Mike Stubbs

Esports tournament operator BLAST announced record growth in 2025, generating over $133 million in revenue, a nearly 40% year-over-year increase. This significant expansion was largely driven by its strategic move into the US market, marked by a new headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. BLAST hosted major events across the US, with the Austin Major alone generating over $102 million in economic impact. Globally, the company achieved over 2 billion live views and 300 million hours watched. BLAST is also diversifying beyond esports, including a collaboration with Wimbledon. With 15 arena events planned across three continents for 2026, including major championships, BLAST continues to spearhead growth in competitive entertainment.

Mike Stubbs looks at the features of our Elvis shirt and what they may mean for our eagerly anticipated home 26/27 kit!

The 2026 Esports World Cup officially kicked off earlier today with an opening ceremony that featured some of France’s biggest artists.

*Escape From Tarkov* has introduced a long-awaited in-game expansions hub, enabling direct purchase of items previously only available online. This update brings TarCoins, a new premium currency acquired with real money or as rare in-raid loot. TarCoins facilitate buying cosmetics, voice packs, and stash upgrades, though they can no longer be sold on the flea market after being found. While game editions and the PvE expansion still require direct real-money transactions, the hub significantly improves player convenience. Cosmetic pricing, around 600-700 TarCoins, often necessitates buying more currency than immediately needed. Despite this, the ability to earn some premium items for free via in-game finds is viewed positively, making the overall change a beneficial improvement.

Mike Stubbs, Contributor Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the most successful League of Legends player ever and an esports icon, has signed a deal

The most iconic esports player ever has signed a multi-year deal to sit alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen as EWC ambassadors.

Escape From Tarkov is poised for its 1.1.0.0 update this week, bringing a major shift to its progression. This isn't a typical full wipe; instead, a new "Kord Breach" season system will be introduced. Players can choose to create a new character for a fresh start, complete with optional buffs and debuffs, while their existing main character progress remains. This change aims to help more players experience end-game content, but it also alters the collective excitement of everyone resetting simultaneously. The update will also include a reworked task system, new weapons, hideout progression changes, and various quality-of-life improvements. The exact release date is unconfirmed but anticipated by July 30.

Chris Rigg looked like a teenager finding his feet 12 months ago - so has Sunderland's Academy star now developed into a genuine Premier League force?

Escape From Tarkov's first post-launch wipe and the new Kord Breach seasons system have been delayed from July to August 3rd. Game director Nikita Buyanov announced the pushback for update 1.1.0.0, which also extends the ongoing "Blackout" in-game event. The Kord Breach system introduces seasonal play, enabling players to create new characters with specific bonuses and balancing negative effects, effectively mimicking traditional wipes. Crucially, players can opt to keep their original characters, avoiding a full wipe, a decision that has divided the community due to concerns about potential matchmaking impacts. This substantial update promises new weapons, customization options, and a significant rework of the task system, among other quality-of-life improvements.

From Legends' Way to our new home shirt, Sunderland are respecting the little touches that can make a huge difference!