Hot Takes

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 Zahk discuss the opening week of VALORANT Champions 2025, including a ton of early upsets and who are now the favourites. The pair also give their thoughts on the stage in Paris, with Leo Faria having already responded to criticism, and cover the sad news of Leo's retirement from the game. Stories discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/valorant/news/leo-leaves-fnatic htt...

In this episode, Lee and Davide discuss the latest goings on in League of Legends and VALORANT esports, starting with Bwipo's sexist remarks on stream and the subsequent fallout, leading eventually to his benching by FlyQuest. The duo also discussed the LEC's format struggles, Gen. G's dominance in the LCK and which LPL sides could be heading to Worlds. Stories discussed: https://ww...

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 Zahk recap the regional Stage 2 finals and begin looking ahead to VALORANT Champions, giving their thoughts on the group draw and opening matches. The pair also review the Champs Bundle, Guild Esports' closure, and the current visa situation of VCT Pacific players before they head to Paris Stories discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/valorant/news/g2-beat-nrg-in-vct-am...

In this episode, Lee and Nick discuss the latest updates across the LoLEsports circuit, including ongoing drama with the LTA's Dignitas and the LEC's Karmine Corp. The pair also give their thoughts on the announcement of the Esports Nations Cup and theorycraft their respective countries' potential rosters. Stories discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/other/news/esports-nations-cup-to...

In this episode, Lee and Zahk go over the latest VALORANT news, including Sayf's dramatic return to the Team Vitality lineup ahead of Stage 2 playoffs. The pair also discuss the potential new South American VCT league rumoured to be coming in 2027, PatMen's visa struggles and general Pacific chaos, as well as the 3 teams officially relegated from the VCT circuit and the struggles facing...

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Ethan catch up on the latest stories, including Vladi's back and forth with Karmine Corp fans and the state of massive fanbases. The trio also discuss Gumayusi's situation with T1, in which their supporters are split over his presence on the roster, and the endless crazy news coming out of the LPL.  Stories discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/league-of-l...

In this episode, Lee and Zahk cover the latest VALORANT news, starting with Lakia re-signing with Gen. G and exactly what his role with the team could be. The pair also discuss the collapse of Wolves Esports, Alfajer's claims that Fnatic are the world's best team, the revelation that PRX tried to sign nAts in 2023, and much more. Stories discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/valorant/news/...

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Ethan catch up on the latest stories, including EMEA Masters' baffling scheduling and Los Ratones potentially skipping the tournament altogether, Faker's 4-year extension with T1, and Ethan's bizarre take on MKOI's LEC playoff chances. The trio also discuss the outcome of Riot's VCT tier two investigation into allegations of match fixing a...

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, Davide, and Nick look back on a memorable Mid-Season Invitational, discussing the outcome of the tournament as well as Nick's experience working the event, invterviewing Faker, and his bizzare encounter on the trip home. The trio also discuss the Esports World Cup, looking back at Team Heretics' long-awaited grand final win and previewing the event's League of...

Patrick sat down with to talk all things Dota 2 at the Esports World Cup 2025. 

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Nick go over the first few days of the Mid-Season Invitational, including G2's struggles and if BrokenBlade has been the worst players so far in the tournament. The trio also go over the stunning move from Fnatic to replace Humanoid with Poby, and whether the reaction to the change was warranted. Stories discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/league-of-legends/n...

Sophie and Dan are back for the breakdown of the BLAST.tv Austin Major and rostermania - brought to you by the Thunderpick World Championship!  | 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. https://www.hotspawn.com/counter-strike/news/cs2-roster-changes https://www.hotspawn.com...

In this episode, Lee, Ethan, and Davide reveal their power rankings for MSI 2025, going through each position and selecting the best players before explaining which are the top sides at the tournament overall. Stories discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/valorant/news/paper-rexs-vct-toronto-win-ends-years-of-hurt https://www.hotspawn.com/valorant/news/vct-toronto-viewership https://www.hotspawn.com...

In this episode, Lee, Davide, Ethan, and special guest Nick join to discuss the newly-revealed League of Legends Game Changers equivalent, the insane ending to the LTA North final between FlyQuest and Cloud9, and why on earth there is no winner in the LCK.

Dan's pick 'ems struggle is almost at an end - join him and Sophie for a look ahead at the BLAST.tv Austin Major playoffs! | 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.

Join Sophie as she chastises Dan for his BLAST.tv Austin Major pick 'ems recommendations :D | 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, Davide, and Ethan review MKOI's historic LEC final win against G2 and the addition of NA's Jojopyun to the illustrious list of LEC-winning mid laners. The trio also discussed Perkz' retirement and his impact on European league, and whether it's fair to caveat his career against his less successful latter years. Stories discussed: https://www.hotspawn.com/v...

In this episode, Lee, Davide, and Ethan preview Masters Toronto - with a brutal Team Liquid prediction - discuss the latest VALORANT developer update, and talk VALORANT mobile. On the League of Legends agenda is Los Ratones and a brainstorm as to where they go next, LEC top four and a call back to Ethan's Fnatic prediction, as well as a discussion around Uzi's addition to the Hall of Fam...

Join Sophie and Dan on their journey through the BLAST.tv Austin Major pick 'ems, match ups and the story of that one time Sophie made the worst timing error of her career in Copenhagen. Check out Dan's pick 'ems here: https://www.hotspawn.com/counter-strike/news/best-cs2-pickems-for-blast-tv-austin-major-2025

This week, join Lee, David, and Ethan as they give their thoughts on the LEC All-Pro voting scandal that's led to calls for a complete change to the voting process. They also discuss the current storylines in the LPL and LCK, as well as offering their takes on the emerging match-fixing allegations in VALORANT's tier 2 Stories discussed: https://x.com/LEC/status/1925914621887549689 https:...

This week, join Sophie and Dan for yet another episode where we talk about Vitality winning yet another tournament. But this time, we have the added flavour from Valve buying Cache and dropping the Austin Major pick 'ems out of nowhere. IEM Dallas footage credit: ESL Dan's Major pick 'ems: https://www.hotspawn.com/counter-strike/news/best-cs2-pickems-for-blast-tv-austin-major-2025 

Join Editor in Chief Sophie McCarthy and Counter-Strike expert Dan Morris for episode 8 of Hot Takes where we're talking all things PGL Astana and IEM Dallas.  Hotspawn is proud to announce our media partnership with the Thunderpick World Champions - full details here: https://www.hotspawn.com/counter-strike/news/hotspawn-secures-partnership-with-thunderpick-world-championship-2025