Nevada-based sports and esports nutrition company GHOST announced Thursday that it has signed a multiyear partnership with global health and wellness brand GNC.  

Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed. 

Under the terms of the new deal, GHOST Gamer has been named “official esports partner of GNC,” making it the exclusive vendor of esports lifestyle products for the company. GHOST Gamer products featuring flavors from partner brands such as Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, and Sonic Drive-In fast food chains will also be sold at GNC retail locations.  

“Authenticity as you know is super important in this category,” GHOST CEO Daniel Lourenco told The Esports Observer. “GNC doesn’t know anything about gaming, so they’re exclusively leaning on GHOST to bring them into the world of esports. I think the timing is right as gamers are not only looking for products like GHOST Gamer and Energy, but many are starting to care about overall health/fitness and looking for proteins (Ctrl good example), vitamins, etc. GNC carries the full Ghost range and has since launch in 2016.” 

Lourenco added that GHOST Gamer is working with GNC on some activations such as contests and giveaways, as well as planning some future events. 

GHOST signed a two-year partnership with gaming lifestyle company XSET in August of last year, which included jersey sponsorship, a limited edition XSET flavor, a merchandise line, and a content collaboration. It also sponsors several content creators and streamers. GNC has dabbled in esports in the past; in December of 2018 it partnered with U.S.-based World of Warcraft raiding guild Limit for a one-off sponsorship deal. 

GNC, a brand of Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturer Harbin Pharmaceutical Group, claims more than 4,800 retail locations throughout the United States (including franchises and store-in-store operations with partners) as well as franchise operations in 46 international markets. 

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Source: https://esportsobserver.com/gnc-ghost-esports-partner/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gnc-ghost-esports-partner

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Source: https://www.talkesport.com/mobile-gaming/garena-free-fire/free-fire-world-series-apk-download-for-android/

New patch makes flop heroes a hit.

Valve recently launched the 7.29 patch, which was a major overhaul to the game. The update included changes to the map, items, general mechanics and balancing updates to heroes. Some changes have transformed heroes from being a poor pick to dominating in the current meta. We look at the most interesting examples in the mid lane.

Huskar

Huskar had a very rough time before the 7.29 patch. The hero had a win rate of approximately 48%, but the new buffs to the hero saw positive growth of 6-7%. Huskar received a buff to his strength gain. They also changed Inner Fire with shard upgrade, now letting Huskar cast the ability while disabled. One of the hero’s main abilities, Burning Spear, also received a buff as it now costs less HP. These fresh changes along with a mini buff to the Armlet of Mordiggian catapulted Huskar’s win rate.

Common items for Huskar mid are Power Treads, Armlet, Sange and Yasha and Black King Bar. Late game extension items include Heaven’s Halberd, Satanic and other situational items.

Gameplay wise Huskar dominates the laning phase against most mid lane heroes. Players should look to farm a fast Armlet and continue snowballing into the mid-game. The aim is to end the game before the hero falls off or things get complicated in the late game. It is best to get an early Aegis with the help of the Armlet and force fights to take objectives.

Medusa

Medusa had a 48.5% win rate before the 7.29 patch. However, buffs to the hero have resulted in around a 5% increase to her win rate. Her base HP regen was increased along with a change in Mana Shield ability, which now provides +100/150/200/250 mana on respective levels. They also rescaled mystic Snake Scepter bounce, which turns the enemy into stone for a longer period.

Core items of Medusa include Power Treads, Manta Style, Eye of Skadi, Butterfly and other situational items. An Aghanim’s Scepter pick-up in mid-game is also quite strong on the hero.

Gameplay style of Medusa rotates around farming in the early phases. As a mid laner, Medusa lacks mobility and is very susceptible to ganks. It is wise to farm the mid-wave fast with help of Mystic Snake and Split Shot and then move over to side camps. It is noteworthy that Medusa is quite ineffective as a mid laner at higher MMRs. Starting mostly at Divine and Immortal brackets, it is best to play her in the safe lane.

Meepo

Valve generously buffed Meepo in the 7.29 patch, prior to which the hero had a poor 48% win rate. His win rate has now climbed to a healthy 53%. With the many changes to Meepo, the hero seems great in the right hands. General items on Meepo include Power Treads, Dragon Lance, Ethereal Blade, Eye of Skadi and Scythe of Vyse.

Similar to Huskar, Meepo needs to end games before the 35-minute-mark. The hero just doesn’t feel strong in the late game. Players need to farm and clear neutral camps fast in the early game. An early Aegis enables Meepo to force bad fights for the enemy team and take objectives fast.

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Source: https://estnn.com/dota-2-top-mid-heroes-of-patch-7-29/

The band is back together.

The niche esports organization known as ENDLESS is making waves and signing outstanding players in the competitive Fortnite Battle Royale scene. Previously named vsBANDITS, the North American-based esports team rebranded in January 2021 before acquiring several competitors. Fortnite World Cup Finalist Malachi “Reverse2k” Greiner joined ENDLESS shortly after his Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) teammate Deyy. With two-thirds of their trio in the same organization, it was only a matter of time before the final piece fell into place. Today, ENDLESS announced the signing of FNCS Chapter 2 – Season 4 winner Mero, and the entire squad represents the same brand once again.

Also Read: Team Liquid Signs Scoped to Roster 

Mero Completes the Trifecta

Introducing ENDLESS @MeroFN! ♾ pic.twitter.com/qALcpBVTbu

— ENDLESS (@ENDL8SS) April 14, 2021

The former Team New Age turned XTRA Gaming member had a volatile year. Mero broke out as arguably one of last year’s most impressive controller players. While on Team New Age, he and long-time teammates Reverse2k and Deyy collected their first Axe of Champions in FNCS Chapter 2 – Season 4. Though the three players split from one another briefly and then left Team New Age, they rejoined together and finished fourth in FNCS Chapter 2 – Season 5 as members of different esports teams. ENDLESS welcomed Mero with an impressive highlight reel.

Also Read: Fortnite World Cup Winner Nyhrox Joins Red Bull Gaming 

The Pursuit of Supremacy

Congrats

— ENDLESS DEYY (@DeyyFN) April 14, 2021

The stars have all aligned for Mero, Reverse2k and Deyy as they seek their second FNCS Championship in two seasons. Their victory in Season 5 seemed out of nowhere, but they consistently showed up in almost every tournament during those three months. Mero also found success in Solo Cash Cups on top of a DreamHack Open victory with Jonathan “Calc” Weber. There’s a lot to like about this player as he and his teammates look etch further etch themselves in the competitive Fortnite history books. The fact that all three are under the same banner makes it even more intriguing.

Featured Image: ENDLESS

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Source: https://estnn.com/fortnite-mero-joins-fncs-winning-teammates-on-endless/