The format change in the 6th Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship contributed to solid viewership statistics, according to a report.  The format change in the 6th Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship contributed to increased viewership statistics for the 2024 iteration of the tournament, an analytics body shared.  In its report published on December 6, 2024, Esports Charts shared that the Swiss Stage has “attracted higher viewership numbers across the board” during the M5 World Championship. This is due to having more matches. M6 is currently being held in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and will run until December 15.  “With the games being shorter [best-of-ones and best-of-threes] compared to the best-of-five matches witnessed last year, the airtime in 2024 came down by almost seven hours,” Esports Charts said.  This year's M6 World Championship introduced a new format, replacing the 2023 GSL-style Group Stage with a Swiss Stage. This change, implemented by MOONTON Games, aimed to increase the number of matches per team and improve the chances of top-tier teams advancing to the playoffs. According to Esports Charts, three matches from the Swiss Stage surpassed 2 million Peak Viewers (PV), with the peak viewership recorded during the clash between Team Liquid ID and Aurora Gaming.  The matchup pitted two of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang's most successful regions–Indonesia and the Philippines–against each other. Such clashes typically draw record-breaking viewership at any level of competition. According to Esports Charts, the resurgence of popular team RRQ Hoshi and the strong performance of Team Liquid ID have significantly boosted Indonesian viewership. Both watch time and peak concurrent viewership have increased substantially compared to the 2023 Group Stage.Additionally, the success of Malaysian teams Selangor Red Giants and Team Vamos has led to a surge in Bahasa Malaysia viewership, with both watch time and peak viewership increasing by over 75%. Why is viewership important in esports betting? Viewership is crucial for esports betting as it drives market liquidity, informs betting decisions, attracts bookmaker interest, and fosters community engagement. However, factors like team performance, player skill, meta shifts, and odds movement also significantly impact betting outcomes. 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 )

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is being sued for $1.59 million for allegedly breaking a deal with a gambling company to fight Jake Paul in a Netflix-sponsored event. Boxing legend Mike Tyson is facing a lawsuit in a London court, accused of breaking a promotional deal with a gambling company to pursue a high-profile boxing match against social media influencer Jake Paul. Medier, a Cyprus-based company promoting the online casino and betting platform Rabona, alleges that Tyson and his company Tyrannic abandoned a January agreement to promote the company.  The lawsuit, filed in October, claims that Tyson terminated the deal in March, citing a breach by Medier. However, Medier's legal team argues that the real reason for the termination was Tyson's decision to fight Jake Paul in a Netflix-sponsored event. The company is seeking damages of approximately $1.59 million, claiming the loss of potential revenue due to Tyson's breach of contract. "The true reason for Mr. Tyson and Tyrannic's hasty and unlawful termination was because Mr. Tyson had agreed a deal, sponsored by Netflix, to fight the influencer Jake Paul," the company's lawyer said, as reported by ESPN.  In response, Tyson’s company Tyrannic, issued a statement that was published by the Daily Mail. “It is the company's position that Medier, Ltd. materially breached the terms of its license agreement on multiple occasions and in various ways. As such, Tyrannic, LLC was well within its legal and contractual rights to terminate the license agreement for material breach in an effort to mitigate additional reputational harm to the Tyson brand,” read the statement. This isn't the only legal issue stemming from the Tyson-Paul fight. A Florida man recently filed a class-action lawsuit against Netflix over the poor streaming quality during the event.  The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight was a massive draw for sports bettors, setting records as the most heavily wagered-upon boxing match in recent history. The November 16, 2024 bout, streamed on Netflix, attracted a record-breaking 60 million viewers, with BetMGM reporting it as their highest-betting boxing or MMA event ever. While the exact betting figures remain undisclosed, it's clear that the fight was a goldmine for sportsbooks. Paul won the fight against the boxing legend through a unanimous decision.  Read related article: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Shatters Sportsbook Records

South Korean team Dplus has claimed the coveted Players Unknown Battle Grounds - Mobile World Championship (PMGC) 2024 title. Dplus, a South Korean powerhouse in mobile esports, has etched their name in history by claiming the coveted PlayersUnknown Battle Grounds - Mobile World Championship (PMGC) 2024 title. The two-month-long global competition concluded in London, United Kingdom, on December 8, 2024, with Dplus emerging victorious. For their exceptional performance, Dplus will receive a staggering $457,250 (P26.5 million), the lion's share of the $3 million prize pool. The team outperformed 16 of the world's best PUBG Mobile squads in the Grand Finals phase. The podium was shared by some of the most formidable teams in the world. Turkiye's Regnum Carya Bra Esports secured the second position, followed by UAE-based Nigma Galaxy in third. Brazil's Influence Rage rounded out the top four. The other placements in the tournament are as follows:  5th place - VOIN DONKEY ID - $117,750 6th place - DRX - $115,000 7th place - 4Merical Vibes - $95,000 8th place - Team Spirit - $100,000 9th place - Insilio - $89,000 10th place - Tong Jia Bao Esports - $94,000 11th place - Alpha7 Esports - $90,500 12th place - The Vicious LATAM - $77,250 13th place - ThunderTalk Gaming - $85,500 14th place - Falcons Force - $78,000 15th place - Natus Vincere - $82,500 16th place - Guild Esports - $30,000 Song "Nolbu" Soo-an, a key player for Dplus, was recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the PMGC 2024. His outstanding contributions to the team's success were instrumental in securing the championship title. Dplus's roster for the PMGC 2024 consisted of: Song "Nolbu" Soo-an Kim "Dabuz" Tae-hoon Kim "Bizon" Jeong-min Jang "Seiren" Jae-won Their triumph at the PMGC 2024 solidifies Dplus's position as a dominant force in the global PUBG Mobile scene. With their exceptional skills and strategic prowess, they have set a new benchmark for mobile esports. Read related article:   Philippines to host 2025 Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3

FNATIC Onic Philippines moves closer to a grand finals spot at the M6 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship, showing strong performance on the global stage. FNATIC Onic Philippines has been a force to be reckoned with at the 6th Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship (M6). The team's dominant performance has placed them  one step closer to the grand finals. This comes after a 3-2 win against Myanmar’s Falcon, who go down to the lower bracket as a result.  A crucial victory against the Malaysian champion, Selangor Red Giants, in the upper bracket semifinals propelled FNATIC Onic to the next round. Their consistent dominance throughout the tournament has been impressive. READ:   Selangor Red Giants Win Back-to-Back MPL Malaysia Title Philstar reports that FNATIC Onic's strong showing in the knockout stages has solidified their position as a top contender for the M6 World Championship title. FNATIC had a nearly spotless MPL Philippines season ahead of the world stage, winning in the Grand Finals: 4-3 against Aurora.  READ:   Aurora Exits Early from 6th Mobile Legends World Championship FNATIC Onic is the last Philippine team remaining in the tournament after Aurora bowed out in the Swiss Stages. Given its current momentum and exceptional gameplay, FNATIC Onic, led by Duane “Kelra” Pillas, is poised to make a deep run in the tournament. As the competition intensifies, all eyes are on FNATIC Onic Philippines to see if they can maintain their winning streak and ultimately claim the championship title. FNATIC Onic PH is currently on the run to nab the Philippines’ 5th straight world title, after Bren Esports (M2 and M5), Blacklist International (M3), and ECHO (M4).  Read related article: Teams Competing in the 6th Mobile Legends World Championship (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting )

Filipino Tekken star Alexandre "AK" Laverez missed the 2024 Tekken World Tour Finals after placing 4th in the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). Tekken World Tour 2024 Global Finals after falling in the lower bracket semifinals. Filipino Tekken star Alexandre "AK" Laverez missed his chance to compete in the 2024 Tekken World Tour Finals after his fourth-place finish. The Pinoy player was unable to make it past the grueling Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) held in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan on December 7, 2024.  AK thanked those who supported him throughout the LCQ through his Facebook post where he wrote: "Salamat sa dami ng pusong binigay nyo, 4th out of 576 players tayo." As one of the top 20 players in the world, AK entered the main tournament with high expectations. However, a tough group stage draw and some unfortunate losses prevented him from advancing to the top 16.  This setback forced him to the LCQ, a brutal single-elimination bracket with hundreds of skilled players vying for a single spot in the World Tour Finals. AK displayed impressive form in the early rounds of the LCQ, dominating opponents and securing a spot in the winner's bracket.  Unfortunately, a loss to South Korea's Lee "EDGE" Ju-hyung sent him to the lower bracket. While he managed to claw his way back with a victory over Jeon "Jeondding" Sang-hyun, he ultimately fell short against Han "Mulgold" Jae-gyun, finishing in fourth place. Only the top 2 players make it into the main event.  EDGE and KEISUKE eventually moved on to the main event, but they fell short. Korea's Rangchu won 3-1 against Pakistan's Atif in the Grand Finals. EDGE placed 4th in the overall competition.  This is the first Tekken World Tour since Tekken 8 went on the shelves earlier this 2024.  Despite this setback, AK's 2024 has been a remarkable year. He secured his first major international title at Combo Breaker 2024 and joined the prestigious esports organization Natus Vincere (NAVI). While this recent disappointment is undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow, it's important to recognize AK's significant achievements and look forward to his future endeavors. Read related article: Konami Gaming & System Segment Sees Revenue Drop in 2024 1H

The Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns will play NBA preseason games on October 10 and 12, 2025, at the Venetian Arena in Macau, marking a major overseas event. Sands China has secured a multi-year partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in order to boost Macau's tourism. This partnership will bring NBA pre-season games back to the region for the first time in nearly two decades. The games, set to feature the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns, will take place at The Venetian Arena in Macau on October 10 and 12, 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference held on December 6, 2024 where key figures from both Sands China and the NBA spoke about the exciting collaboration. Patrick Dumont, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sands China’s parent company, Las Vegas Sands, shared his enthusiasm for the deal. "We have entered into a multi-year agreement with the NBA to bring the NBA China Game to Sands China in 2025," Dumont was quoted as saying in an Inside Asian Gaming report.  "Sports and sporting events have always been important to Macau’s tourism development, and Sands China has sponsored and hosted many important sporting events over the years. Basketball fans from all over the world will gather in Macau next October to witness this exciting occasion." Mark Tatum, Vice Chairman of the NBA, also expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the NBA’s long-term commitment to expanding its reach across the globe.  “Our games started being broadcast on CCTV in the mid-1980s, so it’s nearly a 40-year relationship. I think this is such a treat for us to be able to bring NBA games back here to Macau,” said Tatum in a report published by South China Morning Post.  The NBA has not held a game in China since 2019, following a controversy sparked by a tweet from Daryl Morey, then the general manager of the Houston Rockets. Morey expressed support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, which led to a political uproar.  In response, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver chose not to discipline or silence Morey, who is now the president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers. This decision angered Beijing, and as a result, China’s state-run sports network suspended its broadcasts of NBA games for an entire year. Macau’s last NBA pre-season event took place in 2007, an iconic moment for local basketball fans, when the Cleveland Cavaliers, featuring a young LeBron James, faced off against the Orlando Magic, led by Dwight Howard. The 2007 games were a historic event, not only for the city but for basketball in Asia, showcasing the NBA’s growing footprint in the region. Since then, however, Macau has not hosted another NBA game, making this new partnership a much-anticipated return for basketball enthusiasts. The return of the NBA to Macau also aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to bolster its sports tourism industry. The Macau government and Sands China have invested significantly in the development of sports-related infrastructure and events.  The NBA pre-season games in 2025 are expected to attract not only basketball fans from Macau but also from neighboring regions, including mainland China and other parts of Asia. With the NBA’s global fan base continuing to expand, the games are set to draw significant attention and economic activity to the city. The matches will be held at The Venetian Arena, one of Macau’s premier event venues, which is known for hosting a wide range of high-profile events, from concerts to international sports tournaments. This partnership is also significant given the NBA’s increasing efforts to expand its presence in Asia. With China being one of the league’s most important markets, events like the upcoming games in Macau will help the NBA further engage with its Chinese and broader Asian fanbase. The games will be broadcasted to millions of viewers across the region, expanding the league’s reach and fostering greater fan engagement. The signing of this deal follows a broader trend of sports-related investments in Macau. In late 2022, Sands China and other concessionaires committed to enhancing the city’s tourism offerings under the terms of the 10-year concessions they signed with the Macau SAR Government. These agreements, which focus on diversifying the region’s tourism base, highlight sports as a key component in the city’s economic and cultural future. Read related article: Tony Parker, Ray Allen to Headline NBA Legends Game in Macau

The IOC may drop boxing from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics unless major reforms are made to the sport's global governance by national federations. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued an ultimatum to national boxing federations, as it risks losing its place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. To ensure boxing's inclusion in the 2028 Games, the IOC is urging national federations to support the formation of a new global governing body, World Boxing. This newly formed organization, with its 55 member nations, is seen as a potential replacement for the discredited IBA. "This is in the hands of the national boxing federations and whether they want their athletes to have an opportunity to win Olympic medals or not," International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said on November 6, 2024, as reported by ESPN.  The IOC's decision to strip the International Boxing Association (IBA) of its recognition in 2023 due to persistent issues with governance, finance, and ethics has left the future of Olympic boxing in limbo. The Paris 2024 Olympics saw the IOC take over the organization of the boxing events, a stark demonstration of its dissatisfaction with the IBA. However, the IOC has made it clear that a decision on boxing's Olympic future will not be made until 2025. The organization will carefully assess World Boxing's ability to meet the stringent governance and ethical standards required for Olympic recognition. The stakes are high for the sport of boxing. A failure to reform could result in its exclusion from the Olympics, a devastating blow to both the sport's popularity and the aspirations of countless young boxers worldwide. Boxing is deeply ingrained in Asian culture, particularly in the Philippines. The sport's raw power and intensity resonate with fans, making it a popular spectator sport.  The Philippines, in particular, has a rich boxing history, producing numerous world champions like Manny Pacquiao. This boxing culture has led to a strong Olympic tradition. Filipino boxers, with their aggressive style and unwavering determination, have consistently made their mark on the Olympic stage. From legendary figures to rising stars, such as Olympians Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Aira Villegas, and Eumir Marcial, Filipino boxers continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Read related article:   Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Shatters Sportsbook Records

Dota 2’s return to the Esports World Cup 2025 follows the successful 2024 Riyadh Masters Dota 2 tournament. Dota 2, the iconic multiple online battle arena (MOBA) game, is set to make a return to the Esports World Cup stage in 2025, Esports Insider reports. This announcement follows the successful 2024 Riyadh Masters Dota 2 tournament, which was held as part of the Esports World Cup series. The 2024 Riyadh Masters Dota 2 tournament, hosted in Saudi Arabia, captivated audiences worldwide. With a peak viewership of 419,244 and an average of 178,349 viewers over its 147-hour duration, it solidified its position as a major esports event. These impressive figures were reported by industry analytics firm Esports Charts. In addition to Dota 2, the 2025 Esports World Cup will feature several other popular titles. Confirmed titles include Fighters, Honor of Kings, Call of Duty, and Free Fire. Honor of Kings, a popular mobile MOBA, successfully hosted its midseason tournament as part of the 2024 Esports World Cup. The Esports World Cup has gained significant traction in recent years, offering substantial prize pools that can dramatically change the lives of professional esports athletes. These prize pools often reach hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even millions, of dollars. However, the Esports World Cup has not been without controversy. Many in the esports community have criticized the event's ties to the Saudi Arabian government, citing the Kingdom's human rights record. Accusations of "sportswashing" have been leveled against the Kingdom, suggesting that the government is using esports to improve its global image. Despite these concerns, numerous game developers and publishers have partnered with the Esports World Cup to host midseason international tournaments. These partnerships have resulted in significant viewership and exposure for the games involved. Read related article: Teams Competing in the 6th Mobile Legends World Championship (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting )

Aurora’s elimination from M6 marks the first early exit for an MPL PH team in a world championship series, since M1 in Malaysia. After an impressive run to the world stage, Philippine Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team Aurora Gaming will be exiting early from the M6 World Championship held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Aurora’s elimination from M6 is the first early exit for an MPL PH team in a world championship series, since M1 in Malaysia, when Onic Philippines bowed out from the group stages in 2019.  This comes after the Filipino team absorbed a 0-2 loss against Indonesian champions Team Liquid ID in the last phase of the Swiss Stages. Team Liquid, which absorbed a couple of losses already, will need to win one more series before proceeding to the knockouts.  After being established in MPL Season 14, off veterans from Blacklist International, Aurora went on an impressive run towards the world stage, defeating titans Team Liquid PH (formerly world champions ECHO) and Falcons AP Bren to secure the last slot for the Philippines to M6.  In a report published by Philippine sports outlet Tiebreaker Times, MLBB veteran Edward Jay Dapadap said that while they are heartbroken, their team will try to reset for the next season.  “Parang ganon talaga tinadhana sa amin para may ma-realize pa kami sa mga susunod na tournaments, sa Season 15. Tumitingin na lang ako sa brighter side ngayon. Ayokong sobrang i-down yung sarili ko kasi hindi pa naman guguho yung mundo bukas eh (It feels like this was really meant to happen to us so we can realize something for the upcoming tournaments, especially in Season 15. I’m just looking at the brighter side now. I don’t want to bring myself down too much because, after all, the world isn’t ending tomorrow),” Edward admitted.  So far, reigning MPL Philippines champions FNATIC Onic PH, and fan-popular team RRQ Hoshi are top-billing the knockout stage teams, followed by Southeast Asia’s Falcon Esports, NIP Flash, and European squad Team Spirit.  Six more teams will battle for the last three slots in the knockout stages, which will be held from December 7 to 15. Read related article: Teams Competing in the 6th Mobile Legends World Championship (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting )

Chinese esports giant Invictus Gaming (iG) secures new strategic investments as part of its restructuring, strengthening its position in the esports industry. Chinese esports giant Invictus Gaming (iG) has officially completed a significant restructuring process, marking a new era for the organization. The news, announced on November 30, 2024 via Weibo, includes securing new strategic investments to fuel their future endeavors. Renowned for its historic 2018 League of Legends World Championship title, iG has cultivated a dedicated fanbase through its success in both League of Legends and Dota 2. While the exact details of the investment remain undisclosed, reports from The Esports Advocate and Esports Insider suggest that the leading figures include the Chinese live-streaming platform Huya and multi-channel network company Young Sports (氧望体育).  Founder Wang Sicong will remain the major shareholder, demonstrating his continued commitment to the organization. This restructuring represents a turning point for iG, paving the way for a number of exciting developments. The organization has hinted at a revamped roster reveal scheduled for December 8th at the Chengdu Gaoxin Sports Center, igniting speculation amongst fans. Beyond player changes, iG's announcement also mentions "gradual adjustments across its divisions,"  upgrades for branded accounts, and the establishment of a dedicated home venue. Additionally, plans for a revamped fan system and production of new team-related merchandise aim to strengthen their connection with supporters. These changes signal iG's dedication to building a stronger, more sustainable organization for the future. As the esports landscape continues to evolve, Invictus Gaming's strategic restructuring positions them to remain a dominant force in the competitive scene. Fans can expect more details to emerge in the coming weeks, including the highly anticipated roster reveal and further specifics on the organization's future plans. Read related article: 2024 League of Legends Worlds Finals Most-Viewed Esports Game (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting )

Singaporean Valorant team Paper Rex emerged victorious at the recently concluded Radiant Asia Invitational held in Chengdu, China. Paper Rex emerged victorious at the recently concluded Radiant Asia Invitational, a Valorant tournament featuring top teams from the Pacific, held in Chengdu, China. Paper Rex defeated DetonatioN FocusMe, 2-1,  getting back at them after a loss in the upper bracket finals.  In a thrilling grand finals showdown, Paper Rex displayed exceptional skills and clutch plays.  DFM, coming from the upper bracket, chose the map pool, banning Bind and Split. The series kicked off on Ascent, where DFM dominated early on, securing a 9-3 lead. However, Paper Rex staged a remarkable comeback, winning 10 of the final 11 rounds to clinch the map 13-10. Next up was Haven, Paper Rex's map pick. DFM, fueled by Meiy's impressive Neon and Art's deadly Odin, stormed to a commanding 10-2 lead at halftime. Despite Paper Rex winning the pistol round in the second half, DFM's momentum was too strong, securing a 13-6 victory. Paper Rex bounced back on Abyss, dominating the map with a decisive 13-2 win. Mindfreak's exceptional 19-3 K/D performance was instrumental in their victory. The series concluded on Pearl, where DFM once again took an early lead, going up 5-0 on the attacking side. Paper Rex fought back, narrowing the deficit to 7-5 at halftime. They then won the pistol round in the second half and proceeded to sweep the remaining rounds, securing a 13-7 victory and claiming the championship title. They defeated Trace Esports to secure a rematch against DFM in the grand finals. Both DFM and Paper Rex will see action in the VCT Pacific, scheduled for 2025.  Read related article:   Saudi Arabia to Host FIFAe Finals 2024, EA FC Absent (Want to learn how to bet in Esports? Read the ACN Guide to Esports Betting )

Make Agency joins forces with Two-Up to boost digital solutions in the sports betting and iGaming sector—expertise, innovation, and growth in one powerful team. Make Agency (in conjunction with DXG Group), through its subsidiary, Two Up Investments, Ltd, has announced the acquisition of the assets of digital product agency Two-Up.  Make Agency, a leading London-based digital creative agency, has strategically acquired the assets of Two-Up Agency, a specialist digital product business renowned for its work within the sports, sports betting, and iGaming sectors. This acquisition significantly expands Make Agency's capabilities and reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital solutions to clients within these key industries. The acquisition brings Two-Up's established expertise and track record in creating innovative digital products to Make Agency. Based in London and Poland, Two-Up provides technical solutions to prominent online gaming brands, offering best-in-class technology tools and in-depth market knowledge to clients including Stats Perform, At The Races, and NewsUK. Two-Up's proficiency in user experience, user interface, design and development – alongside a deep understanding of the specific demands of the sports-betting and iGaming sector – perfectly complements Make Agency's existing creative and strategic marketing strengths.  Industry experts join forces The acquisition unites two industry experts: Robbie Morris, the former CEO of Two-Up, and Eugene Delaney, the COO of Make Agency, who will now also take on the role of Managing Director for Two-Up.(Ex-Podium/PA Media, Spotlight Sports Group and Flutter).  "We are pleased to integrate the valuable assets and expertise of Two-Up into the Make Agency family," said Eugene Delaney. "Their specialised knowledge and impressive portfolio within the sports, betting, and iGaming sectors will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our offerings in these key verticals. This acquisition allows us to provide our clients with an even more comprehensive suite of digital solutions, specifically tailored to the unique demands of this dynamic market." Robbie Morris added, "Joining forces with Make Agency represents an exciting new chapter. We are eager to integrate our expertise and collaborate with their talented team to deliver exceptional digital experiences for clients within the sports and gaming landscape. We believe this union will create significant synergies and allow us to continue to deliver innovative solutions in this specialised area." Read related article: Sports Betting Hall of Fame class of 2025 Inductees Revealed