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Technology

How adult sports leagues took over your city

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Adult social sports leagues are a big deal, and one entrepreneur wants to make them even bigger.

person getting hit in the face with a ball

Three years ago, Joe Dzienius developed an addiction to kickball.

A former marathon runner, he picked it up from his buddy, evolving from someone who hadn’t even known the sport existed to someone who practiced new kicking techniques to someone who now plays four nights a week.

Dzienius, who lives in Hicksville, New York, on Long Island, can recite his stats: a win percentage of 65% (the same as Michael Jordan’s), a points differential of 270 (elite), and the No. 4 spot on a Long Island league’s 2024 leaderboard. In January, he traveled to Arizona to compete against the big dogs, and his team, Quit Your Pitchin,’ made it to the playoffs.

By his own admission, 35-year old Dzienius is super competitive. A server by day, Dzienius has poured hundreds of hours — and thousands of dollars in fees for four separate leagues — into the game by night. This year, he plans to break the 500-game mark.

“Kickball after work is something I can always look forward to. I don’t have to think about it — I just put on my cleats and I show up. It’s how I keep in touch with my friends, it’s how I decompress, and it just feels so good to be out there,” Dzienius says.

Welcome to the wild world of adult social sports.

Some participants, like Dzienius, just can’t get enough. Others are more interested in the game of flip-cup that might happen afterwards. And still some others aren’t there for the love of the game, but rather to find love itself.

Behind all of them lies a multi-million dollar industry.

It’s an industry that rarely gets the spotlight but one that quietly shapes the social fabric of our favorite cities — and could soon be dominated by one private equity-backed big fish.

The anatomy of an industry

The opportunity for any 20-something or 30-something to play kickball, much less play as frequently as Dzienius, stems from a major shift in the late 1990s.

Back then, recreational sports leagues, run by local counties or municipalities for decades, suddenly privatized. The growth of the internet, which led to the emergence of a variety of tech-enabled registration platforms, allowed league organizers to better unify the experience of playing a sport with going out to a sponsor bar afterwards.

Olivia Heller/The Hustle

Entrepreneurs sensed an opportunity. They realized that they could improve the product of social sports and decided to shoot their shot.

Tim Horan was one of them.

In 2001, he took over as CEO of Heyday Athletic, a Philadelphia league that has since grown from fewer than 5k members to over 60k. He told me that one way entrepreneurs remade once-public sports leagues into profitable entities was advertising. Leagues like Heyday built relationships with brands like Coors Light so that they could reach the 21-to-40 year-olds playing in the leagues.

“Back in the day there was no such thing as Facebook ads. And so our leagues were quite a valuable marketing channel for these brands,”  Horan says.

The combination of advertising plus an influx of millennials (the largest generation of young people since the Baby Boomers) who’d pay anywhere from $60-$200 for a season created a cottage industry.

And in 2010, the Sport & Social Industry Association (SSIA) was born. (Yes, there’s a whole association dedicated to this type of business.)

Earlier this year, they held their 15th annual conference in Las Vegas, with seminar topics like weather forecasting and refereeing. One of their guest speakers admitted, “they might be the most fun group of people ever.”

Kickball in New York City’s Tompkins Square Park. (Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)

Today, the SSIA has more than 80 member companies that run and organize sports leagues. Industry-wide, it’s estimated that:

  • 60-70 companies bring in over $500k per year
  • 20 bring in more than $2M
  • Five make more than $5M

Heyday grew from $1M in revenue in 2004 to around $4.5M today. It makes 75–80% of its revenue from participation fees, with the rest coming from sponsorships.

The biggest expenses for Heyday, as with most leagues, are t-shirts provided to participants and facility rentals. Horan estimates that Heyday spends approximately $150k on the ~70k t-shirts they produce annually.

The league pays around $750k annually to rent the fields and gyms that host the games. It rents from school districts and municipalities, picking late start times to avoid what Horan calls the “cardinal sin” of adult social sports: taking away ballfield time from kids.

The Chicago special

According to Horan “the organizations that control the field and gyms control the market.”

And nowhere is this more apparent than in Chicago, a ~$10M market for adult social sports dominated by two main competitors, Chicago Sport & Social Club and Players Sport & Social Group. They abide by an almost invisible agreement. 

“If you go to Montrose Beach [a public beach on Lake Michigan], you’ll see that Chicago Sport & Social Club will have their players’ beach volleyball games spread out over hundreds of yards and then suddenly, there’s this line in the sand and the rest of the space is occupied by Players Sport & Social Group,” Horan says.

Olivia Heller/The Hustle

These leagues feature nearly two dozen different sports, from kickball to euchre. Chris Hastings, founder of Chicago Sport & Social Club, has seen over 15% growth in each of the sports they offer over the last 5 years, with pickleball growing especially fast (25% YoY).

“The only sport we’ve seen a decline in is flag football, having been hit hard by the narrative around concussions that gained steam the last couple of years,” Hastings says.

And for many the sport is beside the point. These organizers say their leagues are thriving in large part because of the postgame social scene.

Sponsor bars, which throw in weeknight drink specials and structure for meeting strangers with shared interests, are a fixture of adult rec sports.

If you’re new to a city, this is where you make your friends. If you’re single, it’s where you might meet your future spouse.

Another league has taken socializing to the next level — and it might become powerful enough to dominate the entire industry.

The big fish in the pond

Giovanni Marcantoni started Volo Sports for a simple reason: to meet people, especially women.

While playing in leagues around Washington D.C., he noticed that many women would quit after a few weeks because the leagues were too intense. 

So he set out to build his own league, sensing an opportunity to lower the barrier to entry for meeting new people.

From the start, Volo made it easy for people who didn’t have teams to sign up for a league as free agents and be matched onto teams with other strangers. He also went into bars in Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood and bought people a beer in order to get their email address.

What started as a 16-person Bocce league in Baltimore in 2010 has now expanded to over nine major markets across the nation featuring over 13 different sports.

Olivia Heller/The Hustle

Volo Sports is, simply, the big fish of the industry. Since 2019, revenue has grown 5x and the number of annual participants has increased from ~100k to ~500k. They also recently attracted a $21m investment from private equity.

How did Volo grow this fast nationwide?

“I was in my twenties and had nothing to lose. Some of the more established [leagues] at the time, they had to ask themselves, ‘Do I have to go put money into a new market when I’m not even sure if it’s going to work?’” Marcantoni says.

To expand nationally, Volo acquired leagues in new cities, skipping the growing pains of starting from scratch. They were able to pick up localized best practices and this fueled their expansion to cities like New York, Boston, and San Diego.

These takeovers have been a reprieve for some adult rec league owners. Many have been at the helm for 20-plus years and an acquisition from a big player like Volo can mean a welcome payday.

“What Volo did is provide social sports leagues with a liquidity option — previously, there was no smooth way to exit a social sports league business. But now, you can get acquired by a bigger player like Volo,” says Galen Beers, founder of the SSIA.

Horan echoes the sentiment that these acquisitions are beneficial, especially for small or medium-sized leagues that are often a one-man operation.

“Many owners don’t have the quality of life that they’d want — they’re tired and they need help. A bigger player like Volo can help take the financial pressure off and free up their time,” he says.

He doesn’t believe that there’s a risk of the market turning into a monopoly.

“There have been many folks who have tried to acquire every single club over the last 10-to-15 years. I don’t think Volo will ever own everybody, even though they’re growing very fast,” he adds.

Volo volleyball players. (Volosports.com)

For Marcantoni, the growth potential of the industry is huge. So much so that Volo is investing in their own country-club style physical spaces through Club Volo, attempting to create its own iteration of a third place.

As Beers explained to me, these social sport companies are really “event-planning companies that have a specialty in sports; their natural evolution goes from sports leagues to diversifying.”

Indeed, a quick look under the “events” tab on Volo’s website returns results for speed dating, a Champions League watch party, and a comedy show.

And after speaking with many of these business owners like Marcantoni, I realized something.

In almost all cases, they had gone through this journey themselves. They had moved to a new city, started from scratch, and joined a social sports league. Slowly, they had found community, one they could count on both on and off the pitch.

They had discovered the magic of structure. The freedom of having something on the calendar. And once they did, they couldn’t keep the secret to themselves.

Marcantoni, after all, is the archetypal adult rec sports player. He met his wife in a Bocce league.



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UK Government backs British Esports and EFL digital skills pilot

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British Esports has secured government funding to launch a pilot esports education program with the English Football League, targeting young people in disadvantaged communities.

The initiative, approved under a national digital inclusion fund, signals growing interest from policymakers in esports as a structured pathway for digital skills, safeguarding, and youth engagement.

Safe to Play pilot launches across ten club communities

The new Safe to Play campaign will run across ten football club communities and aims to reach around 400 young people. Delivered through existing football club charity programs, the project uses esports as a structured environment to support digital confidence, online safety, and wellbeing.

Each participating club will deliver a six- to eight-week program combining weekly workshops with supervised esports sessions. The content is designed to sit alongside existing youth provision, positioning esports as a tool for engagement rather than a standalone activity.

The pilot has been approved for funding by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology under its Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund.

Training, governance, and safeguarding framework

British Esports will act as a national partner for the project, with funding supporting facilitator training, content development, and accreditation. As part of the Play it Safe model, British Esports will deliver e-learning and one-day in-person training to 60 facilitators drawn from ten football club charities.

Training covers safeguarding, wellbeing, digital confidence, online safety, and positive esports delivery. Guidance for the program is informed by British Esports’ Duty to Care in Esports framework, which sets standards for safe and responsible participation.

EFL in the Community will oversee national coordination, governance, and monitoring, while Sheffield United’s Community Foundation is acting as the accountable body. Sheffield Hallam University is providing external advisory input.

Potential national rollout

Project partners say the pilot is intended to test whether esports-based delivery can scale across the wider EFL network, which includes 72 clubs. A successful outcome could lead to a broader rollout through club community programs nationwide.

Debbie Cook, director of community at the English Football League, says, “The Safe to Play campaign is an exciting and innovative way to support young people in our EFL Club communities. Using esports as a vehicle for digital inclusion, online safety, and wellbeing, we’re equipping disadvantaged young people with essential skills for the modern world.”

Chester King, president at British Esports, adds, “We’re incredibly grateful to receive the Government’s support for this new Safe to Play campaign with the EFL. This backing will allow us to work alongside Sheffield United’s Community Foundation and other partners to deliver vital digital skills and online safety training to young people through esports.”

The announcement follows wider government action on youth engagement, including the launch of a new National Youth Strategy supported by a £500 million investment. The strategy, titled Youth Matters, has been shaped by feedback from more than 14,000 young people across England and focuses on rebuilding youth services and addressing social isolation.

ETIH Innovation Awards 2026



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ASUS Republic of Gamers Presents Next-Gen Gaming Innovations, Commemorates 20 Years of Gaming Excellence at CES 2026

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ROG showcases world-first technologies, next-generation gaming systems, and visionary collaborations that redefine gaming experiences

KEY POINTS

  • Two decades of gaming leadership: At its Dare to Innovate virtual event, ROG celebrates 20 years of fearless experimentation and bold innovation

  • Expanding gaming horizons: High-performance gaming innovation from Zephyrus laptops, Crosshair motherboards, Swift OLED monitors and more

  • Cross-domain collaborations: ROG, Kojima Productions combine signature peripherals and the Flow Z13-KJP

  • World’s first dual 16″ screen gaming laptop: ROG raises the bar of innovation to a whole new level with the pioneering Zephyrus Duo

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced its Dare to Innovate virtual event at CES 2026, unveiling the next chapter of its vision for gaming performance, design, and culture. The showcase celebrates 20 years of fearless innovation, highlighting breakthrough technologies that empower gamers and creators, while reinforcing ROG’s commitment to redefining gameplay, creation, and competitive performance worldwide.

ROG 20th Year Anniversary
ROG 20th Year Anniversary

A wide range of next-generation technologies across ROG’s gaming ecosystem is on display, including laptops, desktops, motherboards, and peripherals ― all engineered with world-first features and advanced capabilities that elevate performance and immersion.

On this 20-year milestone, ROG reflects on a legacy defined by bold concepts, pioneering engineering, and an unwavering dedication to its global community. From the groundbreaking Crosshair motherboard in 2006 to today’s cutting-edge gaming platforms, every milestone embodies the spirit of For Those Who Dare, a commitment to challenging conventions and redefining what gaming hardware can achieve.

Continuing this legacy, the ROG Lab embodies the heart of ROG’s experimental spirit, transforming ideas into tangible breakthroughs. This year’s showcase unveiled engineering advancements from the Lab, combining performance, thermal mastery, and user-focused design to elevate how gamers play, create, and connect.

ROG also extends its influence beyond technology into culture through global co-branding partnerships that merge gaming with music, fashion, art, and entertainment. Collaborations with creators and iconic franchises, including Kojima Productions, empower players to co-create within a growing, cross-domain ecosystem, reinforcing ROG’s role in shaping gaming identity and community worldwide.

ROG remains committed to pioneering the future of gaming, transforming daring visions into experiences that inspire every player to push beyond boundaries. Attendees at CES 2026 in Las Vegas can explore the latest ROG creations firsthand at The Venetian Expo, Level 3, San Polo #3403, from January 5 to 8, 2026.

ROG Zephyrus laptops: immersive, AI-powered, and ultraportable

Designed for those who need performance on the go, the Zephyrus line-up delivers all-day power and stunning visuals in a sleek, ultraportable chassis. With smart AI features and efficient cooling, it keeps creators and gamers productive and immersed wherever they are.

ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16

This generation’s ROG Zephyrus G14 (GU405/GA403) and ROG Zephyrus G16 (GU606) redefine what compact performance can deliver, featuring next-gen processing power and a new HDR-class display that delivers higher brightness and visual depth for gamers who want more capabilities in the same sleek footprint.

The Zephyrus G14 (GU405) and G16 (GU606) feature Intel® Core Ultra Series 3 processors, delivering flexible performance and up to 50 TOPS of NPU power for local AI tasks and in-game AI workflows. The G14 GU405 supports up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU, and the G16 GU606 up to GeForce RTX 5090, with NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, DLSS 4, and Frame Generation. Max GPU TGP has been increased by up to 23% in manual mode, from 120W to 130W on the G14 and 130W to 160W on the G16.

With 50 TOPS of NPU performance and Copilot+, these laptops bring AI-powered acceleration directly to the device for gaming, creating, and multitasking — without relying on the cloud. ROG Intelligent Cooling keeps both models quiet and efficient under load, with a redesigned bottom panel, optimized exhaust vents, and liquid metal on the CPU.

In terms of display, they now feature a new 1100-nit Nebula HDR display with Nebula HDR engine tuning, delivering richer highlights, deeper contrast, and more lifelike HDR visuals, while providing 100% DCI-P3 coverage and Delta E < 1 color accuracy for cinema-grade quality. Extended battery life ensures productivity throughout the day. The laptop also adds a full-size SD card reader for easy media transfer. Powerful as it is, the G14 features a CNC-milled aluminum chassis with a redesigned Slash lighting and glass-mirror finish, combining performance, portability, and style.

ROG Zephyrus Duo 16

The dual-screen ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 (GX651) takes versatility to the next level. Its dual 3K ROG Nebula HDR OLED touchscreens run at 120Hz with a 0.2ms response time, providing smooth, tear-free visuals while supporting multitasking for gaming, streaming, or creative workflows, and the main panel supports NVIDIA G-SYNC®. Powered by the latest Intel processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, it handles demanding games, content creation, and AI workloads with ease. ROG Zephyrus Duo enable five operating modes to suit any scenario, while ROG Intelligent Cooling — featuring a vapor chamber, dual fans, and a dedicated graphite sheet — all combine together to provide the best possible performance, providing ultimate flexibility for work, play, and creation.

ROG x Kojima Productions: a visionary gaming collaboration

ROG has partnered with Kojima Productions to merge high-performance gaming technology with visionary storytelling and artistry. The collaboration celebrates creativity, exploration, and immersive experiences, bringing gamers, creators, and dreamers a collection of devices and peripherals that are as functional as they are collectible.

The ROG Flow Z13-KJP stands at the center of this collaboration, merging two decades of ROG’s gaming innovation with Kojima Productions’ visionary storytelling. Designed to reflect and reimagine the studio’s core values, the device draws deep inspiration from its iconic mascot, Ludens. It is a flexible 2-in-1 powerhouse that transforms into a gaming console, a creator tablet, a workstation, or an ultraportable laptop. Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with Radeon 8060S graphics and a 50 TOPS NPU, it delivers desktop-class performance and on-device AI acceleration in a tablet-sized form factor. Its 13.4-inch 2.5K Nebula HDR touchscreen with a 180Hz refresh rate and a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut offers cinematic visuals and ultra-responsive motion, while the detachable keyboard and slim chassis make play and creation possible anywhere. Designed by Yoji Shinkawa, the chassis blends art and engineering into a collectible piece, enhanced with exclusive Kojima Productions packaging, custom Armoury Crate themes, and Ludens-inspired wallpapers.

Complementing the Flow Z13-KJP are specially crafted peripherals. The ROG Delta II-KJP headset delivers lifelike audio with 50mm titanium-plated drivers, clear communication with a 10mm super-wideband microphone, DualFlow Audio for seamless dual-device connectivity, ROG SpeedNova wireless technology and up to 100 hours of battery life. The ROG Keris II Origin-KJP mouse offers lightweight 63-gram ergonomics, three-zone RGB lighting, a 42,000dpi ROG AimPoint Pro optical sensor, and SpeedNova wireless technology for precise, lag-free gameplay. Finally, the ROG Scabbard II XXL-KJP mouse pad, featuring a hand-drawn Ludens motif by Yoji Shinkawa, combines collector-worthy design with water-, oil-, and dust-repellent durability.

Together, the Flow Z13-KJP and Kojima Productions peripherals deliver a fully integrated gaming ecosystem that merges performance, creativity, and artistry — turning every gaming session into an immersive, co-creative experience.

ROG G1000: a gaming desktop with holographic innovation

The ROG G1000 redefines what a gaming desktop can be, combining extreme performance with show-stopping innovation. At its core, the built-in AniMe Holo fan is the world’s first holographic fan system in a prebuilt gaming PC that can project customizable holographic visuals, transforming the environment into a medium of personal expression. The AniMe Holo module is housed in an independent chamber that incorporates the hinge-door design, ensuring airflow does not interfere with the main components’ thermal path and helping reduce overall system noise by limiting vibration from the Holo system. The ROG Thermal Atrium, dedicated for CPU cooling, channels fresh air through 420 mm AIO liquid cooler with three fans and isolated airflow paths, ensuring critical components remain cool and stable during extended gaming sessions. Equipped with up to the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5090 / 5080, ROG Strix GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, or AMD Radeon 9070XT GPUs, up to 128GB DDR5 memory, and up to a 2TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD, the G1000 is tuned and ready for peak performance from day one. The 104L ATX ultra tower chassis enhances airflow, accommodates larger cooling hardware, and supports easy maintenance, while the Fan Key provides instant one-touch thermal boost. Customization is extensive with Armoury Crate and Aura Sync, letting users control RGB lighting across GPU, cooling fans, water-cooling blocks, and the AniMe Holo, delivering a system that is as visually striking as it is powerful. With every unit validated for stability and backed by comprehensive ROG service, the G1000 gives gamers and creators the confidence to push limits without compromise.

Specifications:

ROG Zephyrus G14

SKU 

GU405A

Model name 

ROG Zephyrus G14 

Operating System 

Windows 11 Pro 

Display 

14″ 16:10 3K ROG Nebula HDR OLED Panel, 1100 nits peak brightness, 120Hz/0.2ms, 100% DCI-P3, Delta E < 1 and VESA HDR TrueBlack 1000 

CPU 

Next-Gen Intel® Core™ Ultra processor 

GPU 

Up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Laptop GPU 

Memory 

16G/32G/64G LPDDR5X-8533on bd. memory (dual-channel memory)

Storage 

1 x M.2 slot, PCIe Gen4x4 SSD, up to 2TB

I/O Ports 

1 x Type C, support TBT4 DP2.1+ PD3.0 (100W)

1 x Type-C support USB3.2 Gen2 DP2.1+PD3.0 (100W)

2 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A

1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL

1 x SD Card reader (UHS-II, 312MB/s) Full size

1 x Audio combo jack

1 x Rectangle Conn Jack 

Keyboard and Touchpad 

1-zone RGB 

Travel Distance: 1.7mm 

Wireless 

WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 

Audio 

6 speakers: 2 tweeters, 4 woofers

Battery 

73Wh 

AC Adapter 

250W 

Chassis 

CNC Aluminum 

Dimension 

12.24″ × 8.66″ × 0.63″–0.72″

Weight 

3.31 lb

ROG Zephyrus G16

SKU 

GU606

Model name 

ROG Zephyrus G16 

Operating System 

Windows 11 Pro 

Display 

16-inch 16:10 2.5K ROG Nebula HDR Display with OLED panel, 240Hz/0.2ms, 1100 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3, and VESA HDR TrueBlack 1000 

CPU 

Next-Gen Intel® Core™ Ultra processor 

GPU 

Up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPU 

Memory 

16G/32G/64G LPDDR5X-8533on bd. memory (dual-channel memory) 

Storage 

1 x M.2 slot, PCIe Gen4x4 SSD, up to 2TB

*Vary by sku 

I/O Ports 

1 x Thunderbolt 4 support DP2.1(20G) + PD3.0 (100W) 

1 x Type C USB3.2 Gen2 support DP2.1(BD.1: 20G, BD.2 :10G) + PD3.0 (100W) 

2 x Type A USB3.2 Gen2 
1 x HDMI 2.1 
1 x SD Card Reader (UHS-II) 

1 x Audio jack 

Keyboard and Touchpad 

1-zone RGB 

Travel Distance: 1.7mm 

Wireless 

WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 

Audio 

6 speakers: 2 tweeters, 4 woofers

Battery 

90Wh 

AC Adapter 

250W 

Chassis 

CNC Aluminum 

Dimension 

13.94″ × 9.69″ × 0.59″–0.70″

Weight 

4.08 lb

ROG Zephyrus DUO

Model name 

ROG Zephyrus Duo (GX651) ★ 

Operating System 

Windows 11 Pro 

Display 

Dual 16″ ROG Nebula HDR Display OLED touch panels, 16:10, 0.2ms, 120hz, DCI-P3 100%, Peak 1100 nits, VESA HDR TrueBlack 1000, Delta E <1* 

CPU 

Latest Intel Processor 

GPU 

up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPU 

Memory 

64 G LPDDR5X-8533 onboard memory

Storage 

Up to 2 TB PCIe® Gen5 Performance 

I/O Ports 

1 x DC-in Jack

1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL

2 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A

2 x Thunderbolt™4 Type-C/DisplayPort™ 2.1/Power Delivery 3.0
1 x Audio combo jack

1 x SD Card reader (UHS-II) 

KB and Touchpad 

Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard, One Zone RGB 

Wireless 

WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 

Audio 

2 x Tweeter 

4 x Woofer 

Battery 

90Wh 

Adapter 

250W 

Dimension 

9.72″ × 13.98″ × 0.79″–0.98″

Weight 

6.28 lb 

ROG Flow Z13 (KJP)

SKU 

Model name 

GZ302EAC

Operating System 

Windows 11 Home

Display 

13.4″ 16:10 WQXGA 180hz, 3ms, 500 nits, DCI-P3 100%, ROG Nebula display, Pantone Validated, with Dolby Vision®

Processor 

AMD RyzenTM AI Max+ 395 with Radeon™ 8060S graphics

Memory 

128GB LPDDR5X-8000 quad-channel (onboard)

Storage 

1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2230)

I/O Ports 

2 x USB4 Type-C/DisplayPortTM 2.1/Power Delivery 3.0

1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A

1 x HDMI® 2.1 FRL

1 x Command Center button

1 x Micro SD card reader (UHS II)

1 x Audio combo jack

Keyboard and Touchpad 

Backlit chiclet keyboard 1-Zone RGB

Copilot key

Wireless 

MT7925 WiFi 7 2×2 + BT5.4

Audio 

Dolby Atmos 2X dual-force with Smart Amp technology

Built-in high-SNR two-microphone array

AI Noise cancellation

Smart Amp

Hi-Res certification

Support full type headset & mic

Battery 

70Wh

AC Adapter 

200W Rectangle adaptor

Chassis 

CNC Aluminum & Carbon Fiber

Dimension 

11.92 x 8.05 x 0.57 ~ 0.59″

Weight 

3.79lbs

ROG G1000

SKU 

Model name 

GM1000TY 

Operating System 

Windows 11 Home 

Windows 11 Pro 

CPU 

AMD Ryzen™ 7 9950X3D 

AMD Ryzen™ 7 9800X3D 

GPU 

UMA: Support AMD Ryzen™ G-series

ROG Astral GeForce RTX™ 5090 32GB GDDR7 OC 

ROG Astral GeForce RTX™ 5080 16GB GDDR7 OC 

ROG Strix GeForce RTX™ 5070 Ti 16GB GDDR7 OC 

ASUS Prime Radeon™ RX 9070 XT 16GB GDDR6 OC 

Cooling 

ROG Compartmented airflow cooling design 

ROG Thermal Atrium with 420mm AIO liquid cooler with three 140mm fans in exhaust configuration 

2 x 200mm ROG front in-take fans 

1 x 140mm ROG rear exhaust fan 

1 x 140mm ROG bottom in-take fan 

Memory 

4 x DDR5 U-DIMM slot, memory max up to 128GB 

Storage 

Up to 4TB M.2 2280 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 Performance SSD 

I/O Ports 

Front 

2 x USB3.2 Gen1 5Gbps Type A 

1 x USB Type-C® 10Gbps 

1 x Microphone (Black) 

1 x Headphone (Black) 

Rear 

2 x USB4® (40Gbps) ports (2 x USB Type-C®)

1 x USB 10Gbps port (1 x Type-A) 

3 x USB 5Gbps ports (3 x Type-A) 

4 x USB 2.0 ports (4 x Type-A)

1 x HDMI™ port 

1 x WiFi module 

1 x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet port 

3 x Audio jacks

1 x BIOS FlashBack™ button ” 

Wireless 

WiFi 7 

2×2 WiFi 7 (802.11be) 

Supports 2.4/5/6GHz frequency band 

Supports WiFi 7 160MHz bandwidth, up to 2.9Gbps transfer rate 

Bluetooth® v5.4 

LAN 

Realtek 2.5G Ethernet port with ASUS LANGuard 

Audio 

Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High-Definition Audio CODEC 
– Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking 
– Supports up to 24-Bit/192 kHz playback 
Audio Features 
– Audio Shielding 
– Premium audio capacitors 
– Dedicated audio PCB layers 

ASUS Special features 

ASUS 5X PROTECTION III 
– DIGI+ VRM (- Digital power design with DrMOS) 
– LANGuard 
– Overvoltage protection 
– SafeSlot 
– Stainless-steel back I/O 

ASUS Q-Design 
– M.2 Q-Latch 
– PCIe Slot Q-Release 
– Q-Antenna 
– Q-Dashboard 
– Q-DIMM 
– Q-LED Core 
– Q-Slot 
ASUS Thermal Solution 
– Flexible M.2 heatsink 
– VRM heatsink design 
ASUS EZ DIY 
– BIOS FlashBack button 
– BIOS FlashBack LED 
– ProCool 
– Pre-mounted I/O shield 
– SafeSlot 
Aura Sync 
– Addressable Gen 2 headers 

Power Supply 

1000W power supply (80+ Gold, peak 2000W) 

Dimension 

11.42″ × 22.94″ × 24.20″ (W x D x H) 

Weight 

88.18 lb 

Notes to Editors:

ASUS USA Pressroom: https://www.asus.com/us/news/

ASUS USA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus.n.america/

ASUS USA X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/ASUSUSA

About ROG

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals, and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.

(PRNewsfoto/ASUS Computer International)
(PRNewsfoto/ASUS Computer International)
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Cryptocurrency Is Quietly Shaping the Next Wave of Digital Gaming Experiences

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Digital gaming continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, and much of that momentum is coming from technologies that sit beneath the surface. Blockchain may not dominate headlines the way big releases or subscription shifts do, yet it increasingly shapes how players pay, own, and move digital assets across ecosystems. Developers are watching these shifts closely because the expectations forming today often become industry standards tomorrow.

Players have grown used to seamless digital transactions, whether they’re purchasing cosmetic packs or moving funds between entertainment platforms. That comfort is now extending to crypto‑enabled services, particularly in areas where fast settlement and transparent transfers matter. Some entertainment categories, including platforms such as Ethereum online casinos, illustrate how blockchain-based payments are becoming a practical alternative rather than a novelty. These examples help frame how gamers might come to expect the same kind of fluidity in mainstream titles. And as more players experiment with varied digital payment rails, studios are paying attention to how these habits could influence in‑game systems.

The Rise of Blockchain-Backed Payment Options Across Modern Gaming Platforms

Studios exploring blockchain payments aren’t necessarily chasing hype; they’re reacting to a widening ecosystem. The Web3 gaming sector was valued at $25.63 billion last year and is projected to surge to $124.74 billion by 2032. That long‑term growth outlook signals that payment experimentation in gaming isn’t slowing down.

The appeal for developers is straightforward: blockchains can handle microtransactions, cross‑platform rewards, and user‑to‑user transfers with fewer intermediaries. For players, the value comes from speed and clarity, especially when moving funds between platforms that don’t traditionally “talk” to one another. That combination of utility and consistency adds weight to the idea that blockchain payments could soon feel as ordinary as digital wallets did a decade ago.

Developers Are Leveraging Crypto Infrastructure for In-Game Economies

Ownership has become a defining issue in modern gaming, especially as digital libraries expand and cross‑platform play becomes the norm. Some teams are experimenting with blockchain-based IDs, tokens, or asset registries to give players a stronger sense of permanence. Ubisoft’s blockchain‑integrated releases from last year hinted at how publishers might use distributed ledgers for identity systems rather than speculative assets, making the technology more functional than flashy.

Market momentum supports this approach. Data from CoinLaw places the global blockchain gaming market at $21.6 billion in 2025, reflecting how many players are engaging with tokenized assets and decentralized economies. That figure underscores how digital ownership has become more than a niche experiment.

When implemented with care, crypto infrastructure can support predictable, player‑friendly marketplaces where items maintain consistent histories and transparent value. This matters because it could reduce fraud, stabilize in‑game trading, and help teams build cohesive economies that last across sequels or updates. The challenge lies in making the tech invisible enough that players benefit without needing to think about consensus models or wallet mechanics.

Where Crypto Entertainment Fits In: From Streaming Integrations to Emerging Models Like Ethereum Casinos

Crypto-enabled entertainment doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s increasingly brushing up against mainstream gaming habits. Streamers have already experimented with token-gated communities, blockchain reward drops, and audience‑driven item giveaways. These integrations quietly shift expectations around what digital ownership should look like, especially when viewers can carry items or achievements into other community spaces.

Platforms using crypto payments, including models similar to those found on the Ethereum casino side of the entertainment industry, show how frictionless transfers and transparent balances appeal to users who want quick access without traditional payment delays. For game studios, these behaviors serve as a test case for what players may expect from in‑game marketplaces or cross‑title inventories.

What’s more, these experiments hint at a broader trend: entertainment platforms are blending, and payment systems are blending with them. The line between playing, watching, and collecting is thinning, and blockchain often sits in the background, enabling that shift.

What These Shifts Signal for the Future of Player Experience and Industry Standards

If the current trajectory continues, the next wave of digital gaming could revolve around portability and permanence. Players increasingly expect items, progress, and identity markers to travel with them, even as they jump between devices, subscription models, or entirely different worlds. Blockchain’s role here won’t always be visible, but it will be foundational.

Studios face a balancing act. They need to incorporate emerging tech without overwhelming players with complexity or triggering backlash tied to past Web3 missteps. Yet the appetite for secure, consistent, and interoperable systems is growing. Developers who meet that demand—quietly, thoughtfully, and with a focus on player value—could set the tone for the next decade of game design.

In practice, that means treating blockchain not as a selling point but as supporting infrastructure. Successful implementations will feel intuitive, not experimental, and they’ll prioritize long‑term reliability over hype. As more publishers adopt these tools to streamline payments, protect assets, and enhance cross‑platform continuity, blockchain’s influence on gaming will likely move from occasional talking point to everyday expectation.



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Voltage to demo instant gaming payments at ICE – Payments

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With the gaming community set to converge on Barcelona, Voltage is addressing the industry’s most pressing payment challenges head-on.

Attendees at ICE can visit stand 4L52 for a firsthand look at how Lightning Network technology enables instant, near-zero-fee deposits and withdrawals, eliminating chargebacks and unlocking new revenue streams.

The company’s platform empowers online casinos, sports betting, and social gaming operators to move value instantly and globally, bypassing the high costs and slow settlement times of traditional financial rails.

“Our platform is built to solve the real-world challenges of high fees and slow withdrawals that directly impact player experience and operator margins,” said Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage. “At our booth, we are demonstrating that Lightning Network transactions are not just theoretical, but are a practical, scalable tool for increasing retention and profitability, available right now.”

At ICE, the Voltage team will conduct consultations showcasing how operators can:

  • Increase margins with Lightning’s minimal transaction fees.
  • Eliminate chargeback risks with Bitcoin’s irreversible transactions.
  • Enable instant coin packs and rewards for seamless player engagement.
  • Access global markets without intermediaries or currency barriers.

Voltage’s enterprise-grade infrastructure allows iGaming companies to integrate Bitcoin and stablecoin payments without the complexity of building it themselves, providing a seamless experience for both the operator and the player.

Operators, developers, and media attending ICE Barcelona 2025 are encouraged to visit the Voltage team to get hands on and discuss how to integrate instant payments into their platforms.



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Fast Track strengthens platform as Greco becomes core Fast Track product – Gaming

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Fast Track, the leading CRM technology provider for the iGaming industry, today announced that Greco, the gameplay risk management company acquired in February 2025, has now transitioned to become a core Fast Track product.

Following a successful period operating as a standalone business, Greco is now scaling fully under the Fast Track product umbrella. This marks a strategic step in expanding Fast Trackʼs platform beyond engagement execution into value-led optimisation, with a specific focus on helping operators scale bonus strategies with greater precision and control.

Founded in 2021 as a joint venture with Fast Track, Greco introduced a new approach to gameplay risk modelling through its proprietary Gameplay Risk Engine (Greco). The technology enables iGaming operators to model theoretical player value, detect behavioural anomalies and make smarter, data-driven decisions around bonus allocation and gameplay exposure.

As part of Fast Track, Greco becomes a foundational component alongside Fast Trackʼs real-time CRM, AI-driven gamification and natural language products.

“This has always been about building something bigger than the sum of its parts,” said Simon Lidzén, CEO and co-founder of Fast Track. “Greco adds a powerful new dimension to our platform.

“By bringing it fully under Fast Track, we can help operators scale their bonus strategies with the same sophistication they apply to CRM strategies – backed by real-time data, intelligence and world-class execution.”

As Greco becomes a core Fast Track product, it will be delivered with the same world-class service, reliability and pace of innovation that Fast Track customers expect. The offering will be complemented by an expanded service layer designed to help operators optimise and scale both CRM strategies and bonus strategies, working from one central system.

Grecoʼs co-founders, Ozric Vondervelden and Ed Dickerson, remain actively involved as the technology and team transition into Fast Trackʼs broader product organisation.

With this move, Fast Track continues to evolve its platform to support iGaming operators in digitalising operations, delivering true 1:1 experiences and shifting from promotion execution to scalable, value-driven player engagement.

Meet Fast Track at ICE

Fast Track will showcase the new Greco-powered product in action at ICE Barcelona, from 19-21 January. Operators are invited to visit the Fast Track stand to see how gameplay, risk, intelligence and CRM orchestration come together to scale smarter bonus strategies.



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High-Performance Monitor Lineups : HKC Corporation

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HKC Corporation’s participation in CES 2026 centers on presenting a diversified portfolio of display technologies through its three distinct brands. Each model targets a specific segment of the high-performance monitor market.

HKC Corporation’s showcase is anchored by the introduction of several flagship products. The HKC M10 Ultra is promoted as the first monitor to utilize an RGB MiniLED backlight system for enhanced color and brightness control. It would appeal to professional graphic designers, video editors, and game developers. The KOORUI S4941XO is a large-format OLED screen with a high refresh rate aimed at immersive simulation gaming. Finally, the ANTGAMER ANT275PQ Ultra stands as an LCD monitor with an exceptionally high refresh rate for competitive esports.

Collectively, HKC Corporation’s display products demonstrate the company’s technical focus on advancements in panel construction, backlight engineering, and integrated image processing software.

Image Credit: HKC Corporation



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