eSports
Hawks Talon GC To Retain BP (Michael Diaz-Cruz), KEL (Mykel Wilson) and Lee Lamb for 2021 Season

2019 MVP Award Finalist, Member of 2020 NBA 2K League All-Rookie Team and One of League’s Premiere Secondary Ballhandlers Will Return to Hawks Talon Next Season
Hawks Talon Gaming Club, the official NBA 2K League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, today announced that they will retain both BP (Michael Diaz-Cruz), KEL (Mykel Wilson) and LEE (Lee Lamb) for the upcoming 2021 NBA 2K League Season. At the end of each season, teams are required to retain at least two players. If a team decides to retain a third player, they will lose their 2021 fourth-round draft pick. Hawks Talon finished with a 7-9 record this past season, just shy of making the playoffs. BP led the team in both points per game (26.4) and assists per game (7.8), LEE led the team in both rebounds per game (12.3) and blocks per game (2.4) and KEL finished second on the team in points per game (16.6).
“We are thrilled to have BP, KEL and LEE return to Hawks Talon next season,” said Hawks Talon GC Team Manager and Head Coach Wesley Acuff. “This past season, both players showed their elite abilities at their respective positions, and we are confident that they will continue to grow and be key contributors as we create a championship culture.”
In 2020, Hawks Talon’s BP was the team’s primary ballhandler and continued to establish himself as one of the league’s elite playmakers after finishing 14th in the league in points per game (26.4) and eighth in the league in assists per game (7.8). During the 2019 campaign, BP finished as a finalist for both the Intel Performance NBA 2K League MVP Award as well as the NBA 2K League Rookie of the Year. Hawks Talon GC acquired BP in a 2019 offseason trade with Kings Guard Gaming, the official NBA 2K League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings.
After being drafted with Hawks Talon’s 2020 first-round (16th overall) selection, LEE was named to the 2020 NBA 2K League All-Rookie Team. During the 2020 season, he set the franchise mark with 20 double-double single-game performances. Additionally, he finished ranked 11th in the entire league in both average rebounds per game (12.3) and blocks per game (2.4).
In the 2020 Draft, Hawks Talon selected Atlanta’s own KEL with their second-round (38th overall) selection. Throughout the 2020 season, KEL stood out in a role as the team’s secondary ballhandler and finished fourth among shooting guards in the entire 2K League in average points per game (16.6). In 2019, he played for both Magic Gaming, the official affiliate of the Orlando Magic, and Grizz Gaming, the official affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies.
As a result of retaining three players, Hawks Talon will have their original first-round, second-round and third-round draft picks in the upcoming 2021 NBA 2K League Draft.
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 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.
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 16th 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

- 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)
LIFESTYLE COLLECTION
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Sweatshirt – €59.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 T-Shirt – €29.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Jacket – €69.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Joggers – €54.99
ACCESSORIES
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Scarf – €19.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Flag – €24.99
- Collector Cards (set of 3 or 8 trading cards) – €5.99
- Mouse Pad (small / large) – €19.99 / €29.99
eSports
Fighting Game GOAT Justin Wong Joins BASILISK, Science’s Esports Team

BASILISK, the global esports organization built to champion science, announced the signing of legendary fighting game competitor Justin ‘Jwong’ Wong as captain of its newly formed Fighting Game Community (FGC) Division. Wong will lead BASILISK’s entry into the FGC by recruiting players, developing community events, and creating FGC – science crossover content.
“Justin isn’t just a competitive genius – 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,” 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 BASILISK’s data analytics to scout and train the next generation of FGC pros.
“Math is super important to fighting games. I’m excited to join science’s esports team. I’m 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,” said Wong upon joining BASILISK.
The signing comes on the heels of BASILISK’s new partnerships with The Planetary Society and Caltech’s 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.
“Justin is a dream addition to our organization. He exemplifies the dedication and analytical capacity required to be an esports champion or great scientist,” added BASILISK co-founder Hans Kassier.
Wong becomes the second “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) to join BASILISK, alongside Finnish StarCraft 2 legend Joona “Serral” Sotala, who just captured the SC2 Esports World Cup Championship in July 2025. The signing also creates opportunities for cross-over content with BASILISK’s 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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