Betting on Esports and Pro Gaming

While we all know how tough the competitive nature that StarCraft II brings to the table, it cannot be denied that the game’s impressive effect and skill utilization have opened it up to many different avenues. Surprisingly, this includes a new area of neuroscience research as well, showcasing the massive potential of the game up to this point.

It is worth noting that StarCraft has been around for more than a decade. Being a promising game since 2010 and setting the standard of real-time strategy games in the esports stage, it is definitely a game that has defined generational competitiveness over the years.

A new study on human behavior and the impact of computers suggests that StarCraft II has become a valuable tool in helping researchers achieve optimal results. So far, recent findings have shown that StarCraft II has helped generate multiple patterns of brain activity for participants and has a lot of great use for other potential research surrounding the same niche.

StarCraft II Utilized in a Different Way

StarCraft II’s impressive micro-managing has allowed players to come up with diverse approaches to the game. They manage resources, balance army compositions, and also make key decisions while they are under massive pressure. The demand of the game in terms of shifting attention, and recognition of in-game elements, certainly has a lot of massive effects on the neural pathways in the brain.

This is the element that the new neuroscience research has delved into so far, and it has opened up a unique opportunity for the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

“While research on video games is well-established, only in recent years have we begun to systematically explore their potential benefits for cognitive functioning,” said study author Natalia Jakubowska. “At the same time, esports has evolved into a serious discipline, where discussions about individual predispositions—much like in traditional sports—are increasingly common. We became curious whether there might be neurobiological traits that support effective learning or high-level performance in complex games.”

According to Jakubowska, the study they embarked on was designed to investigate and observe brain activity whenever participants engage in StarCraft II, and the results have been promising so far.

The research focuses on the brain signal called the N2pc, which is an electrical pattern that can only be seen using electroencephalography (EEG), which is equipped to see how attention is allocated to different spaces of the brain.

StarCraft II as a Generational Research Tool

StarCraft II has been a promising game to the point that it is being applied to key research such as this. It only amplifies the legacy that the RTS title is leaving behind with a lot of rumors of a new StarCraft game on the rise now more than ever.

Moreover, it also enforces video gaming as a high potential avenue for huge researches that may have a significant impact in the community.

“Lastly, I’d like to share a personal belief: I think games, while not always and not all equally, can be a valuable part of our lives,” Jakubowska concluded. “I don’t believe they are harmful in moderation—quite the opposite. Today’s games are not only entertainment tools; they are also complex learning environments, spaces for decision-making, social interaction, and even cultural expression. I believe it’s time we approached them with more openness—including from a scientific perspective.”

There’s more to expect as StarCraft II continues to thrive at this point in time. Who knows, maybe a research will be done with regards to the massive events that StarCraft II participates in.

A lot of loaded contenders in the Counter-Strike 2 scene are making their way to the Austin Major this season with the hopes of notching history in the tournament. However, it seems that a massive favorite is looming over all of them this time around with Team Vitality set as the top pick to win the competition.

Kicking off today, the CS2 Austin Major is set to feature the likes of MOUZ, Team Spirit, and Team Falcons – just some of the hottest teams in the league right now that has made their presence felt on some of the big stages earlier in the season. But despite all their strong runs so far, nothing has been better than Team Vitality, who has been riding on a massive winning streak of 30 straight matches so far.

To win consecutive matches alone is a tough task in a highly competitive environment such as CS2. Yet, Team Vitality seems to be keen on writing history as they keep on putting up impressive performances night in and night out, which says a lot about their chances of clinching the Austin Major now more than ever.

A New Era of Dominance?

No team in the history of the whole Counter-Strike franchise has been able to dominate the big stage this way. Well – at least since the days of the legendary Astralis squad in its prime back then. Now, Team Vitality is riding hard with a lot of pressure and confidence at the same time.

Vitality, for all its success and dominance in the game so far, isn’t without its challengers. Still, none of these teams have had a winning record against the French squad so far. MOUZ has a 3-15 record against them this year. Team Spirit has gone 1-7, and Team Falcons may be the closest at 5-10.

These so-called CS2 juggernauts may be needing some massive tweaks if they are going to ever score a win against Team Vitality, who has been scorching hot against these three teams this season, showing how their dominance is allowing them to take over the CS2 scene as if they are the new face of the franchise moving forward.

Well, a win at the Austin Major could tilt the scales into their favor on that regard. After all, no one has ever managed to win a lot of games the way Team Vitality did, which definitely proves that there is indeed more to expect from the team as they move forward with a bigger goal in mind.

Can the Streak Stay Alive?

The superstar duo of Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut and Robin “ropz” Kool has been very vocal about their recent success, crediting the entire squad and putting a lot of trust and spotlight on their supporting cast. Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, William “mezii” Merriman, and Dan “apEX” Madesclaire have all been crucial in helping the squad win a total of six tournaments in a row.

The last win in IEM Dallas following a sweep of MOUZ says a lot about how they are still reigning supreme in the game. For the streak, however, to stay alive, they will have to keep on grinding hard and outwit their opponents on the big stage.

After all, Team Vitality is in prime position to also become the first team in the history of CS2 to win two Grand Slams in a single calendar year. They now have three chances left to complete that feat this year.

OG, the iconic esports organization renowned for its Dota 2 legacy, has announced a significant overhaul of its European roster. This strategic move is spearheaded by Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, the organization's co-founder and two-time The International champion, who returns to the fold as the head coach.

N0tail's appointment marks a pivotal moment in OG's quest to reclaim its former glory in the competitive Dota 2 scene. The past two years have been challenging for OG's Dota 2 division. After a series of roster changes and underwhelming performances, the team failed to qualify for TI in both 2023 and 2024.

Recognizing the need for a fresh direction, OG's management decided to rebuild the team from the ground up. This rebuilding process culminated in the formation of a new roster, blending seasoned veterans with promising talents.

A Whole New World

The new revamp for OG was unprecedented, but it went faster than most people expected it to happen as well. Now it seems that they are keen to see a repeat of their dominant stretch in Dota 2 back then.

On loan from Natus Vincere, Indji “Shad” Lub brings experience from the Tier 2 scene and is expected to bolster OG's offensive strategies. Another key addition would be Daniel “Stormstormer” Schoetzau, a German midlaner with a history in international tournaments, Stormstormer has been trialing with OG since April and is now officially part of the team.

The support spots are filled by Tamir “daze” Tokpanov and Ivan “Kidaro” Bondarev. Daze is a young Kazakhstani player who previously played for the Natus Vincere academy, while Kidaro is an Ukrainian support player with experience in various Eastern European teams.

So far, this diverse lineup reflects N0tail's vision of blending experience with youthful energy, aiming to create a cohesive and dynamic team. Nothing is easy in Dota 2, and everything has to be earned. N0tail, for one, knows how to win it all, and he is definitely going to need to teach all his tricks if the team will even have a chance at winning.

“N0tail is going to be taking charge of the team. He's going to be coaching the team, managing the team, and building it in the way he wants it to be built,” team CEO Daniel Sanders said of N0tail’s experience and coaching. “And that means picking up young talent, and really going back to his philosophy of running a team in his image.”

On to the Next Challenge

N0tail himself expressed his commitment to fostering a team that not only excels in gameplay but also understands the intricacies of Dota 2. He aims to cultivate a squad where communication and strategic thinking are paramount, allowing players to engage in meaningful discussions about the game.

With the new roster in place, OG is setting its sights on upcoming qualifiers for major tournaments, including The International 2025 and the Esports World Cup 2025. The team's performance in these events will be a testament to the effectiveness of N0tail's coaching philosophy and the synergy of the newly assembled roster.

As OG embarks on this new journey, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent will impact the team's trajectory in the competitive Dota 2 landscape. The coming months will undoubtedly be crucial in determining whether this new chapter marks the resurgence of OG's dominance in the esports arena.