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The Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) is already strategizing to assemble a dream team in case MLBB is included in the Olympic Esports Games. Pinoy MLBB imports Kairi Rayosdelsol (left) and John Vincent Banal (right) The Philippines, a powerhouse in the world of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), is setting its sights on an even grander stage: the Olympics. With the possibility of MLBB being included in the 2025 Olympic Esports Games, the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) is already strategizing to assemble a dream team – an “Avenger” squad – to represent the nation. Marlon Marcelo, PESO executive director, revealed the organization’s proactive approach. While the official game titles for the Olympics haven't been announced yet, PESO is looking ahead.  Their goal, if MLBB is chosen, is to create the strongest possible national lineup. This might involve going beyond borders. “We’re looking at bringing in overseas Filipino players and coaches,” Marcelo said, as reported by Tiebreaker Times.  This “Avengers Initiative” would see the PESO cast a wide net, seeking out talented Filipinos competing abroad to join forces with their domestic counterparts. The Philippines has a rich history of dominance in MLBB. From securing multiple M-Series World Championship titles to fostering exceptional local talents, the country is a force to be reckoned with.  Bringing back Filipino players and coaches scattered across the globe would further solidify this position. This approach highlights the growing importance of esports on the international stage. The potential inclusion of MLBB in the Olympics signifies esports’ growing legitimacy as a competitive sport. For the Philippines, it’s a chance to not only showcase its esports prowess but potentially add another Olympic medal to its collection. While the wait for the official game announcement continues, PESO’s proactive planning demonstrates the Philippines’ eagerness to compete at the highest level.  The prospect of a Filipino “Avengers” team assembled from around the world is a thrilling one, and fans eagerly await news on the official selection process.  One thing is certain: if MLBB makes the Olympic cut, the Philippines is ready to assemble and fight for gold. Read related article: What to Know About the 2025 Olympic Esports Games in Saudi

Riot Games will allow betting sponsorships for its partnered esports teams in League of Legends (LoL) and Valorant starting in 2025, according to a report.  In a move that is likely to shake up the esports sponsorship landscape, Riot Games has announced that it will allow betting sponsorships for its partnered esports teams in League of Legends and Valorant starting in 2025. This decision comes after years of resistance from Riot, which has traditionally been hesitant to embrace gambling sponsorships. The new rules will allow betting brands to sponsor teams through traditional means such as jersey sponsorships and content creation deals, as reported by Esports Insider .   However, betting brands will still not be allowed to advertise on official Riot broadcasts or at esports events. Esports personality Montecristo earlier confirmed this, noting however that these sponsorships will be subject to Riot's approval and will not be allowed to include logos on team uniforms. Some teams, such as Movistar KOI, have already stated that they will not pursue betting sponsorships. Others are more open to the idea, but are waiting to see the details of the new rules before making a decision. Despite the potential financial benefits of betting sponsorships, there remains some hesitation on the part of both esports organizations and gambling companies. Here are a few reasons why: Concerns about match fixing:  There is a concern that betting sponsorships could lead to match fixing, where players or teams intentionally lose or throw games in order to make money from bets. This could damage the integrity of esports competitions. Age restrictions:  Esports has a large young audience, and gambling is typically restricted to adults. Esports organizations may be concerned about the potential negative impact of gambling on young people. Regulatory uncertainty:  The esports betting industry is still relatively new and evolving, and there is still some uncertainty about the regulatory landscape. This could make esports organizations hesitant to partner with betting companies. (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting ) Read related article: Paper Rex rules Valorant invitational in China

Blacklist International unveiled its first ever all-female Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad on December 15, 2024. Blacklist International, a prominent esports organization, has made a significant stride in promoting gender equality in the gaming industry by unveiling its inaugural all-female Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad, aptly named Blacklist ZOL. This groundbreaking move not only showcases the organization's commitment to empowering women but also underscores the growing recognition of female talent in competitive gaming. The team comprises talented players from ZOL Esports: Taro, Bene, Mayi, Jewel, and Rain. These skilled individuals have already made their mark on the MLBB scene, having previously represented ONIC and secured a commendable third-place finish in the SILAB: Road to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's Invitational. This tournament served as a crucial qualifier for the prestigious Esports World Cup. The second Esports World Cup, to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during mid-2025, is a highly anticipated event in the global esports calendar.  The Philippines has a strong history in this tournament, with Smart Omega Empress clinching the championship title in the previous edition. Blacklist ZOL's entry into the MLBB scene adds another layer of excitement to the competition and further solidifies the Philippines' position as a powerhouse in female MLBB esports. Blacklist International's decision to form an all-female team is a bold step that challenges traditional gender stereotypes within the gaming community. By providing a platform for these talented women, the organization is inspiring young female gamers to pursue their passion and break down barriers. As Blacklist ZOL takes to the stage, they are not only representing themselves but also paving the way for future generations of female esports athletes. (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting ) Read related article: Saudi Arabia Wins Bid to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

Title favorites FNATIC Onic Philippines are the champions of the 6th Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship after defeating Team Liquid ID, 4-1.   FNATIC Onic Philippines extended the country's reign in the 6th Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship on December 15, 2024. The Sonics made quick work of Team Liquid ID, 4-1, during the grand finals held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The winning Pinoy team gets the lion’s share of the US$1,000,000 (P58.7 million) prize pool and the coveted title of the best Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team in the world. Duane “Kelra” Pillas was named Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the performance. This achievement also makes him one of only three players who have a world championship, a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup title, and a MLBB Professional League - Philippines (MPL) title.  FNATIC Onic Philippines did not drop a single series during the entire tournament, even during the new swiss stage phase.  Sportsbook analysts favored FNATIC Onic PH over TLPH in the Grand Finals. Esports.Net , which has Thunderpick as the provider,  accounted for FNATIC Onic PH's upper bracket finals win against Team Liquid ID in its analysis.  "The team [FNATIC Onic PH] has been on a roll recently. Unlike Team Liquid ID, which narrowly qualified for the Knockout Stage, Fnatic ONIC PH was at the top of the Swiss Stage. The two teams faced off in this stage, with Fnatic taking the win. On top of that, the two teams previously competed in the Snapdragon Pro Series with Fnatic winning 2-0 on this occasion as well," Esports.net said in its report.  Team Liquid ID, the Indonesian champions had its own valiant effort heading into the Grand Finals after it beat mid-season cup champions Selangor Red Giants and denying them the coveted "Golden Road" or a sweep of all tournaments.  Read related article: FNATIC Onic PH One Win Away From M6 Finals Slot

Team USA won over Turkiye while eGilas Pilipinas falls short of bronze at the 2024 eFIBA World Finals while in the Grand Finals held in Clark, Pampanga. Team USA emerged as the winner at the 2024 eFIBA Season 3 World Finals championship, which was hosted by the Philippines. The American squad clinched the title after a decisive victory over Turkiye during the December 12, 2024 Grand Finals held at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. Team USA secured their spot in the World Finals by dominating the North American qualifiers. Their consistent performance and strategic gameplay earned them the top seed and a direct entry into the main event.    The Philippines, on the other hand, was selected as the host nation for the eFIBA Season 3 World Finals. The country's growing esports scene and passionate fanbase made it an ideal location for the prestigious tournament.    While Team USA celebrated their championship victory, the host nation, the Philippines, faced disappointment in the battle for the bronze medal. Despite a strong start against Portugal, the Philippine team ultimately fell short, losing the series 1-2. Clark Banzon and Prich Diez led the Philippine team's efforts, but it wasn't enough to secure a podium finish as they landed on 4th place. Although they missed out on the top three, the eGilas squad, coached by Nite Alparas and featuring talented players like Kenneth Gutierrez and Julian Mallillin, still earned a $4,000 prize for their commendable performance. Team USA's dominance throughout the tournament was undeniable. They swept Turkey in the best-of-three finals, showcasing their superior skills and teamwork. With this victory, the United States secured the lion's share of the $50,000 prize pool, earning a substantial $20,000. Turkey and Portugal followed in second and third place, respectively, claiming $10,000 and $6,000. Read related article: eGilas Pilipinas Competing in eFIBA Season 3 World Finals

Fnatic ONIC PH secured a spot in the M6 Grand Finals held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after emerging victorious over Indonesian champions Team Liquid ID.  The Philippines continues to reign supreme in the world of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) as Fnatic ONIC PH secures a spot in the M6 Grand Finals held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  This comes as Fnatic ONIC PH emerged victorious over Indonesian champions Team Liquid ID in the upper bracket finals, bringing them one step closer to clinching the coveted M6 trophy. This win highlights the team's exceptional skills and unwavering determination as they navigate the intense competition. This victory marks the fifth consecutive world championship appearance for a Philippine team, solidifying the nation's dominance in the MLBB esports scene. “So very proud to be honest. That Philippine pride is there, but most especially I’m proud of my players,” head coach Tony “Ynot” Senedrin said, as reported by Tiebreaker Times.  The Philippine Star reinforces the nation's excitement for Fnatic ONIC PH's potential win in the sixth Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship. The article describes the team as being on the verge of securing their first world championship crown. This achievement would be a monumental feat, not only for the team but for the entire Philippines, further solidifying the country's reputation as a breeding ground for MLBB champions. For the ONIC Philippines franchise, this will be the first time they will make it into the championship since M3, when it lost against eventual champions Blacklist International during the Grand Finals in 2021.  With Fnatic ONIC PH standing strong in the grand finals, Filipino fans anticipate a thrilling conclusion to the M6 World Championship. The team's unwavering determination and exceptional skills pave the way for another potential world championship win for the Philippines. Read related article: FNATIC Onic PH One Win Away From M6 Finals Slot

Running score: 2-1 Two of the best teams in the NBA go head to head on Thursday as the streaking Knicks host the Denver Nuggets. The Knicks have won 4 straight games and have gone 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in those four wins. The Nuggets on the other hand, have lost back-to-back games and are looking to get back on the winning side. In the last meeting between these two teams, the Knicks blew out the Nuggets in their home floor by a whopping 27 points (145-118). The Knicks were perfect offensively that game putting up 145 points. However, with Denver coming off back-to-back losses and after getting blown out in their last meeting against the Knicks. I expect them to come out with a vengeance and set the tempo early. With that, I am taking the Denver Nuggets +3.5 tomorrow. Hot Trends: Nuggets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games Nuggets are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games in Madison Square Garden. Sanjay's Pick: Denver Nuggets+3.5

Saudi Arabia will be the host nation of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.  FIFA has officially awarded the 2034 FIFA World Cup to Saudi Arabia.  Saudi Arabia’s ambitious World Cup bid includes 15 stadiums (eight still being conceptualized) spread across five cities. Riyadh, the capital, would host eight stadiums, while Jeddah, a coastal city, would have four. The remaining three stadiums would be located in Abha, Al Khobar, and the futuristic Neom megacity. Each stadium is proposed to have a minimum capacity of 40,000, with a 92,000-seat venue in Riyadh earmarked for the opening game. “The FIFA World Cup is unique, and it is a unique catalyst as well for positive social change and unity because these tournaments … they are tournaments to unite, not to divide. They are tournaments, of course, to discuss, to debate and to act. But most importantly, today, today is a day of unity and a day of celebration,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.  This decision has sparked significant controversy due to the host nation's human rights record and environmental concerns. Critics argue that Saudi Arabia's bid is a clear attempt at "sportswashing," using a major sporting event to improve its global image and distract from domestic issues. Human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over Saudi Arabia's treatment of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political dissidents. The country's strict laws and harsh punishments have drawn international condemnation. Environmental activists have also voiced their worries, citing Saudi Arabia's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and its potential impact on climate change. The construction of new stadiums and infrastructure for the World Cup could further strain the country's environmental resources. Saudi Arabia, through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), has significantly invested in the global sports industry in recent years. This includes major investments in golf, boxing, esports, and Formula One. The nation positions these investments as part of Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This ambitious project aims to diversify the Saudi economy and elevate the country's global standing. While the World Cup offers a unique opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its culture and modernization efforts, the controversy surrounding the decision highlights the complex interplay between sports, politics, and human rights. Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide and a major focus for sports betting.  Read related article: What to Know About the 2025 Olympic Esports Games in Saudi

Kenneth "Nets" Barro is considering a return to the Philippines following his team's elimination from the 6th Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship.  Pinoy Mobile Legends: Bang Bang import player Kenneth “Nets” Barro is eyeing to return to the Philippines after an early elimination in the knockout stages of the 6th Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship held in Kuala Lumpur.  Nets and crew absorbed a 1-3 loss against Europe’s best, Team Spirit, during the early stages of the M6 knockout stages. Team Spirit, representing the CIS region, has been a surprise contender in the MLBB M6 World Championship after shocking MPL Indonesia champions Team Liquid ID in the Swiss Stages.  Now, Nets is eyeing to return to MPL Philippines where he previously played with Onic (now Fnatic ONIC PH). "Sa tingin ko hindi ko pa alam [ang next move ko], e, kasi gusto kong mag-try sa PH ulit. Hindi ko lang alam if may kukuha sa akin (I think I don't know [my next move] yet because I want to try playing in the PH again. I'm just not sure if any team will pick me up)," Nets told Filipino media, as reported by GMA News.  "[Pero] hindi pa [ako nagta-try out] kasi may tournament pa pero ita-try kong mag-try out sa PH kung merong slot ng gold lane ([But] I haven't [tried out yet] because there's still a tournament, but I'll try to try out in the PH if there's a gold lane slot available)," he added.  He left the Philippines to play in Malaysia with HomeBois and then Team Vamos.  The player is thankful for the opportunity to play in the M6 World Championship and recommends other Filipino players to try playing abroad. Read related article: FNATIC Onic PH One Win Away From M6 Finals Slot (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting )

The Lakers, riding a recent surge, face a formidable challenge against the 76ers. Will the road-weary Lakers hold on, or will the Sixers capitalize on their momentum? Score: 1-1 The streaking Los Angeles Lakers come into the city of Brotherly Love for an inter-conference showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers have won six of their last seven games and have gone 6-2 since the return of superstar Anthony Davis to their roster. Meanwhile, the 76ers were on a 7-game losing streak before finally winning against the best team in the league in Cleveland and going into Chicago and getting their 2nd consecutive win. Tyrese Maxey has recently found his groove, averaging 30.5 points per game in his last 10 outings. With Paul Goerge and Joel Embiid being out, I expect him to continue leading the charge for this Philadelphia team Additionally, tomorrow will mark the Lakers’ 5th game in 7 nights, and their starters have not exactly gotten to rest in any of the games as they were unable to hold on to their large leads in most games, so I expect the hungrier Philadelphia team to come out last in this matchup. With that being said, I do love the Philadelphia 76ers to keep it close and possibly win tomorrow’s matchup with the Lakers. Current Odds: Spread: Philadelphia 76ers +4.5 | Los Angeles Lakers -4.5 Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers 2.40 | Los Angeles Lakers 1.56 Over/Under: Over 217.0 | Under 217.0 Odds from Arena Plus. Hot Trends: Philadelphia is 6-0 against the spread (ATS) in their last 6 home games against the Lakers. Philadelphia is 7-3 straight up (SU) in their last 10 games against the Lakers. Sanjay’s Pick: Philadelphia 76ers +4.5

The eFIBA Season 3 World Finals will be held from December 11 to 12, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. The Philippines is set to host the eFIBA Season 3 World Finals from December 11 to 12, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. The highly-anticipated tournament will feature eight of the world’s best NBA 2K25 teams, competing for the coveted world championship title. Hungry for glory, eGilas Pilipinas will clash with the eight best teams from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania in the eFIBA Season 3 World Finals.  The PH team will be aiming to capitalize on home court advantage to secure the top prize of the tournament, which will be played on NBA 2K25 using PlayStation 5. Led by veteran point guard Clark “PHI_ZavaLCB” Banzon, eGilas Pilipinas is a formidable force in the global esports basketball scene. The team's roster also includes Prich “PHI_DonPriich” Diez, Kenneth “PHI_Clue” Gutierrez, Isaiah “PHI_Ice2Fast” Alindada, and Julian “PHI_Social” Mallillin. Coach Nite Alparas is confident in his team's ability to perform at the highest level. “We’re super excited because it is our home court,” Gutierrez was quoted as saying in an interview with One News’ Play by Play.  “They say there is more pressure because it is our home court, but we’re not pressured. We try to use that pressure as motivation for the competition.” Tournament Format The eight teams will be divided into two groups of four. Each team will play against the other teams in their group once. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. Group A: USA Algeria Portugal Saudi Arabia Group B: Philippines Turkey Brazil New Zealand Prize Pool Champion: $20,000 Runner-up: $10,000 Third Place: $6,000 Fourth Place: $4,000 The eFIBA Season 3 World Finals is a free event, open to the public. Basketball fans and esports enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and witness the thrilling action live. Read related article: Gilas Pilipinas Beats New Zealand in FIBA Asia Cup Qualis

Want to make informed bets on the 76ers-Pistons game? This breakdown examines the odds, matchups, and potential storylines to help you understand the betting landscape and find the most promising opportunities. Running score: 7-4  The Philadelphia 76ers are heading to the Motor City for a showdown with the Detroit Pistons.  Philadelphia has struggled with injuries, most notably to Joel Embiid, who has played just 14 games all season and has yet to participate in back-to-back games. Paul George recently returned but looked rusty in his first game back. Meanwhile, Detroit is exceeding expectations, led by first-time All-Star Cade Cunningham . Despite the season-ending loss of Jaden Ivey, the Pistons remain in the playoff hunt, seeking their first postseason berth since 2007-08. However, history heavily favors Philadelphia. The 76ers have won 9 of the last 10 meetings against Detroit, and with their three stars—Maxey, George, and Embiid—all playing, the Pistons face an uphill battle. Current Odds: Spread: Detroit Pistons +3.5 | Philadelphia 76ers -3.5 Moneyline: Detroit Pistons 2.25 | Philadelphia 76ers 1.63 Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5 Odds from Arena Plus. Hot Trends: Philadelphia is 9-1 straight up (SU) in their last 10 games against Detroit. Philadelphia is 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 games against Detroit. Sanjay’s Pick: Philadelphia 76ers -3.0 (buying half point) Read related article:   Wizards vs. Nets: Picks & Odds, Feb. 6, 2025