INGAGE MAG Issue #4

ING

HO S I

F

T OC L

U N

TI

N

!

Hurry, whilst tic ets last! Scan the Q Code or more information!

PAGE 24

PAGE 5

"Esports is a mental game, but your body is the vessel that carries your mind. Keep it healthy." ~ Gilberto Gallardo (Pokémon Unite Coach)

The World Champions are back in Action by winning the LAIC 2025

Issue #4

CONTENTS

03 Letter from Zenith 05 LAIC Pokemon UNITE 09 Asia Champions League 2025 10 Winter Tournament 12 Interview with Blacklist Esports 14 China in UNITE Esports 19 TCG Pocket Article by Fu 24 Health in Esports by Gilberto 28 Charity Tournament by WDMichael

02

Letter from Zenith What a year it has been for INGAGE. I remember walking into the EUIC in April and bumping into the likes of Doobsnax, Spragels, WonderChef and Zoinks, (Who probably had no idea who I was or what INGAGE was) besides my very minimal discord interactions with them.

Fast forward and we’ve worked with not only these wonderful people, but also two dozen other key unite individuals. We hosted tournaments which included players and teams from Europe, North America, Latin America, India, Asia Pacific and OCE. We’re now at a point where we will be looking to push forward with our local offline events whilst continuing our digital projects.

Starting with VGC and SSBU, we’ll be bringing you local Unite in 2025!

About the writer Shivam aka Ketchum09S is a Tournament Organiser/Producer/Observer and Ghatlue's Manager. He is currently working for Unity Clash (Head), UniteBattleHub (Admin/Producer/Observer) & INGAGE (Esports Journalist & Magazine Editor).

Follow me @INGAGE_Zenith

03

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL

The Pokémon UNITE competitive scene has reached a new milestone with its debut at the Latin America International Championships (LAIC). Following its rise through thrilling tournaments at the North America and Europe International Championships, the Pokémon UNITE Championship Series (UCS) expands to South America, where fans witnessed fierce competition, a $25,000 prize pool, and a coveted travel award for the winning team to the 2025 ACL Finals in Tokyo.

Written by @Ketchum09S

05

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL The stakes were high at LAIC, with 32 teams originally slated to compete in an open-bracket tournament. However, only 23 teams confirmed their participation in the LAN event held in Brazil, sparking discussions about promotion strategies and participation incentives. To adapt, organizers adjusted the format, grouping teams into four pools of up to six competitors.

The Round Robin Stage (Best-of-1 format) ensured that each group’s top three teams advanced to Day 2. The participants represented a diverse array of regions: ● ● ● ● ●

16 Brazilian teams 3 North American teams: Team YT, Team Growth, and Luminosity Gaming 2 Latin America South teams: Fusion and Revenant 1 Latin America North team: Plaga 1 European team: Nouns Esports

Written by @Ketchum09S

06

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL Group Stage Highlights Group A: Tuzzy Esports, DreamMax Esports, and Exiled Team emerged as leaders.

Group B: Fusion dominated with a clean sweep, joined by The Code and GoldenStrikers.

Group C: Nouns Esports led, defeating top North American team YT and Brazil’s Bad Dreams.

Group D: Luminosity Gaming, featuring their 2022 and 2023 World Championship-winning roster, breezed through, alongside Plaga and Team Growth.

Written by @Ketchum09S

07

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL Day 2: Elimination Rounds and the Road to Glory On November 16th, Day 2 opened with a Single Elimination Bracket format.

First-place group winners earned direct Quarterfinal slots: Luminosity Gaming, DreamMax Esports, Nouns Esports, and Fusion. Second-place teams chose their opponents for Round 1, sparking high-intensity matchups.

Round 1: Favorites like Tuzzy Esports, Plaga, and Team YT advanced with decisive victories, while The Code narrowly edged out Bad Dreams.

Written by @Ketchum09S

08

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL

Luminosity Gaming swept The Code in a clinical display.

Team YT shocked the crowd by defeating hometown heroes DreamMax in a thrilling Game 3

Plaga delivered an upset victory over Fusion, LATAM South's powerhouse.

Written by @Ketchum09S

09

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL

Tuzzy Esports stunned Nouns Esports, led by standout performances from players like Falb.

Luminosity Gaming vs. Team YT: The NA vs NA Match in Brazil was wild! Luminosity world-class coordination overwhelmed YT, ending in a 3-0 sweep. LG Qualified for Grand Finals

Written by @Ketchum09S

10

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL

Tuzzy Esports vs.

Plaga: Tuzzy capitalized on home advantage, dominating Plaga 3-0 to set up a dream final against Luminosity.

Final Bracket after Day 2 Finished

Written by @Ketchum09S

11

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL Grand Finals: A Showdown for the Ages The stage was set on Championship Sunday, November 17th. Over 5,000 viewers tuned in to Pokémon's official streams to witness the highly anticipated matchup between two-time World Champions Luminosity Gaming and Brazilian underdogs Tuzzy Esports.

Despite passionate support from the Brazilian crowd, Luminosity Gaming showcased why they are the reigning champions.

With flawless execution, they swept Tuzzy Esports 3-0, clinching the LAIC title without dropping a single game throughout the tournament.

Written by @Ketchum09S

12

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL

Tuzzy Esports Holding the Finalist Trophy of LAIC

LAIC Champions: Luminosity Gaming Otter, Trainer, Kyriaos, Slash, Overlord

Written by @Ketchum09S

13

LAIC 2024 IN BRAZIL Legacy and Looking Ahead Luminosity Gaming’s impeccable performance cements their status as one of Pokémon UNITE's greatest teams. Meanwhile, Tuzzy Esports earned admiration for their resilience and upset-filled journey, bringing pride to their home region.

As the competitive Pokémon UNITE season continues, LAIC has set a high bar, proving that the UCS is not just expanding but thriving globally. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates and heart-stopping matches in the world of Pokémon UNITE!

Written by @Ketchum09S

14

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE The ACL 2025, a premier esports tournament, began on November 16th, 2025, featuring leagues in India, Southeast Asia (SEA), and Japan Organized by The Pokémon Company International, this tournament promises to redefine franchise leagues in the region. 1 Team from India League, Top 4 Teams from SEA League & Top 4 Teams from Japan League will earn a spot in the ACL Finals in Japan in March 2025!

Winter Tournament this year is a part of ACL. Winners of Winter Tournament India, SEA & Japan will also earn a spot in ACL Finals!

LAIC Champs Luminosity Gaming will also be joining the ACL Finals along with Teams from China.

We will introduce you with the Rosters of India League & SEA League!

We already mentioned Japan League Teams in Issue #3

Written by @Ketchum09S

15

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Revenant XSpark Revenant stands as a powerhouse in the Indian gaming scene solidifying their status as one of the most formidable teams in the competitive Pokemon Unite circuit, winning WCS 2022 India Championship and ACL 2023 India League and runners up in ACL 2024 India League.

Crowley has been the oldest and most consistent Player in this team since 2022

S8UL Esports S8UL has been in Pokemon UNITE scene since 2022 with AllMight! But the Roster disbanded, Kyurem, Rex, Snowy, Badshah joined in 2023! They Qualified for WCS and this same roster Qualified for WCS in 2024 as well and there hasn’t been any change!

Written by @Ketchum09S

16

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Marcos Gaming Marcos Gaming has been in UNITE scene since Season 1! They changed their Rosters multiple times and these players are very new to this roster!

Melon & Ghoul played for S8UL in 2022 and AADI came 2nd in Qualifiers of India

True Rippers True Rippers Organisation has been in Pokemon UNITE Scene since 1st Season but none of the 1st Season players are playing as of now for this team!

True Rippers withdrew themselves from UNITE in 2023 and 2024 but they signed up this Roster for ACL! Cursed in this Roster played for S8UL in Season 1

Written by @Ketchum09S

17

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Gods Reign Gods Reigns has been in the UNITE scene since Season 1, 3 Players stayed in the roster for Season 2 as well! In Season 3 Gods Reign didn’t participate but they picked up this new roster for ACL

Global Esports Global Esports is entering the UNITE scene for the very first time! Disapple won WCS Quals 1 with Liquid Esports in 2023! This Roster came together for WCS Qualifier 2024 where they placed 2nd

Written by @Ketchum09S

18

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GodLike Esports GodLike Esports joined the UNITE scene in 2024!

Only Vixzen is from the old roster!

All the other players are playing for GodLike for the first time

Reckoning Esports Reckoning Esports has entered the UNITE Scene for the first time! This Squad has been playing together for quite a while but no Top 8 performances

Written by @Ketchum09S

19

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Format India League of ACL is played in a unique format! For 7 different days these teams are placed in a Single Elimination Bracket Randomly and they acquire points according to their placement in the Bracket!

After this: To Determine the Champion, King of the Hill Format is played, where Seed 1 is placed in the Grand Finals, Seed 2 in Semi-Finals, Seed 3 in Quarters and continue!

This makes the high placement team to have a very clear advantage!

Winner Qualifies for ACL Finals!

Quarter Finals Matchups: RNT x Spark vs Gods Reign Global Esports vs True Rippers S8UL Esports vs GodLike Esports Reckoning Esports vs Marcos Gaming

Rankings after Day 1

Written by @Ketchum09S

20

Grand Finals was between RNTxSpark vs Reckoning Esports

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

DAY 1 CHAMPS REVENANT XSPARK

RANKINGS AFTER DAY 2 Grand Finals took place between GodLike Esports and Global Esports

Written by @Ketchum09S

21

On Day 2: Global Esports claimed the Victory

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Paper Rex: This is a Team from Malaysia/Singapore, earlier they were Team MYS, this roster has been Champion of APAC East for 2 years and attended Worlds in 2023 & 2024! In this Roster NightMewFoxy was replaced by Bochi for ACL 2025!

Elevate: This Roster has been together for 2 Years now! This is another Philippines Roster! They were the Finalists in Worlds 2023 where they played as OMO! They couldn’t attend Worlds this year due to VISA issues! This is almost the same roster as of 2023!

Written by @Ketchum09S

22

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Full Sense: This is a Thai Roster, they played as CakeKaLok who were Thailand Champs and placed 7th at WCS 2024, they defeated one of the Strongest Roster of Brazil ‘Legacy’.

Buriram United Esports: This is another Thai Roster! 2 of the Players, PoohPhaza & SCGSGC played for CakeKaLok in 2024 Unite Esports Season!

Unfortunately we dont have any more info on other players

Written by @Ketchum09S

23

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

EVOS Onyx: EVOS Onyx: This is the same roster of EVOS Onyx which Won the Last Chance Qualifiers of APAC and attended Worlds in 2024 but eliminated in the Group Stage

Blacklist International: This is the 3rd Philippines Roster participating in ACL SEA League!

They were previously Issen Aumento, this is the same roster with Lance leaving from Talon and joining this roster! This was the Team which defeated Luminosity Gaming in Group Stage of Worlds 2024

Written by @Ketchum09S

24

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Talon Esports: Talon Esports is a Philippines Roster! They have been together for 2 Years now!

Their Performance in 2024 Unite Esports increased drastically, they placed 3rd in Asia Champions League 2024 ! This Roster has attended Worlds in 2023 & 2024, they placed 6th in Worlds this year!

Miraen Sejong: This is the Only Korean Roster playing in the ACL 2025! This Roster was XoraTigersGaming who were the Finalists in Worlds 2024. They also attended Worlds 2023 as Akjil

Written by @Ketchum09S

25

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Alter Ego: Alter Ego is a Taiwanese Roster! This is the same roster of SAR: Shinn & Rouday!

They have been Taiwanese Champs for the longest!

They attended Worlds in 2023 where they placed 8th as Orangutan and in 2024 they placed 16th as SAR

Onic Esports: ONIC Esports is an Indonesian Roster and has been APAC West Winners! They have attended Worlds in 2023 where they placed 12th & this year they placed 3rd Place at Worlds 2024 in Hawaii! They defeated Nouns Esports and Fusion! This roster has been together for 2 years, only their Top Laner, Dev got replaced by Cell after Worlds!

Written by @Ketchum09S

26

ASIA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

SEA League of ACL is played in a Group Stage Round Robin Format! All Teams will play against every single team in a span of 3 months!

Top 8 Teams from Group Stage Qualify for Stage 2 which is a Double Elimination Bracket and Top 4 Teams will Qualify for ACL Finals

Leaderboard after 16 Matches

Written by @Ketchum09S

27

WINTER TOURNAMENT The stage is set for the Winter Tournament 2025, a part of the prestigious Asia Champions League, giving teams a Last Chance who didn’t get picked up by Organisations for ACL SEA, Japan & India League.

A Regional Showdown This Tournament will give a coveted spot in the Asia Champions League Finals, which will be held in Japan. The regional divisions are as follows for Winter Tournament: REGIONS: India, Japan, Asia Pacific East, Asia Pacific West Each regional tournament will crown a champion who will qualify for the ACL finals.

Although details about the tournament format remain under wraps, excitement continues to build as players and teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling competition.

Winter Tournament: Japan Japan leads the way with registrations already open for its Winter Tournament. Here’s the timeline for Japan’s regional matches: ● ● ●

Start Date: First week of December 2024 Day 2: Second week of January 2025 Finals: First week of February 2025

Written by @Ketchum09S

28

WINTER TOURNAMENT

Pokemon Unite India League will take place in the 1st week of February.

SEA Winter Tournament will take place on the 1st week of February for East and West separately.

The Winter Tournament 2025 is more than just a competition; it is an opportunity for teams to represent their region on an international stage. With registrations already underway in Japan and soon to open for other regions, the anticipation is palpable.

Written by @Ketchum09S

29

BLACKLIST ESPORTS Zenith & Dr P0K3r spoke with Blacklist Esports, one of the ACL SEA League Participant from Philippines! They were Issen Aumento Previously! We asked them a few questions:

Q: Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved with Blacklist and Pokemon Unite?

I’ve been a Pokémon fan for as long as I can remember, and gaming has always been a big part of my life. Before diving into Pokémon Unite, I had experience managing gaming communities, which naturally prepared me for taking on more responsibility in the competitive scene. Initially, I intended to play Pokémon Unite casually, but that quickly shifted when I became an admin for the community. Eventually, alongside Queso, I co-founded Team Issen—and the rest, as they say, is history. Joining Blacklist International wasn’t something that happened overnight. It was a meticulous process involving document work, multiple meetings to align expectations, and ensuring we shared the same vision for the team. Interestingly, several members of our team also received separate inquiries from Blacklist International, which emphasized their interest in our potential. Personally, I had the privilege of directly speaking with Blacklist International's Head of Esports, which helped solidify our shared goals and brought us to where we are today.

Credits to @DrP0k3r

30

BLACKLIST ESPORTS Q: What have you learned about managing an Esport team with your experience at Issen?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from managing Team Issen is that being a manager goes far beyond just overseeing players' skills and talents—it’s about stepping into a role that’s almost parental. The moment you start handling players, you take on the responsibility of guiding them not just in the game, but in life. It’s essential to support their mental health, help them balance their priorities—especially for those who are juggling school—and assist them with both game-related challenges and personal struggles. My role is to guide them in becoming better individuals while standing by their side throughout their journey. Ultimately, it’s about building a solid foundation that fosters growth, not just as players, but as people.

Q: What can you tell us about PokeCon in Manila and the PH Pokemon Unite community?

PokeCon in Manila was a beautiful testament to the tagline of the event: for the community, by the community. Organized by the incredible team at Pokémon Philippines, the event brought fans of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate a shared passion for Pokémon. It was heartwarming to see various communities—each with their own focus—come together to showcase their talents, skills, artistry, leadership, and camaraderie. This wasn’t our first time participating in PokeCon; it was actually our second, and it’s always a privilege to be part of such an amazing event. The event highlighted not just the Pokémon Unite PH Community but also other competitive groups and communities representing various aspects of Pokémon, from TCG and VGC to creative and casual fans. Each group contributed to the event’s vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The passion and dedication from everyone involved were inspiring, and the photos and stories shared across social media captured the magic of the day. PokeCon was a shining example of how diverse and united the Pokémon community in the Philippines truly is.

Credits to @DrP0k3r

31

BLACKLIST ESPORTS Q: Which teams are the biggest challengers in the SEA region in your opinion?

(Including India)

I agree with what our player Dreamt mentioned recently—when it comes to the SEA region, the competition has reached a level where no team can expect an easy, one-sided victory. Every team brings its own unique unpredictability, both in their playstyles and drafting strategies, making each matchup a true test of skill and strategy. That said, we feel that ONIC and Miraeon Sejong stand out as powerhouses in the region. Their strong placements at Worlds and consistent performances have proven their strength on the global stage. For the Indian scene, the team has high expectations for teams like S8ul and RNT. They’ve been our regular scrim partners, and it’s exciting to see how much they’ve grown and how they continue to challenge the competition. Additionally, we can’t miss the other talented teams from the Philippines, who continue to contribute to the competitive strength of the region. The diversity in playstyles and strategies across these teams helps elevate the overall level of competition in SEA. Q: What do you think about the Japanese teams that have been dominant in the last season?

Similar to what Dreamt mentioned, as much as we were saddened by our journey being cut short during the Worlds, by the team that ultimately became the champion, we have a great deal of respect for Fennel and the Japan region, given their impressive win. Japan’s top teams, including Reject and Zeta Division, have shown they absolutely deserve a place at the top of the Pokémon Unite scene alongside teams from other regions, and I believe they will continue to excel due to their dedication and high level of play. From my personal perspective, these teams truly deserve to be at the top, just as much as all the other teams we encountered at the Worlds Championships in Hawaii. Their success is a reflection of the skill and commitment that shapes the competitive landscape of Pokémon Unite.

Credits to @DrP0k3r

32

BLACKLIST ESPORTS Q: What do you think about Asia teams having to face off against the LAIC winner?

It’s thrilling to see Asia teams face off against the LAIC winner, as it adds an interesting dynamic to the competition.

This matchup provides an opportunity to challenge the Asian meta in this year's ACL with Latin America’s top representatives.

The team is both excited and eager to see how the results unfold and what new insights this clash of elite teams will bring.

Q: Assuming you qualify, how far do you think Blacklist can go in this competitive scene in next year’s worlds?

We're hopeful that we qualify and we believe we can go very far as Blacklist International. The team is still evolving, and with the continued growth and development, especially with the strong support from Blacklist, we’re confident that we can reach new heights at next year’s Worlds. We feel we’ll perform even better than before, building on our experiences as Team Issen Aumento. We’re excited to come back stronger and more refined, eager to show what we’re capable of achieving.

Credits to @DrP0k3r

33

CHINA IN ESPORTS Pokémon Unite, the globally popular MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) game, has officially made its mark in China with a launch on November 7th. The Chinese release brought massive excitement, with an incredible 23 million registrations even before the game went live. This launch isn’t just a milestone for Chinese fans but also a significant step for the game's global community, introducing several new features and mechanics exclusive to the region.

The Chinese server of Pokémon Unite boasts several unique elements, from revamped lobby designs to gameplay mechanics and Pokémon adjustments

Written by @Ketchum09S

34

CHINA IN ESPORTS One of the most notable introductions is the 500-Point Mode, a fresh take on ranked play. Unlike the Global server’s traditional gameplay system, Chinese players compete in this new mode, which emphasizes strategy and innovation.

Interestingly, the global version of Pokémon Unite does not have this mode yet, leaving players worldwide curious about its potential impact when it arrives as a mini-game mode in July 2025. This staggered rollout highlights the game’s ongoing evolution and focuses on adapting to regional preferences.

Shortly after the game’s release, it was announced that China would begin hosting Pokémon Unite tournaments. Although specific details are scarce, reports suggest the tournament season will conclude in May 2025. The inclusion of a circuit system signals that China may emerge as a key player in the Pokémon Unite World Championship 2025.

Written by @Ketchum09S

35

CHINA IN ESPORTS China’s journey to the global stage won’t stop at domestic tournaments. It was revealed that Chinese teams will participate in major international events such as the Aeos Cup in Europe and the Asia Champions League (ACL) Finals. These events, scheduled for February and March 2025, will provide an exciting preview of how China’s unique gameplay style, driven by the 500-Point Mode, measures up against established international teams.

However, questions linger about how the Chinese teams will adapt to playing on the Global server, which currently lacks the 500-Point Mode. This dynamic introduces an intriguing layer of unpredictability to the tournaments.

China’s enthusiastic embrace of Pokémon Unite is more than just a regional success; it’s a catalyst for the game’s global expansion. By incorporating innovative features and a competitive framework tailored to one of the largest gaming markets in the world, developers are setting the stage for Pokémon Unite to achieve even greater heights.

Written by @Ketchum09S

36

TCG POCKET There is no doubt the Pokémon franchise is a global phenomenon, captivating audiences for decades with its endearing “monsters”, engaging storylines, and strategic gameplay.

Since its humble beginnings as a Game Boy game in 1996, Pokémon has evolved into a multimedia empire that spans across video games, anime, trading cards, and merchandise.

The recent years saw the rise of mobile gaming, and Pokémon has continued to achieve widespread popularity with titles such as Pokémon GO and Pokémon Unite.

Now, Pokémon looks to bring another exciting digital experience, this time for the collectors and players of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Pokémon TCG Pocket has taken the world by storm, amassing millions of mobile downloads within days of its release. Since launching a month ago, the mobile game has reported total earnings above $120 million USD But the meteoric rise of Pokémon TCG Pocket is no surprise, nor is it an accident. So, what's behind the mobile app explosive success?

Pokémon TCG Pocket is a digital time machine for many, transporting players back to the golden age of collecting trading cards. With nostalgic card arts and virtual booster card packs, the mobile app attempts to replicate the thrill that comes with tearing open physical packs of Pokémon Trading cards in hopes of a rare find.

Players can buy the virtual boosters packs via in-app purchases, otherwise the game provides a free pack every 12 hours. The time restriction greatly builds the anticipation and excitement of opening a pack and creates an itch for players to spend in order to continue opening packs. In addition, the daily log-in rewards entice the players to come back for more.

For avid collectors, Pokémon TCG Pocket is another exciting challenge to conquer.

With over 240 cards released presently, collectible enthusiasts all around the world race to complete the current set.

Written by @itsmefuTTV

37

TCG POCKET For newcomers, the stunning visuals and the low maintenance of digital collecting entice both children and adults alike. It is difficult not to enjoy the upbeat chimes and special effects of pulling a rare card, regardless of your familiarity with the Pokémon franchise.

The mobile app also includes digital blinders that players can customise and display their best Pokémon Cards.

But collecting digital cards is truly only half the experience…

One of the key factors contributing to the success of Pokémon TCG Pocket is its ability to capture the essence of the physical trading card game in a simplified form.

Unlike the traditional Pokémon TCG requiring 60 cards, Pokémon TCG Pocket reduces the deck size to a mere 20 cards.

This is one of the best decisions made by Pokémon as a smaller deck lowers the learning curve and invites new players to engage in the world of competitive trading card games.

At the same time, the app is still able to accurately simulate the mechanics of card play, including damage calculations, energy management, and special abilities.

The battles are short and sweet, allowing players to practice and play virtually anywhere and at any time. Although a smaller deck presents a heightened reliance on luck, there is still a clear element of strategy that can direct a player to victory.

Pokémon TCG Pocket has successfully fostered a sizeable global community of players in a short period of time.

This is largely due to the app’s online multiplayer mode that enables players from around the world to connect and compete against each other in real-time. The mechanics of deck battling allow Pokémon TCG Pocket to bypass the negative experiences of high latency that affect many other popular multiplayer games.

This has led to the formation of online leagues, grassroot tournaments, and online communities, where players can share tips, strategies, and deck lists.

Recently, I had the opportunity to organise and host “Fu’s TCG Pocket Tourney” which saw over 1,000 enthusiastic TCG Pocket players register for a day of fun and competitive deck battling.

Written by @itsmefuTTV

38

TCG POCKET

Over the course of a 10-hour stream, players from across the world went head-to-head in Swiss round clashes that ultimately led to an intense single elimination finals for the top 16.

It was truly amazing to how much traction Pokémon TCG Pocket has generated over the course of a short month and the impact it has made to mobile players internationally.

While Pokémon TCG Pocket has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the digital gaming landscape, it is expected to significantly influence the physical card game too.

Some may argue that digitalising the card collecting experience may negatively impact the physical card market. I believe in this case the converse is true. Pokémon TCG Pocket will introduce many new users to the Pokémon Franchise and by extension, to Pokémon collectibles in general.

For fans of the Pokémon card art, players of Pokémon TCG Pocket may seek more tangible cards to display after being exposed to the visual brilliance of the digital binders. Meanwhile, players that enjoyed the simplified TCG deck battle experience may seek greater challenges in strategy offered by the traditional card game.

Pokémon TCG Pocket serves as a small entree that aims to open the appetites of players to the vast realm of the Pokémon Franchise.

Written by @itsmefuTTV

39

TCG POCKET Maintaining success in the mobile gaming world is no easy feat, and Pokémon TCG Pocket must ensure it continues to improve the features of the app and keep the gaming experience fresh.

It has been announced that new sets of booster packs will be releasing in December with a trading function set to hit the app in late January. These features indicate, at least for the time being, that Pokémon is invested in the longevity of this mobile game.

I personally hope that features such as spectate mode, customisable in-app events and a ranked ladder are added in the future.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is clearly more than just a mobile game; it's a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide.

By seamlessly blending the strategic depth of the physical card game with the convenience of mobile technology, the mobile app has redefined the way we engage with collectible card games. As the future of gaming continues to unfold, Pokémon TCG Pocket stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Pokémon franchise and the power of digital innovation.

Written by @itsmefuTTV

40

HEALTH IN ESPORTS Gilberto Gallardo

Head Coach at RevenantXSpark Head Coach and Manager of STMN Esports Played for Hoenn

In the world of esports, it is essential to understand the difference between playing a video game for fun and competing at a professional level. While all esports are video games, not all video games are considered esports. The distinction lies in the stress and responsibilities that professional players face compared to casual players. Competing in a professional league means that performance determines salary and success, whereas playing recreationally is limited to entertainment.

One key indicator of stress in players is cortisol, a hormone released in response to stressful situations. Several studies have shown that professional players exhibit significantly higher levels of cortisol compared to casual players. This increase is due to the inherent pressure of competing at the highest level, where what was once a hobby becomes a job with high expectations.

Chronic stress is one of the main problems these players face, especially if measures are not taken to mitigate its impact. The lack of adequate stress management strategies and poor health habits contribute to the notoriously short career spans of esports players, with an average retirement age of around 25 years. This contrasts with traditional sports, where athletes typically have longer careers, highlighting the urgent need to address health and well-being issues in esports.

Written by Gilberto Gallardo

41

HEALTH IN ESPORTS A Rapid Path to Professionalism Unlike traditional sports, where athletes follow a well-structured path from an early age, esports players often transition from casual, at-home gaming to international tournaments in a very short period. This abrupt process lacks intermediate training stages, meaning many players enter the professional scene without the necessary support to face the physical and psychological challenges of high-level competition.

The first step towards a professional career is often joining a "gaming house," a space where a player's lifestyle changes dramatically. Intensive training, living with other players, and constant pressure to achieve results significantly elevate stress levels. Moreover, the lack of an early development structure similar to traditional sports leads players to adopt unhealthy routines that persist throughout their careers.

Health Issues in Esports Players Unhealthy lifestyles and long hours in front of the screen translate into various health problems that affect both performance and the longevity of players: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sleep Disorders: Players often have long gaming sessions that extend late into the night. A lack of proper sleep routines not only hinders performance in matches but also affects overall health. Sleep deprivation and disruption of circadian rhythms can lead to cognitive problems, increased stress, and decreased recovery capacity.

Muscular and Joint Injuries: Long hours of gaming involve repetitive use of hands and wrists, increasing the risk of developing injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Additionally, poor posture during gameplay can cause chronic pain in the back and neck, affecting the quality of life and player performance.

Visual Problems: Prolonged screen time exposes players to blue light, which can cause eye strain and issues such as "computer vision syndrome." This manifests as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, affecting both visual health and game performance.

Metabolic Issues: The sedentary lifestyle of many players, combined with poor diet, can lead to health problems such as obesity and insulin resistance. Lack of physical exercise not only affects performance but also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Mental Health: The highly competitive environment of esports generates elevated levels of anxiety and stress. The pressure of performance expectations, criticism on social media, and the constant need to demonstrate skills negatively impact mental health. Without adequate stress management strategies, many players face problems like anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Written by Gilberto Gallardo

42

HEALTH IN ESPORTS Towards a Healthier Future in Esports It is clear that esports players face unique challenges that, if not properly addressed, can shorten their careers and limit their potential.

The esports industry is still in the process of adapting, but some teams have already begun implementing practices and tools to improve player health. This includes exercise programs, rest plans, and the inclusion of sports psychologists and nutritionists on teams.

The conversation about health in esports is just beginning, and it is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and healthier future for everyone involved in this growing industry.

Written by Gilberto Gallardo

42

CHARITY RUMBLE #74

THE WIDE LEAGUE TOTS FOR CHARITY TOURNAMENT Charity Link: Click Here | Join Tournament: Click Here Live Stream Link: WDMichael Wide League Twitter: Click Here | Join Wide League Discord: Click Here Prize: - 1st Place will be able to donate a $350 PrizePool to Charity 100$ From WDMichael the Tournament Organizer | 100$ From Firemind a Wide League Moderator | 100$ from Glytch Energy | 50$ from Ingage

Written by @WDMichael

42

e n i z a g a M p i h s r o s n Spo n o i t a c i l gg p .

E G Ap GA N

I @ s s e Busin