eSports
HAWKS TALON GC DEFEAT HORNETS VENOM GT IN FIRST IN-PERSON REGIONAL MATCHUP IN NBA 2K LEAGUE HISTORY

Hawks Talon Gaming hosted Hornets Venom GT in the first in-person regional matchup in NBA 2K League history on Tuesday night, defeating the visitors, 80-66. The two teams played at the Hawks Talon GC facility at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta, which had broadcast presence from the NBA 2K League and was streamed live on the leagueâs Twitch channel.
In-person matchups had only ever occurred at neutral sites that the league had set up to host games in the past, including regular season and playoff matchups. This was the first time in NBA 2K League history that a team had hosted another team for an in-person matchup in their facility for an official game. The game was part of the Seed Weeks portion of the schedule, where teams battle for points to qualify for the NBA 2K League Playoffs in August.
âThis was a massive occasion for us as a team, for the NBA 2K League, and for the city of Atlanta,â said Hawks Talon Gaming Director of Esports Wesley Acuff. âWe were proud to bring this to Atlanta and get everyone together in person, and we are excited to do it again in the future.â
Hawks Talon was led by Caesar Martinez (CEEZ), who had 24 points and nine assists. Nicholas Clark (NICK), acquired via trade from Hornets Venom on June 21, scored 21 points and grabbed three steals. Juan Gonzalez (HOTSHOT) tallied a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
âAny time we can experience the thrill and tension of playing an in-person game, we value that stage and that opportunity as a team,â said Hawks Talon Gaming Head Coach Ismael Diaz-Tolentino. âIt was great to have the game in our home facility in Atlanta and we are glad that we secured the victory against our regional rivals.â
The team will finish the 5v5 portion of the Seed Weeks schedule this week with games against Kings Guard Gaming on Thursday (7 p.m. ET) and Mavs Gaming on Friday (8 p.m. ET). Seed weeks consisted of two weeks of 5v5 and will feature two weeks of 3v3 games beginning next week. Hawks Talon will play five 3v3 games from July 15-29. Seed weeks will contribute to the Season Five of NBA 2K Leagueâs playoff picture, earning teams points towards a berth in Indianapolis for the end-of-year tournaments. The full schedule can be found here.
To stay up to date on Hawks Talon Gaming Club, visit HawksTalonGC.gg and follow the teamâs social channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
eSports
Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games

The Global Esports Federation at its 16th Board Meeting approved the draft program for the Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games, to be held in December 2026. This follows the earlier announcement of Los Angeles as host city at a major ceremony hosted by Los Angeles Times Media Group Executive Chairman & CEO Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentelânow marking a significant milestone on the road to GEFâs flagship event in the United States.
The GEF Board also unanimously elected Paul J. Foster as President of the Global Esports Federation. Paul, who is GEF Chief Executive Officer, was appointed President ad interim following the resignation of founding President Chris Chan in July, and now assumes the role of President & CEO through December 2027.
In addition, the GEF Board approved the establishment of frameworks to develop the esports ecosystem in the United States, anchored in Los Angeles. This initiative will strengthen the GEFâs connections with stakeholders worldwide and reinforce its mission to elevate esports for all.
The outcomes of GEF 16th Board Meeting reaffirm the GEFâs role as a convening platform, uniting athletes, publishers, Member Federations, and partners to power the future of esports globally.
eSports
TEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION

- Team Vitality launches 2025 Alternate Jersey and an exclusive apparel collection, bringing a new level of energy and excitement for fans.
- The jersey, featuring a white base with red and blue accents, pays homage to the French flag and will be worn by all Team Vitality athletes at major esports events taking place in France later this year, including the Rocket League Worlds and EVO Nice.
- The Alternate Jersey is available today for âŹ79.99, both online and at Team Vitalityâs official Paris store.
Team Vitality is proud to unveil its new Alternate Jersey, accompanied by an exclusive apparel collection. This launch completes the clubâs annual merchandise lineup, following the release of the black Pro Jersey earlier this year and the iconic yellow US-style Jersey worn during the Austin Major triumph.
This Alternate edition, featuring the French blue, white and red, honours Team Vitalityâs Parisian roots while celebrating the major esports events set to close out the year in France.
The jersey will feature on the global stage with the Rocket League team at the World Championships from September 12 to 14.
PERFORMANCE MEETS LIFESTYLE
The Alternate Collection features a new, stylish jersey and a limited-edition clothing line that blends performance and lifestyle. As with every year, the Alternate Jersey is traditionally white, serving as a complement to the black Pro Jersey released earlier in the year.
Designed in collaboration with hummel, the jersey combines comfort and performance, offering a lightweight fit built to withstand the demands of competitive play. The accompanying exclusive apparel collection follows the same artistic vision, offering clothing and accessories designed for everyday wear. This brand-new lifestyle range, along with exclusive items, reflects the clubâs distinctive style.
ALTERNATE JERSEY
- Team Vitalityâs Alternate 2025 Jersey â âŹ79.99
- Team Vitalityâs Alternate 2025 Sleeves â âŹ29.99
- Exclusive Vitality Alternate 2025 Pack â âŹ79.99 (includes 1 Alternate Jersey and a complimentary pair of exclusive sleeves)
LIFESTYLE COLLECTION
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Sweatshirt â âŹ59.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 T-Shirt â âŹ29.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Jacket â âŹ69.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Joggers â âŹ54.99
ACCESSORIES
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Scarf â âŹ19.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Flag â âŹ24.99
- Collector Cards (set of 3 or 8 trading cards) â âŹ5.99
- Mouse Pad (small / large) â âŹ19.99 / âŹ29.99
eSports
Fighting Game GOAT Justin Wong Joins BASILISK, Scienceâs Esports Team

BASILISK, the global esports organization built to champion science, announced the signing of legendary fighting game competitor Justin âJwongâ Wong as captain of its newly formed Fighting Game Community (FGC) Division. Wong will lead BASILISKâs entry into the FGC by recruiting players, developing community events, and creating FGC – science crossover content.
âJustin isnât just a competitive genius â 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,â 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 BASILISKâs data analytics to scout and train the next generation of FGC pros.
âMath is super important to fighting games. Iâm excited to join scienceâs esports team. Iâm 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,â said Wong upon joining BASILISK.
The signing comes on the heels of BASILISKâs new partnerships with The Planetary Society and Caltechâs 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.
âJustin is a dream addition to our organization. He exemplifies the dedication and analytical capacity required to be an esports champion or great scientist,â added BASILISK co-founder Hans Kassier.
Wong becomes the second âGOATâ (Greatest of All Time) to join BASILISK, alongside Finnish StarCraft 2 legend Joona âSerralâ Sotala, who just captured the SC2 Esports World Cup Championship in July 2025. The signing also creates opportunities for cross-over content with BASILISKâs 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.
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