Hot Takes

READ: A power outage abruptly ended the recording of this episode, leading to the sudden end. Our apologies! In this episode, Lee and Zahk give predictions for the 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) season. The duo guess each region's Kickoff winners, Masters Santiago representatives, overachievers and underachievers, best signings, players to watch, and which teams will reach VALORANT Champi...

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Ethan decide their LEC team rankings, from first to twelth, while also ranking every individual role in a Hot Takes first. The trio discuss Los Ratones' chances of competing with tier one sides, as well as why early SK rankings may be underselling their strength. The trio also discuss the latest ecosystem updates, including the addition of First Selection, an...

In the latest episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Ethan, and Davide figure out their power rankings for all of the top LCK, LPL, and LCS teams.  Storied discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/league-of-legends/news/fnatic-to-sell-club-for-100-million https://www.hotspawn.com/league-of-legends/news/karsa-announces-retirement

Hotspawn's "BIG FOUR" sits down to reflect on 2025. We ran a year in review and, go over key moments from past events, and the biggest W's and L's of the year. We sneak in some merch discussions, reminiscing on our big interviews and big events & looking forward to 2026.

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Ethan discuss the latest League of Legends esports news, including T1's KeSPA Cup triumph and difficulties with the Disney+ exclusive broadcasting deal. The trio also discussed the French community's reaction to Bwipo's replacement on French Flair, Shad0w joining CFO, Daeny joining BLG as head coach, and a range of LPL roster updates. Articles discu...

In this episode, Lee and Zahk discuss the latest VALORANT esports news, including the revelation that teams made more than $100m this year through revenue sharing, and looking at 2026 updates. The pair also give their thoughts on the controversial regional VCT awards, VARREL's surprising takeover of SLT Seongnam's Ascension-winning roster, and the VALORANT EMEA Clash - a new event mixing...

In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee and Davide rate each rumoured LEC 2026 roster, looking at the best and worst signings and likely costs of each lineup. The duo also discussed the new Team BDS rebrand, now to be named Shifters, as well as the immediate community reaction. 00:00:00 - BDS to Shifters 00:14:31 - LEC roster reviews 01:18:41 - Los Ratones' future 01:29:00 - Bwipo can't play L...

In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee and Zahk catch up after the culmination of the Game Changers Championship 2025 in Seoul, which saw Team Liquid Brazil the victors. The pair also discussed the G2 Amy racism allegations that put a black mark on the tournament, as well as the latest off season changes such as PatMen's kicking from Paper Rex (replace by Invy), Lakia's re-signing at Gen. G,...

In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Ethan, and Quest preview the upcoming KeSPA Cup and discuss the shocking news that it will be broadcast exclusively on Disney+, including why broadcasting rights deals are a necessity in esports. The trio also go through the League of Legends Season 16 changes, the news of Coach Comms in the LCK and LCP, and the state of online harassment following DonJake's...

In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Ethan, and Davide give their picks for Caedrel and Sjokz's League Awards categories, with Chovy, Faker, Kiin, Oner, and many others, amongst the favourites in for key awards. The trio also discussed the already-infamous FlyQuest documentary, as well as Fnatic's disappointing off season now that their 2026 LEC roster is finally locked in. 00:00:00 - Leag...

This week, Sophie is joined by Saumya fresh off his mildly traumatic trip to Hong Kong to talk all things BLAST Rivals and the Budapest Major!

In this episode, Lee, Ethan, and Davide go through the latest roster rumours and announcements, namely Gumayusi's shock departure from T1, who is said to be joining HLE, and Peyz joining as his replacement. The trio also discuss rumours of Gen. G's coaching staff, Fnatic's messy roster build, G2's rejection of Inspired/Busio and many more rostermania stories. Stories discussed:...

In this episode, Lee and Zahk preview the upcoming Game Changers Championship, discussing the favourites, key players, and dark horses. The pair also dive into the G2 JonahP benching and subsequent drama, as well as the sudden kicking of Talon from the VCT and LCP.

The time has finally come! This week, Sophie and Patrick are joined by the one and only Owen Harsono to talk all things BLAST Slam and the new Dota x Monster Hunter collab.

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Ethan debrief after T1 and Faker won a historic sixth World Championship title. The trio also gave their thoughts on the opening ceremony and Gumayusi's MVP award. Additionally, they also discussed the rumours of coach timeouts coming next year, Riot's 2026 updates and Davide's Chris Greeley interview, and off season rumours such as KC Kyeahoo, FNC...

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Ethan catch up on Worlds 2025, debfriefing after Davide was able to interview Faker for the first time. The trio also discussed KT's chances against T1 in the grand final, what went wrong with Gen. G, and the disappointment with G2's run despite making the top eight. They also go over the latest roster news, including Karmine Corp's rumoured pickups...

In this episode, Lee and Zahk talk through the latest rostermania rumours, including MIBR zekken, NRG keiko, and VIT Chronicle, as well as the drama surrounding the latter transfer's hasty announcement. The pair also discuss the VCT Ascension results now that all events have concluded, and give their thoughts on the Worlds T1 Keria interview drama.

For more Hot Tier 1 esports news, as soon as it spawns, check out https://hotspawn.com for the latest in CS2, Dota 2, VALORANT, League of Legends, Fortnite and more.

In this episode, Lee and Ethan check in during the Worlds 2025 swiss stage, discussing Fnatic's exit and subsequent inquest into their struggles, as well as the performances of G2, MKOI, AL, T1, Gen. G, and many others. The duo also discussed the latest ERL news, including Karmine Corp Blue's win over Los Ratones at EMEA Masters and the revelation that LTR rules may be removed from ERLs...

The time has come! We're here at the Thunderpick World Championship in Malta, join Sophie, Dan and special guest Launders or a full break down of the first part of the tournament.

In this episode, Lee and Zahk discuss the sweeping changes coming in patch 11.08 and their ridiculous timing ahead of the Game Changers Championship. The duo also debrief after NRG's Champs victory, deciding if the Odin is worth nerfing, and discuss the latest rostermania developments.

Hotspawn is heading to Malta! Join Sophie and Dan as they go through the first match ups for the Thunderpick World Championship and Dan promises to eat a sock

In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Davide, and Ethan reveal Hotspawn's Worlds 2025 Power Rankings. The trio discuss role-by-role rankings and the overall strongest teams ahead of the kickoff of the World Championship 2025 next week.

In this episode, Lee and Zahk discuss the last two weeks of VALORANT Champions and preview the final few days of the competition.

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Ethan converge in Madrid to discuss the LEC Summer Finals and preview its last series between the in-form G2 and the home favourites Movistar KOI. The trio also try some Spanish snacks and look ahead to Worlds 2025.