We have prepared a digest of the key esports news for Players readers for June 19, 2026.
IEM Cologne Major 2026 Sets a New Peak Viewership Record in CS2 History
- Analytics company Esports Charts reported that the quarterfinal match between Spirit and G2 at IEM Cologne Major 2026 in CS2 was watched by 2,044,763 concurrent viewers. This marks a new all-time peak viewership record in the history of Counter-Strike 2.
ESIC Prepares a New Wave of Disqualifications in CS2 — Former Players Will Also Be Banned
- Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) Commissioner Ian Smith announced major sanctions against rule violators on the professional Counter-Strike scene in an interview with pley.gg.
Two Ukrainians Will Compete at ENC 2026 Chess Tournament
- Two Ukrainian players have qualified for the international national team chess tournament, which will take place at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC).
Riot Games Reveals Details of the Open VCT 2027 Format and Financial Support for Teams
- The updated format will completely eliminate the traditional regular league system, replacing it with open qualifiers and Cup tournaments. The developers also detailed the role of partnered teams within the new ecosystem and announced significant financial support for independent organizations.
Activision Confirms That Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 Re-Releases Will Be Ports, Not Remasters
- Activision has tempered fans' expectations by confirming that the planned release of the iconic shooters Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 next month will come in the form of direct ports rather than full-fledged remasters.