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Esports

Once a niche subculture, esports and competitive gaming have now become a mainstream phenomenon. The Overwatch League and Call of Duty League feature wealthy owners from the NFL, League of Legends and Dota 2 regularly sell out stadiums, and Fortnite has its own World Cup. The next big sport could be a video game.

The Call of Duty League’s second season will kick off in FebruaryThe Call of Duty League’s second season will kick off in February
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League of Legends: Wild Rift’s open beta comes to North America in MarchLeague of Legends: Wild Rift’s open beta comes to North America in March
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Streaming’s brightest stars are trying to build the next generation of gamersStreaming’s brightest stars are trying to build the next generation of gamers
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Epic promises more Fortnite tournaments in 2021 but no World CupEpic promises more Fortnite tournaments in 2021 but no World Cup
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Valorant Champions Tour is a global season-long esports competition for 2021Valorant Champions Tour is a global season-long esports competition for 2021
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Nadeshot on getting back into Call of Duty with the Los Angeles ThievesNadeshot on getting back into Call of Duty with the Los Angeles Thieves
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Watch the AR concert that opened up the 2020 League of Legends World ChampionshipWatch the AR concert that opened up the 2020 League of Legends World Championship
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How Riot used tech from The Mandalorian to build Worlds’ astonishing mixed reality stage

The League of Legends World Championship still feels special, even without a crowd

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100 Thieves is turning its LA headquarters into a voting center100 Thieves is turning its LA headquarters into a voting center
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After a rough 2020 season, the Overwatch League aims to end on a high noteAfter a rough 2020 season, the Overwatch League aims to end on a high note
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How to watch the League of Legends World Championship — and what to watch forHow to watch the League of Legends World Championship — and what to watch for
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Check out these League of Legends jerseys designed by Heron PrestonCheck out these League of Legends jerseys designed by Heron Preston
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Riot helps you get into the League of Legends World Championship with animated shortsRiot helps you get into the League of Legends World Championship with animated shorts
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When the Overwatch League moved online, fans found new ways to connectWhen the Overwatch League moved online, fans found new ways to connect
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Post Malone is now a co-owner of Texas’ biggest esports teamsPost Malone is now a co-owner of Texas’ biggest esports teams
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Activision is giving away 10,000 beta keys for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War this weekendActivision is giving away 10,000 beta keys for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War this weekend
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League of Legends’ virtual K-pop group K/DA is back with a new songLeague of Legends’ virtual K-pop group K/DA is back with a new song
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Esports giant TSM signs Hikaru Nakamura, its first pro chess playerEsports giant TSM signs Hikaru Nakamura, its first pro chess player
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The Call of Duty League’s championship team will win this ridiculous throneThe Call of Duty League’s championship team will win this ridiculous throne
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Dota 2’s The International 10 prize pool has hit a record-breaking $34,396,000 (and counting)Dota 2’s The International 10 prize pool has hit a record-breaking $34,396,000 (and counting)
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Champion made a hoodie for gamers with lots of pockets and a giant hoodChampion made a hoodie for gamers with lots of pockets and a giant hood
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NBA star Ben Simmons joins gaming squad Faze ClanNBA star Ben Simmons joins gaming squad Faze Clan
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Spotify is launching an exclusive League of Legends esports podcastSpotify is launching an exclusive League of Legends esports podcast
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League of Legends world championship will be held in Shanghai starting in SeptemberLeague of Legends world championship will be held in Shanghai starting in September
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Twitch is helping build an esports league for HBCUsTwitch is helping build an esports league for HBCUs
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Riot ends sponsorship with controversial Saudi city Neom following outcryRiot ends sponsorship with controversial Saudi city Neom following outcry
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Riot faces criticism after League of Legends competition sponsored by Saudi megacityRiot faces criticism after League of Legends competition sponsored by Saudi megacity
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League of Legends esports is getting a big rebrand in an attempt to become more globalLeague of Legends esports is getting a big rebrand in an attempt to become more global
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The Overwatch League’s Grand Finals championship will take place onlineThe Overwatch League’s Grand Finals championship will take place online
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Evo Online canceled after co-founder accused of sexual misconductEvo Online canceled after co-founder accused of sexual misconduct
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Pokémon Unite could open competitive gaming to a whole new audiencePokémon Unite could open competitive gaming to a whole new audience
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How parents are helping gaming’s biggest stars navigate their careers

Parents are supporting their kids through intense but potentially lucrative careers

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Valorant is getting its first proper tournament seriesValorant is getting its first proper tournament series
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The Overwatch League shifts to tournament format to boost 2020 seasonThe Overwatch League shifts to tournament format to boost 2020 season
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Valorant may not need casual players to become a massive hit

Riot’s new, esports-ready game raises important questions about balancing competition with casual play

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Riot’s experimental Monday night League of Legends matches move to FridayRiot’s experimental Monday night League of Legends matches move to Friday
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Riot will host a 48-hour League of Legends stream for COVID-19 reliefRiot will host a 48-hour League of Legends stream for COVID-19 relief
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One of the world’s biggest esports teams is trying to raise awareness of mental health issuesOne of the world’s biggest esports teams is trying to raise awareness of mental health issues
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How one professional soccer player is adapting to life as a FIFA proHow one professional soccer player is adapting to life as a FIFA pro
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How Valorant is luring top esports talent despite being months from releaseHow Valorant is luring top esports talent despite being months from release
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