All news

An unexpected phone call leads to a lottery win for Bocheng Mei, who lives in Toronto. Mei, who works in the software industry, brings home a $60 million lottery win, thanks to the Ontario Gaming Lottery and Gaming Corporation, who gave him a call to notify him of his winnings. Mei opted to have OLG purchase his lottery ticket automatically for each draw, and OLG gave him a call telling him to check his OLG.ca account - and the rest, as they say, is history. In a remarkable twist of fate - and technology - 26-year-old Bocheng Mei, from Toronto, became the latest multimillionaire thanks to a $60 million win in the LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot. The software industry professional credits the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's online platform and subscription service for making his lottery dreams come true - automatically. Mei's incredible win occurred during the 7th of May, 2025, draw, but the Toronto resident had no idea until he answered what would become a $60 million phone call from the OLG. The power of digital lottery play While most Ontarians still prefer to purchase their tickets from a convenience store, OLG has been steadily encouraging players to make the shift to digital. According to the agency, about 90% of lottery ticket purchases are still made at retail locations, but digital sales are gaining traction - especially with younger users. More people are discovering the simplicity and safety of playing online, an OLG spokesperson said. With features like Direct Pay and the Never Miss A Draw subscription, it's easier than ever to stay in the game, they added. Mei is now one of the most visible success stories for the platform. He signed up for OLG's 'Never Miss A Draw' service, which automatically purchases tickets for upcoming draws using the player's selected numbers. For Mei, it meant less hassle and - unbeknownst to him - a life-changing jackpot. "My hands and feet went numb" Mei said he was inspired to explore the online platform after seeing other lottery winners featured in the media. "I saw lottery winners in the news and on social media, so I decided to check out OLG.ca," he said during his 'Winner Celebration' event in Toronto. "I picked my own numbers, added ENCORE, and never had to think again. I knew my tickets would be purchased automatically." However, he initially missed the email alert from OLG notifying him that he had won. It wasn't until he got a phone call from an OLG representative that he learned the shocking news - though not without some healthy skepticism. I started googling to see if it was legit. But they didn't ask me for any banking information, which made me trust it, he said. They just told me to log into my account. "That's when I saw I had a winning ticket - and it said I'd won $60 million. My hands and feet went numb." Family first, dreams next The first people Mei called were his parents - and he delivered the life-changing news with remarkable composure. I tried to stay calm. I told them I'd won a big prize and that they wouldn't have to worry about money again, Mei said. They were in disbelief, but they know I'm very cautious about scams. Once they realized it was real, they were overjoyed, he continued. Mei's immediate plans include purchasing a new home and ensuring his parents can retire comfortably. But he's not stopping there. "I love to learn," Mei said. "So I want to take advantage of educational opportunities. I'm also passionate about experiencing different cultures, which means I'll be doing a lot of traveling." Among his top travel destinations? Iceland and Finland - both of which offer a front-row seat to the Aurora Borealis, one of Mei's bucket list experiences.

Circa Sports has just debuted the biggest sportsbook in Kentucky at The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs. The new venue comes with premium seats, a full staff, and assisted and self-service betting, and it also comes with a broadcast studio built in-house. Circa Sports has officially unveiled Kentucky's largest sportsbook at The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, marking a great milestone in the state's sports betting industry. This expansion into the Bluegrass State is the company's latest move in its ongoing quest to grow its national footprint, making Kentucky the fifth state where Circa Sports operates. A game-changer for Kentucky sports betting The newly opened Circa Sports sportsbook spans 5,100 square feet, making it the largest of its kind in the commonwealth. The facility is outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities including an 80-foot-wide LED video screen, seating for over 100 guests, and a 31-foot odds board. Bettors will find 113 stadium-style seating, plush luxury recliners, and private booth seating arranged across three tiers, ensuring an elevated and comfortable viewing experience. For convenience and speed, the sportsbook also features five staffed betting stations and four self-service kiosks, three of which are integrated into The Mint Kentucky Downs casino. The venue is also home to a dedicated broadcast studio for VSiN (Vegas Stats and Information Network), offering live sports betting content and analysis directly from the site. Soft launch underway ahead of grand opening Although the official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for August 20 and a grand opening event will follow on August 23, Circa Sports has already initiated a soft launch. Bettors can also access the Circa Sports mobile app, which is now live and available across the state. This mobile launch positions Circa Sports as a dominant player in the Kentucky market by offering both physical and online betting options. Since its launch in Las Vegas in 2019, Circa Sports has rapidly expanded into five states: Nevada, Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, and Kentucky. Each expansion has been marked by a blend of high-end physical sportsbooks and robust mobile platforms. Circa Sports expands popular NFL betting contest In addition to its sportsbook launch, Circa Sports is ramping up excitement in the sports betting world with a major expansion of its popular NFL Survivor contest. For 2025, the guaranteed prize pool for the Circa Survivor has been increased to $15 million - up from $10 million in 2024 - establishing a new high-water mark in the industry. The 2024 edition of the Survivor contest attracted 14,266 contestants and distributed over $14.2 million to eight bettors. To build on this momentum, Circa is also launching a new premium-level competition called Circa Grandissimo. This high-stakes contest carries a $100,000 buy-in and limits each participant to two entries. The winner will take home a guaranteed prize of $1.5 million. Another million-dollar jackpot hit at Circa Resort & Casino Meanwhile, back in Las Vegas, a lucky Circa Resort & Casino player struck gold over the weekend. The anonymous gambler landed a massive $1 million jackpot on Dragon Link slots after placing a $250 wager. The win was confirmed by Circa via Facebook, and the announcement drew praise and envy from social media users. The casino is no stranger to million-dollar jackpots. Earlier this year, another guest, identified only as James, won $1 million on a Dollar Storm slot machine with just a $2 wager. These headline-making payouts continue to boost Circa's reputation as one of the hottest gaming destinations in Las Vegas. As Circa Sports cements its place in the Kentucky market with its largest sportsbook yet, the operator continues to combine innovation with scale. With record-setting contests and a growing presence in key states, Circa Sports appears set to be a long-term powerhouse in the ever-evolving sports betting landscape in the US.

Hard Rock Bet adds to its slot arsenal with its partnership with RubyPlay, another leading slot game developer. RubyPlay's new slot titles will now be made available to online players in New Jersey, and this includes popular titles such as Immortal Ways Diamond SE and Diamond Explosion Patriots, with more slot titles to follow. Hard Rock Bet Casino has added a fresh lineup of online slot games to its New Jersey platform through a new partnership with innovative game developer RubyPlay. The agreement brings several of RubyPlay's most popular titles to the online casino, including J Mania Loco Habanero, Diamond Explosion Patriots, and Immortal Ways Diamond SE. More games are set to launch in the coming weeks. RubyPlay specifically curated these games for the New Jersey market, choosing top-performers from its portfolio to appeal to local players while showcasing its unique game design and technology. All of the games added are live now, and we're excited to roll out another 10 titles soon, RubyPlay said in a statement. The partnership marks a significant expansion for the developer, which sees New Jersey as a key market in its US growth strategy. “Partnering with Hard Rock Bet Casino is a tremendous opportunity to build on our early success in the US,” said Dr. Eyal Loz, RubyPlay's Chief Product Officer. “From day one, our goal has been to create content that American players love, and we're thrilled to bring our most engaging titles to an operator brand that needs no introduction and shares our commitment to quality and innovation.” The collaboration further boosts Hard Rock Bet Casino's massive game catalog, which now includes more than 3,000 titles. The operator continues to expand its digital library, launching new games regularly and working with both established and rising development studios like RubyPlay. New in-person Help Desk links land-based and online gambling In a novel move to bridge the physical and digital divide, Hard Rock has also launched a new in-person customer service center dedicated to its online platform. Located within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, the help center aims to support online gamblers by offering live assistance, gathering user feedback, and even allowing visitors to try out online slot and table games in demo mode. The center is open 24/7, reinforcing Hard Rock's commitment to merging the convenience of digital gaming with the familiarity and support of traditional casino experiences. National expansion continues with Colorado sportsbook launch While strengthening its digital presence in New Jersey, Hard Rock Bet is also ramping up its national rollout. Earlier this month, the company launched its online sportsbook in Colorado, making it the ninth state in which the platform is now live. Other states include New Jersey, Arizona, Illinois, Florida, Indiana, Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee. “Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is bringing an exciting new experience to Colorado players with deep betting markets on all major sporting events plus local favorites like table tennis and MMA,” said Matt Primeaux, President, Executive Managing Director and Chief Revenue Officer at Hard Rock Bet. “With our top-rated platform, weekly Legendary Reward Drops, and integration into Unity by Hard Rock, we're confident that Coloradans are going to love the Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook experience.” The expansion reflects Hard Rock's broader push to become a leading player in both the online casino and sportsbook arenas across regulated US markets. With the RubyPlay partnership, a growing list of games, and efforts to integrate land-based and digital services, Hard Rock Bet is doubling down on its vision for the future of online gambling. As competition increases, moves like these could prove crucial to maintaining its momentum and delivering the kind of entertainment today's players expect.

The World Lottery Association has taken steps to address lottery couriers and ticket-buying in its latest policy paper. It recommends more stringent regulations against lottery couriers and best practices to be followed by states and other jurisdictions. This also includes the prohibition of bulk sales and a focus on the order and delivery of tickets.  The World Lottery Association, the international trade group representing state-authorized lotteries, has issued a firm policy stance calling for the regulation of digital lottery couriers and a ban on bulk ticket purchases. In a newly released paper, the WLA warned that lax oversight of couriers and unchecked bulk buying could undermine the integrity of the lottery industry worldwide. Digital couriers such as Lotto.com, Jackpocket, and Jackpot.com - some of which are regulated in parts of the US – often purchase tickets on behalf of customers and charge fees either on purchases or winnings. While their services are convenient for consumers, these services have raised regulatory and ethical concerns, prompting the WLA to take action. Key recommendations: regulation and anti-bulk purchase measures The WLA's statement makes clear that while the choice to permit couriers ultimately lies with state and jurisdictional regulators, any such decision should be paired with strict oversight. The paper urges that courier operations be governed through formal legislative frameworks or robust internal lottery rules. One primary recommendation is the prohibition of bulk ticket sales, which the WLA claims “threaten the credibility and integrity” of lottery systems. According to the group, bulk buying can open the door to serious problems such as money laundering, misleading advertising, and the bypassing of gambling regulations. It also warns of potential price-gouging and a lack of accountability in ticket distribution. To prevent abuse, the WLA recommends background and ID checks for retailers associated with couriers, the implementation of player geolocation verification, and a hard stand against lottery syndicates attempting mass purchases. Texas Lottery incident demonstrates urgent need for reform The WLA's statement appears to be largely inspired by the controversial 2023 incident in Texas. In that case, a syndicate reportedly purchased nearly 99.3% of the possible number combinations in a Lotto Texas game, spending tens of millions to secure a jackpot that ultimately reached $95 million. The association described how unregulated couriers used QR codes and additional lottery terminals - some reportedly granted by the Texas Lottery Commission - to quickly scan millions of combinations. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities in systems unprepared to handle such tactics. In response to the scandal, the WLA recommended limiting the terminals available to retailers and flagging sales that significantly exceed normal levels. It also encouraged lottery operators to build products that are less susceptible to being exploited when jackpots reach particularly high thresholds. State responses: from outright bans to new rules The fallout from the Texas episode was far-reaching. During this year's legislative session, the state moved to dismantle the TLC entirely, transferring oversight of the lottery to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. New rules now ban lottery couriers, prohibit online ticket sales, and limit purchases to under 100 tickets at a time. Meanwhile, a slew of other US states have also taken action. California's Attorney General ruled in 2022 that courier services should be illegal, and Indiana followed up with its own ban earlier this year. Conversely, Arizona and Oregon are pursuing a regulatory approach, with Arizona's lottery board approving rules in April and Oregon preparing to hold a public hearing on the issue in August. Lottery courier services have responded cautiously to the WLA's position. Lotto.com Chief Executive Officer Thomas Metzger and Jackpot.com's Chief of Staff Mike Silveira stressed that their operations are confined only to jurisdictions where they receive clear authorization. Both leaders acknowledged the need for clarity in regulation and emphasized that their companies aim to work within approved legal frameworks.

After coming off the rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder, Billy Donovan landed a new deal with the Chicago Bulls, which eventually led to the mediocre squad that hasn't made a stride in the playoff stage under his lead, which seems to be quite the deal breaker to begin with – but here we are. Donovan has amassed a standing record of 195-205 in his run with the Bulls, along with one playoff appearance. It does seem that the Bulls are always just a few improvements away from being a title contender in the Eastern Conference. Still, that doesn't mean that it's all Donovan's fault. After all, the former Thunder head coach has done a relatively good job with the team that's yet to tap its full potential. With a few roster tweaks in the Bulls roster, there are seemingly a lot of hopes for Chicago to come up with a deeper playoff run next season. Coby White is starting to emerge as the face of the franchise, and Josh Giddey is showing a glimpse of star potential with the team, which should definitely give them franchise stars to work with. The Bulls in the Offseason This offseason has been quite silent for the Bulls. They drafted Noa Essengue with the 12th overall pick, which is not much of a big deal nor does it solve their needs. However, they also made a move to trade Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaac Okoro. On that regard, the Bulls have now gotten rid of its former players in DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Ball in the past few years. The Bulls are seemingly getting younger. It's just the fact that they are yet to become the team that has enough experience together on the bigger stages of the game to be the legitimate contender they are poised to reach if they get things right. So far, Donovan is tasked to get back on track in his work with the squad on that regard. For starters, the Bulls have not specified both the length and even the financial terms of the contract. This just means that they are bringing in Donovan for an undefined time with an undefined pay. The answer is on the internals of the Bulls, which is unlikely to be exposed soon enough. Donovan's Resume The Bulls are one of the many teams that have become a mid-tier team to look out for. But because of the rising talent in the squad, it cannot be denied that there's untapped potential in the roster that is expected to be unlocked anytime soon. With Donovan's experience in working with a talented team in Oklahoma City, it does seem that he could figure this one out. Donovan has a 438-362 record in his 10 NBA seasons as a head coach. He was one of the top masterminds in the market back in 2020 when the Bulls hired him after firing former head coach Jim Boylen. At the time, Donovan was coming off a five-year run with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which saw him go for playoff runs in all of those seasons. He amassed a 243-157 record in his OKC run and worked with top talents such as Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Chris Paul. If you are not impressed, Donovan's pre-NBA run was a total of 19 seasons at the University of Florida and won back-to-back NCAA titles. That's the value of experience that he brings to the table for Chicago at this point.

No one can deny that Joona “Serral” Sotala has been one of the most dominant players in the history of StarCraft II. Most of the time, he is seen dominating the game with his high-level performances, and he did not waste time in owning the big stage of StarCraft II in the Esports World Cup 2025. Once again, the Finnisher finishes strong, and he is now crowned the champion of the SCII tournament in the EWC, this time, he brings home a massive prize of $200,000, and a promising bragging rights to silence all of his critics who are creating ruckus about him moving on from the game. Definitely served them all right. Serral’s triumph over Kim “Classic” Doh-woo was quite a stunning finish, and it cannot be denied that the SCII star has showed time and time again that he remains as the most prominent player in the game, which says a lot about his legacy in the game. No one would have anticipated that he’ll be coming back for more performances given how he’s missed some time in the game. A Serral Clinic Serral was owning the whole tournament right from the start. The Finnish star did not suffer any losses in the Group Stages when he took down HeRoMaRine and Classic in those games. The Finnisher made it look easy as he plowed through his opponents in just a short amount of time, showing how ready he was coming into the tournament. In the Playoffs, Serral took down one of his rivals in Reynor with a 3-2 thriller – perhaps the only challenging game that he’s played in the whole tournament so far. He would then beat Cure in a sweep in the semifinals before securing his spot in the Grand Final. Classic, on the other hand, had to battle in the lower brackets of the Group Stages after losing to Serral. He defeated ShoWTime in a 3-0 sweep before qualifying for the Playoffs, then swept through Clem in the Quarterfinals and dropped only a single game to Solar in the semis. Serral took a 2-0 lead in a whimper in the final with wins in Persephone and Incorporeal. Classic did find a way to steal a win in Ultralove before Serral jumped back to a 3-1 lead with a win in Pylon. Classic tried to stay alive and even conquered a victory at Ley Lines to make it 3-2, but Serral was undaunted that he took over Torches and Magannatha to deny two more games for Classic and lock up the final for good. A Defining Victory for Serral This victory over Classic marked Serral’s third major world title, behind his championships in IEM Katowice back in 2022 and 2024. It can be remembered that Serral also played in the first SC2 EWC event but fell to Clem in the final. He is also the first finalist to return to the final stage of the same tournament. “This is the highest achievement you can get,” Serral said after the match. “I trained hard, I put a lot of effort into it. I’m kind of speechless, just incredibly happy.” The tournament drew a massive amount of global attention, with the final peaking at 80,000 concurrent viewers and an average of 40,000. That is a total of 1.4 million hours watched, with the final being the most-watched showdown of all.

A total of three tribal gaming groups: the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, the Blue Lake Rancheria, and the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, have filed a lawsuit against both Kalshi and Robinhood to stop them from offering betting on sports, at least in their reservations. Kalshi isn't a stranger to lawsuits, but this is the first time that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is front and center. Three federally recognized Native American tribes in California have filed a federal lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi and trading app Robinhood, alleging the companies are illegally offering sports betting on tribal lands in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The complaint, lodged in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, marks the latest legal front in a growing controversy surrounding the classification and legality of Kalshi's so-called 'event contracts.' The Blue Lake Rancheria, the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, and the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, are seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the companies from engaging in what they describe as unregulated Class III gaming within the boundaries of their reservations. If successful, the lawsuit could create a nationwide precedent affecting not only Kalshi's operations but also the wider debate over how online event trading intersects with gaming law in the US. IGRA takes center stage in legal battle While Kalshi has already faced regulatory challenges in several states for allegedly offering illegal sports betting, this lawsuit is distinct in invoking the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribes argue that Kalshi and Robinhood’s actions constitute Class III gaming - a category that includes sports betting - on Indian lands, which is strictly regulated under federal law. "This is an action brought by three federally recognized Indian Tribes...to prevent [Kalshi and Robinhood] from engaging in illegal sports gambling on the Tribes' respective reservations," the complaint states. Under IGRA, Class III gaming is only legal on tribal lands if it complies with a tribal ordinance approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission, is allowed by the state, and is conducted pursuant to a tribal-state compact. The tribes argue that Kalshi and Robinhood's contracts fail on all three counts and therefore violate both federal and state law. Legal and financial stakes rise The lawsuit asks the court for sweeping relief, including a declaration that Kalshi's sports event contracts are unlawful under both IGRA and the Commodity Exchange Act. The tribes are also pursuing claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, asserting that Kalshi and Robinhood have engaged in systematic illegal gambling activity. Among the remedies sought are: A permanent injunction against Kalshi and Robinhood from operating on tribal lands Treble damages, disgorgement of profits, and attorneys' fees A declaration that Kalshi is impermissibly regulating Indian gaming commerce outside the scope of federal oversight The tribes argue that Kalshi's operations undermine tribal sovereignty and existing gaming ordinances, directly interfering with their right to self-governance. According to the lawsuit, Kalshi's contracts are not hedging tools akin to agricultural futures, but rather "unregulated wagers on the outcomes of sporting events" that serve no economic purpose beyond gambling. Kalshi's defense: prediction market or sportsbook? Kalshi is expected to assert that it is a federally regulated Designated Contract Market overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and not a gambling operation. The company has consistently maintained that its contracts are legal financial instruments designed for market participants to hedge risk, not place bets. However, the tribes reject this framing. They argue that contracts on sporting events - like betting on whether the 49ers will win the Super Bowl - lack any real hedging or price discovery value and are, in practice, indistinguishable from traditional sports wagers. This case could have ramifications well beyond California. Kalshi is currently embroiled in three other federal lawsuits and has received cease-and-desist letters from a minimum of seven states. Though it has won preliminary injunctions in Nevada and New Jersey, the legal uncertainty surrounding its business model remains high. If the California tribes prevail, the case may lay a blueprint for other tribes across the US to challenge similar offerings on their lands. Moreover, Kalshi may be forced to implement geolocation technology to prevent its platform from being accessed in restricted areas - something it currently does not do.

While the legal opinion of the office of the Attorney General about fantasy sports was released last July 3, it is only now that it is taking action against DFS operators. Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced that action is on the horizon for online fantasy sports platforms after the platforms were said to be violating state law. The Attorney General of California, Rob Bonta, has made it clear this week that enforcement action is imminent against online fantasy sports platforms that continue to run in the state despite being declared illegal. Speaking at a virtual press conference, Bonta stated, "The next step is our enforcement, and laws are meant to be enforced," in response to questions. His comments follow a legal opinion released on the 3rd of July, in which Bonta determined that daily fantasy sports platforms violate California law because they constitute a form of sports betting - an activity that remains illegal in the state. Legal opinion marks a first for the state This is the first time a California attorney general has formally responded to a request for an opinion on the legality of DFS platforms. In contrast, previous attorneys general, including Kamala Harris and Xavier Becerra, declined to weigh in despite pressure from lawmakers and tribal gaming interests. Bonta explained that he responded to the request because the law requires him to do so once it is formally submitted. "It's our duty, not our discretion, but we are mandated, we shall respond and provide an opinion as appropriately requested under the law," said Bonta. "We must, and we did." Bay Area Assemblyman Marc Levine originally pushed for action as far back as 2015, urging Harris to investigate and shut down sports betting websites. It wasn't until this year, under Bonta's tenure, that the state issued a definitive legal position. Popular fantasy platforms still operating in the state Despite the attorney general's legal opinion, several major daily fantasy sports sites were still accessible to Californians as of Tuesday. These include Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks - two of the most popular platforms in the country. Neither company has issued a public statement in response to Bonta's announcement, nor has the broader Coalition for Fantasy Sports, which represents their interests. Additionally, DraftKings and FanDuel, which operate independently from the coalition but also offer DFS games, continue to list California as a legal jurisdiction on their websites. Tribal groups urge action, back Bonta financially Tribal gaming organizations have been vocal in their support of enforcing California;s gambling laws, particularly when it comes to curbing unlicensed digital sports betting platforms. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, a powerful voice in state gambling policy, issued a call earlier this month for immediate enforcement following Bonta's legal opinion. Financial disclosures show that CNIGA's member tribes have been consistent political supporters of Bonta, contributing a total of $334,700 to his campaigns over the years. This includes donations from his time in the State Assembly starting in 2014 through his current role as Attorney General. For his 2026 reelection campaign, Bonta has already received $71,800 from several gaming tribes. In contrast, online fantasy sports companies have made no political contributions to Bonta. 2026 election looms as Bonta takes a stand With an eye on reelection in 2026, Bonta's firm stand against unlicensed sports betting platforms may resonate with influential tribal interests and voters concerned with regulating online gambling. His office now faces the challenge of enforcing his legal opinion in a digital marketplace where platforms continue to operate freely, at least for now. When asked directly whether he would pursue those companies still offering services in California, Bonta's answer was unequivocal: "Absolutely." The coming weeks may reveal just how aggressive the attorney general's office will be in taking legal or regulatory steps to shut down these platforms.

Holger Rune's bid for the ATP 500 in Washington DC takes a huge hit after the world no. 9 pulled out of the tournament after experiencing lower back pain, which rendered him unable to compete in the contest, and now his slot has been taken over by Corentin Moutet in the succeeding events of the tournament. This has been a tough break for Rune as he hoped for a continued run into the deeper numbers of the ATP Rankings. It can be remembered that Rune also participated in workouts with five-time Washington champion Andre Agassi, and he was expecting to make a promising push in the tournament in that regard. Despite that three-day training, it seems that Rune will now have to take a rest and find ways to ensure that he will be returning to action in the coming weeks to avoid any other injuries that would hold him back from playing another set of tournaments, especially on hard courts. The five-time ATP Tour champion is expected to compete in the coming Toronto Open with the hopes of at least regaining pace in his games. After all, Rune is still one of the top players to look out for, and his progress in the season has always been hampered by injuries, which have kept him out of multiple tournaments. Now it is time for him to embrace the grind and get back on the winning track. What’s Next for Holger Rune? Holger Rune’s withdrawal from the Mubadala Citi DC Open is a reminder of the physical toll that comes with life on the ATP Tour. The Dane has had flashes of brilliance throughout the 2024 season but has also battled through a string of frustrating injuries that have halted his progress just as he seemed poised for breakthroughs. Now, with his back pain forcing him to pull out from Washington, all eyes turn to how he manages his recovery and preparation ahead of the upcoming North American hard-court swing. The next big test for Rune will likely be the National Bank Open in Toronto, a Masters 1000 event that offers both points and prestige. If Rune is able to return in time, this tournament could provide him with an excellent opportunity to build momentum ahead of the US Open. The conditions in Toronto often suit aggressive baseline players like Rune, and his explosive style – coupled with a fierce backhand and keen court awareness – could make him a threat, provided he is physically up to the challenge. Recovering with Caution Rune’s team, including his physical trainers and coaches, will likely take a cautious yet calculated approach in the coming days. With his ranking still comfortably inside the top 10, there's no urgent need to rush back, but Rune knows better than anyone that maintaining form and rhythm is essential, especially in a competitive field stacked with both veterans and rising stars. After a strong clay court season that included deep runs in Monte Carlo and Rome, Rune has struggled to translate that success to faster surfaces, in large part due to lingering health issues. Rune’s mental toughness will now be put to the test. The ability to bounce back after a disappointing withdrawal and keep pushing through adversity is what separates the good from the great. With the US Open just over a month away, every match, every training session, and every recovery day matters. At this stage of his career, Holger Rune doesn’t just need to play – he needs to play smart.

It was easy to expect that Terry McLaurin would not be present at the Washington Commanders’ training camp as he continues to contest for a revamp in his contract with the team. His absence on the team's conditioning test was highly noticeable, and it seems that there are high expectations from both parties before he would be glad to return to the team's exercises. McLaurin has already been vocal about his frustrations with the team after his contract talks with Washington have not progressed any further. That says a lot about how the team is yet to handle his side of the deal despite addressing a few team needs in the offseason so far. With no actual extensions or new adjustments to the deal made, the wide receiver has decided not to show up. It is no secret that McLaurin is entering the final season of his three-year, $68.2 million deal that he signed with the Commanders back in 2022. That was a show of commitment from the team, despite not being the highest-paid receiver in the squad as new signing Deebo Samuel is set to make $650,000 more than him. The McLaurin Situation As far as contract disputes go, McLaurin does have a good and solid argument when it comes to pleading his case for a bigger pay from the Commanders at this point. Washington had an overall impressive season last year, culminating in a near-Super Bowl berth had it not been for the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship. "I've been pretty frustrated, I'm not going to lie," said McLaurin. "Everything that has transpired up to this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I want to continue my career here. I've created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here. So this has been somewhere I've always wanted to be. Just to see how things have played out has been disappointing. McLaurin has five straight seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards – achieved even with a different starting quarterback in each of those seasons. He has also led the Commanders in receptions and receiving yards in each of his first six seasons. But despite all that success, he's just set to make $15.5 million in terms of base salary. On top of that, McLaurin is just guaranteed to make $2.8 million alone in this coming 2025 season – all the more reason for the wide receiver to dispute for a new contract with the team. Does McLaurin Deserve a New Deal from Washington? Essentially, McLaurin deserves a new deal with Washington at this point. Aside from his exploits with the team, it's his rapport that he built with rising star and quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2024. If you are not impressed, he has the second-highest passer rating among quarterback-receiver duos at 130.4 in the NFL. So to fix his problem of having zero financial security beyond 2025 is definitely a must. It is already a risk for him to play under the current deal, which means there is definitely a lot to improve for his sake, starting with a contract extension as well. McLaurin’s frustrations are completely understandable, and there's definitely a lot of reason to expect that he would be hunting that deal with Washington now more than ever. There's a lot of work that needs to be done, however, if the Commanders want to make it work with him. Otherwise, it's going to be an easy trade as Washington would seek the best value out of him.

Group A winners Clement “Clem” Desplanches and Cho “Maru” Sung-joo took their time to triumph on the biggest stage of StarCraft II. Clem stormed through his group like a man possessed. His signature tempo play, crisp micro, and confident engagements were on full display as he dismantled opponent after opponent. While Clem brought the fireworks, Maru delivered a quieter but equally impressive run. The four-time GSL champion leaned into his trademark style – tight, defensive setups into late-game control – and it worked wonders. Doubts were coming into the tournament about whether Maru was still at peak form. He hadn’t looked quite as dominant earlier this year, and some fans wondered if motivation or fatigue might be catching up with him. Both players remain on the wait for their next opponents as of the time of writing. But considering how fast-paced this StarCraft II campaign has been so far, it is only a matter of time before we get to see the impressive performances of these stars once more. French Phenom in Full Force Clem came into this tournament with high expectations, and he delivered. In Group A, he faced a gauntlet of top-tier Zergs and Protoss players – but never looked rattled. His 2-0 win over Solar was particularly impressive, featuring textbook Widow Mine drops and perfect defensive setups that shut down every attempt at counter-aggression. One of his most talked-about games came against Solar, where Clem deflected a tricky proxy Oracle opening and turned it into a 15-minute slugfest that showcased his stamina and control. His micro was razor-sharp, even by Clem's standards; splitting Marines like a machine and stutter-stepping through Banelings without missing a beat. He finished top of his group without dropping a map in several matches. Right now, Clem isn’t just playing to advance – he’s playing like someone who knows this could be his year. Maru on the Rise Where Clem brought raw energy, Maru reminded us what experience looks like under pressure. Placed in a tough Group A with the likes of Reynor, and trigger, Maru had to bring out all the tools in his arsenal. His most memorable series came against trigger, where he fell behind early in Game 2 after losing his third base to a well-timed Blink Stalker push. But Maru, being Maru, held firm with impeccable tank positioning and a bunker line that looked like something out of a Brood War playbook. He clawed his way back into the game with small, efficient trades and closed it out with a clinical 3-base push. He also faced Reynor in a rematch of past GSL showdowns. While many expected Maru to struggle with Reynor’s unpredictable style, he turned the tables with a timing attack featuring fast Ghosts and Liberators, catching Dark’s Swarm Hosts out of position. The result? A classic 3-2 finish and another playoff ticket punched. Clem is proving he's not just the future of Terran – he might already be the present. Maru, meanwhile, continues to defy age, expectations, and the meta itself. With both players peaking at just the right time, and a loaded playoff bracket ahead, the 2025 Esports World Cup is shaping up to be an instant classic. As the playoff stage looms, all eyes will be on Clem and Maru to see if they can carry their momentum into the final rounds. With rivals like Serral, Reynor, and herO still in the mix, the road to the trophy is anything but guaranteed.