eSports

Crown Royal Partners With Columbia Records To Unite Artists And NBA 2k League Teams Through Virtual Music & Gaming Series, Featuring Hawks Talon Gaming And Detroit Pistons GT

Published

4 years ago

August 6, 2021

Crown Royal Partners With Columbia Records To Unite Artists And NBA 2k League Teams Through Virtual Music & Gaming Series, Featuring Hawks Talon Gaming And Detroit Pistons GT

As the professional basketball season comes to a close, basketball fans everywhere can continue their love of the game at home with the launch of the Crown Royal and Columbia Records gaming collaboration: The Crown Crossover – Music, Gaming and Culture Series. This six-episode series streams on the official Crown Royal Facebook page, featuring Columbia Records artists Quinn XCII, Joey Bada$$, CHASE B and more, playing NBA 2K. This unique partnership sits at the intersections of gaming, music and basketball, with each artist connecting and competing with top gamers, including iPodKingCarter, Aerial Powers, Erin Ashley Simon and Mike LaBelle.

During the weekly livestream series, a Columbia Records artist, two NBA 2K League players from the Detroit Pistons GT or Hawks Talon Gaming, and gamer will be discussing their latest projects and basketball, engaging with 21+ fans, and enjoying a Crown Royal cocktail responsibly. The first two episodes featured Columbia artist Quinn XCII, and fans will be able to watch the final four episodes with Joey Bada$$ and Chase B every Wednesday this month.

In addition to the Columbia Records partnership, Crown Royal has inked team deals with two official NBA 2K League affiliates, the Hawks Talon Gaming and Detroit Pistons GT. As part of these deals, Crown Royal will be working with each team to engage with fans at this exciting connection of gaming and esports.

“Our partnership with Columbia Records, the Pistons GT and Hawks Talon for The Crown Crossover livestream is another way for us to take our passion and love for the game of basketball and bring it directly to our fans,” said Nicky Heckles, Vice President of Crown Royal. “This weekly experience brings some of the league’s brightest stars, professional gamers and musicians together in a way we can’t help but be excited about.”

Hosts include Jeff Eisenband and Phil Visu. In total, there will be six episodes through the end of August.

“Being able to bring together music and gaming culture into one program with our partners at Crown Royal is an authentic match,” said Hannah Satzke, Brand Partnerships Columbia Records. “We are excited to launch this series with Crown Royal and our incredible group of talent.”

Up Next

Allied Esports and NASCAR Announce Gaming Truck Event Tour

Don't Miss

MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2021 FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS

Stake - Best Online Casino & Sports Betting Platform

eSports

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

Published

3 days 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

1 week 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)