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ESI Events Unveils ESI Film Festival 2024 Shortlist
- Best Film nominations: Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million, Heroes of Lofoten, Bad Moon Rising | Cyberpunk 2077
- Fanfilm, 24 Hour Making of a CHAMPION: An MLBB Esports Exclusive & Live Legendary: Launders
- Best Student Film nominations: Zara – My Game, Questopia & C++
ESI Events is thrilled to announce the official nominations and shortlist for the second edition of the annual ESI Film Festival, taking place as part of the ESI Lisbon 2024 event at the MEO Arena. This year’s festival celebrates the power of storytelling within the gaming and esports communities, highlighting the talent and creativity of filmmakers from around the globe.
The ESI Film Festival, launched in 2023 at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, returns in 2024 with an expanded event, offering filmmakers a platform to share gaming related stories that deserve to be told.
This year’s festival not only adds a second category but also continues to bridge the gap between the worlds of film, gaming, and esports. By showcasing films that delve into the positive impact of gaming can and does have, the ESI Film Festival reinforces the notion that video games and esports have the potential to make meaningful differences in people’s lives.
Best Film Nominees:
Wisper: Bolivia’s 1 in 12 Million
- Directed by Rich Bowen at OG Esports
- Adrián “Wisper” Céspedes – a kid from Bolivia who ended up defying the odds to make it to Dota’s biggest stage, becoming one of OG Esports’ most important players. This is part of our series ‘Origins’, where we look into the past of our players and learn what made them the people they are today.
Heroes of Lofoten
- Directed by Johanna Cederstrøm at MistGames
- Heroes of Lofoten: A Counter-Strike Experience above the Arctic Circle. Last year MistGames flew some of the greatest Counter-Strike talents in Europe to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Lofoten. Our goal was to combine the entertainment of esports with technology and travel. The documentary puts emphasis on the joys and struggles behind the scene of the event.
Bad Moon Rising | Cyberpunk 2077 Fanfilm
- Directed by Kira Cesnik
- In Night City there is chaos in every corner. So when V gets a gig from an unknown caller regarding some deadly cyberware, it’s up to him to save the day.
Chuck & Fern
- Directed by Henry Alexander Kelly
- Within a fantasy video game, a heroic swordsman and a D-List villain face an existential crisis but must push past it when a greater purpose calls.
Live Legendary: Launders
- Directed by Chew Productions
- This documentary chronicles the journey of Launders, the beloved Counter-Strike caster. Growing up in Toronto, Launders is the son of a determined mother of Indian descent, who immigrated to Canada in search of a better life. His early years were spent with his mother in a women’s shelter, where he learned the resilience and strength that will define his future. In his youth, Launders struggled to find his path, working blue-collar jobs and occasionally falling into trouble. His life took a pivotal turn when he joined a “Big Brother” program and was paired with a mentor who saw his potential and encouraged him to reach for it. This is a story of a mother and son, of friendship, and the power of finding one’s true passion. It highlights the impact of positive influences and the transformative power of believing in oneself.
24 Hour Making of a CHAMPION: An MLBB Esports Exclusive
- Directed by MOONTON Games
- MLBB Esports presents an exclusive look at the historic triumph by Selangor Red Giants at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup 2024. Take a look behind the scenes at Malaysia’s greatest achievement in MLBB.
Best Student Film Nominees:
Zara – My Game
- Directed by Jack Carmell
- This documentary follows Zara Horton, a former professional windsurfer for Team GB, as she takes a leap of faith into studying esports instead of taking a traditional route. We follow her journey through University esports and how she has used her competitive nature to her advantage.
Questopia
- Directed by Shahzer Kashif
- Danny’s gaming obsession turns deadly as he fights for his life in a game he thought he had total control over.
C++
- Directed by Bashar Taha Abduljabbar
- The story follows Yassin, a skilled programmer who tragically loses his wife, Suzanne, due to medical malpractice. Driven by anger and thirst for justice, Yassin kidnaps the negligent doctor, Khalid, responsible for Susan’s death. Within a virtual reality video game of his own creation, Yassin manipulates Khalid’s perception, confronting him with the truth behind Susan’s death. As the game unfolds, Khalid discovers shocking revelations and faces his fate, leading to a climactic showdown between Yassin and Khalid. “C++” explores themes of justice, loss, and the consequences of blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
Prize Pool & Categories
With a total prize pool of €6,000 courtesy of not-for-profit partner, ESG Gaming, the festival recognizes outstanding contributions across two categories—Best Film and Best Student Film. The breakdown of prizes is as follows:
- •Best Film
- 1st Place: €2,500 | 2nd Place: €1,500
- •Best Student Film
- 1st Place: €1,500 | 2nd Place: €500
Judging Panel
The nominees will be judged by a panel of industry experts, including:
- Hélène Juguet – Managing Director, Ubisoft Film & TV Paris
- Lee Willows – Founder & Executive Chair, ESG Gaming
- Stuart Burnside – Video Game Certification Manager – British Film Institute
- Karina Ziminaite – CEO – Z1MT Creative
- Alex Weber – Award-Winning Filmmaker
- Rui Pedro da Tendinha – Film Critic & Presenter
The post ESI Events Unveils ESI Film Festival 2024 Shortlist appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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ASUS ROG BECOMES THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF TEAM VITALITY
Leading French club Team Vitality and ASUS Republic Of Gamers (ROG), an iconic global brand in the gaming technology industry, are pleased to announce their partnership until the end of 2026. The partnership includes the use of ROG’s industry-leading peripherals including keyboards, mice, mice mats & headsets for Team Vitality’s elite Counter-Strike 2 and VALORANT rosters.
United by a shared ambition, the two entities aspire to reach the top of the podiums at the biggest international esports competitions, with ROG’s products providing advanced technology and unparalleled quality for the club’s FPS teams.
TEAM VITALITY ROSTERS POWERED BY PERIPHERALS LEADER
Team Vitality is delighted to welcome ROG as an official partner. During competitions, ROG logo will be included on the left sleeve of the official jerseys of the CS2 and VALORANT teams.
ROG, recognized as an essential reference in the world of esports, offers equipment that combines durability, performance, ergonomics, and precision – essential qualities to excel at the highest level. The brand has already supported prestigious esports teams.
Official Team Vitality player gear includes:
- The ROG Delta II headset, guaranteeing clear and flawless communication.
- ROG Keris II Ace mouse, offering unrivaled precision and comfort with a pro-approved shape and leading technology.
- ROG Hone Ace XXL mouse pad, providing players with a wide surface for movement consistency and control.
- The ROG Falchion ACE HFX keyboard, incorporating Rapid Trigger technology, specially designed for gamers.
These products will allow gamers to achieve optimal performance: ultra-responsive keyboards, high-precision mice adapted to different gaming strategies, and headsets ensuring impeccable communication.
Aiming to establish new standards for players and fans worldwide, the collaboration will series of exciting activations that will be carried out throughout the year during key international events, bringing together esports enthusiasts, Team Vitality supporters, and the broader gaming community
Over the course of the year, the club will integrate ROG into its communications, particularly on its X accounts dedicated to Counter-Strike and VALORANT, as well as across its other social media platforms
“We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious brand as ROG to Team Vitality! This partnership mirrors our standards and ambitions: to equip our players and our staff with cutting-edge peripherals, offering precision, responsiveness, and comfort, whilst also supporting our international development strategy. 2025 is going to be an exciting year for VALORANT and CS2, and this partnership will guarantee unmissable activations for all our fans.” explains Nicolas Maurer, CEO of Team Vitality.
“We are proud to collaborate with Team Vitality, an organization that shares our values of excellence and innovation. This partnership offers us a unique opportunity to be closer to professional players, enabling us to further understand their needs and refine our products to meet the highest expectations. Together, we want to inspire the gaming community and help elevate esports to greater heights,” stated Kris Huang, General Manager of the ROG Gaming Gear and Accessory Business Unit.
AIMING FOR NEW HEIGHTS IN THE ESPORTS SCENE
Following a successful 2024, Team Vitality aspires to reach even greater heights in 2025. The partnership with ROG unlocks a range of opportunities to enhance the club’s global visibility and further its ambitious goals on the world stage.
This year’s international esports calendar features unmissable events for fans, including the two CS2 Majors and the VALORANT Champions, which will be held in Paris next September. With star-studded roasters boasting talents such as Derke, Sayf, zywOo, and apEX, Team Vitality is ready to shine and offer ROG unprecedented visibility among its global community of 13 million fans.
By joining forces, Team Vitality and ROG are sending a strong message: esports is a dynamic, innovative, and increasingly attractive sector for brands. This strategic partnership will engage millions of fans worldwide while creating unique opportunities for impactful activations, engaging content, and memorable experiences.
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High Roller Technologies Welcomes Kristofer Muscat as Chief Operating Officer
High Roller Technologies, Inc. (“High Roller” and the “Company”) (NYSE American: ROLR), operator of www.HighRoller.com and www.Fruta.com, each a premium brand in online gaming and a destination for high rollers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristofer Muscat as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective January 5th, 2025. In this role, Mr. Muscat will oversee operational strategy, drive growth initiatives, and enhance High Roller’s commitment to delivering premium experiences in the online gambling and iCasino gaming industry.
“Kristofer’s operational expertise in the gambling industry and his proven track record of driving growth through innovation will be instrumental as we continue development of our technologies focused on machine learning to automate key functionality to enhance the player experience and reduce operational overhead,” said Ben Clemes, CEO of High Roller Technologies. “His leadership will play a vital role in optimizing our operations and enhancing our mission to provide engaging, seamless, and world-class experiences for our users.”
Mr. Muscat brings a wealth of industry experience to High Roller. As the former Chief Operating Officer of Eastrock Group, he was pivotal in streamlining operations across offices in Sweden, Malta, and Hong Kong. He successfully enhanced efficiency, built customer-centric cultures, and supported Eastrock’s expansion in the competitive iGaming sector. His leadership at Eastrock reinforced his reputation as a forward-thinking executive with a deep understanding of operational excellence in the gambling industry. Prior to Eastrock, Mr. Muscat held a management position at Bally’s.
“I am so excited to be joining High Roller at such a pivotal time in the company’s evolution. The team’s vision for innovation and their unwavering focus on creating exceptional experiences for players perfectly align with my values and expertise. I am eager to leverage my background in operations and strategy to help drive growth, strengthen High Roller’s position as an industry leader, and elevate the brand’s appeal to high-stakes players around the globe.” commented Kristofer Muscat, new COO of High Roller Technologies.
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Robin ‘ropz’ Kool joins Team Vitality’s CS2 roster
Team Vitality is thrilled to announce the signing of global esports star and former FaZe Clan player Robin ‘ropz’ Kool to their CS2 roster.
Ropz is one of the most decorated Counter-Strike players on the circuit, having secured numerous victories, a plethora of MVP honours, and building a strong reputation for precision, consistency, and success. His experience, coupled with his superb understanding of CS2, will bolster Team Vitality in the club’s hunt for success in 2025.
- Robin ‘ropz’ Kool, the 25-year-old Estonian, has officially joined Team Vitality’s CS2 roster.
- With Ropz’s addition to the team, the rosters current rifler Lotan ‘Spinx’ Giladi will be moved to the inactive roster.
- The move further positions the French club as one of the most formidable teams in the space, following on from the Intel Extreme Masters Cologne win in 2024, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to success in CS2.
- Ropz is widely regarded as one of the most skilled CS2 players worldwide, with a career highlighted by numerous tournament wins, MVP accolades, and a legacy of consistent and high-level performance. Known for his tactical expertise, adaptability and sharpshooting, he brings a wealth of experience to Team Vitality.
- The French club’s roster now boasts an elite combination of in-game expertise, strategic minds, and sheer firepower, positioning them as one of the most forbidding rosters globally. The roster now consists of Dan ‘apEX’ Madesclaire, Mathieu ‘ZywOo’ Herbaut, Shahar ‘flameZ’ Shushan, William ‘mezii’ Merriman, and Robin ‘ropz’ Kool. The team will be coached by Rémy “XTQZZZ” Quoniam and assistant coach Mathieu “MaT” Leber, and led by new Team Manager, Amy May ‘Aphiren’ Snowdon.
- The roster will first be seen in action during the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier later in January.
“Signing ropz is the culmination of several years of discussions and mutual respect. We have followed his journey with great admiration, and this year, the stars aligned for him to join us. We understand that he’s leaving more than just a team behind – he’s leaving a family. We’re determined to show him that he made the right choice. He fits perfectly into our vision, with the ambition to make history and build a legacy for the club on CS,” explains Fabien “Neo” Devide, President of Team Vitality. “His experience, versatility, and game intelligence are invaluable assets. He is a player with a heart of gold, one of the most inspiring figures in the history of Counter-Strike, and someone who truly embodies the values we stand for. With him, we are solidifying our place among the global elite of CS, and this is an incredible opportunity for Team Vitality.”
The post Robin ‘ropz’ Kool joins Team Vitality’s CS2 roster appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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