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Reuters World News SummaryThe global esports market is poised for explosive growth, with a recent report from Arizton Advisory & Intelligence projecting it will exceed $5 billion by 2029, fueled by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.48%. To put this in perspective, industries like American football and global music show significantly lower CAGRs of 6.9% and 7.8%, respectively, the report says. See Also: Target Black Friday Deals: Pokémon Shoppers Gotta Catch ‘Em All However, regulatory complexities, emerging technologies, and strategic market shifts are shaping the industry’s future. In dialogue with Benzinga, Arizton’s Associate Consultant, Abhiyank Verma, shared insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead for esports investors and stakeholders. Navigating The Challenges Of The Esports Industry “Regulatory uncertainties remain a major challenge for esports companies,” said Verma. He added that governance frameworks vary across regions, creating a fragmented landscape. "For instance, South Korea leads the way with structured governance through the Korea Esports Association (KeSPA), ensuring fairness and player welfare," Verma shared. On the other hand, regions like North America and Southeast Asia rely on fragmented or industry-driven policies, making it difficult to manage player rights and advertising regulations. Other regions face their own hurdles. "Saudi Arabia enforces strict content controls under Vision 2030, and China imposes tight restrictions on gaming time and content," Verma noted, adding that these measures complicate global operations. Emerging Technologies Shaping The Future Of Esports The adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is revolutionizing the esports experience. As Verma puts it, "AR enhances real-world environments by overlaying digital elements, enriching gameplay with real-time visuals and data." VR, on the other hand, transports players to fully virtual worlds, providing “unparalleled inmmersion.” Together, these technologies are unlocking new possibilities, from mixed-reality tournaments to enhanced spectator experiences. The global impact of AR and VR is already evident. For instance, in the U.S., initiatives like Golden Gloves VR are blending fitness with competitive gaming, while Canada's Dark Slope advances VR-based experiences. The United ArabE is leveraging these innovations to bolster its economy, with Dubai's VR Park projected to add $4.1 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, China's Meta-Tencent partnership showcases the growing role of immersive technology in competitive gaming. "These technologies are driving trends that expand audiences and unlock economic opportunities," Verma emphasized, underscoring their transformative potential for the esports ecosystem. Advice For Investors Eyeing Esports Growth For investors looking to tap into this booming market, Verma stressed the importance of diversification, strategic partnerships, and emerging markets. Revenue Diversification : "Traditional revenue sources such as sponsorships and tournament winnings remain vital," Verma explained, but esports organizations are branching out. He pointed to in-game purchases, virtual goods, subscription services, and digital collectibles as emerging revenue streams that cater to fans’ demand for exclusive content. Strategic Partnerships : Collaborations with game developers and streaming platforms are essential. "Partnerships with companies like Tencent Holdings ADR ‘s TCEHY Riot Games, Blizzard, and Microsoft Corp. ‘s MSFT Activision ensure a steady supply of new titles and competitive events," said Verma. Streaming platforms like Twitch, Alphabet Inc ‘s GOOGL YouTube, and Meta Platforms Inc ‘s META Facebook Gaming also play a critical role in expanding esports' reach and community engagement. Emerging Markets : Regions like Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East are experiencing rapid growth due to improved internet infrastructure and smartphone adoption. "With the rise of fan engagement technologies, including VR, AR, and interactive live-streaming, esports organizations are creating new ways for fans to interact with content." Read Next: Antitrust Lawsuit Against Steam Expands To Include All Developers Since 2017 Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Future innovators develop real-world sustainable solutions at AI hackathon hosted by QF’s QSTPNoneKendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”
ITV I'm A Celebrity stars caught 'red-handed' as 'feud' erupts in campNonePittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field with 5:32 left in the first quarter with an apparent left ankle injury during Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game against host Louisville. The freshman was sacked at the Panthers' 49-yard line by Louisville's Ashton Gillotte, who rolled on the quarterback's ankle. Holstein was in a walking boot as he was helped to the cart. Holstein missed last week's game against Clemson after suffering a head injury in the loss to Virginia two weeks ago. Holstein was 3-for-5 passing for 51 yards and an interception before exiting. Nate Yarnell, who threw for 350 yards in the loss to Clemson, replaced Holstein. --Field Level Media
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An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalitionWhy Nancy Mace wants transgender women banned from using single-sex bathroomsNone
Hugo D Almonte is a Dominican-American rapper, singer, and actor known for his unapologetic personality and cultural influence in music. Born on January 20, 1996, in New York City, Almonte blends his Dominican roots with modern genres, producing hits like VA HABLAR and QUE PASÓ from his 2023 debut album EL CAN SE ACABO . In 2021, Almonte publicly came out as bisexual , a decision that showcased his commitment to authenticity and resonated with fans. While his talent has earned him praise, it's his controversial outing of fellow artist Khalid that has ignited widespread debate. According to the Daily Mail , in November 2024, Hugo D Almonte set social media alight with posts that left little room for ambiguity about his past relationship with R&B singer Khalid. Hugo first posted, "One of your favourite gay R&B singers sucked my d***, and it was really bad," a comment that immediately sparked speculation. He then doubled down with another explosive tweet: "I was dating this dumb a** singer. He's ugly as f***, but he tried to set me up and lie and say I broke into his house because I broke up with him. Like why would I go to your house and do all that if I broke up with you, dumb a**?" Hugo's posts revealed not only the existence of their relationship but also his frustrations with how it ended. Alleging that Khalid had lied about Hugo breaking into his home post-breakup, Almonte shared a selfie of the two cuddling to confirm their connection. The image, paired with the caption, "B**** a** [ninja emoji] lied and said that I broke into his house 'cause I didn't want him," left no doubt about whom he was targeting. All of said posts have since been deleted. Hours after Almonte's posts went viral, Khalid—known for chart-topping hits like Location and Young, Dumb & Broke —responded on X (formerly Twitter). In a simple yet defiant tweet, Khalid wrote, "[LGBTQIA+ pride flag]!!! there y'all go. Next topic please lol." He later added, "I got outted [sic], and the world still continues to turn. Let's get this straight (lmao), I am not ashamed of my sexuality!" Khalid's decision to reclaim the narrative was widely praised, with fans applauding his candour and resilience. One fan commented, "The closet was glass, baby... It's not about who you love; it's about your artistry!" Khalid echoed this sentiment, replying, "I wasn't hiding anything! It's just not any of your business." Despite the grace with which Khalid handled the situation, the outing highlighted the challenges LGBTQ+ artists still face in maintaining control over their personal stories. This incident brings attention to the broader issue of outing someone against their will, a violation that has far-reaching emotional and psychological consequences. In a similar case in 2022, Australian actor Rebel Wilson was pressured to publicly disclose her same-sex relationship with fashion designer Ramona Agruma after a journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald threatened to publish the story without her consent. Wilson later described the experience as "a very hard situation" that forced her to come out before she was ready. Outing is a power play that disregards the deeply personal nature of coming out, which can take years or even decades for some individuals. As Eleanor Morgan wrote for The Guardian, "Allowing any individual—regardless of fame or fortune—to control their own narrative is one of the most basic" rights society should uphold. While Hugo D Almonte has always been bold and unfiltered, his decision to publicly expose Khalid's sexuality without consent drew widespread criticism. Many accused him of being reckless and self-serving, overshadowing the conversation about privacy and consent in the LGBTQ+ community. Hugo's actions also reignited debates about how LGBTQ+ celebrities are often denied the opportunity to come out on their own terms, a violation that can have profound impacts on mental health and self-image. Hugo D Almonte's talent and artistry remain undeniable, but his controversial outing of Khalid serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with public influence. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, incidents like this underline the importance of respecting privacy and allowing individuals the space to define their own narratives.The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes hoped Saturday’s loss to the Michigan Wolverines was just a bad dream, but unfortunately, it wasn’t. For the fourth consecutive year, the Buckeyes fell to their archrivals, and this time, as 21-point underdogs ( ESPN BET ). Immediately following the 13-10 loss, a brawl started between both teams after Michigan players attempted to plant their flag on Ohio State's midfield logo. It wasn't pretty, with police even going as far as pepper spraying players to de-escalate the situation. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was asked about it afterward, admitting his team wasn't let Michigan get away with planting its flag. "I don’t know all the details, but I know these guys were looking to put a flag on our field, and we’re not going to let that happen," Day said . © Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Fans quickly took to social media to react to Day’s comments. "What a loser," one fan wrote . "Maybe he should have told them to fight like that during the actual game," added a fan . "What a fraud he and that program are." "Just fire that clown," another said . "The best way to prevent this from happening is to win the game, Ryan," said a fan . "Hope this helps!" "Hey Ryan, be less concerned with planting a flag & more concerned with winning the game!!!" added another . "has he tried winning? that’s a pretty good way to stop them," another said . © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images With the loss, Ryan Day’s record against Michigan drops to 1-4 in his tenure at Ohio State. The defeat likely keeps the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten Championship Game and seriously jeopardizes their hopes of securing a bye in the College Football Playoff. The only way Ohio State can still make it to the conference title game is if both Penn State and Indiana lose on Saturday. Related: Official in Ohio State-Michigan Game Involved in Dangerous Incident