This landmark event will occur from January 29 to February 2, 2025, at the Daiwa House PREMIST DOME, a 42,000-seat stadium on the outskirts of Sapporo.
The championship will feature top Apex Legends teams from around the world competing for a share of a US$2 million prize pool.
This significant move highlights the growing global reach of Apex Legends and taps into Japan’s strong fanbase and competitive scene.
The announcement was made during the Split 2 Playoffs in Mannheim, Germany, where the tournament saw peak viewing figures of 371,239, making it the 13th most-watched event in Apex Legends history.
John Nelson, Senior Director of Esports at EA Entertainment, expressed excitement about bringing the championship to Japan, noting the massive community support in the region.
��Apex Legends is an internationally renowned franchise, and it��s incredibly rewarding when we get to show up in the hometowns of our players and fans around the world,” Nelson said.
��The ALGS has a massive community in Japan, and we��ve seen all of the comments asking us to bring the program to the country, which is why we couldn��t be more excited to celebrate the marquee event on our competitive calendar at the iconic Daiwa House PREMIST DOME.��
This event in Sapporo promises to be a highlight in the Apex Legends competitive calendar, offering a spectacular setting and high stakes for teams and fans alike.
ALGS IS GOING TO JAPAN! pic.twitter.com/75wxSoWRnb
— Apex Legends Esports (@PlayApexEsports) September 1, 2024
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They also became the first team outside of the usual triumvirate of TSM, DarkZero Esports, or Reignite to do so.
The South Korean trio of Lim “Obly” Jung-hyun, Lee “KaronPe” Min-hyuk, and Han “SangJoon” Sang-jun etched their names into Apex Legends lore with their unwavering consistency and commitment to their team composition, which notably included Wattson, a character long considered out of favour in the pro meta.
The Year 4 #ALGS Split 1 Playoffs Champions are @RC_REJECT
@obly99 | @KaronPe_APL | @SangJoon1117 pic.twitter.com/LZHKEi5YPN
— Apex Legends Esports (@PlayApexEsports) May 6, 2024
Despite Wattson’s defensive nature, they matched FNATIC for the most kills in the final lobby, proving their adaptability and skill.
In a fiercely contested series of matches, it seemed like multiple LAN champions DarkZero would once again snatch the trophy.
However, in the decisive game, a tough rotation for DarkZero led to a cascade of third-party engagements, ultimately giving REJECT the opportunity to dominate the final zone.
Reflecting on their victory, Obly explained their confidence in Wattson, highlighting her ability to defend areas and deter aggressive pushes from teams relying on characters like Bloodhound.
He also noted that recent nerfs to SMGs benefited Wattson and their all-mouse-and-keyboard team.
Despite acknowledging the perceived advantage of controller players, Obly emphasized the importance of team synergy, which ultimately led to their success.
The triumph wasn’t just for REJECT; it marked a victory for all mouse-and-keyboard players, with REJECT being the first all-MnK team to win an ALGS LAN since 2019.
Their win, along with the seventh-place finish of all-MnK team Aurora, showcased the strength of mouse-and-keyboard play in the competitive scene.
REJECT’s win not only shattered expectations but also served as a rallying cry for APAC North teams.
Obly expressed his belief that APAC teams have the potential to succeed but often lack confidence.
Their victory should inspire other teams from the region to believe in their abilities and strive for greatness.
As the season progresses, all eyes are now on the Split 2 Playoffs in August, although the location is yet to be confirmed.
]]>Taking over from the previous Gamers8 tournaments, the Esports World Cup will boast a staggering US$60 million prize pool, as it aims to be the largest esports event to date.
However, its location in Saudi Arabia, a country criticized for its human rights record, has sparked debate within the gaming community.
The tournament will feature 20 distinct tournaments across a variety of titles, and they include:
- Apex Legends
- Counter-Strike 2
- Dota 2
- EA Sports FC 24
- Fortnite
- Free Fire
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Overwatch 2
- PUBG
- PUBG Mobile
- Rainbow Six Siege
- RENNSPORT
- Rocket League
- Starcraft II
- Street Fighter 6
- Teamfight Tactics
- TEKKEN 8
Each tournament will follow a unique format while contributing to the larger Club Championship.
This innovative competition will award US$20 million to the top 16 clubs based on their performance across multiple titles.
The prize pool distribution includes over US$33 million for individual game tournaments, US$20 million for the Club Championship, US$1.1 million for MVP awards, and US$7.6 million for qualifying rewards.
The significant investment reflects the organizers’ commitment to fostering the global esports industry and providing substantial opportunities for players and clubs.
Despite the financial allure, the event’s association with Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism.
The country’s track record on LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and free speech clashes with the inclusive values often espoused by the gaming community.
However, for many esports organizations grappling with financial challenges, the opportunity to compete for such substantial prizes may outweigh ethical concerns.
The Esports World Cup represents a pivotal moment for esports, aiming to elevate the industry to the scale of traditional sports events like the Olympics.
With the backing of the Saudi Arabian government and a clear vision for growth, the tournament seeks to establish Riyadh as a global hub for gaming and esports.
As preparations for the event continue, details regarding specific tournament formats, dates, and prize pool distributions will be eagerly awaited by fans and participants alike.
While the debate over the tournament’s location may persist, the Esports World Cup signals a significant milestone in the continued evolution of competitive gaming on the world stage.
#EsportsWorldCup 2024 prize pool in a nutshell:
$30,000,000+ | Game Championships
$20,000,000 | Club Championship
— Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) April 16, 2024
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The hack, which injected cheating software into the gameplay of prominent players such as DarkZero’s Noyan “Genburten” Ozkose and TSM’s Phillip “ImperialHal” Dosen, raised questions about the security of Apex Legends and its anti-cheat measures.
Following a period of silence from both Respawn and EA, Respawn has now released a statement reassuring players that steps have been taken to bolster security.
They deployed initial updates aimed at fortifying the game’s defences and ensuring a secure gaming experience, with further measures promised in the future.
This announcement comes as a relief to many players who had expressed apprehension and even uninstalled the game in response to the breach.
The incident also prompted speculation about the vulnerability of Easy Anti-Cheat, the software used by Apex Legends to prevent hacking.
However, Easy Anti-Cheat conducted its investigation and confirmed that no Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability existed within its system.
This suggests that the vulnerability lies within Apex Legends itself, potentially stemming from its modified version of the Source Engine.
Despite these reassurances, questions linger regarding the extent of the breach and its implications for the wider gaming community.
An update from the @PlayApex team: pic.twitter.com/fuwKYmHFVP
— Respawn (@Respawn) March 20, 2024
Respawn’s statement only vaguely references “a few” professional player accounts being hacked, leaving open the possibility that more players were affected.
Additionally, concerns persist about whether the breach originated from the game itself or through targeted actions against individual players’ devices.
In the midst of addressing these security concerns, Respawn also faces other challenges, including recent layoffs as part of EA’s company-wide restructuring.
As they navigate these challenges, players can expect ongoing updates and improvements aimed at maintaining the integrity and enjoyment of their gaming experience.
]]>The ALGS Championship, which served as the grand finale for 2023’s LAN events, not only had the largest in-person venue but also saw participation from 40 elite international Apex Legends teams.
These teams, having earned their positions either through circuit points or via the regional Last Chance Qualifiers, competed for the esteemed title of ALGS Champions and a chance to claim a portion of the staggering $2 million prize pool.
TSM’s victory was indisputable as they registered three successive victories in Match Point Finals. This remarkable feat secured them a cool $600,000, the most significant chunk of the prize fund.
The prowess of North American squads was also a highlight of the ALGS, with five out of the nine teams vying for the title in the Match Point Finals representing the NA region. Among these were noteworthy teams like OpTic Gaming, The Dojo, LG Chivas, and FaZe.
TSM had finished the pool stage of the tournament placed in seventh position, with defending champion DarkZero looking on track to record another victory. However they finished 11th in the winners bracket in the next stage and were effectively out of the tournament.
OpTic gaming finished second in the Apex Legends Global Series, while BLVKHVND were a close third.
Below is a detailed list of the final standings and the prize distribution from the ALGS Championship 2023:
Apex Legends Global Series final standings
- TSM �C $600,000
- OpTic Gaming �C $320,000
- BLCKHVND �C $210,000
- The Dojo �C $170,000
- LG Chivas �C $130,000
- FaZe �C $100,000
- DreamFire �C $80,000
- Pioneers �C $60,000
- Realize �C $50,000
- IronBloodGaming �C $40,000
Their triumph showcases their resilience, as they fought back from behind and surprised their competitors by winning three matches in the final. TSM’s victory is not a win; it represents a significant milestone that solidifies their return to the top of competitive Apex Legends.
This achievement holds meaning for ImperialHal, who has been at the center of discussions regarding the Apex player.
With this win, he can proudly claim the title of Apex Legends GOAT, at least for now. The journey to success was far from easy for TSM.
They started with an accumulation of points in the three matches, while OpTic Gaming surged ahead.
However, TSM’s unwavering determination propelled them to a victory in the game, followed by another triumph in the seventh.
This placed them on match point.
In the showdown, TSM secured a position in the last zone, reminiscent of their earlier Split One Playoffs victory this year.
The closing moments were incredibly tense, with TSM emerging triumphant, against SAF Esports. The ALGS Championship showcased the performances of teams, from North America and APAC South, with OpTic securing first place and North American teams taking fourth to sixth positions.
BLVKHVND from APAC South earned a deserved place in the competition. While TSM’s victory is the highlight, the event also emphasized the dedication and skill of all participating teams throughout the ALGS journey.
The ALGS Championship 2023 reflects the growth and competitiveness of Apex Legends esports, promising TSM challenges as they revel in their well earned success.
More esports news
At the outset of the opening day’s group stage, Alliance faced a daunting challenge as Effect was unable to compete due to visa delays.
However, a glimmer of hope has emerged on the horizon.
Despite the setback of playing without Effect, Alliance exhibited an exceptional performance.
They secured a crucial victory on Worlds Edge during the Group C vs. Group D matches, thanks to the outstanding contributions of their substitute player Mikkel “Mande” Hestbek.
Following this impressive triumph, Alliance received uplifting news.
I GOT MY VISA BIRMINGHAM I COME LFGGGG
— Effect (@xEffecto) September 6, 2023
If this visa approval holds, Effect could soon join his teammates in Birmingham.
Under ALGS rules, teams are allowed to switch players and utilize their designated substitute throughout the tournament.
The inclusion of Effect in the line up adds a significant boost of firepower to the Alliance squad, making them a formidable contender for winning the ALGS Championship.
]]>Among the individuals are Miron “Effect” Novikov from Alliance, Kiryl ��9impulse�� Kostsiu and Lev ��taskmast33r�� Grigoriev of Aurora Gaming.
To fill in for Effect, Mikkel “Mande” Hestbek will step up, while Aurora Gaming will fill the spots of 9impulse and taskmaster with Jose ��Uxako�� Llosa from Entropiq and Keenan ��Tax�� Mackey from Myztro Gaming.
Welcome to ALGS: Championship 2023
Due to visa issues, we had to invite substitutes to participate in the Champs. Thanks to @Taxington and @UxakoTTV for help.
Important note: if @9impu1se & @taskmast33r can get a visa before/during ALGS, they will arrive and play. pic.twitter.com/YEIqGTvOlm
— Aurora Apex (@AuroraApex_GG) September 5, 2023
These visa related challenges mark another instance within a series of issues that have plagued the ALGS this year.
Back in May, several players were unable to attend the ALGS Split 2 Playoffs in Stockholm, Sweden, due to similar visa complications.
The frustrations stemming from these visa problems have affected both players and fans alike.
The general manager for the Alliance Apex Legends team Pontus “Chef P.” Bengtsson, released an update on the team and what things will look like at the ALGS Championship via his twitter account.
Short #ALGS update
Mande will start the group stage as our sub
Effect will come if we get VISA news before Friday
The squad is confident no matter who plays, time to bring it home!
#LongLiveAlliance pic.twitter.com/Ni08LLZChI
— Alliance | Pontus
(@chefPontus) September 4, 2023
Despite these setbacks both Alliance and Aurora Gaming are still eligible to participate at the event.
However they will face a disadvantage because they will have to rely on substitutes who may not be as acquainted with the game or their teammates.
Unfortunately, Fire Beavers will not get to participate at the Championship at all, as none of their players received visas in time, leaving them with no choice but to forfeit their spot at the event.
The ALGS Championship marks the pinnacle of the year ALGS circuit.
This tournament will showcase 40 top notch Apex Legends teams from across the globe vying for a portion of the $2 million prize pool.
The ALGS Championship is scheduled to take place from September 6-10.
]]>The newly signed team, previously known as “Fire Beavers”, has earned its acclaim notably in the CIS region��s esports scene as a top-ranked outfit.
With Aurora��s backing, they now eye the grand prize in the much-anticipated ALGS Championship.
The team comprises of team captain and IGL Kiryl ��9impulse�� Kostsiu, Lev ��taskmast33r�� Grigoriev, Svyatoslav ��ojrein�� Korochinsky, and coach Nikita ��clawz�� Marchinsky.
They have cemented an impressive track record on their home front with several first-place finishes, reflecting a promising feat ahead of the championship.
Here is a mysterious story about a wandering beaver who fears nothing and is willing to take risks to achieve the highest results in his business.
Starting today @9Impu1se, @taskmast33r, @ojrein and @clawzzzy will officially represent our organization at Apex Legends�� pic.twitter.com/SB43fkRptV
— Aurora (@TheAurora_GG) August 24, 2023
It’s now up to the squad to uphold and image and deliver on the heightened expectations within the esports community as they chart their course for the ALGS competition.
Since its founding in 2020, Aurora eSports has been clear in its mission: to foster remarkable teams and help them reach their potential in the esports sphere.
With this strategic move, cementing a position within the top tier of the CIS esports scene, the future continues to shine promisingly for the organization.
From an outsider��s perspective, this acquisition may signal an intensified betting field in the upcoming ALGS Championship.
The added firepower from Aurora eSports increases the competition pressure, thus making the event more thrilling than ever.
As such, the signing is not merely a win for Aurora and the signed team, but undeniably the esports industry at large.
]]>The player has been a major figure in the competitive Apex scene, winning the 2022 ALG Series Championship MVP award. He started playing with FURIA in May 2022 and helped the team through events like the North American Last Chance Qualifier and the 2022 ALGS Championship.
Following his move to the captain position in place of Will “TeQ” Starck, FURIA recorded impressive numbers in the Championship event. HisWattson led the team to a second-place finish in the tournament and was awarded the MVP award due to his prowess on Seer.
FURIA had a different outcome in 2023, recording a significant performance drop and failing to qualify for events like the Split One Playoffs. The team were also eliminated from the Split Two Playoffs in 37th place following a loss to Alliance.
Shortly after their loss, HisWattson took to Twitter to announce his retirement from competitive Apex. The player revealed that he had stopped enjoying competing for a while now despite attempts to make it a fun activity for him.
“Today I’ve made the decision to step down from Competitive Apex,” HisWattson wrote.
“I tried everything possible to make myself enjoy playing comp, but even when we were winning, I still wasn’t having fun. I’ve tried looking at it from every angle, but I simply don’t think it’s something that can make me happy.”
According to the player, the way he viewed the activity had negatively affected his skills “to the point where I’m no longer content and just want to go back to what made me the best and the happiest I’d ever been: Spamming ranked like a degen and being a goofball on stream.”
HisWattson clarified that his retirement had nothing to do with FURIA’s recent performance in the Split Two Playoffs. The player also claimed he made the decision before Split 1 but was convinced to continue playing on multiple occasions.
“It’s not fair to my teammates or anyone who wants to see me do well that they’re expecting my all when I’m not able to give it to them. Everyone at FURIA is amazing and I apologize for not pulling the plug sooner,” HisWattson added.
HisWattson also disclosed that he was now announcing the decision to give his teammates Scott “Pandxrz” Maynard and Nelson “Xera” Medina enough time to replace him for the 2023 LCQ. The player will stay on as a content creator on FURIA.
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