Foo Zen-Wen

In their latest bid to circumvent modern EU regulations, Valve are introducing Germany to a tried and tested mechanic, the “X-Ray Scanner”. Previously only utilized in France, its introduction in Germany will see case openings only be enabled via the scanner, with the key system done away with. The implementation is set to start on March 16th with no current news of further rollouts in other countries and regions for now.

League of Legends is the latest name to join the rapidly growing list of games set to feature in the debut year of the Esports Nations Cup (ENC). Its addition comes as little surprise given the announcement several days before of sister game VALORANT joining the roster, bringing the total number of confirmed games for the first edition of the ENC to 16.

The 2026 VCT season is here and with the conclusion of Kickoff tournaments globally, the first Masters event of the season is upon us. VCT Masters Santiago assembles 12 of the best VALORANT teams in the world across 16 days to crown the tenth Masters winner and the first of the season. Which of the four regions will step forth in this pivotal and determining first bout?

The conclusion to the much-anticipated Lower Finals between Fnatic and Team Liquid ended with a resolution few expected and yet bears similar beats to the previous years. Coming off the back of the previous day’s performance against Gentle Mates, a timeline where Fnatic fails to qualify for Masters Santiago appeared so improbable, and yet we find ourselves here. Liquid’s showing in yesterday’s series was nothing short of masterful, dominating the series from start to finish to snap the final spot to Santiago.  Following the conclusion of their series, Strafe Esports sat down with Fnatic Head Coach Milan “Milan” de Meij to speak on the series, Fnatic’s preparation coming into the rematch, and so much more in this exclusive interview.

BBL find victory over Gentle Mates at the eleventh hour after a length Bo5 series in the VCT EMEA Kickoff Upper Finals. The Turkish roster is now set to attend Masters Santiago later this month.

For the first time in VCT EMEA history, the production is taking off from the Berlin studio. The Stage 2 finals are set to be hosted in Barcelona, from August 28th to the 30th at the Olímpic Arena in Badalona.