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Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani seeking the return of nearly $325,000 worth of baseball cards which he says were bought by his ex-interpreter using his money. Japanese baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani is taking legal action against his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Ohtani is seeking the return of nearly $325,000 worth of baseball cards which he says were bought using his money.  This latest development, reported by Associated Press and ESPN, sheds light on the extent of Mizuhara's alleged financial misconduct, which was fueled by a severe gambling addiction. According to the report, between January and March 2024, Mizuhara bought baseball cards online to resell. Ohtani claims ownership of these cards, purchased with his money, and seeks their return from authorities who seized them during Mizuhara's arrest.  Ohtani also asked the court to return personally signed baseball cards bearing his image that were in Mizuhara's possession at the time of the seizure. Mizuhara was accused of gaining unauthorized access to Ohtani's bank account in late 2021. By altering security settings, Mizuhara allegedly impersonated Ohtani to authorize wire transfers. These funds were then used to purchase approximately $325,000 worth of baseball cards from online retailers like eBay and Whatnot. He previously pleaded guilty to charges of bank and tax fraud, admitting to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani. The stolen funds were reportedly used to finance a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of high-value baseball cards. However, a significant portion of the money was diverted to cover mounting gambling debts. After pleading guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion, Mizuhara is facing a potential 30-year prison sentence. He could also be ordered to pay millions of dollars in restitution to both Ohtani and the IRS. Furthermore, his status as a legal permanent resident could be revoked, leading to deportation back to Japan. Mizuhara’s camp declined to comment on the filing.  Read related article : Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Shatters Sportsbook Records

Saudi Arabia to host FIFAe Finals 2024, marking a major shift as the EA FC series will not be featured for the first time in the tournament’s history. Saudi Arabia to Host FIFAe Finals 2024 in Riyadh from December 5–12, featuring top-tier competitions in Rocket League and eFootball with a $450,000 prize pool. “As we continue to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in esports, hosting the FIFAe Finals 2024 is a proud moment for us. This event not only highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to the esports ecosystem but also provides an unparalleled opportunity for players from across the world to showcase their talent and passion on a global stage. We’re excited to witness the next chapter of esports history unfold right here in Riyadh,” said Turki Alfawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation.  This year's FIFAe Finals marks a significant departure from previous years, as the popular football video game EA FC series will not be included, as reported by Esports Insider. This comes after Electronic Arts and FIFA ended their decades-long partnership.  The absence of the long-standing FIFA and EA partnership has led to a shift in the gaming landscape, with Rocket League and eFootball taking center stage as the official games of the FIFAe World Cup. The Rocket League tournament boasts a substantial prize pool of $250,000, while both the eFootball mobile and console competitions offer a prize pool of $100,000 each. In addition to the main event, FIFA has also hosted a Football Manager FIFAe World Cup during its Next Gen event in Liverpool. This move highlights FIFA's commitment to expanding the esports ecosystem and exploring new gaming titles. (Want to know more about betting in esports? Read the ACN Guide to  Understanding Esports Betting )   Read related article: China, India Drive Rising Interest In Sports Betting: Study

Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3 kicks off the 2025 esports circuit with a major tournament in the Philippines, showcasing top teams and intense action. Honor of Kings (HOK) will kick off its 2025 esports circuit through the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3, which will be held in the Philippines from Mid-February to Mid-March. This was revealed by Honor of Kings Global Esports through their social media accounts.  This comes as a kicker to Honor of Kings starting its own local league in the Philippines next year, such as The Philippine League Spring set to begin in April 2025 and the Philippine League Fall, which will start in August 2025, according to a report by Philippine Star.  The Philippines will have three slots in the tournament while dominant team Malaysia, and Indonesia will have two. There will also be a wildcard team, and teams from America (1), Europe (1), Middle East and North Africa (1), and Japan and South Korea (1).  HOK Global Esports' earlier bared plans for its 2025 roadmap, kicking off with the Season 3 Invitational in mid-February. This will be followed by local leagues in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, and the Philippines, as well as Major East, Major West, and The Wild Card Series.  The season will culminate in the Midseason Invitational, timed to coincide with the Esports World Cup in July and August. Honor of Kings in 2025 will have roster changes, trimming down the number of import players to 1, with a minimum contract of 6 months. Teams must also have at least 2 players who reside in the team's representing country, and four players who are residents of the team's home regions.  It also divides teams into seven regions: Americas, Europe, MEA, Pacific, Southeast Asia, Chinese Mainland, and one region which covers Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.  This plan continues Honor of Kings’ thrust into the global esports scene, after making the game available to players outside China starting this year.  (Want to know more about betting in esports? Read the ACN Guide to  Understanding Esports Betting )   Read related article: Blacklist Becomes Lone Pinoy Survivor In Honor of Kings Worlds, As BOOM Esports Falters

Valorant Challengers Ascension Pacific 2024 champs Sin Prisa Gaming join Nongshim RedForce, securing a VCT Pacific 2025 slot after a dominant tournament run. Sin Prisa Gaming (SPG), the triumphant team of Valorant Challengers Ascension Pacific 2024, has officially joined forces with the renowned esports organization, Nongshim RedForce. The Korean squad will now compete under the Nongshim banner for the upcoming 2025 VCT Pacific season. SPG's impressive performance in the Ascension tournament solidified their position as a formidable force in the global Valorant scene. Their victory secured them a coveted spot in the prestigious VCT Pacific league, where they will now represent Nongshim RedForce, which is owned and backed by the Korean food and beverage giant.  “The SPG roster, including players and head coach, will remain fully intact but will compete under the NS banner next year. We are confident that Nongshim will be a valuable addition to the VCT Pacific league given their extensive experience in esports. We are also happy for the players and coach who will have access to additional training facilities and support as part of this acquisition,” Riot Games said in a statement. Sin Prisa Gaming’s players were part of Valorant Premier - Valorant’s own community-based tournament for amateur players. They were promoted to the semi-professional Valorant Challengers tournament in Seoul during the tournament’s third split this year, before emerging victorious in VCT Ascension Pacific, to get the spot to VCT Pacific. VCT Pacific is Valorant’s continental tournament for Asia-Pacific.  They snagged their VCT Pacific slot after a 3-2 win against BOOM Esports in the Grand Finals of VCT Ascension Pacific. BOOM Esports would also get their slot after Riot Games revoked Bleed Esports’  league slot due to financial incapabilities.   It's worth noting that the original Challengers team of Nongshim RedForce will no longer be affiliated with the organization after the conclusion of Challengers 2024 Korea: Split 3.  However, the players will retain their Challengers slot, allowing them to continue competing under a different banner if they so choose. As the 2025 season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the exciting matches and intense rivalries that will unfold in the VCT Pacific league. (Want to know more about betting in esports? Read the   ACN Guide to  Understanding Esports Betting )   Read related article: Xipto is Lone Asia Team in Valorant Game Changers Final Four

Join the Player Protection Symposium at SBC Summit Americas 2025—where experts share insights on safer gambling, compliance, and responsible gaming. SBC Summit Americas  is reinforcing its commitment to promoting safer gambling by integrating the previously standalone  Player Protection Symposium  into the event’s core conference agenda. This strategic move ensures that all registered delegates will have access to discussions, insights, and best practices around player protection, cementing the topic as a central pillar of the 2025 summit. The Player Protection Symposium will be held on May 14 in the  Palm Room  (Level 2) at the  Broward County Convention Center . Featuring a focused conference agenda and networking opportunities, the symposium will offer a dedicated space for operators, regulators, compliance experts and technology providers to share strategies for player protection. “I think it’s clear to everyone that player safety is no longer a side conversation. It should be a central focus for every company operating in our industry,” said SBC CEO and Founder  Rasmus Sojmark . “That’s why we’ve integrated the Player Protection Symposium into the main SBC Summit Americas agenda, ensuring it is front and center and fully accessible to all attendees without the need for a separate ticket or early arrival. By embedding it into the core program, we’re opening up these crucial discussions to a much wider audience, creating greater opportunities for learning, collaboration, and progress.” With SBC Summit Americas now bringing together North and Latin America, the new dedicated track offers Latin American stakeholders a unique opportunity to access deeper conversations around player protection. Although SBC Summit Latinoamérica touched on the topic through individual panels, it never hosted a full track on the subject. This new format also paves the way for greater knowledge sharing between the two regions. The Player Protection Symposium will feature seven panels in total, tackling a wide range of issues related to player safety. Sessions will cover topics such as analyzing affordability and risk checks, the role of technology in early harm detection, how operators can work with regulators and the overall development of safer gambling tools and strategies. The symposium will open with a look at the North American market and the effect of financial risk checks on player behaviors.  Financial Risk Checks: An Essential Tool for Player Safety or the Black Market’s New Best Friend?  will feature  Craig Cornforth  (Senior Business Development Director, EPIC Global Solutions) , Rebekah Jackson  (Director of Gaming, GBG),  Martin Lycka  (SVP for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, Entain) and  Declan Raines  (Senior Director – US Gaming, TransUnion) exploring how affordability checks shape player behavior and how the industry can meet compliance demands while reducing the risk of driving players toward unregulated markets. The panel titled  From Obligation to Opportunity: Driving Success Through Responsible Gambling  will focus on both the LATAM and North American markets, discussing how proactive responsible gambling strategies can drive long-term commercial success across both regions. Featuring player protection experts  Sarah Brennan  (Senior Director, Compliance, BetMGM),  Paul Buck  (CEO, EPIC Global Solutions),  Dr. Mary Donohue  (CEO & Founder, The Digital Wellness Center),  Charmaine Hogan  (Head of Regulatory Affairs, Playtech),  Martin Lycka  (Regulation & Responsible Gambling Expert) and  Dr. Jennifer Shatley  (Executive Director,  Responsible Online Gaming Association. Safeguarding the Next Generation: Addressing Underage Gambling Risks  will examine the need for companies to prevent underage gambling across Latin America. The panel features  Samer Atassi  (VP of Latin America ,  Jumio),  Ezequiel Dominguez  (Director de Loterias ,  Loteria de Buenos Aires (LOTBA) , Dr. Agustin Li Gambi  (Director General, IJAN),  Ida Lopez  (President ,  ALEA) ,  Iliana Pineda   (Chief Legal & Compliance Officer ,  Wplay),   and  Tatiana Vazquez  (Socia – Directora ,  V&I Consultores Legales)   as they explore technology-focused solutions to protect vulnerable youth and ensure responsible gaming practice across the region. Away from the  Player Protection Symposium , attendees will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of both the LATAM and North American markets through tracks such as the  Payment Expert Summit ,  Leaders ,  Affiliates  and  Masterclasses  on new and upcoming regulations. Get Your Ticket to SBC Summit Americas: Group Pass 3+ (Full Event Pass) : Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, networking events, and evening parties—all for a discounted rate of $500 per person. (does not include access to SBC Awards Americas) Get your Group Pass. Expo+ Pass : Includes access to the expo floor and all conference sessions (does not include access to evening networking events). Get Your  Expo+ Pass at $95 . Complimentary  Operator  & Affiliate Passes: Operators and affiliates can apply for free passes, subject to approva l. Apply for Your Complimentary Operator Pass . Apply for Your Complimentary Affiliate Pass . Read related article: Payment Expert Summit at SBC Summit Americas 2025

Swiss Casinos secures ISO 14001 certification, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and setting a new standard in environmental responsibility for the industry. Land-based and online casino operator meeting the highest environmental standards with plans to further reduce its footprint and impact Swiss Casinos, the renowned multi-channel casino operator in Switzerland, has secured ISO 14001 certification as part of wider ESG efforts. ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems and sets out requirements for organisations to meet to systematically improve environmental performance.  The framework it sets out allows companies to identify, control and continuously reduce their impacts on the environment.  By receiving ISO 14001 certification, Swiss Casinos has proved that it meets requirements and standards for its Environmental Policy, Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and Measurement, as well as Corrective Actions and Continuous Improvement.  It’s also a testament to Swiss Casino’s commitment to actively reducing its environmental footprint while complying with all relevant environmental regulations.  By adhering to the ISO 14001 framework, organizations such as Swiss Casinos can benefit from cost savings, an enhanced corporate image and better alignment with customers and stakeholders.  Marcel Tobler , Chief Executive Officer at Swiss Casinos , said: “We are delighted to have received ISO 14001 certification and to meet the standards and requirements set within its framework.  “Our commitment to the environment is a deep as it is authentic, and we have long been working towards reducing our impact on the environment while improving environmental performance.  “The team has done an incredible job of not only meeting the standards set under ISO 14001 but exceeding them, ensuring Swiss Casinos sets the standard for others to follow.  “Of course, our work does not stop here, and we will continue to ensure we are doing all we can to maximize environmental performance and reduce the impact we have on the wonderful world around us.”  Swiss Casinos currently operates four casinos in Zürich, St. Gallen, Pfäffikon and Schaffhausen, although later this year it will replace its Schaffhausen property with a new state-of-the-art casino in Winterthur.  In addition to its retail properties, Swiss Casinos operates the most profitable online casino in the country, swisscasinos.ch .  Read related article: Top Game Designer Joe Kaminkow To Join ICE World Gaming Forum

Push Gaming has launched Olympus Unleashed, a mythological slot blending classic gameplay with bold features and god-powered bonuses for a thrilling player experience. B2B supplier Push Gaming has launched Olympus Unleashed, a futuristic take on a mythological-themed slot that combines the timeless appeal of classic slots with bold, modern gameplay. Created for players who enjoy the familiar rhythm of traditional titles but crave something fresh, Olympus Unleashed delivers a compelling blend of nostalgia and innovation.  Central to the experience is the Power-Up Symbol, a dynamic feature that can activate a range of game-enhancing mechanics in both the base game and the high-energy Unleashed feature. At the game's core is the distinctive Unleashed mechanic, where players encounter three legendary figures: Ares, Poseidon and Athena. Each god hero triggers their unique Unleashed feature, introducing varying volatility and gameplay intensity that deepen the player experience. With its bold visual style, rich theme and wide-ranging appeal, Olympus Unleashed is a valuable addition to any operator's portfolio. Its fast-paced, accessible design ensures a consistently engaging experience for players across the board. Ihor Lozinskiy, Head of Studio at Push Gaming, said: "Our aim with Olympus Unleashed was to craft a game that resonates with fans of classic slots while delivering something refreshingly different." "With striking visuals and engaging mechanics, we're confident that players will enjoy everything this mythological adventure has to offer." Read related article: Push Gaming Releases 3 Magic Pots Fantasy Slot

Explore how the Philippine gaming sector hit ₱104B in Gross Gaming Revenue in Q1 2025—discover the trends, top earners, and what's driving the growth! E-games and e-bingo take the lead as PAGCOR boosts net income and public contributions. The Philippine gaming sector continues to grow, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaching ₱104.12 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This marks a nearly 20% increase compared to the same quarter last year — a clear sign of steady recovery and rising demand in the market. Electronic games and e-bingo topped the charts, contributing ₱58.16 billion or 56% of total GGR. Licensed casinos followed with ₱39.67 billion, while PAGCOR-run venues added another ₱6.29 billion. Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco credited the agency’s operational efficiency for the strong start to the year. He noted that better financial control and disciplined spending played key roles in boosting results. Total revenue stood at ₱28.07 billion, up from ₱25.24 billion in Q1 2024. Meanwhile, operating costs were trimmed by 15%, falling to ₱6.21 billion. This led to a 23% rise in net income, which hit ₱4.22 billion for the quarter. PAGCOR’s contributions to government programs also grew. The agency turned over ₱18.9 billion to nation-building efforts, up from ₱15.56 billion in the same period last year. Looking ahead, PAGCOR says it will strengthen its regulatory systems and continue to ensure that gaming revenues are channeled into public welfare, infrastructure, and social projects that benefit Filipino communities. Read related article: PAGCOR Q1 Profits Up 23% on Strong e-Games, E-Bingo

G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo open today at The Venetian Macao, uniting 10,000+ professionals to explore the latest in gaming, entertainment, and IR innovation. G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo, the leading marketplace for the gaming, entertainment and integrated resorts sectors, officially opens today at The Venetian Macao, with more than 10,000 industry professionals from 80 countries and regions expected to attend. Running from May 7-9, the exhibition spans over 30,000 sqm, showcasing over 150 exhibitors and featuring cutting-edge products and technologies that encompass the full spectrum of the entertainment and travel industries. GRAND OPENING CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY KEY LOCAL INDUSTRY FIGURES The joint event officially commenced with a grand opening ceremony officiated by key figures from the local industry, highlighting the event’s importance as the key platform and reinforcing the region’s commitment to industry growth and cross-border collaboration. G2E ASIA CONFERENCE BEGINS WITH DISTINGUISHED KEYNOTE AND POWERHOUSE SPEAKER LINEUP Kicking off on May 7-9 alongside the exhibition, the G2E Asia Conference opened with a compelling program and a strong lineup of industry leaders. May 7 featured Francis Lui , Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, delivering the opening keynote on the evolving entertainment landscape and Ed Bowers , President of Global Development of MGM Resorts International, presenting the afternoon keynote on gaming and market transformation. Centered around the Asian Market Forum, the day also welcomed notable speakers including Praveen Choudhary , Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Asia Limited; Fredric E. Gushin , Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Gaming Group; and Niall Murray , Chairman of Murray International (Macau) Co. Ltd., setting the stage for two more days of strategic insights and future-focused discussions. 100 EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS DEBUT ACROSS SHOW FLOOR Among the showcased products and solutions, 100 exclusive launches are making their debut in Asia for the first time. From established brands to rising stars, the launches span a diverse range of functions within the gaming and integrated resorts sectors, underscoring the limitless potential for innovation and growth within the industries. MAY 8 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo continues May 8 with a full lineup of activities, including: The G2E Asia Conference  running until May 9, addressing key topics including Technology and Innovations for Gaming; the 4th Asia Pacific Responsible Gaming Forum; and IAGA Best Practices Institute. Speakers include Jerry Chan , Senior Vice President of Electronic Gaming & Special Projects of Okada Manila; Guojing Su , President and Professor of Asian Responsible Gaming Alliance; and Hikaru Oguchi , Partner of Nishimura & Asahi. The final day of the Asian IR Summit , offering in-depth discussions on Sportainment and New Era of Entertainment. Speakers include Kevin Benning , Senior Vice President and Studio City General Manager, Melco Resorts & Entertainment;  Jeffrey Jiang , EVP- Entertainment Services, Galaxy Entertainment Group; Michael Jensen , Senior Vice President of Strategic Optimization of Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace; Jeremy Walker , Senior Vice President, Marketing and Event Services, Galaxy Entertainment Group; Raymond Lo , Senior Vice President, Head of Global Marketing and General Manager of Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs, Melco Resorts & Entertainment; David Baxley , Vice President of Regional Entertainment, Sands China Ltd. An afternoon of expert-led sessions on smart hospitality at the Tech Talk , located within the exhibition. An afternoon exploring table games technology at the Gaming Innovation Forum , also within the exhibition. Exclusive networking cocktail events  designed for table games and marketing professionals. The G2E Asia After Party  at Para Club Macau, City of Dreams, with tickets available for purchase onsite at the event. To learn more about G2E Asia, visit www.G2EAsia.com . To learn more about Asian IR Expo, visit www.AsianIRExpo.com . Read related article: Asian IR Summit and G2E Asia 2025: Event Details

BGaming launches TRUE WAYS Conference for iGaming executives—gain real insights, expert tips, and global strategies in a fresh, honest online event on June 4. Popular iGaming content provider BGaming announces the launch of its first-ever online conference for iGaming executives, TRUE WAYS. This event will run online on June 4th, 2025, from 3 to 5 PM CET.  With TRUE WAYS, BGaming aims to move away from traditional conference formats, offering authentic ways to iGaming success. Instead of generic lectures or one-size-fits-all approaches, this online event is built around practical, real-world insights from speakers who’ve walked the talk. Online attendees will be able to learn from established industry veterans and progressive emerging voices and leave with actionable strategies to succeed in iGaming. Participants need not worry if they miss any lectures, though; recordings of all speakers will be made available to every registered participant after the event.  Speakers for TRUE WAYS include Kate Puteiko, CMO at BGaming; Dmitry Belianin, Founder and CEO of Belianin Group; Yaroslav Babych, CCO at ZM Team; Kate Romanenko, Head of Commercial at Kendoo provider; and Ataur Rosul Abeer, Senior Sales Manager at Slotegrator. Many more iGaming specialists have joined the online conference as speakers, including Sasha Boerma, Commercial Director – Africa at Split The Pot, Yahale Meltzer, CEO of Groove, Shahar Attias, CEO of Hybrid Interaction, Marija Hammon, Brand & Marketing Consultant, and Ivan Bilash, Director of Partner Operations at SOFTSWISS.  TRUE WAYS will gather iGaming experts to discuss key industry topics, from the evolution of the game provider model and affiliate marketing strategies to emerging trends in African and Asian markets. Speakers will also explore culturally localized branding, partner operations as a growth driver, and the role of personal branding for C-level executives. The event promises valuable insights, real-world case studies, and practical strategies for success in the dynamic iGaming landscape. Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, said: “ At BGaming, we believe that growth thrives on collaboration and co-creation, and it is in this spirit that we have launched TRUE WAYS. We want to shake up the industry and inspire thoughtful, honest dialogue around the issues that people find important. With TRUE WAYS and its unique format, we believe we are achieving that goal. By offering a platform for success stories and honest assessments of failure, we aim to foster an environment of transparency and reflection that will benefit the wider industry.” Register for TRUE WAYS online conference today to learn from the top minds in iGaming. Read related article: Take on the Stock Market with BGaming’s Retro Trader

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team Ulfhednar from Turkiye secures a spot in the M6 World Championship Swiss Stage, marking a major milestone in their journey. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team Ulfhednar from Turkiye secured their place in the M6 World Championship Swiss Stage with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Russia’s Insilio. The victory came during the Wildcard Decider held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 24, 2024, marking a major milestone for Team Ulfhednar in the global MLBB scene. The team roster is comprised of Bariş Ali Çakır, Sidar Menteşe, Ahmet Taha Batır, Emre Sarı, and Furkan Akbulut. This will be the core team's third consecutive M-series appearance, after representing Turkey during the M5 World Championship in Manila, under the FireFlux Impunity banner.  After the dominant win, the Turkish team will now face North America's BloodThirsty Kings in a crucial matchup on Thursday, according to a report by Dugout PH.  However, Ulfhednar's journey to the Swiss Stage has been marred by controversy. In a pivotal match against China's DianFengYaoGuai (DFYG), DFYG's jungler experienced a technical issue that led to an unusual in-game decision.  As reported by GosuGamers, the player, Liu "Zzzed" Chenjia, inexplicably walked into an enemy turret, resulting in a team fight loss and a decisive advantage for Ulfhednar. While DFYG appealed the decision, the M6 Committee ruled that the incident did not meet the specific criteria for a rematch. The committee acknowledged the technical issue but determined that it did not significantly alter the course of the game. During the match, Zzzed told the referee that a pop-up notification unrelated to the tournament appeared on his phone, preventing him from controlling his character. Tournament operators confirmed this and fixed the issue. The incident has also prompted the M6 organizers and MOONTON Games to consider implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in future tournaments, including the development of a rewind feature for competitive matches. Ulfhednar will join 15 other teams in the M6 Swiss Stage, which will be held on November 28, 2024.    Read related article: Teams Competing in the 6th Mobile Legends World Championship (Want to know more about betting in esports? Read the   ACN Guide to  Understanding Esports Betting )

Reigning League of Legends world champions T1 its leader Faker headlined the second part of the 2024 Esports Awards. Reigning League of Legends world champions T1 and Saudi Arabia's Team Falcons took center stage during the second part of the 2024 Esports Awards, held in Saudi capital Riyadh.  Esports titles and game publishers were recognized at an earlier event, held at the concluding weekend of Esports World Cup. This is the first year that the award-giving body has partnered with the Esports World Cup, in what was a controversial move for its ties to the Saudi Arabian government.  T1 was recognized as Team of the Year, while Team Falcons, which is backed by the Saudi Arabia government was recognized as the organization of the year.  Here are the winners of the 2024 Esports Awards: Sebastian Job - Sim Racer of the Year Gen.G Kim - Esports Coach of the Year  Worlds 2023 - Live Event of the Year  Jawgemo - Esports Play of the Year  ESL FaceIt - Esports Broadcast and Production TOTY  Liquid ENIGMA - Esports Creative of the Year  Blitz.GG - Esports Supporting Service of the Year  SpunJ - Esports Color Caster of the Year  Brandion Smoth - Esports Play-By-Play Caster of the YEar  Faker - Esports PC Player of the Year Shotzzy - Esports Controller PLayer of the Year  T1 - Esports Team of the Year  Mortal - Esports Content Creator of the Year  Chris Puckett - Esports Host of the Year  Team Falcons Esports Organization of the Year  The award-giving body drew criticism for deciding on the partnership. Saudi Arabian government has been long accused of sportswashing to cover up alleged human rights violations.  Some of its longtime panelists and hosts backed out of this year’s awards ceremonies as a result. READ:  LoL Player Keria Extends Contract With T1 Until 2026 MLBB dominates MOBIES  Meanwhile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, a game headquartered in Shanghai and Singapore, took home Game of the Year in the MOBIES  held in Los Angeles, California, as reported by Spin.PH .  last November 21. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) dominated the 2024 Mobile Gaming Awards, winning multiple accolades. It was named the Most Competitive Game of the Year and its M5 World Championship was recognized as the Live Event of the Year.The Filipino team, Falcons AP.Bren, was honored as the Mobile Team of the Year.  READ:  League of Legends star Zeus Leaves T1; Oner, Gumayusi Renew Additionally, MLBB received five major nominations, including two for Mobile Player of the Year for FlapTzy and Sekys, and nominations for Mobile Game of the Year, Mobile Strategy Game of the Year, and Developer of the Year for MOONTON Games. (Want to know more about betting in esports? Read the   ACN Guide to  Understanding Esports Betting )   Read related article: 2024 League of Legends Worlds Finals Most-Viewed Esports Game