Partnership between ASUS ROG and NACE to deliver high-performance hardware to varsity intercollegiate esports

FREMONT, Calif., Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), the ASUS sub-brand creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software, today announced a partnership with The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), naming ROG as the Official PC Provider of NACE.

Through this partnership, ASUS ROG will deliver top-tier hardware solutions to fuel high-performance play at NACE’s premier LAN events. ASUS Republic of Gamers will serve as the presenting sponsor of the NACE Spring 2026 National Playoffs & Spring 2026 Grand Finals, bringing additional visibility and support to the pinnacle event of varsity esports.

ROG will equip athletes with a comprehensive gaming desktop fleet featuring premium systems including the flagship ROG G700 and ROG GM700 models, along with future models. Each tournament setup will include a complete ROG ecosystem with matching peripherals including headsets, keyboards, mice, and mousepads, creating a unified gaming experience. These high-performance systems will power the main stage competitions, delivering the reliable, tournament-grade performance that varsity competition demands.

“Collegiate esports showcase some of the most skilled and dedicated competitors in gaming today, and we are proud to support their pursuit of excellence,” said Benjamin Yeh, ASUS Computer International President. “Through our partnership with NACE, we are ensuring that student-athletes, including those at the Varsity level, have access to ASUS machines with the hardware capable of supporting top-tier competitive play that matches their talent and ambition.”

At the Spring 2026 Grand Finals, the ASUS ROG team will be onsite with an interactive booth experience designed to engage students, schools, and spectators alike. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest in ASUS ROG gaming technology, test high-performance setups firsthand, and connect directly with ASUS representatives. The booth will serve as a hub for hands-on product demos, giveaways, and insight into how ASUS ROG is powering the future of collegiate esports.

“At NACE, our mission centers on advancing varsity-level esports, and our member institutions are home to some of the top teams in the collegiate space. All of our student competitors, committing to a full season of high standards, deserve access to elite hardware at our marquee LAN events — and that’s exactly what ASUS ROG brings to the table through this partnership. We’re excited about the opportunities this collaboration creates to further our mission and deliver elevated experiences for our member schools,” said Riley Long, Executive Director at NACE.

An additional component to the partnership is NACE’s newly launched content series, ASUS ROG Play of The Week. This series highlights the top plays from students & teams across NACE competitive play each week.

As the Official PC Provider of NACE, ROG strengthens its educational commitment by using esports to develop student skills in teamwork, communication, and strategy while creating pathways for students to explore STEM careers, game design, and content creation. ROG’s premium gaming setups provide immersive experiences that engage students and empower the next generation of digital innovators. 

About ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG)

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Established in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products recognized for performance, quality, and design. Learn more at rog.asus.com.

Beyond creating next-gen gaming products, ROG is empowering the next esports revolution in education, dedicated to developing students’ skills and inspiring them to prepare for a digital future. Learn more at ROG Esports in Education Solutions | ASUS US

About NACE (National Association of Collegiate Esports)

The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) is the largest and most established association of varsity esports programs at colleges and universities across North America. Founded in 2016, NACE supports over 150 member institutions and more than 4,000 student-athletes, providing leadership, competition structure, and resources that help programs thrive. NACE is dedicated to the growth and legitimacy of collegiate esports, offering premier leagues, national championships, and strategic partnerships that enhance the student-athlete experience and promote success in education, competition, and future careers.

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SOURCE ASUS Computer International

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Pope Leo XIV has rejected the idea of an AI-powered papal avatar, warning that unchecked technological processes could erode human dignity and spiritual connection. His stance calls for moral leadership in the digital age.

Pope Leo XIV Rejects AI Papacy “The Human Heart Will Be Lost”

In a bold and deeply philosophical stance, Pope Leo XIV has publicly refused to authorize the creation of an artificial intelligence version of himself. The proposal, which involved developing a digital avatar capable of answering questions and simulating papal audiences, was met with firm resistance. Pope Leo XIV told biographer Eloise Allen in an interview statement:

“If there’s anybody who should not be represented by an avatar, I would say the Pope should be high on the list.”

The pontiff revealed that someone had recently requested permission to build an “artificial Pope” that users could interact with online. Pope Leo XIV’s response was unequivocal, saying that “I’m not going to authorize that.” For Pope Leo, the idea of digitizing the papacy undermines the sacredness of human connection and spiritual leadership.

His rejection isn’t rooted in technophobia. In fact, Pope Leo has previously acknowledged the transformative power of artificial intelligence, likening it to a new Industrial Revolution. But this comparison is far from celebratory, as he draws a parallel to Pope Leo XIII’s 19th-century treatise Rerum Novarum, which addressed the exploitation of workers during the first Industrial Revolution. Today, Pope Leo XIV sees AI as a similar threat-one that could deepen inequality and strip away human dignity.

A Call for Moral Leadership in the Digital Age

Pope Leo’s concerns go way beyond avatars and algorithms. He warns of a future where automation benefits only a privileged few, leaving the majority with diminished opportunities for meaningful lives. Pope Leo XIV said:

“If we automate the whole world and only a few people have the means to live well, there’s a huge problem coming down the line.”

He’s particularly critical of wealthy investors who pour resources into AI development while ignoring the ethical implications, as Pope Leo cautioned the people:

“Extremely rich people are investing in artifical intelligence but totally ignoring the value of human beings and of humanity as a whole.”

For Pope Leo, this isn’t just a technological issue, as it can develop into a moral crisis. The Church insisted on becoming a guiding voice in its digital age. Without moral intervention, he fears society will become dominated by technology, reducing people to nothing more than mere pawns in a wicked chess game, for he warned:

“The danger is that the digital world will go on its way and we will become pawns, or left by the wayside.”

Despite his critiques, Pope Leo isn’t anti-progress. He believes that science and technology can serve humanity, but only if they remain grounded in human relationships and compassion, as he quoted:

“To lose that relationship will leave science as an empty, cold shell that do great damage to what humanity  is about.”

In an era increasingly shaped by digital innovation, Pope Leo XIV’s message is clear: progress must never come at the cost of the human soul. As someone who has been a Catholic all my life, I was having questions about AI and the conflict that the Church has with dealing with AI. I’m personally glad that Pope Leo is addressing the topic and can make a positive contribution to the way of progress without harming the human soul for Christ, our Lord.

Thanks for reading. Follow Total Apex Gaming for more new updates on the topic of AI, and be sure to follow Total Apex Entertainment for more juicy news content.

GRID, a game data and technology platform, has acquired the intellectual property assets of Bayes Esports following the company’s liquidation proceedings and will integrate the technology into its GRID Bet division.

The acquisition integrates strategic technology components developed by Bayes over nearly a decade, including live data trading solutions, prediction models, and fan engagement tools, into the GRID Data Platform. These technologies will now be powered exclusively by official esports data available only on GRID, accelerating product development and driving innovation across GRID’s entire portfolio, with a particular focus on GRID Bet, the company’s comprehensive solution for regulated esports betting.

“The acquisition of Bayes assets further accelerates GRIDs capabilities to create value for rights holders in esports and shape the next phase of esports betting in particular,” said Moritz Maurer, Founder & CEO of GRID.

The global shift toward hybrid and remote work has redefined the demand for ergonomic technology, with Logitech’s latest Zone Wireless 2 ES and Zone Wired 2 headsets emerging as pivotal tools for productivity. These devices, engineered with gaming-inspired ergonomics and AI-driven noise cancellation, address the dual challenges of physical comfort and communication clarity in modern work environments. As remote work adoption accelerates, Logitech’s strategic focus on ergonomic innovation positions it to capture a growing market segment.

Ergonomic Design: Bridging Gaming and Professional Use

Logitech’s Zone headsets integrate gaming-inspired ergonomic principles to enhance user experience during prolonged use. The adjustable head strap distributes pressure evenly, a feature borrowed from high-end gaming headsets, ensuring all-day comfort for professionals in open-plan offices or home workspaces Logitech Introduces New Zone Headsets to Help Workers Escape the Distraction Trap^[1]. Rotating ear cups and a 270-degree reversible microphone boom further enable personalized fit and positioning, reducing physical strain and improving audio quality Forbes: Logitech Introduces New Zone Headsets To Help Workers Escape the Distraction Trap^[2]. These design choices reflect Logitech’s ability to adapt gaming technology for professional contexts, a trend that aligns with the 10.30% CAGR projected for the global ergonomic consumer goods market from 2025 to 2033 Ergonomic Consumer Goods Market is expected to triple its size by 2033^[3].

AI-Powered Productivity: Noise Cancellation and Platform Integration

The Zone Wireless 2 ES and Zone Wired 2 leverage hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) and AI-powered microphones to mitigate common distractions such as keyboard noise, ambient chatter, and foot traffic Logitech Unveils Zone Wireless 2 AI-Powered Headset^[4]. This technology dynamically adjusts to environmental conditions, ensuring uninterrupted focus during virtual meetings or deep work sessions. Additionally, the headsets are certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, streamlining workflows and reducing IT support costs for enterprises Enterprise Headset Market Insights Report 2025-2030^[5]. For investors, this integration with collaboration platforms underscores Logitech’s alignment with the $1.89 billion enterprise headset market by 2030, driven by hybrid work adoption Professional Headset Market Forecast 2025-2032^[6].

Market Dynamics: Growth Drivers and Competitive Positioning

The professional headset market is forecasted to grow at a 13.3% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, fueled by demand for AI-enhanced features and multi-device compatibility Office Headsets Market Size & Forecast [2033]^[7]. Logitech’s emphasis on lightweight design, extended battery life (up to 25 hours with ANC enabled), and sustainability—through recycled materials and replaceable components—strengthens its competitive edge Logitech Marketing Strategy 2025: A Case Study^[8]. The company’s marketing strategy, which combines data-driven campaigns and influencer partnerships, has already driven a 53% sales increase and a 4:1 return on ad spend Headset 2025-2033 Analysis: Trends, Competitor Dynamics^[9].

Investment Implications

Logitech’s Zone headsets are not merely incremental upgrades but strategic responses to evolving work trends. By addressing ergonomic comfort and AI-enhanced productivity, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the $15 billion global headset market by 2033 Zone Wireless 2 Becomes First Headset to Earn Microsoft Teams Certification^[10]. For investors, the combination of robust market growth, platform certifications, and Logitech’s established brand equity in ergonomic tech presents a compelling case. As hybrid work models solidify, the Zone series exemplifies how innovation in form and function can drive both user satisfaction and long-term profitability.

New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move for Indian esports, NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading gaming and esports company, has partnered with electric vehicle giant Tesla for the Grand Finals of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) Season 4. The collaboration marks Tesla’s first-ever association with an Indian esports tournament, reflecting the rising commercial and cultural relevance of competitive gaming in India.

The BGMS Season 4 Grand Finals, scheduled from September 12 to 14, will see the top 16 esports teams battle it out in an electrifying LAN event. At the venue, fans will get an exclusive chance to witness Tesla’s redesigned Model Y—one of the world’s best-selling EVs—up close. The vehicle will also be part of a Tesla Light Show, a signature global spectacle that adds a tech-powered visual flourish to the finals’ opening.

The timing of this collaboration is significant. Tesla recently established its presence in India by opening experience centers in Mumbai’s BKC and Delhi’s Worldmark Aerocity, signaling its interest in deeper engagement with Indian consumers. Esports, especially among Gen Z and millennials, offers Tesla a direct channel to connect with this digitally native, tech-forward audience.

NODWIN Gaming and Tesla both embody a shared vision of innovation, disruption, and leadership in technology. Tesla’s seamless integration of gaming and entertainment within its vehicles aligns naturally with the dynamic and fast-growing esports ecosystem in India.

“At NODWIN Gaming, every season of BGMS is about pushing boundaries, and this year we’re proud to have Tesla join the journey. Their association reflects how esports in India has grown into a mainstream cultural and commercial platform that forward-looking brands want to engage with. Together, we’re shaping how global brands and gaming communities connect, here in India and beyond. Collaborations like this show what’s possible when innovation and culture come together,” said Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming.

According to the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, brand participation in Indian esports is projected to increase from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025, supported by the rise of new gaming titles, larger tournaments, and deepening fan engagement. BGMS Season 4 reflects this momentum, attracting an impressive lineup of brand partners.

Key sponsors include OnePlus as Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner, Android as Co-Title Sponsor, and TVS Motor Company, now in its third year of association. Other participating brands include Red Bull, Duolingo English Test, Swiggy, and Bisleri, demonstrating the category’s ability to draw marquee global and Indian brands alike.

The BGMS Season 4 Grand Finals will be broadcast live from 5 PM to 8 PM IST on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar, reaching millions of viewers and reinforcing esports as a powerful entertainment format in India.