Latest news with #LCKCup
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GameSquare's Stream Hatchet Publishes 2025 Q1 Live Streaming Trends Report
Live streaming surges 9% year-over-year to 8.9 billion hours watched during the 2025 first quarter, reflecting the highest quarterly level since 2021 View the report: FRISCO, TX / / April 24, 2025 / Stream Hatchet, the leading provider of data analytics for the live streaming and gaming ecosystem and wholly-owned subsidiary of GameSquare Holdings (NASDAQ:GAME), ("GameSquare", or the "Company"), has released its Q1 2025 Live Streaming Trends Report. The report reveals key insights into the evolution of the global live streaming market across gaming, esports, and entertainment. Access to the report is available at "Stream Hatchet's 2025 Q1 report shows live streaming's positive momentum as it remains one of the fastest growing forms of media and content globally," said Justin Kenna, CEO of GameSquare. "Stream Hatchet's reports continue to quantify the dramatic shift in how audiences are consuming media, reflecting trends to more interactive content and engaging experiences." Key Insights from Stream Hatchet's 2025 Q1 Report: 1. 8.9 billion hours watched in 2025 Q1, reflecting the highest quarterly level since 2021 The report highlights a 9% year-over-year (YoY) increase in total hours watched across major live-streaming platforms, signaling continued growth in the industry despite shifting platform dominance. While Twitch saw a 6.9% YoY decline, competitor platforms Kick (+112%) and YouTube Gaming (+25%) drove overall market expansion. 2. Non-gaming content dominates Non-gaming content emerged as the most-watched category, up 25.6% YoY, led by platforms such as Kick, Chzzk, and SOOP Korea, each recording ~94% YoY growth in the category. Diversification underscores the broadening appeal of streaming as a mainstream content format. 3. Esports remains resilient despite fewer events While esports viewership dropped 2.3% YoY due to a reduced number of events, average viewership per tournament reached a five-year high, with major events like LCK Cup and Intel Extreme Masters contributing significantly. 4. New platforms and languages shake up the ecosystem The report also covers the shifting platform and language landscape: Kick's Arabic viewership grew by 491%, overtaking English as the platform's top language. Chzzk and Rumble joined the Top 10 platforms for the first time. Facebook Live fell out of the Top 10, dropping 77% YoY in viewership. 5. New game launches captivate audiences Monster Hunter Wilds delivered the strongest day-one viewership of any title since early 2023 with 10M+ hours watched in its first 24 hours. Meanwhile, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Schedule I broke into the Top 10 most-watched new titles, the latter boosted by heavy adoption among top Twitch streamers. For more information on Stream Hatchet and insight into the esports and streaming markets, please visit their website at About GameSquare Holdings, Inc. GameSquare's (NASDAQ:GAME) mission is to revolutionize the way brands and game publishers connect with hard-to-reach Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Millennial audiences. Our next generation media, entertainment, and technology capabilities drive compelling outcomes for creators and maximize our brand partners' return on investment. Through our purpose-built platform, we provide award winning marketing and creative services, offer leading data and analytics solutions, and amplify awareness through FaZe Clan Esports, one of the most prominent and influential gaming organizations in the world. With one of the largest gaming media networks in North America, as verified by Comscore, we are reshaping the landscape of digital media and immersive entertainment. GameSquare's largest investors are Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the Goff family. To learn more, visit About Stream Hatchet Stream Hatchet delivers real-time, actionable insights into the gaming and live-streaming ecosystem across 16 platforms. From performance benchmarking to campaign ROI and influencer intelligence, Stream Hatchet empowers game publishers, brands, agencies, and tournament organizers with the industry's most granular data and reporting tools. For more information visit Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the Company's and FaZe Media Inc.'s future performance, revenue, growth and profitability; and the Company's and FaZe Media's ability to execute their business plans. These forward-looking statements are provided only to provide information currently available to us and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, assurance or definitive statement of fact or probability. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions which include, but are not limited to: the Company's and FaZe Media's ability to grow their business and being able to execute on their business plans, the Company being able to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions, the Company being able to recognize and capitalize on opportunities and the Company continuing to attract qualified personnel to supports its development requirements. These assumptions, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to achieve its objectives, the Company successfully executing its growth strategy, the ability of the Company to obtain future financings or complete offerings on acceptable terms, failure to leverage the Company's portfolio across entertainment and media platforms, dependence on the Company's key personnel and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. These risk factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company which are discussed in the Company's most recent MD&A. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. GameSquare assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. Corporate ContactLou Schwartz, PresidentPhone: (216) 464-6400Email: ir@ Investor RelationsAndrew BergerPhone: (216) 464-6400Email: ir@ Media RelationsChelsey Northern / The UntoldPhone: (254) 855-4028Email: pr@ SOURCE: GameSquare Holdings, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Saudi Gazette
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
T1 CEO confirms Gumayusi's return for LCK Spring after lineup shakeup
After a turbulent start to the year, T1 has officially announced the return of Lee "Gumayusi" Min-hyeong to the starting lineup as AD carry for the 2025 LCK Spring Split. The decision follows a disappointing performance in the LCK Cup, where the reigning world champions finished in sixth place — far below expectations after securing back-to-back Worlds titles. The team's abrupt roster changes and lack of communication sparked criticism from fans and cast uncertainty over T1's direction heading into the new season. In a post on X, T1 CEO Joe Marsh clarified the situation, stating that the choice to bench Gumayusi in favor of rookie Sin "Smash" Geum-jae was made by the coaching staff, who wanted to evaluate the rookie in a competitive setting. Smash's strong showing during the tournament earned him the starting position throughout the LCK Cup, where he played 15 matches, including the elimination loss to Hanwha Life Esports. In contrast, Gumayusi featured in just five matches. Hanwha Life Esports went on to dominate the tournament, winning both the LCK Cup and First Stand 2025 without losing a single series. According to data from Oracle's Elixir, Smash posted a KDA of 7.5—the second-highest among all ADCs in the tournament, behind only Kim 'Aiming' Ha-ram. Despite Smash's impressive stats, Marsh confirmed that Gumayusi will reclaim the starting role for the upcoming Spring Split, though both players will continue to compete for the spot in practice. The final call will rest with the coaching staff and be based on ongoing performance. Marsh also revealed that he personally asked the coaching staff to give Gumayusi a chance to prove himself again, expressing full confidence in his ability to reclaim his reputation as the best bot laner in the world. Initially, T1 had aimed to retain its full Worlds-winning roster for 2025. However, the departure of top laner Choi "Zeus" Woo-je to Hanwha Life forced the organization to sign Choi "Doran" Hyeon-joon as a replacement. Gumayusi's temporary removal from the lineup only deepened fan concerns, particularly over the decision to field a rookie in such a high-pressure role.
Korea Herald
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
2025 LCK league games to feature major changes
One of most premier leagues in League of Legends landscape to kick off next week The 2025 League of Legends Champions Korea league games begin next week, with significant changes aimed at making the tournament more exciting for esports fans. LCK, South Korea's professional LoL esports league, is one of the five major regional leagues in the LoL scene, alongside China's LPL and North America's LCS. The league is widely regarded as one of the premier leagues in the LoL ecosystem, holding the record for winning nine out of the 14 LoL World Championship titles. This year, the LCK will undergo a major format change. Instead of the traditional spring and summer splits, the league will be held as a continuous six-month season. Ten teams, including LoL powerhouses such as Hanwha Life Esports and T1, will participate. From April 2 to June 1, rounds 1 and 2 will take place. Rounds 3 to 5, including the playoffs, will be held from July 23 to Sept. 28. Another change to the league game system includes the LCK Road to MSI tournaments, where the top six teams from rounds 1 and 2 will earn a spot. The LCK Road to MSI will determine the two teams advancing to the Mid-Season Invitational in June. MSI is one of three major international LoL tournaments hosted by Riot Games. The 2025 LCK will also feature the Fearless Draft system, which prohibits players from using the same champion twice in a match. The prize money for the final winning team has been bumped up to 300 million won ($204,627) from last year's 200 million won. At a media event in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Wednesday, Hanwha Life Esports, winners of the LCK Cup and First Stand Tournament, was selected by players on site as the strongest championship contenders. T1 was also mentioned as a potential title contender, with the Fearless Draft system seen as one of their strengths. Hanwha Life's head coach Choi In-gyu commented that he considered the LCK Cup and First Stand tournaments as 'test stages' and believed the team had not yet shown its best performance. He expressed his commitment to developing more diverse champion picks and creating new strategies for success. Han 'Peanut' Wang-ho, the team's star jungler, added, "Since the (LCK) season is long, I think we need to be ready for the long run. All I can think about is wanting to compete at MSI."
Korea Herald
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Hanwha Life Esports crowned 2025 First Stand Tournament champion
Relatively new comer to LoL continues its winning streak since becoming the 2025 LCK Cup champion Hanwha Life Esports rose as the victor of the inaugural First Stand Tournament held in Seoul, continuing its winning streak since becoming the 2025 champion of the League of Legends Champions Korea in February. The 2025 FST, which kicked off March 10 at LoL Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is the newest addition to Riot Games' professional LoL esports global events, alongside the World Championship and Mid-Season Invitational. The tournament invited five teams from around the world, each representing a major league. Hanwha Life Esports represented the LCK, while Team Liquid championed for the League of Legends Championship of the Americas. For the LoL Championship Pacific, Team CTBC Flying Oyster led the charge, while Karmine Corp represented leagues from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Top Esports represented China. Hanwha Life Esports became the champion of the 2025 FST after beating Karmine Corp 3 to 1 on Sunday afternoon. The finals MVP in the championship match went to mid-laner Kim "Zeka" Gun-woo. The championship came with a cash prize of $300,000 as well as a spot in the 2025 MSI playoffs. The team will now be able to bypass the preliminary rounds in the 2025 MSI. Hanwha Life Esports asserted their dominance from the very start of the tournament. In the opening match March 10, the team beat Top Esports from China — an LoL powerhouse — with a 2-0 victory, advancing through the group stage with a 4-0 record and becoming the first team to secure a spot in the semifinals. During the semifinals, Hanwha Life Esports beat Top Esports 3 to 0 and, in the finals, the team defeated Karmine Corp 3-1 without conceding a single match point. This marks Hanwha Life Esports' first international championship victory since its official launch in 2018. The next international tournament, MSI 2025, where the top two teams from the mid-season standings of the world's five major leagues will compete, is set to kick off in Vancouver, Canada, June 27.
Korea Herald
24-02-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Hanwha Life Esports credits LCK Cup win to teamwork and champion knowledge
HLE to represent LCK n First Stand Tournament Hanwha Life Esports, who secured victory over League of Legends powerhouse Gen.G in the LoL Champions Korea Cup finals on Sunday, credited their success to strategic team play and a deep understanding of each champion's weaknesses. The best-of-five series, spanning over some four hours, saw Hanwha Life Esports claim a 3-2 triumph, earning the title of the first-ever LCK Cup champions. A key feature of the tournament was the "fearless draft," a unique rule preventing teams from selecting champions already used in previous matches. This requires teams to continuously adjust their strategies, with a total of 50 champions becoming unavailable over the course of the full five-game series. "Through the 'fearless draft' rule, I had the opportunity to experiment with new champions and grow as a player," said Park "Viper" Do-hyun of Hanwha Life Esports during a postmatch interview. Hanwha Life Esports coach Choi In-gyu acknowledged the challenges posed by the format but praised his team's ability to adjust to the hurdles. "When I watched China's League of Legends Pro League matches before, I noticed that unexpected picks often appeared in the fifth match, so I expected it to be tough," he said, adding, "But once we actually played, it felt manageable. The key is staying focused and making the most of our strengths in strategy and team fights." Gen.G attempted to shift the momentum by selecting unconventional champions during the matches. However, according to coach Choi, Hanwha Life Esports' Choi "Zeus" Woo-je, who was named the finals MVP, quickly adapted to the surprise picks. "We didn't anticipate them picking champion Vayne (for top lane) or Viego (for mid lane) at all, but Zeus was well aware of top Vayne's weaknesses and adapted accordingly," said coach Choi. Reflecting on the loss, Gen.G's Park "Ruler" Jae-hyeok expressed regret over his itemization choices. "Our scaling was faster than the opponent's (champion) Caitlyn, so I should have (made the choice) to (get) Rapid Firecannon for my second item to apply more pressure. Instead, I chose Infinity Edge (item), which I regret―and I regret that there ended up being indecisive fights around (items)," he said. Throughout the tournament, Hanwha Life Esports showcased their macro play prowess, particularly through lane swaps, a move in which players switch lanes to gain a tactical advantage. "Lane swaps can make the game feel slow, but there were moments when they were strategically necessary," coach Choi noted. Zeus added, "Top laners inevitably struggled early in lane swaps, but through communication with my teammates, we turned the situation in our favor." With this victory, Hanwha Life Esports will represent the LCK at First Stand Tournament, an international League of Legends tournament set to debut in March. Set to take place at LoL Park in Seoul from March 10 to 16, First Stand Tournament is the newest addition to the official international tournaments hosted by Riot Games, following World Championship and Mid-Season Invitational.
