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Of course, if there’s one big star who should be offered an extension deal at this point, it is Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. While there are many players who are still signing deals at this point in time, McDavid is yet to come up with terms with his team as he seeks to find out the best move for his career moving forward. While many reports say that the Edmonton star will likely be signing a new massive deal with the Oilers, it also suggests that McDavid is also open to considering offers from other teams as well. That is definitely a huge concern to consider for the team at this point, considering that McDavid has actually become the face of the team. McDavid isn’t leaving the team anytime soon. He still has two years to go with the Oilers before he will become an unrestricted free agent – in which offers left and right will come in now more than ever. After all, with the way things are looking right now, it is not impossible for McDavid to explore his value in the market while also finding a team with a better shot at the Stanley Cup Final. The Future of McDavid The Edmonton Oilers captain is definitely expected to wait out the entire offseason and even take it into next season before finally discussing with the management. Still, reports claim that an extension is really highly likely to come, and it is the “when” that would definitely mind boggle a lot of critics and fans at this point. There is definitely a strong fear of losing McDavid. After all, the star has become the top performer for the team at this point. And it would be hard to sway their remaining stars, such as Leon Draisaitl to stay if one of the core pieces does not commit to the next season. It can be remembered that the Oilers have endured back-to-back heartbreaks at this point, losing both Stanley Cup Final disappointments to the Florida Panthers. The 2024 edition saw them come close to completing a 0-3 comeback, while last month’s run proved to be more futile as they failed to come up with a better performance. Still, the frustration may be starting to mount up for McDavid and the rest of the team, but it also means that there’s unfinished business for the star to look forward to. Setbacks are just another reason for McDavid’s loyalty to endure now more than ever. Complex Extension Problems McDavid’s extension with the Oilers does not come without repercussions as well. It is expected that McDavid will have the most lucrative deal in NHL history should he elect to stay with the Oilers. This means that they may have to give up some key assets and come up with cheaper signings in order to afford his talent for more years to come. Still, Edmonton fans don’t really have to worry much for now. The Oilers fell short in the biggest stage of the game for the second time around, and a few roster tweaks should solve the problem – along with some improved coaching as well. In all sense, McDavid is expected to re-sign with the Oilers, and he’s just biding his time. This just means that fans should not panic nor create ruckus about him moving on from the team. There’s still months to go in the offseason, and there’s also more to talk about how he will eventually be open to talks moving forward.

Before he got injured in July 2023, Nyheim Hines was still wearing a Buffalo Bills uniform and was definitely set for greatness, considering that he was really playing massive football had it not been for his setback. Now that he’s fully healed and ready to rock the NFL world to prove his worth, will he eventually find a new team to play for? Out for two full seasons, Hines definitely has taken a massive time off the game in order to fully recover from his knee injury. That was a massive hurt that fans did not expect to begin with, and it is easy to say that there are a lot of potential that went off the table when he missed out on these years. It is, however, still possible for Hines to recover and find his way back into a championship team as well. While he is still yet to be inked with another team at this point in time, one can say that Hines may well find his worth with some of the teams linked to him. Training camps are already set to get underway this month – and it should open up chances for franchises to reconsider their needs and eventually make an offer for Hines, paving the way for his comeback as he seeks to get back on track. A Hines Comeback? Hines is one of the high-potential running backs who have enjoyed an otherwise great career had it not been for his injury. However, it is expected that teams such as the Cleveland Browns (again), Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts could arrive with offers for him in the coming weeks. After all, he’s had workouts with the said teams and is expected to land at least one deal with any of them. "I'm far from done, and the story is in my hand," Hines said of his hopes of returning. "I put myself in this position, but as athletes, we're in an unfortunate situation in a job ... that we can't control everything, but the pen is always in our hand, based on our performance. So, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to grab that pen and write whatever story I want." Selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Colts, Hines spent the first four years of his career in Indianapolis as a rotational running back and even a return specialist before he ended up being traded in the 2022 campaign to the Buffalo Bills. Hines proved to be one of the most reliable RBs had it not been for his injuries, which says a lot about his potential for return. For now, it does seem that he will have to wait for offers to come in this month – or else his career may well be slumped for the meantime. Not Being Choosy For Hines, getting a chance to play for a team, regardless of whether it is a contender or a rebuilding team, will be a huge opportunity for him to pass up. After all, there are 53 players in a single roster, and it is definitely impossible that no one would want to bring him in. "I don't need a lot of touches. I would like some touches at times, but I just want the opportunity. Just put me in space, and throughout my career we've seen what I've done with a little bit of space," Hines said. History is on his side, however. Research says that players who excel in multiple areas of the game are more likely to get deals with teams rather than one-way players.

When one of the losing teams in the American League gets the first overall pick, you know they’re going to get the best talent possible. So when the Washington Nationals brought in Eli Willits with the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, it was expected that the feedback would be great enough to raise expectations for the club moving forward. A promising selection out of Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma, the 17-year-old shortstop proved to be one of the best talents out in this year’s draft class, and he was one of the youngest true prospects from the 2025 class after reclassifying from the class of ‘26 as well. Initially, no one would be impressed that the Nats brought in a very young player who may not do enough or even more to help the club get back on track and regain its footing on the big stage – and rise to domination once more. Still, there’s a lot of hope from such a talented player in Willits to prove his worth, and he is going to get that chance now more than ever. Preparing for a New Dawn Before the draft came in, the Nationals actually worked out to make massive changes in their management. The team fired general manager Mike Rizzo and even manager Dave Martinez. Mike DeBartolo – who has been the club’s assistant GM for years – was elevated to interim GM for his long service since 2012. DeBartolo then brought in some big names to come up with new staff – amateur scouting Danny Haas; senior director, amateur scouting Brad Ciolek; and assistant director and national crosschecker, amateur scouting Reed Dunn. “I would say he was our top guy throughout the process. We had our eye on him throughout,” said DeBartolo. “… He was the guy we wanted all along, and we’re really excited that it worked out so well. Eli was the top guy on our board. It's one of those nice things where the scouts and the analysts see things exactly the same way and saw him as the best hitter in the Draft.” That preparation eventually led them to see the prime talent in Willits – who was definitely their best expected pick ever since the offseason began for the team, and now it seems that the Oklahoma talent is going to make waves in the game moving forward. Is Willits a Good Selection? To be fair, Eli Willits does deserve a lot of praise for his impressive game and how he can actually find his way to the top of the squad and make a strong impact to the Nationals’ redemption hopes. After all, it is not always that a rebuilding club would bring in the first pick of the draft. Based on his highlights, Willits has a good amount of speed and a strong arm to keep him at the ready. He also has massive instincts on the field, which should definitely make him a great performer to look out for now more than ever. “I want to be described as a guy that plays harder than everyone else,” Willits. “But at the end of the day, I want to be described as a great human being that is good to people off the field and good to teammates.” Should Willits turn out to be a great performer as projected by the team, then the Nationals would have a great chance to get back on their winning pattern and finally redeem their worth on the big stage.

A woman has made it to the final event of the World Series of Poker, breaking the barrier since 1995. She is Leo Margets, a professional poker player from Spain, and she was the last woman standing at the WSOP Main Event in 2009 as well. Margets notably won a WSOP bracelet in 2021 and is a member of the Spanish Poker Player Hall of Fame. History was made at the 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event as Leo Margets became the first woman in three decades to reach the prestigious final table. The poker pro from Spain now sits among the final nine players vying for the $10 million top prize, with each guaranteed to take home at least $1 million. The milestone makes Margets the first female finalist since Barbara Enright placed fifth in 1995, marking a groundbreaking moment for women in poker. "It's so unreal," Margets said following her final table qualification. "Right now, it's like a dream. It means so much, like how lucky I am to live this." A career 18 years in the making Margets, 41, was born in Barcelona and began her poker journey in 2007 after being introduced to the game on a casual date. What started as a curiosity quickly evolved into a passion, then a profession. She soon left her corporate job after completing a master's in management and communications at Madrid's IE Business School to pursue poker full-time. Her breakout moment came during the 2009 WSOP Main Event when she finished 27th in a field of over 6,500 players, where she earned $352,832 and the "Last Woman Standing" title. That performance catapulted her into the poker spotlight and kickstarted a career that has since seen her amass over $2 million in live tournament winnings across 121 recorded cashes, according to The Hendon Mob Poker Database. A bracelet winner and Spanish Hall of Famer In 2021, Margets claimed her first WSOP bracelet by winning $1,500 The Closer. She bested a field of 1,903 players, defeating Alex Kulev heads-up to take home $376,850. That same year, she was inducted into the Spanish Poker Hall of Fame with fellow countryman Adrian Mateos, solidifying her status as one of Spain’s most prominent poker figures. Her consistent success and presence in the game have long positioned her as a role model, particularly for aspiring female players in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Now, with a shot at the WSOP Main Event title, she stands on the verge of making even greater history. More than a poker pro Margets' resume extends far beyond the poker table. A multifaceted personality, she is an accomplished author, having written or co-authored three books that apply poker thinking to life and business decisions. Her most recent work, released in 2017, delves into the game's strategic and psychological insights and how they relate to personal growth and resilience. She's also no stranger to the spotlight outside poker. In 2014, she competed on Spain's version of Survivor, known as Supervivientes, and in 2023, she co-won Traitors España, a reality competition show, alongside professional boxer Joana Pastrana. Her public speaking engagements on risk management, mental toughness, and decision-making continue to draw attention across both business and gaming circles. Final table dreams and poker history in the making Heading into Tuesday's final table, Margets sits fifth in chips out of the nine remaining players from a colossal 9,735-entry field. While the pressure is immense, Margets has long proven she thrives under it. Should she go all the way, she would not only become the first woman to win the WSOP Main Event but also etch her name into the annals of poker history with one of the most iconic victories ever seen in the game.

The American Gaming Association has just released the inductees for its Hall of Fame Class of 2025, and the lineup includes David Berman of Macquarie Capital, Ann Simmons Nicholson of the Simmons Group, and Charles Lombardo of Seminole Hard Rock Gaming and Caesar's Palace, Bally's, and Paris Las Vegas. The American Gaming Association has officially revealed the inductees into the prestigious Gaming Hall of Fame of 2025, celebrating three accomplished leaders whose decades of contributions have significantly influenced the growth, professionalism, and innovation within the legal gaming industry. The Class of 2025 includes David Berman, the Co-Head of Macquarie Capital; Ann Simmons Nicholson, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Simmons Group; and Charles Lombardo, a longtime executive with Seminole Gaming and Caesars Entertainment. These individuals will be honored at an exclusive induction ceremony during the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas in October. "The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the visionaries who've shaped today's gaming industry," said AGA President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Miller. "David, Ann, and Charlie have each made lasting contributions to the growth, integrity, and leadership of legal gaming, and we're proud to recognize their impact." Industry icons celebrated for their lasting influence Established in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in both commercial and tribal gaming sectors. AGA Chairman Mike Rumbolz, himself a 2022 inductee, emphasized the caliber of this year's selections. "This year's inductees reflect the strength, diversity, and expertise that define our industry," Rumbolz said. "The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders whose careers exemplify excellence and enduring influence - and these three couldn't be more deserving of this recognition." The 2025 class was selected by a committee of respected gaming industry figures, including representatives from UNLV, Light & Wonder, and Global Gaming Women. Spotlight on the 2025 inductees David Berman's influence spans more than 30 years in gaming finance, having orchestrated over 100 mergers and acquisitions totaling over $125 billion. As Global Head of Consumer, Gaming & Leisure at Macquarie Capital, and Co-Head for the Americas, Berman has been instrumental in securing more than $215 billion in debt and equity financing for clients. A former senior executive at Credit Suisse and CIBC World Markets, he also founded REGAL Capital Advisors, later acquired by Macquarie. Outside of gaming, Berman contributes to academia and philanthropy through roles at USC's Marshall School of Business and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. With four decades of leadership in strategic planning and organizational development, Ann Simmons Nicholson has impacted nearly every major gaming company across more than 60 property launches and acquisitions. Her firm, Simmons Group, has trained over 27,000 professionals worldwide, with expertise in human capital strategy, executive coaching, and corporate culture. Nicholson is also known for her community service, having held board roles at Global Gaming Women, United Way of Southern Nevada, and Noah's Animal House, a nonprofit supporting victims of domestic violence and their pets. Charles Lombardo is synonymous with innovation in slot machine operations and game development. With a gaming career spanning more than 50 years, he has held senior executive positions at iconic venues including Bally's, Caesars Palace, and Paris Las Vegas, as well as Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International. Lombardo has been central to the advancement of Class II and III gaming standards, helped pioneer new slot technologies, and played a key role in the evolution of tribal and state gaming regulations. He remains active as a consultant and advisor and holds the distinction of being the inaugural member of the Eilers Hall of Fame for Slot Operations. G2E 2025: the way forward The Gaming Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be a marquee event at this year's Global Gaming Expo, bringing together leaders from across the industry to celebrate excellence and progress. The invite-only affair is expected to spotlight the unique contributions of the 2025 honorees, continuing the tradition of honoring those who have shaped the gaming world's past and future.

A new slot debuts at BetMGM in collaboration with Atlantic Digital: the new Friends-themed slot, The One with the Multi Drop, is now available in New Jersey and Michigan for a start, with other markets to follow. This will be the very first online game based on the popular TV series, and Atlantic Digital is set to bring more slot titles with Friends themes in the coming months. Atlantic Digital, the esteemed developer based in London behind a string of blockbuster branded slot games, has teamed up with leading online gaming operator BetMGM to launch the first official Friends-themed online casino game in the United States. Titled Friends: 'The One With the Multi Drop', the game is now live in New Jersey and Michigan, with more US markets expected to follow. This marks a milestone for both the studio and BetMGM, as it introduces a globally beloved TV brand into the interactive iGaming space for the first time. The game combines familiar characters, catchphrases, and locations from the hit NBC sitcom with innovative gameplay features designed to engage both fans and slot players. An iconic sitcom reimagined for online play Set in the famous apartment where Rachel and Monica reside, the game immerses players in a nostalgic Friends experience from the start. All six main characters - Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross - make an appearance, while an instrumental version of the show's signature theme, "I'll Be There for You" plays in the background. Popular phrases such as, "How you doin'?", "PIVOT", and "You're my lobster" are woven into the gameplay to highlight winning moments. Built as a 6x5 cluster slot, Friends: 'The One With the Multi Drop' incorporates multiple-drop multipliers that can accumulate while doing free spins. The game offers players random multipliers of as much as 200x, the chance to trigger bonus spins, and maximum potential wins of up to 5,000x their bet. Sam Hobcraft, Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Digital, described the launch as a perfect blend of entertainment and technology: "Friends is one of the most iconic and beloved television shows of all time. Bringing it to life in an interactive casino format has been both a privilege and a creative challenge. Our mission is to merge world-class entertainment IP with innovative gameplay, and Friends: 'The One With the Multi Drop' is a perfect example of that. We're thrilled to partner with BetMGM to deliver this exclusive experience to players in the US." BetMGM brings nostalgia to the reels For BetMGM, this launch is part of a broader strategy to enhance its platform with premium branded titles that resonate with players on a personal and cultural level. The company believes the Friends slot will not only appeal to fans of the series but also introduce a new dimension of nostalgia-driven entertainment to the online gaming landscape. "BetMGM is proud to be the first to bring Friends to iGaming and offer players a new way to engage with the familiar sights and sounds of the show," said Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM. "Atlantic Digital recognizes the nostalgia and captivating moments of the best television and movie IP and truly brings them to life for iGaming." Expanding a blockbuster portfolio The Friends game is the latest release from a growing Atlantic Digital and BetMGM collaboration that began in 2023. The partnership has already yielded successful US-exclusive slot titles including The Godfather, Ace Ventura, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Cheers. Each game draws on iconic IP to deliver immersive, story-driven slot gameplay. Atlantic Digital specializes in developing online slot games that fuse world-famous entertainment properties with advanced gaming mechanics. By focusing on storytelling, character integration, and compelling design, the studio aims to redefine branded online casino content. BetMGM is a powerhouse in the US online gaming and sports betting sectors. With access to MGM's land-based and online assets and powered by Entain's cutting-edge technology, BetMGM delivers top-tier gaming experiences under brands including BetMGM, Party Poker, Party Casino, and Borgata Casino. Players can now experience Friends: 'The One With the Multi Drop' exclusively at BetMGM platforms in approved states, with more launches expected in the near future.

Flutter Entertainment, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has just announced the buyout of Boyd Gaming for its FanDuel stake, leading to full ownership of the FanDuel brand. Flutter will still partner with Boyd Gaming Corporation but will pay more than $1.7 billion to acquire FanDuel from Boyd Gaming. Flutter Entertainment, the world's leading online sports betting and iGaming operator, has announced a major milestone: full ownership of FanDuel Group. Through a new strategic agreement with Boyd Gaming Corporation, Flutter will acquire Boyd's remaining 5% stake in FanDuel for over $1.755 billion, cementing its position as the sole owner of the US market-leading sports betting and iGaming platform. Deal expands strategic partnership and secures market leadership The landmark transaction also extends Flutter’s partnership with Boyd Gaming through 2038. FanDuel, which currently holds an industry-leading 43% share in US online sports betting and 27% in iGaming, will benefit from streamlined operations and reduced market access costs in five key states where Boyd provides entry: Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. The deal includes $1.55 billion attributed to the equity acquisition and $205 million tied to the revision of commercial terms, including the cease of FanDuel's retail sportsbook operations in Boyd properties by the second quarter of 2026. These changes are expected to generate annual cost savings of approximately $65 million for Flutter beginning July 1, 2025. This transaction secures 100% ownership of the premier asset in the US market, said Flutter CEO Peter Jackson. FanDuel's scale and market dominance - driven by the 'Flutter Edge' - puts us in a strong position for sustained growth. Boyd has been a valued partner, and we're pleased to extend our strategic collaboration well into the future, he added. Improved financial efficiency and EBITDA margins The revised commercial terms are set to improve long-term adjusted EBITDA margins by lowering ongoing market access costs. This is particularly important as the sports betting industry faces growing pressure from state-level tax increases. The updated agreement allows Flutter to operate more efficiently, strengthening the profitability of its US operations. Additionally, the buyout places FanDuel at an implied valuation of approximately $31 billion, demonstrating its critical value to Flutter's North American strategy. While the deal will temporarily raise Flutter's leverage ratio, the company remains committed to maintaining a medium-term leverage target. Despite Flutter's acquisition of full ownership, Fox Corporation retains an option to acquire an 18.6% equity stake in FanDuel. The option, valid until December 3, 2030, is priced based on a $20 billion valuation from 2020, adjusted annually by 5%, making the current exercise price approximately $4.5 billion. However, the option can only be executed in full and requires Fox to secure appropriate licensing. Bridge credit agreement secures funding To finance the acquisition, Flutter has entered into a $1.75 billion Bridge Credit Agreement with a consortium of banks. The senior secured first lien term loan will mature 12 months after its first use, with two six-month extension options. The funds will be used to pay the acquisition costs, associated fees, and other general corporate purposes. The loan terms mirror those of Flutter's existing credit agreements established with J.P. Morgan SE and others in November 2023. A transformative deal in Flutter's history Flutter's initial acquisition of FanDuel in 2018 was seen as a bold move, and today's deal confirms its long-term vision. This is one of the most transformational events in our Group's history, said Jackson. "FanDuel's growth and leadership position have exceeded expectations, and full ownership unlocks even more potential for the future." With completion expected in Q3 2025 pending regulatory approvals, the agreement marks a pivotal point in Flutter's US expansion and its ambition to dominate the sports betting and iGaming space.

With all the big signings that the Oklahoma City Thunder have made this offseason, it does seem that the team is eagerly on the prowl to make a chase for the league championship in the coming season as well. But is the Branden Carlson signing the best move they’ve managed to pull off so far? In case you didn’t notice, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren have all been signed to major extension deals. There are also minor deals to the likes of Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell. While the rest of the squad are still under contract and will be in the roster for the next two or three years, it does seem that two-way deals matter in this team as well. Interestingly, rookie Brooks Barnhizer has already taken one of the three two-way spots for the Thunder. Carlson, who played last season for the Thunder’s majestic campaign, also headlines the next two-way deal that the Thunder can field for the upcoming 2025-26 season. While this is not a big move, this stands as the best signing that the Thunder has made this offseason. Carlson is a High-Potential Player Two-way players are given a chance to play a set number of games in a regular season and are ineligible for postseason action. Usually, these slots are given to players who are somewhat deserving of a deal but can only show up in limited games. This is still a better proposition than a 10-day contract or a five-game show contract.  So in Carlson’s case, it puts OKC in a cost-efficient situation with the way he has played. In the previous season, Carlson was a great performer in 32 games for the Thunder in his rookie run, and had it not been for the structure of the team’s roster, the big man would have probably made it to the rotation for the team’s playoff campaign as well. Whenever he plays double-digit minutes, Carlson averages 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. If you are not impressed, the big man put up 26 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists in 38 minutes when he played against the New Orleans Pelicans in the season finale. Carlson is also one of the modern-day bigs of the NBA – who can play as a rim protector and create spacing opportunities on the floor with his stretch offense and the ability to hit the three. These attributes were well on display on the court as he proved to be one of the reliable performers that the Thunder can rely on. A Potential Permanent Big Man Carlson’s presence on the court is invaluable; he has proven to be a capable big man in his own right, even registering a +9.4 net rating in his debut campaign as well. However, what makes him a great signing for the team is that he can also deliver impressive performances, potentially securing a permanent spot in the team in the long run. That being said, incoming rookie Thomas Sorber is an impressive selection for OKC, but then the Thunder could well use Carlson more should the rookie center find it hard to adjust in the NBA and spend more time in getting acclimated with the pros. Securing Carlson in a two-way deal that doesn’t require much of the Thunder’s payroll says a lot about the bright move that they just made even in the two-way slots. It is another proof of how the Thunder’s future remains so bright at this point in time.

So in the showdown of the best of the best, Jannik Sinner emerged victorious when it mattered most – and it showed just how impressive the Wimbledon final can be whenever it flexes the top performers of the game with an intense showdown that did not fail to impress. In this case, Sinner’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz was a story to remember now more than ever. The Championships have proven to be a tough ground for Sinner, who came into the final of the competition with no success in the grass courts. But when it mattered, the world no. 1 found his way to strive in the high-stakes showdown, winning it 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, and 6-4 to take home the Wimbledon singles crown – and his first major title in a long while since serving his doping ban suspension. On top of all that, Sinner now also makes history as the first and only Italian star to win the Wimbledon singles crown – indeed a massive finish for the world no. 1 as he flipped the script against a heavily-favored Alcaraz in the final of the competition. In four sets, Sinner proved his worth, and he delivered a top-notch game to remember. A Historic Finish for Sinner It can be remembered that Alcaraz and Sinner had a wild encounter back in June when they played each other in Paris with a chance to win at the clay-court major. The Italian had a three-championship-point advantage before the Spaniard took over and mounted a massive comeback. That five-hour, 29-minute clash led to Alcaraz winning the title, while also keeping a 5-0 final record in the final stages of any major tournament. Not this time. Sinner made sure that he would be coming back swinging and eager for revenge as he proved to be one of the elite performers in the game once more. He hammered a lot of groundstrokes that proved to be tough on Alcaraz’s forehand and did not let the Spaniard take control in the game. "It’s mostly emotional, because I had a very tough loss in Paris," Sinner said during the trophy ceremony. "But at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how you win or how you lose at important tournaments, you just have to understand what you did wrong and try to work on that, and that’s exactly what we did. We tried to accept the loss and just kept working.” With the win, Sinner has made history yet again as he is now one title shy of completing the Grand Slam – missing the Roland Garros to his collection. Now he leaves London with a 3,430-point lead over Alcaraz for the world no. 1 spot. The Rivalry Continues It cannot be denied that the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has been one of the most defining showdowns to look out for in this era of the ATP Tour. After all, they are the only players who have met in the Roland Garros final to meet in the subsequent Wimbledon final as well. The last players to pull off the exact same feat? Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – who did the same in three straight years from 2006 to 2008. If this is going to be the standard, then we should expect to see more of Alcaraz and Sinner dominating the big stages of the game as they hope to make history in the years to come. This rivalry is definitely defining the next generation of ATP Tour, and it is going to be fun to watch now more than ever.

It is a general fact that Canadian star Hamzah “Hera” El-Baher is the best player when it comes to the Age of Empires, spanning his dominance across Age of Empires I, Age of Empires II, and even Age of Empires IV. At the age of 25, he continues to dominate and carries the flag of GamerLegion with his success so far. So when he lost to Gan “Yo” Yangfan in the final of the Medieval Masters last Sunday, fans were left with more questions than praises for the Chinese star. After all, it is super rare for the Canadian star to even lose a single tournament at this point in time. For many players, it doesn’t make that much sense, but then we all know that nothing is impossible in the esports world. Considered to be the best AoE player out there, Hera losing this Medieval Masters to Yo was more of a change of scenery for fans. It was rare air, and it cannot be denied that there are a lot of expectations when it comes to the Canadian’s dominance in the game and how it even happened at this point. How Did Hera Lose? Both Hera and Yo were invited into the Medieval Masters, and both even finished second in their respective Group Stages. Both players also took down top seeds in ACCM and MbL in the quarterfinals before Hera took down another top seed in Liereyy. So when they met in the final, it was expected that Hera would be the one setting the tone and defining the success for his games once more. Yo stole the first game in Enclosed, making quick work of Hera’s tactics even when he played his favorite Hindustanis. Hera would then surge back to take a 2-1 lead after winning in Socotra and Fortress using the Inca and Bohemians against Yo’s Khitans and Bengalis. By that time, all the momentum had shifted into Hera’s favor once more. That’s when Yo played the best of his cards – using the Armenians, Teutons, and the Lithuanians in the final three maps. Hera was usually the one dictating the pace in the matches, but it was Yo who had full control and put pressure on the Canadian star for most of the game. So What Now? Well, the loss for Hera was quite a scene-defining finish. It really felt that Hera was invincible for some time now, as he could not even lose to the best players in the game. Now that there’s a new strong competition for the Canadian star, there’s a sense of balance to look out for in the Age of Empires scene moving forward. For what it is worth, Hera is still the best in the Age of Empires scene, no doubt. But having competition finally kicks this game back into the influential space as it means that there’s a lot of excitement to look forward to. This just means that the expectations are higher than ever, and now Yo would become a promising performer to watch as well. Imagine – an Asian star rising in AoE dominance to challenge the best of the best. Now we have a promising set of tournaments to look forward to – with these two stars at the helm and making their presence felt now more than ever. Finally, a challenge for Hera to expect in the coming tournaments.

After more than a decade of quiet consistency and hard-nosed effort in the NHL, Riley Nash has officially called it a career. The 36-year-old center confirmed his retirement in early July, ending a 13-season journey that took him through eight different NHL franchises, countless faceoffs, and one long, hard-earned road from first-round pick to trusted depth veteran. The Kamloops native broke the news in an interview with local outlet Castanet, where he spoke candidly about the toll of professional hockey and the pull of family life. He later added that his decision had been building for some time, particularly after spending the 2024–25 season away from the game to recover from a lingering knee injury. Drafted 21st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007, Nash’s NHL path took longer to form than most first-rounders. He played three seasons at Cornell University before turning pro and eventually making his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2011. From there, he carved out a reputation as a smart, defensively reliable forward who could be trusted in any situation. Moving on from the Game Nash played 628 NHL games in total, recording 63 goals and 113 assists. Nash spent time with Carolina, Boston, Columbus, Winnipeg, Toronto, Tampa Bay, Arizona, and the New York Rangers, wearing many jerseys but always bringing the same blue-collar work ethic that made him a coach’s favorite. He was never a flashy scorer, but his value came in the quieter aspects of the game: killing penalties, taking crucial draws, and frustrating opponents with sound positioning. “This is all I’ve done and focused on for the past 30 years,” Nash said. “It’s definitely strange to think that it’s over. With three wonderful young kids and the way my body has behaved over the past few years, it was time to take a step back as an older guy and let others chase their dream the same way I did.” Nash’s best statistical season came in 2017–18 with the Boston Bruins, when he tallied a career-high 41 points in 76 games. That season, he even spent some time filling in for Patrice Bergeron on the top line, proving his ability to play up and down the lineup as needed. While that level of production wasn’t typical for Nash, the performance showcased his adaptability – something that defined his entire career. That same season with Boston also saw Nash take a puck to the face late in the year, an injury that required dozens of stitches and kept him out of the lineup briefly. He returned wearing a protective cage and continued playing the same unselfish style. It was the kind of sacrifice that came to define his reputation league-wide. The Closing Run Though Nash played only a single NHL game in the 2023–24 season with the Rangers, he stayed active with their AHL affiliate in Hartford. He had signed a two-year deal with New York in 2023 and served as a veteran presence for the younger players in the organization. By the time the 2024–25 season rolled around, however, Nash found himself off the ice and focusing on recovery from knee issues that had nagged him for years. In many ways, the time away from the game helped him come to terms with retirement. His former teams and teammates have responded with messages of appreciation and respect. While Nash never lifted the Stanley Cup, he was often called upon during playoff pushes and tight games when details mattered most. Coaches trusted him to hold leads, stabilize young lines, and lead by example.