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Game on: Local credit union PECU sponsors Travis County area schools in competitive esports

Public Employees Credit Union and esports platform PlayVS are partnering to bring competitive gaming opportunities to schools across Central Texas at no cost. The initiative is designed to use esports as a platform for developing skills, building leadership, and creating future academic and career pathways. The collaboration was sparked when PlayVS sought out organizations committed […]

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Public Employees Credit Union and esports platform PlayVS are partnering to bring competitive gaming opportunities to schools across Central Texas at no cost. The initiative is designed to use esports as a platform for developing skills, building leadership, and creating future academic and career pathways.

The collaboration was sparked when PlayVS sought out organizations committed to youth development, making PECU a natural fit.

“We were looking for an entity that could help us support the cost of participation for schools in Austin ISD and in Travis County,” said Veronica Sander, PlayVS’ head of strategic partnerships. “PECU stepped up to that, so now we have an opportunity to make that experience available to those students.”

Students play eports in Austin

A spike in participation

The impact of the partnership has been immediate. Participation in Central Texas esports has surged in the past year, with the number of participating schools growing by 265%. This increase reflects the expanding recognition that esports is more than just a game.

“By participating in their esports club or team, players have an opportunity to increase their leadership skills, communication skills and their mental well-being,” Sander said. “We find that kids are able to connect with peers and create a community. They have a real sense of belonging inside their scholastic ecosystem.”

Supporting schools

PlayVS also provides schools with guidance to build successful programs.

“If [a school] has no idea what esports is, and a kid comes to them and asks for help [to start a team], or if [a teacher] is a gamer themself, and they want to create this opportunity for students, we can help them,” Sander said.

Student plays on esports team in Austin

Commitment to financial education

PECU is supporting students beyond the field as well, offering free access to Zogo, a top rated financial education app, as part of its involvement.

“​​Zogo has frequently been the No. 1 rated financial education app. PECU makes it free to everyone in the community, whether they’re PECU members or not,” PECU Vice President of Marketing Scott Murphy said. “People can learn about financial education through gamified bite-sized online modules. They earn points for each module, plus they can later cash in their points for online gift cards from their favorite brands such as Amazon, GameStop, Apple, Starbucks, Walmart and Target. What’s more, PECU offers a free account at the credit union for all area esports coaches and players.”

Understanding esports

As esports grows in popularity, both PECU and PlayVS stress the importance of community understanding and education. They encourage parents and educators to see the value beyond the screen.

“Take an opportunity to learn about the games, the ecosystem and the coaches,” Sander said. “If you can equate the participation in esports to a more traditional sport, [you’ll] understand that the values of teamwork, communication and leadership are garnered across it.”

Together, PECU and PlayVS are helping students discover new opportunities for growth and success in the digital age.

To inquire about your school’s participation, contact [email protected].

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.



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Why Canada Could Be the Next Big eSports Hub in North America

What seems like a flashy turn on the screens and bellowing cauldrons of the arenas is not as large as it appears. The growing popularity of esports is made all the more here by the millions of fans, substantial investment, and infrastructure at long last beginning to keep pace with demand. What is going on? […]

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What seems like a flashy turn on the screens and bellowing cauldrons of the arenas is not as large as it appears. The growing popularity of esports is made all the more here by the millions of fans, substantial investment, and infrastructure at long last beginning to keep pace with demand. What is going on? Well, let us take it line by line.

And as the spectators congregate in front of their monitors or squeeze into esports stadiums, this other culture is brewing behind the scenes, one to do with craft, community, and collective experience. Local breweries are turning into watch parties for limited releases with WHACK-a-mole in honor of icons of gaming, but beer quietly becomes part of the celebration. Home or away, watching the finals on TV or reading highlights in your local taproom, in both worlds, there exists a place with which to talk, relax, and enjoy being present.

Canada’s Growing eSports Ecosystem

Esports is booming in Canada, from Vancouver to Halifax. There are over 10 million gamers, with a third of them actively involved in tournaments as either spectators or participants. Festivals like DreamHack Montreal and EGLX Toronto consistently draw crowds. Against this backdrop, interest in new gaming experiences is also growing: more and more players are trying out Thimbles game casino. This is a fast-paced gambling game of skill and intuition, where guessing the right cup means seizing the moment and hitting the jackpot!

Cities Investing in Digital Arenas

Toronto has already invested over $500 million in digital infrastructure development, and some of this investment has gone toward creating specialized venues for eSports. One of them, Fan Expo Canada Gaming Arena, is not just a stage for major tournaments, but a magnet for teams from all over the world. Meanwhile, Vancouver is launching a 75,000-square-foot digital arena project right in the city center. It will be a multifunctional space for broadcasts, training, and competitions — from local to international. Around these developments, a growing number of breweries with the gaming world in mind are emerging, creating community spaces where fans can watch, play, and enjoy a pint in a uniquely immersive atmosphere.

But the story doesn’t end with buildings. Municipalities are increasingly collaborating with IT companies to finance youth tournaments and student leagues. All of this works in conjunction with mobile culture: thousands of fans have already switched to platforms like MelBet APK. This is a betting app with over 25,000 sporting events monthly, dozens of bonuses at the start, and a convenient replenishment system. Installation takes a couple of minutes, and for Canada’s mobile generation, this is already a familiar part of the gambling experience!

Talent Rising from Coast to Coast

A new generation of esports athletes is emerging across Canada. The country is no longer just watching the scene — it’s shaping it. And here are some of the names that are already rewriting the rules of the game:

  1. TenZ (Tyson Ngo): A Vancouver phenom who became a Valorant star with the Sentinels.
  2. Twistzz (Russell Van Dulken): A Toronto native and one of the most decorated CS: GO players, he now plays for FaZe Clan.
  3. Scarlett (Sasha Hostin): From Kingston, Ontario, she made history as one of the best female StarCraft II pros.
  4. MoistCr1TiKaL’s Canadian roster: The streamer’s organization has been banking on Canadian players in Rocket League — and it’s paying off, as the team is already dominating North America.

With a lineup of names like this, one thing is clear: Canada isn’t catching up — it’s pulling ahead.

A Culture That Embraces Innovation

Canada is confidently becoming one of the leaders of the digital economy among the G7 countries. Montreal and Toronto are no longer just cities, but real tech hubs where investments are being made in virtual production and real-time 3D gaming. The government is not lagging: over $1.4 billion has been allocated under the Canada Digital Adoption Program. Moreover, part of these funds are going exactly where life is currently in full swing — in game development and esports startups.

But it’s not just about finances. A lot is changing in people’s minds, too. More than 70% of Canadians aged 18 to 34 already perceive video games as a serious career, not just a hobby for teenagers. This shift is opening doors, especially in multicultural communities, where the digital industry often becomes the first chance to break through into creativity, into IT, into a new life. And as these digital spaces evolve, so do the places where ideas and ambitions come to life — from co-working lounges to casual meetups over craft beer, where the next big concept might be sketched out between rounds.

Schools and Startups Fueling the Scene

Canada’s academic and startup world isn’t sitting still either. Colleges and incubators across the country are launching programs focused on eSports development, management, and broadcasting. Just take a look:

School/Startup Location Focus Area Notable Feature
Durham College Ontario eSports Business Mgmt. One of the first accredited programs
Northern Arena Toronto Tournament Production Hosts pro-level events since 2016
Q-Campus Quebec Game Development Incubator partnered with Ubisoft
St. Clair College Windsor, ON Varsity eSports Program Full scholarships + gaming facilities

With education aligning with innovation, it’s not hard to see where things are heading.

Global Brands Looking North

Esports in Canada is no longer a niche hobby, but a steadily growing market that is attracting the attention of global brands. In 2023, heavyweights like Red Bull, Razer, and Intel sponsored tournaments in Montreal and Vancouver. Riot Games launched a separate Canadian Valorant league, giving local players their path to world championships. Even traditional sports channels TSN and Sportsnet, which have mainly broadcast hockey for decades, have started airing esports during peak hours.

Investors are not slow in their steps. Toronto-based OverActive Media, which owns teams in the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League, recently closed a round of investment worth more than 60 million Canadian dollars. This is not just an infusion; it is a vote for the future of Canadian esports. At the same time, Bell Media is developing partnerships to broadcast tournaments across the country. The goal is straightforward: to expand the reach and transform a local hobby into a national phenomenon.

Where Passion Meets Possibility

The future of esports in Canada is blazing. Players, cities, and brands are all in. And it’s not just hype. Every broadcast, every tournament, every new arena is a building block for something much bigger. The passion is there. The question is: how high can Canada go?

As the scene rises, so does the culture around it—even if that’s local pub streaming finals, breweries crafting event-night specials, or fans gathering over pints to watch their favorite teams compete. It’s a shared energy that spans across screens and taprooms, turning competition into community.



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iGaming news | Betclic strengthens French sporting connection with two new partnerships

Banijay Gaming operator Betclic has struck two new sporting partnerships in France amid the renewal of two others. The new partnerships are with the French Handball Federation – running until 2028 – and the Arkema Première Ligue (APL), the top division of women’s football in France. Betclic has renewed existing collaborations with the French Volleyball […]

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Banijay Gaming operator Betclic has struck two new sporting partnerships in France amid the renewal of two others.



Betclic

The new partnerships are with the French Handball Federation – running until 2028 – and the Arkema Première Ligue (APL), the top division of women’s football in France.

Betclic has renewed existing collaborations with the French Volleyball Federation and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby for the Top 14 competition.

Betclic said handball is now the eighth most bet on sport on its app, with the Arkema Première Ligue the most popular national women’s competition.

The extension with the French Volleyball Federation for another four seasons, until 2028, comes as the sport ranks sixth for most bets on the Betclic app, the operator said.

Excluding major sports, the 2024 Olympic final between France and Poland was Betclic’s second most bet-on event of the Games, with more than 15 per cent of players now betting on the sport.

Betclic said one in every two bettors on its app places wagers on rugby, amid the renewal with Ligue Nationale de Rugby and the Top 14 competition, which lasts until 2027.

Nicolas Béraud, founder and CEO of Betclic, said: “French volleyball is experiencing a silent but spectacular
revolution, and we are proud to support this beautiful adventure. By partnering again with FFVolley, Betclic reaffirms its lasting commitment alongside a federation in full momentum, driven by historic results and an ambitious vision for the 2028 Olympics.”

Of the partnership with the APL, he said: “The APL is a reference championship, where clubs that matter in major competitions compete. We want to be where sport is advancing, where audiences are evolving, where passions are growing.

“Women’s football ticks all the boxes, and we are proud to contribute to its development alongside Jean-Michel Aulas (President of the Ligue Féminine du Football Professionnel and Philippe Diallo [president of the FFF].”



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Esports explained: What it is and why everyone’s talking about it

Esports explained: What it is and why everyone’s talking about it – Squamish Chief […]

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Esports explained: What it is and why everyone’s talking about it – Squamish Chief




































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Super League Partners with Advertising Week to Launch First Gaming Summit at AWNewYork 2025

~ The half-day forum will spotlight the future of playable media, brand innovation and next-gen consumer engagement ~ SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Super League (Nasdaq: SLE), a leader in engaging audiences through playable media, content, and experiences within mobile games and the world’s largest immersive platforms, has joined forces with […]

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~ The half-day forum will spotlight the future of playable media, brand innovation and next-gen consumer engagement ~

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Super League (Nasdaq: SLE), a leader in engaging audiences through playable media, content, and experiences within mobile games and the world’s largest immersive platforms, has joined forces with Advertising Week to co-present the first-ever Gaming Summit at Advertising Week New York 2025, taking place October 6–9 in The Penn District.

A recent report by Dentsu highlights that the worldwide audience of people who play video games is now 3.5 billion in size, yet only 5% of advertising spend is deployed to engage them. The Gaming Summit at AWNewYork 2025 is Advertising Week’s first dedicated forum to showcase the value, effectiveness, and scale available within this underappreciated sector. To ensure the content directly addresses how brands can drive real results in gaming, Advertising Week has partnered with Super League to curate an expert advisory panel of marketers, creators, and gaming platform leads to advise on content.

Starting Oct 7th at 2:30pm ET, the Summit will be a high-energy, insights-packed event built to demystify gaming for marketers and provide a tactical blueprint for brand success across immersive platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, mobile games, and more.


The Summit program includes sessions such as:


  • What Gamers Want (and Don’t) From Brands

    – Audience-first insights for campaign success

  • The Gaming Media Mix

    – How gaming fits into social, CTV, and digital strategies

  • Beyond the Build

    – How to layer gaming into full-funnel marketing plans, from awareness to consideration to performance to measurable results

  • The Gaming Landscape Decoded

    – From UGC and esports to mobile and AI

“This is the moment for gaming to have its seat at the main stage of advertising, and we’re proud to help make that happen,” said Rhiannon Apple, SVP, Client Services at Super League. “Marketers are done asking if they should be in gaming. Now they want to know how to win, and this Summit is where they’ll get the answers.”

As the Presenting Sponsor, Super League will also co-host programming with Advertising Week and participate in activations throughout the event, including strategic networking opportunities and an exclusive VIP gathering designed to foster collaboration between top brands, creators, and gaming platforms.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Super League on the Gaming Summit,” said Lance Pillersdorf, founder of Advertising Week. “We know this innovative area offers so much value to marketers, and we’re going to give them everything they need to get involved.”


For brands looking to reach audiences who play

, the AWNewYork Gaming Summit will provide actionable insights, direct access to decision-makers, and lead-generation opportunities in a category that’s shaping the future of media, entertainment, and culture.


About Super League

Super League (Nasdaq:SLE) is redefining how brands connect with consumers through the power of playable media. Super League provides global brands with ads, content, and experiences that are not only seen – they’re played, felt, and remembered, within mobile games and on the world’s largest immersive gaming platforms. Powered by proprietary technology, an award-winning development studio, and a vast network of native creators, Super League is a one-of-a-kind partner for brands looking to stand out in culture, spark loyalty, and drive meaningful impact. In a world where attention is earned, Super League makes brands relevant by making them playable.


About Advertising Week

Advertising Week is a global gathering of marketing, advertising, technology, and brand professionals. It offers weeks of thought leadership, networking and special events, focusing on key industry conversations and trends. Advertising Week events are held in major cities worldwide, including London, New York, Tokyo and Mexico City. You can find out more information at AdvertisingWeek.com.


Forward-Looking Statements

The foregoing material may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, including without limitation statements regarding the Company’s product development and business prospects, and can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “should,” “continue” or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and its current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect current plans. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to the future price of our Common Stock, the Company’s ability to adequately deploy the funds received in the financings; the impacts of the debt conversions on the Company’s balance sheet; market conditions; the Company’s ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources; various risks related to the Company’s business operations; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described within the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain compliance with the NCM’s continued listing standards. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the security laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.



Media Contact:



[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9fd560e2-31be-4065-8b43-4f5a635eb64b



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College Football 26 Dynasty Mode Receives First Update

This past week has been all first for College Football 26 as EA Sports makes big updates to the game. Thursday morning, the servers were down for maintenance, so all online modes and Team Builder were unavailable. Part of those updates also saw changes made to Dynasty Mode. This is the first time since the […]

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This past week has been all first for College Football 26 as EA Sports makes big updates to the game.

Thursday morning, the servers were down for maintenance, so all online modes and Team Builder were unavailable. Part of those updates also saw changes made to Dynasty Mode. This is the first time since the game’s release last week that the mode is seeing an update.

Some of the updates introduced with Dynasty Mode include skill caps, position changes, coach points, and additional features. Here’s a look at everything that got updated with the game mode:

Related Article: College Football 26 Server Status – July 17 Maintenance

EA Sports College Football 26

EA Sports College Football 26 Content Creator Schedule / Image via EA Sports

Player’s positions can change in Dynasty Mode without any penalty being applied to their skill caps. The following position groups are available to be switched within the groupings:

Recruits who are classified with the “Athlete” position can set their initial position without it impacting the player’s skill group caps.

The way new skill caps work for players will depend on their development trait and school classification. Younger players will have higher skill caps at their new positions since they are still young and have more years of eligibility.

Related Article: How Passing Works in College Football 26: Everything You Need to Know

Coach Points were updated in the mode. Gamers were exploiting it as they were able to retire and create a new character to use those points. The game has addressed this, as players won’t be able to use it in that capacity.

There is also another update, as the impact of the Reach Your Potential ability (Motivator Tier 1) has been reduced to improve coaching ability and recruiting balance. They did leave a note that it will affect the influence given to recruits when the player hits a skill group cap at their position.

These changes will only affect online Dynasty files. Those that have already been created will have these updates included. The changes will be coming to offline Dynasty files in the future.

EA Sports College Football 26

EA Sports College Football 26 Content Creator Schedule / Image via EA Sports

Those playing online Dynasty Mode saved files will be happy to see the small updates to it. There have been complaints of other issues within Dynasty Mode that were not addressed in this update, including the mode crashing randomly.

These changes will help prevent gamers from being penalized for moving their players’ positions, as depth can be an issue if the recruiting season doesn’t go well. Coach Points and abilities leveling up will be more balanced and make it more realistic, as it should be.

Related Article: First College Football 26 Update Focuses on Road to Glory and Gameplay





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Godzilla Roars Into SDCC 2025

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is about to be rocked to its core. This year, fans of kaiju chaos are in for a treat as Godzilla stomps back into the spotlight in a big way. From towering collectibles to epic brand collaborations, the King of the Monsters is claiming the convention with a celebration worthy of […]

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San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is about to be rocked to its core. This year, fans of kaiju chaos are in for a treat as Godzilla stomps back into the spotlight in a big way. From towering collectibles to epic brand collaborations, the King of the Monsters is claiming the convention with a celebration worthy of his legendary status. You can check out the official announcement from TOHO below.

GODZILLA STOMPS INTO SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON WITH BRAND PARTNERSHIPS FEATURING POP-UPS, EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS, SIGNINGS, AND MORE

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is about to feel the roar as the King of the Monsters, Godzilla makes an earth-shaking return and unleashes a mighty presence like never before! Toho International, in collaboration with top-tier partners IDW Publishing, Super7, Bandai Namco and Mondo, is bringing a full-scale Godzilla takeover to the convention week with exclusive products, immersive experiences, and special appearances that celebrate the enduring legacy of the iconic kaiju.

 IDW Publishing

Kicking off the monster-sized festivities, IDW Publishing, the comic book publisher expanding the Godzilla universe with new stories and series, will launch their latest comic Godzilla #1 during the convention. IDW will also provide attendees a rare opportunity to meet the creators of the Godzilla Kai-Sei era series during an on-site press tour and press room interviews. 

Super7

Beloved Japanese-inspired toy brand Super7 is going all-out with a full Godzilla pop-up experience and store takeover, complete with rare collectibles, exclusive merchandise, and exciting fan engagements throughout the con at their San Diego store located at 701 8th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Bandai Namco

Bandai Namco, the Japanese multinational toy manufacturer and distributor will also release an exclusive Godzilla figure from their Bandai Tamashii line at the con, plus 750 gold Godzilla Minus One figure posters with a few gold print limited edition copies available at the con. Bandai will also host a special signing with Shinji Higuchi at their booth on Saturday, July 26 at 1PM.   Den of Geek will host a live stream giveaway with a slew of Godzilla-themed products from several Godzilla licensing partners.  

Mondo

Mondo will be joining in on the Godzilla fun with the release of two soft vinyls of the monster, Hedorah Godzilla (Cherry Blossom) + AP Godzilla (GID, Green and Heat).

“We’re thrilled to partner with our incredible licensees to bring Godzilla to life in new, interactive ways at Comic-Con,” said Kristin Parcell, General Manager of Toho International. “This year’s convention marks an exciting chapter in Godzilla’s legacy, with unforgettable moments for fans old and new.”

Attendees can expect to see more exclusive Godzilla products and announcements at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 from Toho International, the Japanese studio’s U.S.-based subsidiary behind Godzilla, Super 7, IDW Publishing, and Mondo.

For more information on Godzilla products and events at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, visit Toho International on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and online at https://godzilla.com/. 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Are you ready for SDCC 2025? What are your thoughts on this Godzilla lineup? Also, what are you most looking forward to at SDCC? That Hashtag Show wants to hear from you.

You can share your thoughts by commenting on our That Hashtag Show Facebook page. You can also discuss this and other convention news by contacting me on social media at NerdyVet574. Also, stay updated on all the pop culture and SDCC news by following us at ThatHashtagShow.com.

Source: Toho



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