Mike Stubbs

Escape From Tarkov has launched the limited-time Wild Wild Woods event, active until June 29. This event drastically increases rare loot spawns across the Woods map, including marked room keys and key cards, as scavs reportedly battle over a hidden stash. Consequently, scavs are now more dangerous, ignoring Fence's orders, attacking all players, and wielding better gear like revolvers. PMC numbers are reduced, while player scavs spawn earlier, and scav-on-scav violence is no longer punished. Players can complete new tasks for an exclusive achievement. Separately, Escape From Tarkov is 25% off on Steam until July 9 during the Summer Sale.

Dota 2's long-awaited Dark Carnival event has finally launched, introducing a massive new meta-game and extensive lore. Players earn tickets by playing standard matches, using them to progress through a map, unlock story chapters, and earn rewards. The event features a fully voiced narrative centered on Hoodwink and Legion Commander, who are captured by Ring Master, alongside various mini-games. A plethora of new cosmetics are available, including five premium "clockwork robot" personas for heroes like Bristleback and Axe, plus 20 carnival-themed hero sets. While the core event is free, microtransactions are present. Some fans note similarities to past events, but developers confirm this is only the first part, with more content expected, potentially addressing community requests for custom game modes. Despite initial reactions, it marks a significant return of major events to Dota 2.

With four players selected in the 2026 NHL Draft , the London Knights put an exclamation mark on a run that is nearing six decades.

Has Xabi Alonso's appointment at Chelsea has opened up an opportunity for Granit Xhaka that's too tempting to resist?

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.