

Project F was teased in 2019 with a short clip, which looked like a top-down action RPG, close to games like Diablo or Torchlight. Since then, nothing has happened, the director left Riot, and there have been no updates. Riot hasn’t cancelled it, but no news likely means it’s stuck or nearly dropped.

Valorant mobile: Almost here, but not for everyone yet

Valorant Mobile was confirmed in early 2025, after leaks in 2022 and 2024 test clips. Riot has said it will first launch in China but didn’t say when it will reach the West. North American fans will need to be patient.

Riftbound: A LoL card game for 2025

Riftbound is Riot’s new card game, first shown in late 2024. It brings champions like Jinx, Yasuo, and Lux to a standard TCG format. You can play 1v1, 2v2, or even 4-player battles. Some card art has been changed after fan feedback. The first set, Origins, drops in China in the Summer of 2025. English regions follow later in the year.

Can Riot strike again?

Riot once ruled esports. LoL, Valorant, and TFT changed how we view online play. But not every new title has hit the mark. Wild Rift failed to lead mobile MOBAs. Legends of Runeterra lost to older card games. Now, Riot must prove it can lead again. With fighting games, shooters, and card games on the rise, Riot has one more chance to shape the scene again.

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Riot Games is updating how it handles bad behaviour in League of Legends (LoL). Lead Gameplay Designer Matt Leung-Harrison shared that the goal is to fix toxic manners and help players improve. The team will use light punishments and clear warnings instead of harsh bans. Riot found that giving players a clear warning can stop most from doing the same.

Leung-Harrison urged players to report others only when needed. Reports help, but if you report too many people unfairly, Riot may stop trusting your reports. Riot would rather let some actions go than punish innocent players.

Only a small group keeps breaking the rules and will get banned for good. However, Riot knows these players sometimes return with new accounts. But with the update, they aim to create a better game space. This allows players to enjoy LoL without facing toxic opponents and it is hoped the new system will help build a more respectful community.

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The esports industry, with its multiple genres and various domestic tournaments within each game, captures just about everyone’s attention in the gaming world. Whether fans are into the FPS scene or the MOBA craze, esports is known for its wide stage that allows different types of pro players to shine in their respective games.

These individuals are not only the best in their games, but they could also be considered the best in the industry. Learn more about these iconic esports players and why they’re considered legends.

Lee ‘Faker�?Sang-hyeok (League of Legends)

The greatest League of Legends player ever, Lee ‘Faker�?Sang-hyeok, is unmatched in his achievements. It is hard not to pick him as the best player due to his unprecedented success with 10 LCK titles, two Mid-Season Invitational wins, and five World Championship titles.

His trophy case is superb, which rightfully earned him a place as League’s greatest-ever player. In League, Faker was known as ‘The Unkillable Demon King�?due to his off-the-charts skills. He could out-play almost every opponent and remained a strong leader from the mid-lane. Faker can also play any champion at the highest level.

Considering he is the best player in League history, he could also be considered the greatest in esports history. League of Legends is the most popular game in the esports industry, so Faker is an optimal choice for being one of the best players across many esports games.

Johan ‘N0tail�?Sundstein (Dota 2)

Finding his start in esports as a Heroes of Newerth (HoN) player, N0tail moved to Dota 2 in 2012. He played for Fnatic early on alongside fellow HoN legend Tal ‘Fly�?Aizik. During his early years, N0tail thrived as a position four support. He was superb at it, especially when he played heroes such as Io and Chen. 

When their time at Fnatic ended, Fly and N0tail moved to Team Secret, which was an unsuccessful stint for them. However, they finally found a home when they created Monkey Business, a team better known today as OG. 

With OG, they would win multiple Dota 2 Majors together, but never The International. Fly would then suddenly leave before the 2018 TI, but N0tail picked up the pieces and became the team captain. He would lead the team to back-to-back TI victories as the captain, beating Fly along the way. 

N0tail is not just a fantastic player who played almost every position. He was also a true leader. He has stepped away from competitive play for a long while, but he remains the highest-earning esports player ever, with US$7,184,163.05 in prize money in his name.

Oleksandr ‘s1mple�?Kostyliev (Counter-Strike)

In terms of skill ceiling, it is hard to go against Oleksandr ‘s1mple�?Kostyliev in Counter-Strike. He was a rising star in the CIS region during the mid-2010s. He is equally skilled with rifles and the AWP, which makes him one of the most explosive players in esports history.

Whether it’s Global Offensive or Counter-Strike 2, s1mple has always been a fantastic player. His biggest achievement to this day is winning the 2021 PGL Stockholm Major with Natus Vincere. Of course, the Intel Grand Slam trophy was also won in 2021, cementing s1mple as arguably the greatest player not only in CS but in esports. 

Lee ‘Flash�?Young-ho (StarCraft)

As one of the original esports games, StarCraft: Brood War was always seen as the pinnacle of individual skill in competitive gaming. Lee ‘Flash�?Young-ho is considered the greatest in StarCraft history because he had unmatched skill with his micromanagement of units and trophies. 

His most successful year was 2010 when he reached the finals of eight major events and won five titles. He moved to StarCraft II in 2012, winning IEM Toronto in 2014, but he retired in 2015 before returning to Brood War in 2016. With that kind of mechanical ability, it is hard to go against Flash as one of the best in esports history.

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The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 will offer a $70 million prize pool, the largest in gaming history. This event features over 2,000 players and 200 global teams focusing on top games like Valorant, League of Legends, and more. They will compete in 25 tournaments in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24, 2025.

However, this huge event raises questions about how it will affect the esports scene. This article explores the good and bad sides of this massive event and what it means for the future of esports.

The issue with the $70M prize pool

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), sees the $70 million prize pool as a big step forward for esports. However, Reichert also admitted that this kind of prize can disrupt the current esports scene. He said the goal should be to support and grow the existing ecosystem, not harm it. 

The event also faces other issues due to its ties with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the Esports Awards. Critics argue that this partnership is about ‘sportswashing�? where they use sports assets to boost a country's image instead of supporting the community. The EWCF denied these claims and explained that it’s financed through host nation support and sponsorships.

Is the $70M prize progress or pressure for esports?

The $70 million prize pool could help esports grow or put too much pressure on the industry. While it shows esports has potential, it's unclear if the industry is ready for such a big event. 

Smart move

This huge investment is a smart move for esports as it has many benefits:

• Exposure: The big prize will grab media attention, making esports more visible. It will also help esports compete with regular sports and change others�?view of it as a simple hobby.
• Long-term growth: It can help esports build a solid footing. Players may also land bigger deals, join elite teams, and secure solid contracts.

Risky play

Meanwhile, the $70 million prize comes with risks. It may give too much control to large investors and change how the industry works.

• Control: Powerful sponsors may push esports to benefit them, not the community.
• Exclusivity: The focus may shift to top players and teams, leaving smaller or lesser-known gamers with fewer chances.

The balance between progress and influence

The 2025 EWC could shape the future of esports in a good way or send it down the wrong path. As esports grow, players, teams, and fans must stay active and ensure things are fair. How the industry handles this event will decide what comes next—either more doors will open, or some will quietly close.

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Winning isn’t the only thing that fuels intense matches in esports, as how you look doing it matters just as much. In games like Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), League of Legends (LoL), or Fortnite, the skin you use can speak just as loudly as how you play.  

At its simplest, skins are the digital items—outfits, accessories, or weapons—that can change how you appear in a game. Over time, these cosmetics have gone from mere extras to key to an elevated gameplay. They also come with serious value, which now powers markets, brands, and fandoms. 

Dive deeper and see why a digital look can sometimes be as impactful as a winning play in the esports world.

Skins evolution: From pixels to power

If you look into the early days of esports, skins didn’t always matter this much. In fact, they used to be simple colour swaps or bonus extras unlocked during gameplay. That changed in 2013 when CS:GO dropped its Arms Deal update where players collect and trade gun skins, turning plain weapons into bold, custom designs.

Soon, skins spread beyond CS:GO. Games like Fortnite, Valorant, and Dota 2 added themed skins, custom animations, and even sound effects. Skins became a way to keep players hooked by offering new looks, seasonal drops, and exclusive collabs.

Skins in modern gaming: Identity, flex, fandom

In today's games, skins are no longer just extra features. They now play a big role in how you enjoy and engage with your favourite titles. Skins shape your gaming identity and boost social and community dynamics.

Skins have also changed how you connect with other players. They've become a vital part of how you express yourself, bond with other players, and feel a sense of belonging in the gaming world. Specifically, skins serve the following purposes in modern gaming:

Player identity and expression

Your chosen skin often says a lot about you. Whether it’s a serious look, a funny one, or something rare and bright, the design reflects your unique mood and style. It’s like picking an outfit that matches your personality before jumping into a match.

In LoL, for instance, many players pick skins that match their favourite champions or their current vibe. Say, you’re feeling confident, you might pick a bold skin to play with. If you want to keep things cool, a classic skin may fit better. These choices give your play style a personal touch without losing your champion’s abilities.

Status and social dynamics

Most of the time, skins can show off how long you’ve been playing, how skilled you are, or how much you’ve invested in the game. Owning rare or exclusive skins, mainly the older ones or those from limited events, can carry a subtle bragging right in online matches. It may also signify your elite status within the gaming community.

For example, in CS2, one of the rarest and most expensive skins is the Dragon Lore AWP, which costs over $10,000. Owning and playing with it can instantly catch the eyes of other players. More than a flex, it builds a social rank in the match that earns you respect and admiration from everyone.

Shared creativity among communities

What makes skins even more special is when the community joins in. In some games, players help design skins that later become part of the official game. This makes players feel more connected to the game and its world.

Games like Dota 2 are known for this. Projects like the Dota 2 Workshop and the recent Spring 2025 Fan Contest accept skin ideas from players and artists worldwide. Seeing your own design or by others in the community appear in-game makes your gameplay feel more personal and inclusive.

Do skins change the game?

While skins may not give you extra power, they still impact how the game feels. When you pick a bold and flashy design, it can boost your mood and confidence. If you’re going for a dark, mysterious skin, it can also help intensify your matches.

Some skins even change how visible you are during play. Take Fortnite’s recent Sabrina Carpenter skin release as an example. It’s bright, detailed—making you feel like the star of the match. 

Skins also play a big role in esports matches. Many teams and pro players use custom skins to show their team colours and image. These help build a brand that fans can follow, support, and wear themselves in-game.

For example, Riot Games made team-exclusive skins for the 2019 Worlds Champions FunPlus Phoenix. Each skin was themed around the team members and their chosen champions.

Skins in the growing esports economy

Beyond boosting your play, skins also help keep the esports world running. Think of it like tickets to a show. When you buy them through passes, loot boxes, or bundles, developers get funding for game updates, live events, and even pro tournaments. In some games, skin sales even help raise prize pools or back esports teams.

Skin trading and collecting

Many players also treat skins like virtual trading cards. Some skins are rare and old, which makes them more sought after. The value depends on how unique a skin is, how hard it is to get, and how much people want it. These factors have led to the rise of online skin markets, and some skins now sell for epic prices. Below are just a few:

• CS2’s Karambit Blue Steel up to $1,700,000
• LoL’s Immortalised Legend Ahri at $450
• CS2’s M4A4 Howl up to $14,095

Skins started as extras. Now, they drive how players look, play, and even earn. Slowly, they’re becoming visible—a key part of the esports world, a game’s story and your plays too.

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Macko Esports has announced a break from League of Legends (LoL). CEO Antonio Todisco shared that ongoing issues with PG Esports and Riot Ita led to this decision. While the team is leaving the scene for now, Todisco said that it is only a pause, not a full exit. He expressed that the break will give them time to rethink their plans and seek better chances for the future.

The statement came just before the team was set to compete in the LIT 2025 Spring Split, catching players off guard. Toplaner Sebastian ‘Color�?Czyżyk revealed they were still practising the day before, clueless of the sudden change.

LIT thanked Macko Esports for its impact on the tournament, stressing the team's seven national titles and lasting legacy. Founded in 2018 and merging with Racoon Esports in 2022, Macko became one of Italy's top teams, even competing in global events. Fans now wait for their possible return.

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