There are numerous other esports games across multiple genres, multiple platforms and multiple regions that have offered multi-million dollar prize pools that may or may not match Dota 2’s highest prize pool ever, but each one was large enough to change someone’s career or completely flip the pro scene.

The 10 Largest Esports Prize Pools of All Time

Below, we rank the largest esports prize pool events for every major esports title.

10. PGL Major Stockholm 2021 (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) – $2,000,000

Credits: PGL

• Winner: Natus Vincere
• Location: Avicii Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
• Dates: October 26 – November 7, 2021

Counter-Strike is one of the oldest esports games in the world that still continues to thrive today, but it has never been associated with the largest esports prize pool in history. This made PGL Major Stockholm 2021 a big deal. At the time of the tournament’s conclusion, PGL Major Stockholm 2021 had the largest Counter-Strike Major prize pool at $2 million. In addition, the tournament doubled the previous record.

It also occurred at a great time for esports. The tournament took place immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruption to global competitions, and it was the first CS:GO Major to be held since then. As such, PGL Major Stockholm 2021 helped to re-establish CS:GO’s pro scene.

Since its origins as a Half-Life mod, Counter-Strike has endured multiple generations of competitive gaming. Although its prize pools may not always match those of newer esports titles, its competitive structure has become a standard within the industry.

The upcoming 2026 Esports World Cup is expected to create a new record for Counter-Strike prize pools at $3 million.

9. Six Invitational (Rainbow Six Siege) – $3,000,000

Credits: Ubisoft

• Winner: G2 Esports
• Location: Place Bell, Quebec, Canada
• Dates: February 11 – February 17, 2019

Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Siege has never been one of the loudest names in esports, but the franchise’s competitive environment has developed one of the most reliable tournament ecosystems in the world of shooters.

While the Six Invitational increased its prize pool over time through a combination of publisher funding and crowdfunding, it wasn’t simply the money that made it notable. Rather, it was the structure behind it. Unlike many other FPS titles that are more focused on spectacle, Rainbow Six esports emphasized strategy, long-term team development, and disciplined gameplay.

8. PUBG Global Championship 2021 – $4,000,000

Credits: Krafton

• Winner: NewHappy
• Location: Paradise City Studio, Incheon, South Korea
• Dates: November 19 – December 19, 2021

PUBG made the battle royale genre into a global phenomenon, and PUBG Global Championship 2021 illustrated just how high the stakes can be when the competitive battle royale format is firing on all cylinders.

When it reached a prize pool of over $4 million, PUBG Global Championship 2021 exemplified PUBG esports at its competitive best. Battle royale competitive environments have generally proven to be difficult to sustain in the long term, primarily because of the unpredictable nature of the genre. However, PUBG’s flagship championship remains one of the largest financial achievements in battle royale esports.

7. Call of Duty League Championship 2020 – $4,600,000

Credits: Activision

• Winner: Dallas Empire
• Location: Online (originally planned for Los Angeles, cancelled due to COVID-19)
• Dates: August 19 – August 23, 2020

The Call of Duty League Championship occupies a unique position on this list primarily because it represents the highest point for console esports prizes.

The event has shown that the CDL can hold its own with PC esports games. It also embodied the CDL’s transition to a more formal sports structure – including franchises, city branding, and a mainstream-friendly style of presentation.

Although the CDL system has struggled to maintain long-term momentum, the 2020 championship remains the largest prize awarded for Call of Duty.

6. League of Legends World Championship 2018 – $6,000,000

Credits: Riot Games

• Winner: Invictus Gaming
• Location: Incheon Munhak Stadium, South Korea (Earlier stages were held in Seoul, Busan, and Gwangju.)
• Dates: October 1 – November 3, 2018

Given that League of Legends is widely considered to be the largest esport in the world by viewer count, it is surprising that it doesn’t have larger prizes.

This can be attributed to Riot Games’ philosophy. While Riot has continued to emphasize the importance of developing sustainable competitive environments and providing long-term systems for players and teams alike, including guaranteed salaries and revenue-sharing models, the company has also chosen to prioritize stability over large prize pools.

Worlds 2018 still provided a prize pool of over $6 million, and while international events continue to grow, Riot has indicated that prize pools will evolve, but not at the expense of long-term league sustainability.

5. Honor of Kings World Championship 2022: $10,000,000

Credits: Tencent

• Winner: eStar Pro
• Location: Beijing Smart Esports Center, Beijing, China
• Dates: December 30, 2022 – January 7, 2023

The Honor of Kings (Arena of Valor) World Championship 2022 is the largest mobile esports tournament ever, and one of the least familiar to Western audiences. Since its release, Honor of Kings has been China’s most popular game, operating on a scale unmatched by any other title in the region. Its world championship is often likened to the Super Bowl for Chinese esports.

With a $10 million prize pool, the event proves that competitive gaming is not limited by platform or geography. As long as the community exist, esports will continue to thrive across PC, console, and mobile.

4. Riyadh Masters 2023 (Dota 2): $15,000,000

Credits: Gamers8

• Winner: Team Spirit
• Location: Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Dates: July 19 – July 30, 2023

The Riyadh Masters 2023 will go down in history as the largest non–Valve-backed Dota 2 prize pool ever, offering approximately $15 million for a single tournament.

The event was part of Gamers8, a multi-title esports festival organized by the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sport (SAFEIS), which has since evolved into what is now known as the Esports World Cup.

The 2023 Gamers8 edition featured a combined prize pool of $45 million across multiple games, with Dota 2 alone taking roughly a third of it.

The event was ultimately won by Team Spirit, who added yet another major title to their growing legacy.

3. Fortnite World Cup Finals 2019 – $30,400,000

Credits: Epic Games

• Winner (Solo): Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf
• Location: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York City, United States
• Dates: July 26 – July 28, 2019

Few esports events have had such a lasting cultural impact as the Fortnite World Cup.

Epic Games created one of the most ambitious tournaments in esports history with the Fortnite World Cup, and its $30.4 million prize pool. And, unlike many other esports tournaments, this one was designed to be accessible. In essence, the idea behind the World Cup was to show that everyone could potentially qualify to participate.

That accessibility helped Fortnite transition into mainstream pop culture in a way that few other esports titles have. Although Fortnite’s competitive format has evolved significantly since 2019, the World Cup is a landmark moment for what esports could potentially be at a global level.

2. The International 2021 (Dota 2) – $40,000,000+

Credits: Valve

• Winner: Team Spirit
• Location: Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania
• Date: October 7 – October 17, 2021

For years, Dota 2’s The International was truly in a league of its own. Much of that was due to Valve’s unique crowdfunding model.

When The International 2021 reached an incredible $40 million, it broke the record for the largest esports prize pool in history. This was achieved via the Battle Pass system, which allowed fans to contribute directly to the prize pool through in-game purchases.

The International 2021 represents the pinnacle of an era in esports economics in which community-based funding changed the way that fans participated in esports. While Valve later reduced the scope of that approach, the legacy of the prize pool growth of The International still impacts the way that esports organizations think of monetization and fan investment.

1. Esports World Cup 2025 – $70,000,000+

Credits: EWC

• Multi-title event: Team Falcon (Overall Champions)
• Location: Boulevard Riyadh City (multiple purpose-built arenas), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Dates: July – August 2025

The largest prize pool in esports history, the Esports World Cup 2025, sits at $70 million.

However, the true value is in the fact that the event is a new model for esports gaming, bringing together several games, genres and competitive gaming communities under one global event.

Thousands of participants competing in dozens of different games, the event is truly an Olympic-style esports showcase.

The upcoming EWC 2026 is reported to have a prize pool of $75,000,000; with that in mind, it will be the largest esports prize pool in history once the event is done.

The post The Largest Esports Prize Pools Ever Awarded appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

The 10 Best esports Players in the Philippines

“Peenoise” is a term used by gamers to identify when a Filipino is playing, because of their loud mouth, aggressive trash talking, and unwillingness to admit defeat when the game is already lost. It is exactly those qualities that made the best esports players in the Philippines that we recognize today.

Here are the best esports players the Philippines has produced.

10. Jake “Xmithie” Puchero

Credits: Xmithie

Games: League of Legends

Played for: XDG, CLG, Immortals, Team Liquid, Harrisburg, TSM

A very reliable jungler, but with no flair. Xmithie played a key role in Team Liquid’s success in LCS between 2018 and 2019, and the teams he was part of won the LCS both times. Xmithie had a strong reputation built around his ability to have good pathing, good vision control, and remain level-headed while things are going wrong in the chaos of a game.

The same consistency followed him into international competitions like MSI and multiple Worlds appearances.

For years, Xmithie was the most consistent jungler in North America and the foundation of every team he played for; for many fans back home in the Philippines, Xmithie demonstrated to them that hard work and smart thinking can be just as important as raw skill.

9. Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco

Credits: Team Secret

Games: Dota 2, Valorant

Played for: Mineski, Bren Esports, Team Secret

JessieVash has achieved top-level status in two games, Dota 2 and Valorant, which is a very rare achievement for just about any esports player. Prior to achieving top-level status in Valorant, he had already earned a high level of success in Dota 2 by being part of the Mineski team that represented the Philippines at the first-ever TI (The International) in 2011.

Building upon his success in Dota 2, JessieVash established himself in Valorant, of all things. He was one of the foundation pieces of Team Secret’s initial VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) efforts, further establishing the Philippines as a strong competitor in the global esports arena.

JessieVash’s ability to compete at an elite level in two completely different games, combined with his long history in the industry and his experience leading teams, sets him apart from many other professional Filipino gamers, and many other professionals in the world.

8. Caviar “EnDerr” Acampado

Credits: EnDerr

Games: StarCraft II

Played for: Mineski, Dust Gaming, Imperium, PSISTORM, OSC Elite, Liyab, Juggernauts, LittleFairy

EnDerr has been the primary representative of the Philippines in Starcraft II competition for over a decade. EnDerr has demonstrated the ability to maintain discipline, consistency, and a long-term commitment to StarCraft II, while the mental demands of this game would cause most people to lose their edge quickly. Throughout his career in StarCraft II, EnDerr was recognized for his aggressive playstyle utilizing the Zerg faction and his ability to control the minute detail of micro management.

Each year, EnDerr was able to win his regional qualification event and represent the Philippines in WCS tournament events and international events. EnDerr also earned a Gold Medal at the SEA Games.

7. Alexandre “AK” Laverez

Credits: Combo Breaker

Games: Tekken

Played for: PlayBook Esports, Natus Vincere

AK’s Tekken career started before many children learned to hold down their controller. He started playing at the age of six, competing in tournaments at nine, and competing internationally by thirteen. By the time AK was 13, he had already medaled at the King of Iron Fist Global Championship, one of the most prestigious Tekken tournaments in the world.

After many years of consistently competing against the world’s best players, AK finally achieved his first major title in 2024 when he won Combo Breaker.

Winning titles like Combo Breaker, along with victories over legends like Rangchu and Arslan Ash, proved that AK is one of the best fighting game players in the world.

6. Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario

Credits: Blacklist International

Games: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Played for: Onyx, Blacklist International, Aurora Gaming PH

Wise earned himself a reputation as a jungler who thinks ahead of the curve. Unlike other junglers, instead of following meta trends, he would surprise his opponents by choosing to play untraditional heroes and make them work.

This and his ability to perform under pressure are what make Wise stand out from the rest. He knows when to farm, when to engage, and when to go with his gut feeling.

A great example of this can be seen from the MPL PH Season 10 Grand Finals, where he called a priority to take Benedetta, which was a big factor in Blacklists’ victory.

He was officially added to the MPL Hall of Legends in 2023, solidifying his position as one of the smartest and most influential junglers in MLBB history.

5. Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna

Credits: Blacklist International

Games: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Played for: Onyx, Blacklist International, Aurora Gaming PH

OhMyV33NUS was instrumental in helping Blacklist International become the top Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) team. OhMyV33NUS was known as being very composed and making great decisions during matches.

Her teammates look up to her because of these traits. She made Blacklist International one of the most successful teams in Mobile Legends history.

OhMyV33NUS has had many successes, including several MPL titles, a M3 World Championship, and a SEA Games Gold Medal. In 2023, she was added to the MPL Hall of Legends and is now the all time assist leader in the MPL.

Many people admire her because she represents and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community within esports. She and Wise are partners in real life.

4. Carlito “Ribo” Ribo Jr.

Credits: MPL

Games: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Played for: Aether Main, Bren Esports, Z4, ZOL, Omega Esports

Ribo is often referred to as the GOAT of Philippine Mobile Legends, and for good reason. He began his professional career with Aether Main in MPL Philippines Season 1 and assisted in securing the league’s very first championship.

Later, he joined Bren Esports and continued to win, taking home the MPL PH Season 6 championship and the M2 World Championship.

Ribo also represented the Philippines at the 2019 SEA Games, where he brought back a gold medal for the Philippines. Although he is no longer competing professionally, Ribo’s influence can still be seen in today’s Mobile Legends BB scene.

Many players continue to emulate his style of play and mental toughness.

3. Abed “Abed” Yusop

Credits: Fnatic

Games: Dota 2

Played for: MSI-EvoGT, Trackmate, Execration, Team Onyx, Digital Chaos, Fnatic, Evil Geniuses, Shopify Rebellion, BLCK, Aurora Gaming, MOUZ, Virtus.pro

Abed made headlines in 2017 when he hit 10,000 MMR, a feat that many thought was impossible. Two years later, he crushed that record once again by reaching 11,000 MMR. Both of those records place Abed among the best Dota 2 players in the world.

In addition to dominating in the pubs, Abed showed the world what he could do in competition with top international teams like Digital Chaos, Fnatic, and Evil Geniuses. Now he plays for Virtus.pro

Because of his dominant control of the midlane with heroes like Meepo, Storm Spirit and Puck, Abed became one of the most-feared midlaners in competitive Dota 2.

2. DJardel “Djardel” Mampusti

Credits: DJ

Games: Dota 2

Played for: Eyes of Tiger, Rave, MSI-EvoGT, Fnatic, Execration, Bleed Esports, BOOM Esports, PlayTime

DJ is one of the most recognized Filipino names in Dota 2 history. When he was competing with Fnatic, DJ’s name became synonymous with game-changing support plays and perfectly-timed ultimate hero abilities, which could flip the outcome of an entire match.

Many fans remember his Black Hole plays during the Manila Major, where he made the town crowd go crazy; those are still some of the most-watched and replayed Dota 2 highlight clips. DJ competed in several majors and The International, and gained respect from fans and competitors around the world.

He is the 2nd-highest-paid Filipino esports player, and has inspired a whole generation of Filipino Dota players to think bigger.

1. Carlo “Kuku” Palad

Credits: Talon

Games: Dota 2

Played for: Mineski.Sports5, TNC Pro Team, TNC Predator, Geek Fam, Omega Esports, T1, BLCK, Talon Esports, PlayTime

Kuku is one of the most-experienced and versatile Dota 2 players the Philippines has produced. In almost a decade of playing the game, Kuku has played a multitude of positions, captained teams, and has remained competitive through constant meta changes.

He was a member of the legendary TNC squad, which stunned the world by beating OG at The International 6.

Four years later, he led TNC to victory at the MDL Chengdu Major in 2019, which was the first-ever Dota 2 Major championship won by a team from Southeast Asia.

Kuku later aided T1 in finishing in the Top-8 at The International 10. As of now, he is the highest-paid Filipino esports player and one of the best esports players in the Philippines.

Read Also: The 10 best esports players in France

The post The 10 Best Esports Players in the Philippines appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

This is where the best browser games come in (differently from the traditional best free PC games). No downloads, no setup, and no stress; just free, easy gaming to kill time whenever your day slows down to a crawl.

Here are the Best Browser Games To Kill Time

1. Doom (Classic Browser Port)

Credits: id Software

The original Doom is still one of the best FPS games ever made. The 1993 version is iconic for a reason, still has a lot of vigor and intensity, and works like a charm in your browser. You fight demons inside the Phobos base, swap between old-school weapons, and navigate through tight corridors full of surprises. Doom has been ported to almost any conceivable platform, so playing it in your browser is actually one of the more “normal” ways of doing it.

For many players, this is one of the top browser games to kill time, mainly due to how easy it is to enter and exit. It loads quickly, runs smoothly, brings back a consistent blast from the past, and even supports multiplayer. If you want something short and thrilling, you can’t go wrong with some old-school FPS action.

2. Slither.io

Credits: Steve Howes

Slither.io is a fresh spin on the classic Snake game, with players from around the world competing against you. As long as you navigate a glowing snake through a massive area, grow as big as possible, and collect pellets. When you outsmart them and force them to crash into you, you can transform their opponents into more pellets that you can eat.

One of the best browser games to play on your lunch breaks, it is excellent for short sessions. Slither.io has virtually no learning curve, making it a popular option to kill time at work, too. All you need to do is move, avoid being killed, and climb the leaderboard at your own pace.

3. Spelunky (Browser Version)

Credits: Mossmouth

Spelunky is one of the best time-wasters available in browsers that will make you feel guilt-free, since it’s a roguelike platformer. Every run occurs in a new set of caves that include treasure, enemies, traps, and unexpected surprises. Keeping things easy to understand and user-friendly, the browser edition stays true to its original version, released back in 2008.

Spelunky rewards patience, instinctive decision-making, and even a bit of luck. Spelunky is a solid pick if you’re looking for a mix of challenge and replayability. It is popular among lunch-break players because each run is a new experience.

4. Town of Salem

Credits: BlankMediaGames

Town of Salem is a social deduction game that is centered on secret identities, false accusations, and deceptions. At random, players are assigned roles in the town. Some are innocent townspeople who want to discover which players are the murderers. Others are members of the mafia or another group of dangerous players who want to get rid of the rest of the players.

It’s an extremely social and unpredictable game. In order to determine who to trust, you’ll need to analyze the chat, use your gut, and lie when needed. Many users recommend Town of Salem as one of the best online games to kill time at work because it does not require rapid hand-eye coordination. Instead, you think, discuss, and vote, similar to playing board games.

5. Friday Night Funkin’

Credits: New Grounds

Friday Night Funkin’ provides you with rhythm-based gameplay that is easy to learn and enjoy, whether you are a rhythm game pro or not. You compete against strange opponents while synchronizing arrow prompts to the beat of fun music.

As it is playable directly in your browser, Friday Night Funkin’ is one of the top free games to kill time when you want something entertaining and energetic. The visual style is cute, the music is surprisingly good, and each level provides a quick and rewarding challenge.

6. Cookie Clicker

Credits: DashNet

Although Cookie Clicker is an extremely simple game, it has an extremely high level of addictiveness. You start the game simply by clicking on a large cookie, which allows you to buy upgrades that generate more cookies. It’s a good example of the clicker genre, a type of game that only needs you to click items on the screen without other inputs. Sure, it can sound dull, but clickers have a weird way of keeping you hooked.

As you continue to upgrade, you will eventually unlock things such as factories, grandparents, and other strange items that increase production. One of the best ways to spend your time is to play Cookie Clicker while you let another game or application run in the background.

Playing Cookie Clicker can be a soothing and relaxing experience, especially when watching your cookie empire grow passively.

7. Dungeon Crawl: Stone Soup

Credits: DCSS Devteam

Of all of the roguelike browser games available, Dungeon Crawl is probably one of the more difficult ones to navigate. This is because each turn requires you to think carefully before making your next move. It may seem a little slower than other browser games; however, the experience of playing Dungeon Crawl is much more engaging than many other types of games on this list.

Each time you decide to explore a new dungeon, you will encounter many new monsters, items, magic and branches of path. In addition, each time you decide to play through the same dungeon, you will have a different experience.

Many fans of strategy games enjoy playing Dungeon Crawl because of the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you receive from playing a game that takes patience and careful planning.

And those are the best online games to kill time. Browser games have become so popular due to their accessibility, ease of use, compatibility with devices, and flexibility to fit into your busy schedule.

Regardless of the device you are currently using, whether you want to play the top 10 free browser games to kill time, there are several options for you.

The post The Best Online Games to Kill Time in 2026 appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

7 Best Free PC Games to Play Right Away

1. Fortnite

• Genre: Battle Royale/Third Person Shooter
• Alternative: Apex Legends

Fortnite is one of the most popular battle royales in the world and was originally developed as a cooperative PvE game called “Save the World.” Players would fight waves of enemies while working together to build and defend themselves from hordes of monsters. The free-to-play Battle Royale version of Fortnite became an overnight sensation and attracted millions of players worldwide.

New content, seasonal events and crossovers with movies, music and video games provide an endless stream of new content to keep Fortnite fresh and unpredictable.

Fortnite is a beginner-friendly game and does not require expert-level reaction times to have fun. The game even includes a Zero Build mode, which allows players to focus solely on shooting and survival rather than building and fortifying their surroundings. Fortnite’s dances, skins and emotes have been featured throughout mainstream pop culture and make it a defining game for many people born in the last few decades.

Apex Legends is a faster-paced and strategic alternative if you’re looking for a more tactical experience and are more interested in FPS games rather than third-person action.

Read also: Is Fortnite dying?

2. Genshin Impact

• Genre: Open-World Action RPG
• Alternative: Tower of Fantasy

Genshin Impact is a free-to-play game that feels like it should be a paid game. It’s a gacha-type game that provides a massive, beautiful, and open-world environment. There are secret areas, puzzles, and creatures ready to be beaten with elemental powers. Explore at your leisure, take in the sights, and have fun with your favorite characters.

Tower of Fantasy is a sci-fi alternative that features similar exploration and combat; however, it takes place in a futuristic world filled with jet packs and robots rather than dragons and knights, so make your pick.

Genshin Impact and Tower of Fantasy feature continuous updates and provide a relaxing escape into another world for those who wish to unwind.

3. League of Legends

• Genre: MOBA
• Alternative: Dota 2

League of Legends is the best MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) to get started with if you’re interested in learning more about the genre and are one of the few people in the world who still haven’t tried LoL. Simply put, you choose a champion, join forces with four other players, and destroy the enemy’s base before they destroy yours. Simple enough to explain, but extremely difficult to master. League of Legends will teach you the basics, but it won’t hold your hand through the process, and neither will your teammates. Let’s just say “teamwork” is more of a suggestion in LoL lobbies than an actual rule.

Despite this, League of Legends has endless replay value and over 160 champions to master. So long as you can tolerate the chaos and frustration that comes with trying to work as a team, League of Legends is a blast. In addition to casual play, League of Legends is also one of the largest esports titles in the world.

Regional championships across North America, Europe, China, Korea, and elsewhere culminate annually in the League of Legends World Championship. Millions of fans tune in online to watch the competitions unfold and thousands attend live in-person. The sheer size of its competitive scene has made League of Legends a staple in competitive gaming on a global scale.

Read also: Best LoL Players of All Time

If you want to see firsthand just how extreme the competitive scene is, look no further than the 2025 Worlds, which showcased why T1 is arguably the greatest esports team of all time.

For a slightly more challenging experience, consider stepping up to Dota 2. Both League of Legends and Dota 2 are massive games that offer endless strategy and patience-testing gameplay options.

4. Marvel Rivals

• Genre: Hero Shooter / Team Arena
• Alternative: Overwatch 2

Marvel Rivals is the latest and most popular hero shooter. And it is easy to see why. You will have the opportunity to play as your favorite Marvel heroes in 6v6 battles with explosive action, and pull off crazy combos and team ultimates that look like they were taken right out of the movies. The gameplay is fast, flashy and a fantastic way to blow off some steam after a long day.

The most important aspect of hero shooters such as Marvel Rivals is choosing the right character based on how you would like to play. Do you want to run around swinging like Spider-Man or shoot down enemies using Iron Man’s repulsor technology? You can definitely do both, but it’s at the same time easy and challenging, as are the best things in life.

There is also a competitive aspect to Marvel Rivals, allowing players to compete against each other to climb the ranks. In addition to casual matches, competitive mode allows players to play against other players to climb the rankings and test their skills. To see the top players of the Marvel Rivals players of 2025, please view our ranking of the best players competing in the recent Marvel Rivals IGNITE tournament.

Read also: Is Marvel Rivals Cross Play?

5. Path of Exile

• Genre: Action RPG / Hack and Slash
• Alternative: Diablo Immortal
• If you are the kind of person who spent years grinding away at Diablo I & II, then Path of Exile would be the perfect fit for you.

The idea of crawling through dungeons will immediately feel familiar when you first log into Path of Exile. But with the addition of superior graphics and an abundance of loot drops, Path of Exile is a much-improved version of the classic formula.

The creators of Path of Exile, Grinding Gear Games, were formed from several developers who had previously developed Diablo. Therefore, Path of Exile is essentially a love letter to everything that was popular from Diablo, including tons of fixes and improvements that Blizzard did not choose to make.

Do not let the overwhelming information that you see when creating your character intimidate you. You can simply choose a character type and begin killing your enemies; before long, you will find yourself swimming in an ocean of gear and upgrades.

Diablo Immortal will give you the same type of hack-and-slash experience that is similar to Path of Exile, but without the complexity. If you are someone who wants a more straightforward challenge, then Diablo Immortal could be a good alternative.

6. Counter-Strike 2

• Genre: Tactical FPS
• Alternative: Valorant

Counter-Strike 2 is a continuation of what many consider to be one of the greatest franchises in the history of gaming – a franchise that began life as a Half-Life mod back in 1999, and eventually became one of the biggest series of games in the world.

Read Also: Best Gaming Mods That Became Legendary Franchises

Just like the original CS games, CS2 maintains that same old school feel that fans of the franchise have come to expect – tight gunplay, simple objectives and the “one more round” addictive nature of the franchise. It also remains incredibly challenging, slower-paced and nerve-wracking when you are the last player on your team and need to defuse a bomb.

Even if you don’t plan on competing in ranked matches, Casual mode, Arms Race or Deathmatch modes provide a relaxed environment to play with your friends.

If you’re looking for more of a hero shooter with similar mechanics, Valorant uses unique agent abilities with precise gunplay; Counter-Strike 2 provides a more realistic tactical experience. Both games will satisfy your desire for a tactical first-person shooter, just in different ways.

7. Roblox

• Genre: Sandbox / User-Generated Worlds
• Alternative: Minecraft (Free Trials)

Roblox has evolved into a full-fledged gaming platform with user-created worlds and experiences, but you may be surprised to learn that it’s not just a kid’s game anymore. In terms of gaming, Roblox is a true metaverse; it’s not an actual game per se, but a way for you to enter worlds and play user-generated experiences.

Some days you’re racing in a racing game, some days you’re role-playing in an anime world, and some days you’re socializing with your friends in a coffee shop. You can do whatever you want!

Minecraft, on the other hand, offers a free trial on PC as well, and is another excellent option if you enjoy building and creating, and is essentially a sandbox experience, but with a different visual style than Roblox.

And those are the best free pc games you can play for endless fun and hundreds of hours. Check out Jaxon.gg for more gaming and esports news.

The post Best Free PC Games to Play Right Away appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

We’ll explore all of these questions, and more. We will provide context and detail about the community aspects of Booba, in addition to how Booba was developed and what makes Booba the meme it is today.

What is the Booba Emote?

Booba is a simple cartoon character. It is a style of Pepe the Frog cartoon character, much like many other Twitch-related memes and emotes. Booba is a big-eyed, open-mouthed stare that resembles someone has just caught a glimpse of something that is either very shocking or very attractive in several ways. It’s similar to the old-school cartoon reactions, but isn’t strictly tied to a sole emotion or reaction.

Most people spell it Booba, although some people choose to type it repeatedly, i.e., “BOOBA BOOBA BOOBA” to emphasize a point.

Where Did Booba Emote Originate?

Now we dive into the history behind Booba, which is an extremely humorous and internet-speak culture-heavy topic. The origins of the Booba emote date back to the early days of online forums, including 4chan and the larger Pepe meme family. Prior to Booba becoming a popular emote, the emote existed as a reaction post, along with other “Sound Reaction” and “Reaction Post” memes referred to as Awooga or Humina Humina. These, once again, are similar to the sounds of cartoon characters when they see something attractive.

The name “Booba” came from a misspelling of the word “boobs.” On 4Chan in 2020, someone made a post using the Pepe character with big eyes, and instead of writing “boobs,” they wrote “booba” due to the fact that the ‘A’ key is right next to the ‘S’ key. Depending on how you look at it, this could have been a spelling error… but like most internet oddities, the error itself evolved into a meme.

A tweet that featured this meme blew up fast, and everyone began posting this image everywhere, referring to it as Booba. Once the emote was added to BTTV and FFZ, Booba rapidly gained popularity, first among smaller niche streams, then among large streams, and finally throughout all Twitch Communities.

Similar to Copium and KEKW, Booba is basically a meme born from the depths of the internet’s chaotic culture. However, once Twitch Chat began adopting it, Booba became much more than that.

What Does Booba Emote Represent?

Credits: Twitch

Here is where things become really interesting.

When used in Twitch Chat, Booba represents one main emotion:

“That is HOT/EXCITING/EYE-SEEABLE!”

Booba is essentially shorthand for “My Brain Just Exploded!” whether that is physically tied to something attractive, or just something amazing or humorous. Most common uses include:

• When something sexy appears on the stream: If a streamer is wearing a new outfit, showing off a new camera angle, etc. that draws attention, Booba becomes the loudest reaction in the chat. This is Booba’s most infamous use and where most people first encounter it.
• When something funny occurs: Booba doesn’t have to represent anything physical or sexual. Sometimes the chat may use Booba as a playful way, such as when a character in a game suddenly turns around, or there is a random, humorous moment. Booba represents “Look At That!” energy, amplified.
• Irony/Mockery: Some trolls (especially those who have been trolling Twitch Chat for years) will post Booba for no reason or to poke fun at the meme itself, such as posting Booba on a scene that has absolutely nothing to do with anything sexy or surprising. It is similar to laughing loudly at a somewhat funny joke, but that is part of the charm.

The Evolution of Booba’s Definition

Similar to all Twitch emotes, Booba never had an absolute definition. As it travelled from channel to channel and from community to community, the meanings behind Booba changed.

Nowadays, Booba is utilized to be humorous, specifically through irony. When absolutely no significant event happens, some viewers will spam Booba. Anything (slightly) out-of-the-ordinary; a bizarre camera angle, a random zoom, an odd in-game character, or even just a period of complete silence can cause Booba to be spammed. For most viewers, the funny part of using Booba is pretending like whatever is occurring is the most exciting thing that has happened all day, when in reality, it was probably very uneventful.

Because of this, Booba has evolved to be more about the way chat responds to events and less about the event itself. Booba is now a self-aware joke which mocks the viewers’ own reactions. Now, Booba is typically used to show that you are being overly dramatic instead of showing true shock.

Evolution of definitions is a typical occurrence on Twitch. Twitch emotes begin with a specific purpose, then develop to be more versatile, used for humor. Booba is an excellent example of how Twitch’s chat culture shapes definitions over time.

Read Also: MonkaS emote meaning explained

Why Booba Was So Well-Liked

Booba is so well-liked because it is easy. One word/one expression/easy to understand. There is no need to have background information to understand the joke. The image of Booba represents a feeling that Twitch viewers feel all the time – that urge to react instantly and as a collective group.

The Booba emote is a great representation of how Twitch develops its own language. Booba began as a single reaction image, but evolved to be a flexible, self-aware emote used to be ironic, to be exaggerated, and to bring humor to the community. The emote has developed a new meaning, but the underlying reason for using Booba is still the same. Booba provides a way for viewers to share their reactions to events, regardless of if they are serious or completely absurd.

Regardless of your feelings toward Booba, Booba has secured its place within Twitch’s history.

The post What is Booba Emote? A Look at Twitch’s Wild Reaction Meme appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

The MonkaS emote is one of the clearest examples of how Twitch culture or how the internet communicates, without saying a single word. The emote captures fear, tension, anxiety, and that dreaded feeling when you know a situation is about to go bad, but you are forced to watch it unfold live.

What the MonkaS emote actually means

Credits: Twitch

MonkaS is a Twitch emote used to express nervousness, fear, or intense anticipation. Viewers spam it when a streamer is in danger, making a risky decision, or seconds away from a disastrous moment.

The meme shows Pepe the Frog (as he is widely known throughout the internet lore) looking stressed out. It is the internet version of gripping your chair, holding your breath, and whispering, “This isn’t going to end well.”

When chat types MonkaS, they are reacting to what is going to happen. That is what makes it a powerful emote.

The origin of the MonkaS emote

MonkaS actually started outside Twitch. Pepe the Frog drawing was originally created by Matt Furie. The cropped version of Pepe’s anxious, sweaty face began circulating on internet forums as early as 2011.

The emote we all know and love today appeared in 2016, from a Twitch user named Monkasenpai, who uploaded it to BetterTTV, a third-party browser extension that allows custom emotes. The name MonkaS comes from his username, with the S often interpreted as standing for scared or sweat, hence MonkaS.

Like any other emote memes, MonkaS had spread across Twitch, especially through large streamer communities. It became a regular sight in major channels and officially turned into part of Twitch’s core language.

Why Twitch Chat Loves MonkaS

Credits: Twitch

MonkaS thrived on Twitch because that’s just how these memes work; it’s a picture of fear and anxiety which delves into what we feel as gamers and as viewers.

We viewers use MonkaS as a sixth sense, and gaming is the best example of how the MonkaS emote is used. You see and feel it when a player overextends, ignores a pretty obvious warning sign, or proceeds to a play that everyone knows is a bad idea.

And by the time that failure happens, chat has already called it.

MonkaS in Gaming and Esports

Gaming streams are a guaranteed MonkaS spam. When a streamer is playing a horror game and walks into a scary, dark hallway, and we know that something is about to happen, you can see the MonkaS reaction filled the chat, cause we know a jumpscare is about to happen.

• Esports competitions are also a minefield of MonkaS emote.
• A Dota 2 team diving tier 3 towers just to get obliterated.
• A Counter-Strike 2 pro almost winning a 1v4, or a League jungler forcing a terrible fight.

You can see the MonkaS reactions filled the chat. MonkaS emote also shows up during special moments.

Viewers found out the streamer is cheating, while the streamer doesn’t know, a risky joke landing awkwardly, there will always be a chat pause followed by the MonkaS emote filling the silence.

MonkaS and its variations

Throughout, MonkaS has branched out into an entire family of emotes through BetterTTV and FrankerFaceZ. Emotes like MonkaEyes, MonkaThink, MonkaOMEGA, and MonkaW all carry the same core emotion.

Stress. Fear. Dread.

Each version just dials the intensity up or down depending on how bad the situation looks.

MonkaS outside Twitch

Just like any other memes and emotes, MonkaS also grew outside Twitch. It spread like wildfire, on Discord servers, Reddit threads and in comment sections everywhere. Every time something feels tense, nervous, or awkward. You could always see the MonkaS, some reference it without the actual emote.

A new overpowered hero introduced, MonkaS.

A new hero shooter that could rival Marvel Rivals, MonkaS.

Your friend saying trust me bro after seeing a mid Crystal Maiden on YouTube. Immediate MonkaS energy.

We feel it in our everyday lives, and the fear and awkwardness translate even without seeing the actual emote.

Why MonkaS emote is still popular today

The internet easily forgets things; a meme or an emote was used every time and every day, then suddenly we don’t see it anymore. But MonkaS is here to survive because the feeling it represents never goes away.

As long as people watch streamers, there will be moments where everyone knows something bad is about to happen, and we are here to spam the chat with it.

It is simple, visual, and instantly readable. One look at the emote, and you understand the situation. No explanation needed.

Read also: Copium Hopium meaning explained

Final Thoughts

The MonkaS emote’s meaning is a snapshot of modern internet anxiety. It is a shared moment when viewers collectively tense up and brace for impact.

Every live stream is unpredictable, it gets awkward, and sometimes, fearful by nature. The MonkaS emote exists because of those. And as long as people keep watching things unfold in real time, that sweaty frog is not going anywhere.

The post MonkaS emote meaning explained: Why Twitch chat loses its mind when things get tense appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

What does KEKW mean?

KEKW is a Twitch reaction that expresses extremely strong laughter. Whenever a user enters “KEKW” into chat, users with BetterTTV or FrankerFaceZ installed will receive an image of a man laughing very hard.

This is similar to a viewer laughing loudly; however, KEKW is louder and more exaggerated. Unlike a simple “lol,” KEKW is generally reserved for the most exceptional and funniest moments. A gamer can fail in a humorous manner. A streamer may tell a joke that is much better than anticipated. A person can say something so outrageous that the chat cannot resist reacting.

Who is El Risitas, and why is his laugh so famous?

The laughing man that appears in the KEKW emoticon is Juan Joya Borja, also known as El Risitas, a famous Spanish comedian who passed away in 2021. His laugh was recorded during a popular TV episode where he laughed so hard that he couldn’t speak. That raw and unfiltered laugh allowed the episode to quickly go viral.

The laugh appeared in many memes and ultimately found its way to Twitch. El Risitas’ laugh continues to live through the KEKW emoticon.

From there, the laugh became a part of many memes and landed on Twitch. Even if you don’t know what prompted the meme, the moment you see the laughing face, it’s impossible not to laugh along with him. And that is the magic of the KEKW emote.

Credits: YouTube

How did KEKW originate?

Before KEKW existed, there was KEK.

The actual term “KEK” originated from World of Warcraft. Players from opposing factions could not view one another’s chat messages properly. Therefore, when a player from one faction would type “LOL”, players from the opposing faction would see the message translated to “KEK.”

As a result of this quirk, players began to utilize this to their advantage, using “KEK” as a running gag among players. Over time, KEK evolved into a laugh for players online. It grew in popularity and spread throughout the internet, including 9gag, forums, Reddit, Twitter, and eventually Twitch.

KEK has become a global symbol for laughter, particularly among gamers and streamers. KEKW simply built upon the idea of KEK, adding an image to complement the emotion.

KEKW has become extremely popular on Twitch

KEKW took off because of the instant and merciless nature of Twitch humor. When something is funny, there is not enough time to write a sentence, describe a joke, etc. The reaction has to be instantaneous, loud, and clear. KEKW accomplishes that by turning laughter into a visual that overflows the chat and covers up everything else.

Writing “lol” feels like a passive gesture. KEKW feels like you are sitting back in your chair and laughing along with everyone else while they watch. It exaggerates the moment in the same way that Twitch exaggerates every aspect of the experience, from reactions to emotions. The emoticon does not just indicate that something is funny. It indicates that something is funny, loudly.

Another reason KEKW has remained popular is the minimal amount of effort required. There is no need to comprehend the full context in order to participate in the fun. If the chat is spamming KEKW, you already know that something ridiculous occurred. That is the reason why it exploded so quickly after many larger streamers and their communities adopted it.

KEKW usage in gaming & streaming

Gaming streams are unpredictable by nature, which makes them the perfect territory for KEKW. Funny moments rarely come from success. They come from mistakes.

A massive Echo Slam is coming, and it is set up perfectly, but you press it before flashing in to take advantage of it. The spell goes off, nothing happens, and immediately after that, the chat floods with KEKW. Everyone saw it.

In League of Legends, it is the classic flash situation. You panic, flash in place, and immediately get deleted. The play is over before it even starts, and chat is already laughing. KEKW takes over while the streamer stares at the screen in silence.

Valorant has its own version of this pain. You line up the perfect ultimate, peek with full confidence, and get one-tapped before you can even react. The round ends, the replay rolls, and KEKW floods the chat while the streamer mutters about hitboxes and timing.

KEKW is also seen in moments that were never meant to be funny. Glitches are one of the best examples. Anyone who watched streamers try to play Cyberpunk 2077 on launch day remembers it. Characters floating, physics breaking, animations completely falling apart. At some point, chat was nothing but KEKW, because laughter was the only reasonable reaction left.

• Read also: The Best RPG Games to Sink Hundreds of Hours Into

Why KEKW stick around

Typically, internet slang fades after a couple of months. KEKW continues to be used because it is a basic way to describe what most people think about when they see something hilarious happen on live content. It is easy to use and understand. KEKW is much more than just typing “LOL”. Just look at that emote; even though you do not have the complete context of what is happening, it would always make you laugh.

The post KEKW meaning explained: The most iconic laughing emote meme appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

Know your meme: PogChamp explained

The use of the PogChamp meme is meant to signify hype, shock, or amazement. It is the internet’s version of yelling “WOW!” or “that was insane!” in emote or text form. The classic use of PogChamp is in reaction to hype that is happening live on stream, like a clutch play or an unexpected game announcement.

People also use shorter versions like “Poggers” or just “Pog” that gives that same hype vibe without typing the whole word or the emote.

These variations have spread far beyond Twitch and can now be seen across social platforms whenever someone wants to show excitement or big energy.

Origins: Where PogChamp came from

It started way back to 2010, with a YouTube video from Cross CounterTV. Streamer and professional gamer Ryan “Goootecks” Gutierrez reacts with a hilarious goofy face after a cameraman bumps into a tripod. His expression was so meme-worthy that it eventually became a staple emote of internet culture.

Credits: Ryan Gutierrez

Goootecks’ hilarious goofy face became so popular that it was added to Twitch and was called PogChamp. The name comes from “Pog Champion,” a phrase tied to a Pogs promotional video featuring Gootecks winning a game, which was popular with gamers around that time.

By the mid-2010s, the PogChamp emote became one of the most used and iconic emotes on the platform.

Why PogChamp is used on Twitch

The Twitch chat is full of emotions, it’s fast and it gets loud.

The PogChamp emote is perfect for viewers who want to show the hype in moments that words alone cannot capture. Imagine a big tournament match when a player pulls off a crazy clutch. A streamer nails the perfect trick in a speedrun. Something unexpected drops in a trailer. In every case, chat is filled with PogChamp.

This emote can also be used sarcastically, when something unexpectedly goofy or ridiculous happens. Chat loves twisting hype into humor just as much as celebrating achievement.

Pog, Poggers and other variants

Pog, Poggers and other variations eventually followed and branched off from the PogChamp name and the excitement it created and have become their own unique forms of chat slang.

• Pog: Can be considered the base form of the expression for instant hype.
• Poggers: Amplifies the hype level above that of “Pog”.
• PogU: Takes the hype level above that of “Poggers”.
• My Little PogChamp: A fun, playful version of PogChamp, similar to how My Little Pony has been used as a meme.

All these versions were born from chat culture and have evolved to become their own slang beyond Twitch.

What happened to the original PogChamp emote

Twitch pulled the original PogChamp emote of Gootecks’ face after he made an inflammatory public comment. They didn’t want the emote tied to his identity anymore.

Instead of pulling PogChamp, Twitch started using a rotation of faces as a temporary version of the emote. In the end, they let the Twitch community decide what would be the next permanent version of the PogChamp emote. The permanent version ended up being a Komodo Dragon. It’s not perfect at first, but the viewers loved it and the PogChamp meaning remains the same.

Credits: Twitch

PogChamp in gaming and esports

Esports are competitive gaming tournaments designed for the type of PogChamp moments that happen during a match. From clutch plays, insane plays and the “oh my god” moments when you think someone can’t do something and then they do, all those things cause huge waves of PogChamps in chat. When a pro player does something absolutely amazing in the game, everyone is going to react immediately, and universally, with PogChamp.

From non-competitive matches (streamers) to viewing, anyone uses PogChamp for anything great. Beating a boss for the first time. Pulling off a crazy strategy. Glitches that turn into miracles. If it feels like hype, the emote is there.

See also: Copium meaning explained: Why The Internet Can’t Stop Using This Meme

Why PogChamp remains as popular as ever today

Even though PogChamp was affected by many of the changes and dramas at Twitch, and internet trends come and go, PogChamp continues to be important today. It has continued to represent the collective excitement between the viewers and streamers or players for over a decade since it first appeared, and is still one of the most recognizable emotes in chat.

The internet really moves in mysterious ways. It started as a goofy reaction face, now become an iconic face of chat reactions. It survived the changes, the drama, and we’ll definitely lose our minds and spam PogChamp when we see the trailers for Half Life 3 or Bloodborne 2.

The post PogChamp meaning explained: Origins of one of Twitch’s most iconic emotes appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

When does Monster Hunter: Twisted Reflection get released?

Capcom has announced that Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection launches worldwide on March 13, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (Steam).Some regions may see it unlock a day earlier due to time zones, but globally, the release is set for March 13.

Image: Capcom Co. Ltd.

Pre-orders are live on all major platforms, offering early buyers exclusive outfits, a limited Monstie companion, and a special soundtrack pack. Twisted Reflection marks Capcom’s second big release of 2026, arriving after Resident Evil Requiem earlier in the year, making it a strong one-two punch for the publisher.

March 2026 is looking stacked. Alongside Twisted Reflection players can look forward to Crimson Desert and 007: First Light.

Story & setting: Two worlds, one destiny

Twisted Reflection is taking the monster-riding RPG formula we love and dragging it somewhere way darker. The game picks up years after Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin ended, and this time you’re a brand new Rider dealing with something seriously messed up, you’re stuck between the normal world and this creepy shadow version where corrupted Monsties are running wild.

The monsters you fought before have dark, corrupted doubles now. You’ve got to figure out what the hell is causing all this chaos.

You won’t be alone, there will be a mysterious person traveling with you who clearly knows more than they’re letting on. Turns out they’ve got history with the legendary Riders from way back, but good luck getting them to spill the details.

What’s really cool is that Capcom’s actually going deep with this one. We’re talking about heavy stuff the Monster Hunter games usually don’t touch, what it means to live up to a legendary reputation, whether loyalty can become a weakness, and how you stay true to yourself when everything around you is literally a twisted reflection of reality.

Image: Capcom Co. Ltd.

Gameplay & features

While Stories 3 sticks to the beloved turn-based combat system, Capcom is overhauling it with “Dual Bond Battles,” allowing players to team up with a partner Rider in real time to unleash synchronized attacks. The classic Monstie hatching and gene-channeling system also returns, now enhanced with expanded customization and visual flair powered by the RE ENGINE.

Exploration takes center stage once again. The world design encourages players to seamlessly travel between mirrored regions, each filled with rare eggs, mutated monsters, and secrets hidden behind reflective rifts. The dev team describes Twisted Reflection as the most ambitious Stories title yet, both visually and narratively, bridging the series’ RPG charm with the cinematic presentation of mainline Monster Hunter games.

Don’t miss:

• The best RPG games to sink hundreds of hours into
• The best GameCube games that still hold up today

Should you be hyped?

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection might not be for everyone, especially for those expecting the usual hack-and-slash monster hunts the mainline series is known for. Instead, this spinoff takes a slower, story-driven approach, more about building bonds with monsters than carving them up for armor sets. Still, the previous entries, Monster Hunter Stories (2016) and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (2021), proved that Capcom could successfully turn its iconic franchise into a heartfelt JRPG experience.

So, should you be hyped? Absolutely. Twisted Reflection looks to evolve everything that made the first two games special while diving into darker themes and more ambitious gameplay. Either way, the wait won’t be long; Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection officially launches on March 13, 2026.

Featured image: Capcom Co. Ltd.

The post Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection release date: Capcom’s RPG spinoff is back and bigger than ever appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.

Know Your Meme: Copium Meaning

Copium or Hopium, as some call it, comes from the words cope/hope and opium and represents coping so hard that you might as well be hooked on an imaginary drug just to feel better. It is always used in a joking and sarcastic way. No one is actually taking anything. It is a playful jab at someone who refuses to accept reality or is making excuses for a loss or failure.

According to Merriam-Webster, copium is a slang term for denial or rationalization in the face of defeat or failure, presented as a metaphorical drug people take when dealing with losing a game or otherwise being disappointed.

It is just a playful jab at a person or community that refuses to accept reality. When someone says “you’re on copium,” they are basically saying “bro, you’re reaching.”

Where Copium/Hopium Came From

The word’s early roots go back to the 2000s when it appeared as the title of a rap album, but that version had nothing to do with the meme we use today. The internet took the word years later and turned it into a joke about denial. Anonymous forums started using it to roast people who refused to accept something obvious. Meme creators then made images of characters with gas masks, tubes, and tanks labeled Copium. These spread through Reddit, 4chan, and political threads.

The phrase exploded once Twitch communities picked it up. When streamers started reacting to bad plays or wild patch notes with copium jokes, the meme hit mainstream internet culture for good.

Why Gamers Use Copium So Much

Gamers are built for copium. The combination of hype, heartbreak, and pure delusion makes gaming communities the perfect home for the word.

Look at Ubisoft. Every time they tease something new, AC and Far Cry fans start coping hard, convincing themselves this won’t be the same game with a different coat of paint again. The coping gets so strong you can practically hear the Copium tanks hissing.

Then there is the legendary Half Life 3 speculation. Any tiny thing Valve posts sets off a wave of people convincing themselves the sequel is coming. When Valve revealed the “GabeCube” earlier this year, the copium already started building. So when the recent Game Awards rolled in, people were fully convinced this was finally the moment. We all watched, we all hoped, and it never showed up. I even saw someone comment after the show ended, “Half Life 3 after the credits roll.” Man, the copium was unreal.

Bloodborne 2 has the exact same effect. Every PlayStation showcase has at least one person saying “I feel it, boys” and everyone else inhaling imaginary smoke.

It is always just friendly banter. Nobody actually believes these games are confirmed. Laughing about it together is what makes the meme work.

Copium In Esports

Credits: The International

Esports fans probably inhale copium more than anyone. If a team throws a 20,000 gold lead, supporters come up with explanations like “they were saving strats” or “they scale better later.” People in the replies immediately call it copium.

It happens in every game. Dota 2 fans do it during The International every year. League of Legends fans convince themselves their favorite region will win Worlds even after disastrous group stages. Even analysts end up on copium when they try to defend a draft that clearly all went wrong. It is all part of the fun.

The Crypto Copium Pipeline

Crypto might be the most predictable copium generator in modern internet history. When a coin drops by more than half in a week, someone on X will always say “This is normal market movement” or “We’re about to bounce back stronger.” The replies overflow with copium memes.

During harsh bear seasons, entire communities run on nothing but hope and denial. People swear the chart looks bullish even when it obviously doesn’t. It is almost tradition at this point.

How Copium Became Everyday Internet Language

The reason copium spread so fast is simple. Everyone knows the feeling of trying to stay positive even when the situation is doomed. The internet just turned that feeling into a running joke.

The meme also became iconic thanks to visuals. Pepe hooked up to a Copium tank. Wojaks breathing smoke. Twitch emotes showing characters puffing imaginary fumes. These images made it easy to express the idea without typing anything. If someone posts a tank labeled Copium, you instantly understand the vibe.

Final Thoughts

The internet is a strange place and it keeps getting stranger. Between AI filters, brainrot slang like 6-7, hawk tuah, skibiddi and whatever new slang cooks up next, it sometimes feels like we’re getting too old for this. Copium/Hopium is just another piece of that wild ecosystem, a small way for people to laugh at disappointment and turn frustration into something a bit lighter.

The funny thing is the copium meaning will probably stick around far into the future. Merriam-Webster already has it listed, which means this joke of a word officially graduated from meme status into real vocabulary. If that doesn’t sum up the internet growing up in the weirdest way possible, nothing will.

The post Copium Meaning: Why The Internet Can’t Stop Using This Meme appeared first on EsportsBetting.com.