eSports

HAWKS TALON GC FALL TO 76ERS GC IN FRONT OF FANS IN ATLANTA ON SUNDAY

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2023

On Sunday evening, Hawks Talon GC, the official NBA 2K League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, hosted Atlanta rapper Kid Saiyan on stream as part of the second installment this season of the team’s award-winning Talon Takeover content series. The stream served as a pregame show before the Hawks Talon’s in-person 5v5 matchup with 76ers GC as part of group play in THE TURN in the NBA 2K League. Hawks Talon hosted fans, friends, and family to witness the competition in person. 76ers GC ultimately came away with the win, 66-61.

“Competition is a part of my DNA and is what drives my fuel for gaming,” said Kid Saiyan. “It was awesome to play 2K with Hawks Talon GC today.”

Kid Saiyan, an Atlanta rapper and son of Atlanta legend T.I., is a recording artist, avid gamer, and Pokémon card collector. He recently appeared at “Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash” at the award-winning State Farm Arena, joining his father as a surprise guest. His most recent project, Wild Rock$tar$, featured Lil Keed and Matt Ox, among others, and he is currently working on new music to be released this year.

He joined the stream to talk about his love for gaming and play NBA 2k with members of Hawks Talon, as well as talk about his music, Atlanta, and more.

“We are grateful to everybody that came out to support us in-person and for all the work done behind the scenes to make another in-person game happen,” said Hawks Talon Director of Esports Wesley Acuff. “We pride ourselves on reaching our fans in new ways each season and having them at our facility is always impactful for us.”

On the virtual court, Hawks Talon and 76ers GC engaged in a back-and-forth affair. MarkDavid Smith (MDS) led both teams with 31 points (13-20 FG), but it was ultimately not enough as the 76ers GC outscored Hawks Talon 28-24 in the second half to secure the win.

In 2020, Hawks Talon announced the creation of the one-of-a-kind content series called Talon Takeover which features celebrities, entertainers and influencers playing various popular video games. The Talon Takeover content series earned the NBA 2K League’s Team Business Award for Best Livestream Program in March 2021. The first installment of the 2023 season featured Memphis crunk rapper Duke Deuce on May 23.

Related Topics:Atlanta Hawks eSports Hawks Talon GC Kid Saiyan NBA 2K League Talon Takeover Wesley Acuff

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Thunderpick Partners with Oddin.gg and Introduces BetPeek, First Fully Interactive Esports Viewing Platform

Published

19 hours ago

September 15, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

Thunderpick, the leading esports betting platform, in partnership with Oddin.gg, a provider of end-to-end esports betting solutions, today announced the exclusive launch of BetPeek, a first-of-its-kind interactive esports viewing experience available only on Thunderpick.io.

While most esports streams today limit fans to static broadcast feeds and pre-selected camera angles, BetPeek flips the script. For the first time, viewers can control how they watch the action—transforming every match into a personalized, immersive event.

BetPeek’s key features include:

Follow Any Player – Switch instantly to the POV of any competitor on the server.
Dynamic Camera Control – Place the camera anywhere on the map for a unique vantage point.
X-Ray Vision – Unlock strategic insights by seeing what players can’t.
Play, Pause & Rewind – Revisit every clutch play with DVR-style controls.
Integrated Betting Tools – Access deeper context and analysis to inform smarter wagers.

“Traditional esports streams have barely evolved; they’re often one-size-fits-all broadcasts that leave fans wishing for more control,” said Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy at Thunderpick. “BetPeek completely changes that. By putting fans in the driver’s seat, we’re delivering an esports experience that’s not just more engaging, but truly revolutionary for bettors and spectators alike.”

Why It Matters

Until now, esports fans had little choice beyond passively watching standard tournament streams or fragmented co-streams. BetPeek represents the next era: an interactive, on-demand, and bet-integrated platform unlike anything else in the industry. For bettors, this means unprecedented visibility into momentum shifts, rotations, and player form. For fans, it’s a chance to experience the match exactly how they want.

Exclusive to Thunderpick

BetPeek is available only on Thunderpick.io, reinforcing Thunderpick’s position as the most innovative esports betting destination worldwide. In partnership with Oddin.gg, a global leader in esports betting solutions, Thunderpick continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live, fan-first esports engagement.

eSports

Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games

Published

7 days ago

September 9, 2025

George Miller

Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games

The Global Esports Federation at its 16^th 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 Pimentel—now marking a significant milestone on the road to GEF’s 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.

“I’m honored to be elected President of the Global Esports Federation at today’s Board Meeting. Together with our Member Federations and partners, we will champion inclusion, innovation, and sustainability—empowering athletes, embracing digital transformation, and strengthening the global credibility and prestige of esports for generations to come.” –Paul J. Foster, GEF President & CEO.

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 GEF’s connections with stakeholders worldwide and reinforce its mission to elevate esports for all.

The outcomes of GEF 16^th Board Meeting reaffirm the GEF’s 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

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2025

Peter Tolan

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 €79.99, both online and at Team Vitality’s official Paris store.

Team Vitality is proud to unveil its new Alternate Jersey, accompanied by an exclusive apparel collection. This launch completes the club’s 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 Vitality’s 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 club’s distinctive style.

ALTERNATE JERSEY

Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Jersey – €79.99
Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Sleeves – €29.99
Exclusive Vitality Alternate 2025 Pack – €79.99 (includes 1 Alternate Jersey and a complimentary pair of exclusive sleeves)