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LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry redefine competition with gaming’s $40 million thrill ride

A New Era in Competitive Play In recent years, high-stakes competitive gaming has surged into mainstream consciousness, capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide and redefining what it means to be an athlete. The digital arena now hosts events where prize pools can soar up to $40 million, a testament to the rapid evolution and enormous […]

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A New Era in Competitive Play

In recent years, high-stakes competitive gaming has surged into mainstream consciousness, capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide and redefining what it means to be an athlete. The digital arena now hosts events where prize pools can soar up to $40 million, a testament to the rapid evolution and enormous appeal of esports.

The Digital Battlefield

Esports, once considered a niche hobby, has swiftly become a juggernaut in its own right. In this burgeoning landscape, games simulate everything from realistic combat scenarios to surreal, fantastical encounters. Tactical war games and sports simulations—including those emulating football, basketball, and racing—have all found their niche audiences. Among these, basketball-oriented titles such as NBA2K have struck a particular chord with professional athletes. By blurring the lines between traditional sports and digital competition, esports has emerged as a vibrant community teeming with innovative platforms and passionate fans.

Mental Refreshment and Tactical Exploration

For many athletes, the immersive world of gaming serves as more than mere entertainment. It offers a much-needed reprieve from the grueling pressures of physical competition. After long days of training and high-stakes matches, stepping into the virtual realm can lower stress levels and reinvigorate a player’s focus. The controlled yet competitive environment of a gaming session allows athletes to experience the thrill of contest without the physical toll of their sport. As one well-known athlete noted, the strategic process behind every move in video games parallels the tactical decisions required on a basketball court, enhancing both mental agility and decision-making skills.

The Allure of Off-Court Competition

Outside the spotlight of professional leagues, the competitive spirit remains undiminished. Esports provides athletes a sandbox where they can strive for victory without the risk of physical injury or the pressures of large stadiums. This off-court competition is driven by pure enjoyment—a shared adrenaline rush that comes from pitting skill against equally driven opponents. The excitement derived from these virtual battles is not only about winning but also about reaffirming a sense of personal achievement and creativity that many athletes cherish when stepping away from conventional sporting arenas.

Building Bonds in a Digital World

The social dimension of esports cannot be understated. In a lifestyle marked by frequent travel and intense training sessions, connecting with friends and fans becomes a challenge. Digital platforms, such as popular streaming channels and community chat rooms, offer a venue for athletes to showcase their more personable side. Whether engaging in casual banter with fans during a livestream or strategizing with teammates on community platforms, gamers are forging deeper personal connections that transcend their professional personas. This blend of competition and camaraderie provides a refreshing balance to the often lonely world of elite sports.

Athletes Immersed in Gaming Culture

The crossover between traditional sports and video games is best illustrated by the involvement of high-profile basketball players who have embraced gaming not only as a leisure activity but also as an extension of their competitive identity. LeBron James has been seen enjoying Madden NFL on the big screen, hinting at the potential of streaming and live gameplay events. Kevin Durant’s early exposure to video games—with memorable moments sparked by a gift like a Sega Genesis—has blossomed into a lifelong passion, especially evident in his dedication to titles like Call of Duty. Stephen Curry has become a notable presence not just on the court but also in the gaming sphere, even creating a custom Fortnite mode that reflects his style and spirit.

Veterans of the sport, such as Shaquille O’Neal, illustrate a lasting relationship with digital games that spans decades—from his early starring roles in interactive titles to his modern-day involvement in trending online games. Other notable figures, including Devin Booker, Ben Simmons, Josh Hart, Meyers Leonard, and Karl-Anthony Towns, have not only contributed to the gaming culture through live streams and social media but have also lent their influence to shape the industry’s growth.

Investing in a Digital Future

The growing popularity of esports has ignited a keen business sense among athletes, many of whom are now strategically investing in the digital entertainment and gaming sectors. Forward-thinking players see esports not merely as recreation but as a promising avenue for long-term financial security. Entrepreneurial endeavors in team ownership, sponsorships, and content creation have allowed athletes to diversify their careers beyond traditional sports.

Investment in prominent organizations has become a trend, with figures like Stephen Curry channeling capital into major esports teams while engaging in game development and creative content initiatives. Similarly, partnerships and stake acquisitions in reputable gaming brands underline an emerging culture where athletic passion meets financial strategy. This dual commitment to performance and entrepreneurship represents a significant shift in how modern athletes envision their legacies.

Expanding the Athletic Horizon Beyond Basketball

While basketball players have notably pushed the envelope of digital competition, the esports phenomenon has spread to athletes across various disciplines. Football stars, NFL quarterbacks, and even Olympic competitors are now actively participating in competitive gaming and streaming, embracing this hybrid realm of sport and technology. This cross-sport migration underlines the universal appeal of esports and its potential to foster new communities, creative expressions, and business ventures. The athletic drive to continually challenge oneself is as potent with a controller in hand as it is on the field or court.

Reflections on the Future of Athletic Competition

The integration of esports into the fabric of modern sports signifies a broader cultural evolution—one that harmonizes mental dexterity, technological innovation, and traditional athletic prowess. As classic sports athletes continue to blend physical skill with digital fluency, they are not only redefining competition but also setting the stage for a future where the boundaries between physical and virtual triumphs become increasingly intertwined. With every playful session and entrepreneurial venture, these athletes underscore an enduring legacy: the quest for growth, connection, and excellence transcends the limitations of any one arena.

In this dynamic era, as the lines between physicality and digital artistry blur, the world of competitive gaming stands as a testament to the endless drive of sportsmanship—a force that continues to inspire and transform the very essence of athletic achievement.



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Michigan State announces Georgia Tech’s J Batt as its next athletic director

Michigan State announced Monday that J Batt was selected to be its vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. Batt… Michigan State announced Monday that J Batt was selected to be its vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. Batt has been Georgia Tech’s athletic director since the fall of 2022. “J has an impressive […]

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Michigan State announced Monday that J Batt was selected to be its vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. Batt…

Michigan State announced Monday that J Batt was selected to be its vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics.

Batt has been Georgia Tech’s athletic director since the fall of 2022.

“J has an impressive record at several Power 5 schools and an impeccable reputation as a strong and innovative leader,” MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said in a news release. “He will bring experience, excitement and a commitment to elevating Spartan athletics to the next level.”

With the help of Hall of Fame basketball coach Tom Izzo, who called Batt’s selection “a key moment in the history of Michigan State Athletics,” the school had been searching for an athletic director for a month. Alan Haller’s last day as AD was May 11.

The university’s Board of Trustees, which approved the selection, is scheduled to vote on Batt’s hiring on June 13.

An introductory news conference is scheduled for Wednesday.

Batt hired Georgia Tech football coach Brent Key, who has led the program to consecutive winning seasons after a string of four losing seasons in a row. He also hired Damon Stoudamire to coach the basketball team. The former NBA player was .500 last season in his second year.

Previously, Batt was executive deputy athletic director at Alabama and served as chief operating officer and chief revenue officer in the athletic department.

Batt is regarded as a strong fundraiser, an asset for any athletic department in this era of college athletics.

He guided the launch of a 10-year, $600 million fundraising campaign to benefit Crimson Tide athletics. He helped raise $78.2 million for athletics in his first fiscal year at Georgia Tech to surpass the previous single-year mark by more than 40%.

At Michigan State, his top priorities will be to raise money and help the football program win — perhaps in that order.

“This is truly an amazing opportunity to lead an outstanding, tradition-rich and passionate program, and I am grateful to President Guskiewicz and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity,” Batt said in the release.

Universities will be allowed to share up to $20.5 million in revenue with athletes next year. Direct payments will be in addition to third-party name, image and likeness deals facilitated by school-affiliated collectives.

Under Haller, the Spartans won Big Ten championships in men’s basketball, women’s soccer, women’s gymnastics, men’s hockey and women’s cross country.

Michigan State, though, has had three straight losing seasons in football.

The Spartans were 5-7 overall and 3-6 in the Big Ten in coach Jonathan Smith’s first year and expectations for them are modest in his second season.

___

AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

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© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.



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Jim Cramer and Wall Street Are Watching DraftKings Inc. (DKNG)

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal! AI is eating the world—and the machines behind it are ravenous. Each ChatGPT query, each model update, each robotic breakthrough consumes massive amounts of energy. In fact, AI is already […]

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Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

AI is eating the world—and the machines behind it are ravenous.

Each ChatGPT query, each model update, each robotic breakthrough consumes massive amounts of energy. In fact, AI is already pushing global power grids to the brink.

Wall Street is pouring hundreds of billions into artificial intelligence—training smarter chatbots, automating industries, and building the digital future. But there’s one urgent question few are asking:

Where will all of that energy come from?

AI is the most electricity-hungry technology ever invented. Each data center powering large language models like ChatGPT consumes as much energy as a small city. And it’s about to get worse.

Even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, issued a stark warning:

“The future of AI depends on an energy breakthrough.”

Elon Musk was even more blunt:

“AI will run out of electricity by next year.”

As the world chases faster, smarter machines, a hidden crisis is emerging behind the scenes. Power grids are strained. Electricity prices are rising. Utilities are scrambling to expand capacity.

And that’s where the real opportunity lies…

One little-known company—almost entirely overlooked by most AI investors—could be the ultimate backdoor play. It’s not a chipmaker. It’s not a cloud platform. But it might be the most important AI stock in the US owns critical energy infrastructure assets positioned to feed the coming AI energy spike.

As demand from AI data centers explodes, this company is gearing up to profit from the most valuable commodity in the digital age: electricity.

The “Toll Booth” Operator of the AI Energy Boom

  • It owns critical nuclear energy infrastructure assets, positioning it at the heart of America’s next-generation power strategy.
  • It’s one of the only global companies capable of executing large-scale, complex EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) projects across oil, gas, renewable fuels, and industrial infrastructure.
  • It plays a pivotal role in U.S. LNG exportation—a sector about to explode under President Trump’s renewed “America First” energy doctrine.

Trump has made it clear: Europe and U.S. allies must buy American LNG.

And our company sits in the toll booth—collecting fees on every drop exported.

But that’s not all…

As Trump’s proposed tariffs push American manufacturers to bring their operations back home, this company will be first in line to rebuild, retrofit, and reengineer those facilities.

AI. Energy. Tariffs. Onshoring. This One Company Ties It All Together.

While the world is distracted by flashy AI tickers, a few smart investors are quietly scooping up shares of the one company powering it all from behind the scenes.

AI needs energy. Energy needs infrastructure.

And infrastructure needs a builder with experience, scale, and execution.

This company has its finger in every pie—and Wall Street is just starting to notice.

Wall Street is noticing this company also because it is quietly riding all of these tailwinds—without the sky-high valuation.

While most energy and utility firms are buried under mountains of debt and coughing up hefty interest payments just to appease bondholders…

This company is completely debt-free.

In fact, it’s sitting on a war chest of cash—equal to nearly one-third of its entire market cap.

It also owns a huge equity stake in another red-hot AI play, giving investors indirect exposure to multiple AI growth engines without paying a premium.

And here’s what the smart money has started whispering…

The Hedge Fund Secret That’s Starting to Leak Out

This stock is so off-the-radar, so absurdly undervalued, that some of the most secretive hedge fund managers in the world have begun pitching it at closed-door investment summits.

They’re sharing it quietly, away from the cameras, to rooms full of ultra-wealthy clients.

Why? Because excluding cash and investments, this company is trading at less than 7 times earnings.

And that’s for a business tied to:

  • The AI infrastructure supercycle
  • The onshoring boom driven by Trump-era tariffs
  • A surge in U.S. LNG exports
  • And a unique footprint in nuclear energy—the future of clean, reliable power

You simply won’t find another AI and energy stock this cheap… with this much upside.

This isn’t a hype stock. It’s not riding on hope.

It’s delivering real cash flows, owns critical infrastructure, and holds stakes in other major growth stories.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 100+% Return within 12 to 24 months.

We’re now offering month-to-month subscriptions with no commitments.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 per month, you can unlock our in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99.

2. Enjoy a month of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the Trump tariff and nuclear energy company as well as the revolutionary AI-robotics company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!



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TV being widely pirated due to ‘lack of action’ from tech firms

New research by Enders Analysis suggests that premium video services are being pirated via alternative streams on an ‘industrial scale.’ The firm says a lack of action by tech companies is to blame. A study by Enders Analysis has claimed that big tech firms like Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft are not doing enough to […]

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New research by Enders Analysis suggests that premium video services are being pirated via alternative streams on an ‘industrial scale.’ The firm says a lack of action by tech companies is to blame.

A study by Enders Analysis has claimed that big tech firms like Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft are not doing enough to clamp down on streaming piracy.

Premium broadcasting for sporting events is of particular concern, with the study describing consumer theft as being on an ‘industrial scale.’ Enders Analysis says that piracy costs broadcasters significant amounts of revenue and puts viewers at a greater risk of cyber-attacks.

The report was written by Gareth Sutcliffe and Ollie Meir. They point to the Amazon Fire Stick as a key enabler of piracy, as many consumers use these to download illegal software that can then be plugged into television sets.

So, what’s causing consumers to turn to piracy in an age where streaming and convenience has never been easier?

Put simply, the sheer cost of watching live television can be eye-watering, especially as far as live sport is concerned. The broadcasting rights for the Premier League are hotly contended, for example, with many different companies and platforms forking out big money for a slice of the pie.

This means that games are often shown in different places, including Amazon Prime, TNT Sports, Sky Sports and more. For one viewer to be able to watch most games in the Premier League, they’d likely need subscriptions to four different services as a minimum. Most of us can’t afford that kind of luxury.

As the BBC reports, the media rights for sports broadcasting are valued at £44 billion globally, with price hikes affecting consumers. Illegal options are easy, simple to set up, and save viewers a significant amount every year.

According to the study, consumers believe the most effective way to lower piracy rates would be to simply lower entry costs and make it easier to watch everything in one place.

We’ve seen this scattered business model crop up for traditional programming too. Where Netflix once dominated streaming a decade ago, there are now many, many other services that have divided the availability of content and ballooned subscription prices.

Hulu, Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Now TV and more all have their own content, making it very hard to pay for only one service and still have access to all the programmes you might be interested in, at least in the UK.



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watchOS 12: 3 things I expect to see Tim Cook announce at this year’s WWDC

watchOS 12 will be announced on June 9 It may have a new name, however, in line with reports Apple is changing the numbers on its OS releases Below are three features I think we’ll see this year Apple’s WWDC 2025 event is coming in a matter of days, and while this conference is usually […]

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  • watchOS 12 will be announced on June 9
  • It may have a new name, however, in line with reports Apple is changing the numbers on its OS releases
  • Below are three features I think we’ll see this year

Apple’s WWDC 2025 event is coming in a matter of days, and while this conference is usually focused on developers, I’m expecting big things from iOS, MacOS, iPadOS and, yes, watchOS – the operating system used to power Apple Watches.

While we’ll have to wait for September for new models to add to our best Apple Watches list – Apple almost never debuts this sort of hardware at WWDC – we’re likely to see a host of new software features.



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Castellum, Inc. to Participate in the “2025 Virtual Tech Conference: Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow” Virtual Conference Presented by Maxim Group LLC on Tuesday, June 3rd – Thursday, June 5th at 9:00 a.m. EDT

Castellum, Inc. to Participate in the “2025 Virtual Tech Conference: Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow” Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM), announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Glen Ives, has been invited to present at the “2025 Virtual Tech Conference: Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow,” presented by Maxim Group LLC, on Tuesday, June 3rd – Thursday, June […]

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Castellum, Inc. to Participate in the “2025 Virtual Tech Conference: Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow”

Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM), announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Glen Ives, has been invited to present at the

Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM), announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Glen Ives, has been invited to present at the “2025 Virtual Tech Conference: Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow,” presented by Maxim Group LLC, on Tuesday, June 3rd – Thursday, June 5th at 9:00 a.m. EDT – www.castellumus.com

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VIENNA, Va., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Glen Ives, has been invited to present at the “2025 Virtual Tech Conference: Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow,” presented by Maxim Group LLC, on Tuesday, June 3rd – Thursday, June 5th at 9:00 a.m. EDT.

Castellum, Inc. will be taking part in the “2025 Virtual Tech Conference: Discover the Innovations Reshaping Tomorrow.” The rapid evolution of technology is paving the way for disruption across all industries, including healthcare, drones, consumer IoT, business solutions, gaming & entertainment, and more. In Maxim’s 2025 Virtual Tech Conference, emerging growth companies will explore how they are expanding their use of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (‘AI”) to position themselves for the future. Maxim Senior Analysts will facilitate engaging dialogues with CEOs and key management of diverse companies who have their attention on technology and how it will impact and grow their business.

This conference will be held live on M-Vest. To attend, sign up to become an M-Vest member.    

     

Click here to learn more and reserve your seat

About Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM):

Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) is a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering services company focused on the federal government – https://castellumus.com/.

About Maxim Group LLC:

Maxim Group LLC is a full-service investment banking, securities and wealth management firm headquartered in New York. The firm provides a full array of financial services including investment banking; private wealth management; and global institutional equity, fixed-income and derivatives sales & trading, equity research, and prime brokerage services. Maxim Group is a registered broker-dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and is a member of FINRA SIPC, and NASDAQ. To learn more about Maxim Group, visit maximgrp.com.

Contact:

Glen Ives

President and Chief Executive Officer

Phone: (703) 752-6157

[email protected]

https://castellumus.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ccca9ee5-42aa-4a39-9aca-a809e77194fc



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Ohio moving ahead with cryptocurrency acceptance | News, Sports, Jobs

While President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance continue to push cryptocurrency as the answer to inflation, Ohio has taken a step toward normalizing it. The Ohio Board of Deposit is open for proposals to facilitate the use of cryptocurrency to pay for state fees and services. It approved the use after it agrees […]

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While President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance continue to push cryptocurrency as the answer to inflation, Ohio has taken a step toward normalizing it.

The Ohio Board of Deposit is open for proposals to facilitate the use of cryptocurrency to pay for state fees and services. It approved the use after it agrees on a vendor contract.

The move came a month after Treasurer Robert Sprague and Secretary of State Frank LaRose asked for the change. LaRose is running for state auditor in 2026, while Sprague is running for secretary of state.

“Crypto is one of the world’s fastest-growing asset classes, and it’s quickly gaining wide acceptance as a store of value and a form of currency,” LaRose said in a statement. “Ohio has an opportunity to be a leader in this emerging industry. The board’s approval allows us to take the next step in setting the standard for how digital assets can be used to pay for public financial obligations.”

The plan would be to allow each state agency to decide if it wants to accept the form of payment, and LaRose wants the secretary of state’s office to be the first.

“Our state is working hard to create the new Silicon Heartland, and this is exactly the kind of innovation we need to embrace as tech companies and entrepreneurs look to do business in Ohio,” LaRose said. “We have to make sure we do it right, but that shouldn’t keep us from leaning into the future.”

Earlier this week, Trump, Vance and Eric Trump spoke at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.

Vance said cryptocurrency was “here to stay” and protects Americans from some vulnerabilities that might be heightened by politics.

“Crypto is a hedge against bad policymaking from Washington, no matter what party is in control,” Vance said. “It’s a hedge against skyrocketing inflation, which has eroded the real savings rates of Americans over the last four years. And as you all know well, it’s a hedge against a private sector that’s increasingly willing to discriminate against consumers on the basis of their basic beliefs, including their politics.”



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