Hot Takes
Analysis, debate and the occasional howler- Hot Takes is the home of esports conversation. Join the Hotspawn team as they tackle the biggest stories across CS2, VALORANT, League of Legends and more. From breaking news to patches to stories from the biggest tournaments in the esports calendar, tune in every week and keep up to date on the latest Tier 1 news.
VALYN TO FNATIC?! / VIT Jawgemo? / M8 Boaster / G2 Hyunmin / KRU Wins GCC 2026 - Hot Takes ep. 131
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Zahk, and Luca discuss KRĂś Blaze historic win at the Game Changers Championship 2026, as well as the rollback of the controversial VCT EMEA open qualifier format.
Then, the group tackles the ongoing rostermania, covering rumours transfers in VCT Americas, VCT EMEA, and VCT Pacific. Those rumours include G2 signing Hyunmin, Team Vitality signing jawgemo, Fnatic building a superteam with valyn as IGL, and Gentle Mates snatching Alfajer and Boaster.
00:00:00 - KRĂś Blaze wins GCC 2026
00:11:42 - VCT EMEA open qualifier format drama
00:17:55 - EMEA roster rumours
00:58:35...
KC CAN BEAT T1? / Gen.G Will Smash LYON! / BLG Eliminates HLE / TES vs IG - Hot Takes ep. 130
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee and Davide are joined by  @cloudsidky to discuss the latest from Worlds 2026. The trio go through the final Swiss results, including LYON Gaming's tight win over LOS and the fallout after Inspired and Saint flipped each other off after the game, as well as Karmine Corp's win over rivals Movistar KOI and Ibai's choice comments before the match.
Then the team looked towards the knockouts, discussing the mathcups between Bilibili Gaming and Dplus KIA, KCorp versus T1, Top Esports and Invictus Gaming, and Gen.G versus LYON.
Finally, t...
LEC IN TROUBLE? / G2 Going Out? / TL Eliminates AL! / MKOI Surprise / LCK On Top - Hot Takes ep. 129
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Davide and guest Ethan discuss the latest from the Worlds 2026 group stage, including the struggles of LEC sides G2 Esports, and Karmine Corp, contrasted with Movistar KOI's impressive start.
The trio also discuss the dominance of LCK teams Gen.G, Dplus KIA, T1, and Hanwha Life Esports, as well as the quick exit of Anyone's Legend and the chances of the other LPL representatives: Bilibili Gaming, Top Esports, and Invictus Gaming.
Finally, they go through Team Liquid's incredible 2-0 win against AL, knocking out the LPL first seed...
LOUD WINS VALORANT CHAMPIONS 2026! / VCT 2027 Partner Teams Confirmed - Hot Takes ep. 128
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Zahk, and Luca bring to a close their VALORANT Champions Shanghai coverage after LOUD became the first two-time Champs winners with their finals victory over Team Vitality.
The trio discusses the final, which saw the inspirational erde crowned MVP, and what the loss means for Vitality's superteam moving forward. Finally, the group talks through the VCT 2027 partner team news after each region's eight teams were recently revealed.
00:00:00 - Vitality's superteam
00:05:32 - LOUD wins Champs Shanghai!
00:13:39 - G2 & 100 Thieves
00:26:40 - Pre-event predictions review
00:30:33 - Opening...
RIGGED SWISS DRAW?! / KC Through Worlds 2026 Play-Ins / New KDA Song Sucks? - Hot Takes ep. 127
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss Karmine Corp's successful play-ins run at the 2026 World Championship that saw them beat Cloud9 and MVK Esports to reach the main event.
The trio also discuss the Swiss stage draw, which has controversially seen G2, KCorp, and MKOI drawn against Dplus KIA, Anyone's Legend, and Bilibili Gaming respectively. Meanwhile, NA have been given a much kinder draw, with Team Liquid facing CFO and LYON Gaming facing Team Secret Whales.
Finally, the group gives their thoughts on the new K/DA song FIRESTARTER, and stack...
CHAMPS FINAL 4! / G2 Last Dance / LOUD Fearless / 100T Unshakeable / VIT Insane - Hot Takes ep. 126
In the latest episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Zahk, and Luca preview the finals weekend of VALORANT Champions Shanghai, including who they think will win the tournament between G2 Esports, LOUD, 100 Thieves, and Team Vitality.
The trio also look at the eliminations of Paper Rex, T1, Nongshim RedForce, and NRG, and guess as to what changes could come for those four.
00:00:00 - What's wrong with PRX?
00:09:19 - G2's final chance
00:19:15 - NRG's underwhelming season
00:23:02 - T1 & Nongshim out
00:26:29 - 100 Thieves still favourites?
00:34:15 - LOUD's huge momentum
00:40:50 - Vitality...
WORLDS 2026 POWER RANKINGS! / G2 to Semis?! / Gen.G Finally Winning? - Hot Takes ep. 125
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee and Davide are joined by guests Ethan Cohen and Paul Arrive to figure out their World Championship 2026 power rankings. The group talks through the title chances of Gen.G, Bilibili Gaming, Hanwha Life Esports, and T1, as well as discussing why a top four finish is required for G2 Esports.
They also discuss the likelihood of deep runs from teams like Anyone's Legend, Dplus KIA, Top Esports, Team Liquid, Invictus Gaming, LYON Gaming, Karmine Corp, Cloud9, and Movistar KOI.
00:00:00 - 16th - 19th
00:08:07 - 12th - 15th<...
WORLDS VISA ISSUES? / TL Wins LCS! / Demacia Cup / Riot Killing VODs? - Hot Takes ep. 123
In the latest episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the latest LoLEsports news, including the visa issues facing some Worlds 2026 representatives, which have seen Top Esports draft in 369 to replace Zuian.
The trio also discuss the latest updates in the Demacia Cup, which has seen Team Vitality reach the knockout stage, as well as the LCS finals in which Team Liquid were crowned champions after a finals win over LYON Gaming.
Finally, the group discuss the controversial in-game change to prevent players from viewing replays of other players and the potential knock-on...
ESL Pro League and Thunderpick World Championship! - Hot Takes Counter-Strike Edition
Dan and Sophie are back with another episode of Hot Takes all about ESL Pro League and building the hype for Thunderpick World Championship!
0:00- Intro
2:32 - Astralis Wins Stake Ranked
10:16 - Navi, G2, FaZe ESL
13:25 - Spirit, PARIVISION, MOUZ ESL
16:31 - Vitality, Falcons ESL
24:28 - Donk glazing interlude
27:02 - Thunderpick World Championship Hype
30:45 - FURIA or Falcons?
36:14 - Legacy + arTÂ
37:45 - 9z
41:30 - End of pod chaos
CHINA ELIMINATED! / Americas Best Region? / VALORANT Champions Shanghai Playoffs - Hot Takes ep. 122
In this Hot Takes episode, Lee, Zahk, and Luca catch up on the latest action at VALORANT Champions 2026. The trio discuss the abysmal runs of VCT China teams, with each finishing at the bottom of their respective groups, and give their thoughts on potential seeding changes as a result of the region's performance.
The group also looks at those that made it and judge their playoffs chances, detailing the matchups between 100 Thieves and G2 Esports, Team Vitality and Nongshim Redforce, NRG and T1, and Paper Rex and LOUD.
Finally, the trio give their thoughts on...
WORLDS ANTHEM!? / DYING ELRs BETTER THAN LCK CL? / Demacia Cup / LCS Finals - Hot Takes ep. 121
In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the latest LoLEsports news, including the impressive results (so far) of the ERL teams competing at the World Star Challengers Invitational (WSCI). This leads to a longer talk about the current state of Europe's Regional Leagues and their current decline.
Additionally, the trio preview the upcoming Demacia Cup, including the chances of LEC teams Team Vitality and NAVI, and the likelihood of a KT Rolster trophy. Finally, the group looks at the upcoming LCS and CBLOL finals weekends.
00:00:00 - True Damage Worlds anthem
00:11:45...
CHAMPS SHANGHAI PREVIEW! / 100T Favourites? / G2's Last Dance / Alfajer To M8?! - Hot Takes ep. 120
In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Zahk, and Luca preview the upcoming VALORANT Champions Shanghai. The trio run through Hotspawn's power rankings for the event, including who among 100 Thieves, Paper Rex, Karmine Corp, and Nongshim RedForce are tournament favourites.
The trio also discussed the chances of G2 Esports after rumoured roster changes that will see k1ngg and Sato join from Leviatan, and valyn depart to LYON. The team also talked through the roster leaks of Gentle Mates potentially signing Alfajer from Fnatic and kaplan from M80 as head coach.
Finally, the team give...
G2 WINS LEC! / MKOI SMASH KC!? / Hans Sama vs Caliste / LEC Versus Scrapped - Hot Takes ep. 119
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the LEC Summer Finals weekend, which saw Movistar KOI eliminate NAVI to gain the final Worlds slot, before going on to smash Karmine Corp in a huge upset. Then, G2 bested MKOI in a grand final which cemented them, once again, as kings of EU.
Elsewhere, the trio discuss the confirmation that LEC Versus will not return next year and the subsequent fallout of commissioner Artem Bykov's comments about "great developments" in tier two. Additionally, they talk through Jojopyun re-signing at MKOI and the latest World...
TPWC Teams Announced / FISSURE Playground / StarLadder StarSeries - Hot Takes Counter-Strike Edition
Dan and Sophie are back again with more Counter-Strike news! This week, the Thunderpick World Championship teams were announced, Legacy continued their run of wins in China and the StarLadder StarSeries is due to begin!
T1 TURMOIL? / NAVI & MKOI To Nice! / Gen.G Win LCK / AL Win LPL / Bin Inted BLG? - Hot Takes ep. 117
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the latest LoLEsports news, including the rumoured backroom turmoil at T1 as SK Telecom and Comcast fight for power over the org.
They also talk through T1's third-place LCK finish, and Hanwha Life Esports ending runners-up after being beaten in the grand finals by Gen.G as the latter found form at the perfect time this season.
In the LPL, they discuss the finals weekend which saw Anyone's Legend upset Bilibili Gaming to win 3-1, and give their thoughts on the likelihood that...
KEY 2027 CHANGES! / BOASTER FREE AGENT?! / Stage 2 Winners / Who Missed Champs? - Hot Takes ep. 116
In the latest episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Zahk, and Luca break down the finales of Stage 2 competitions. That included the amazing win from 100 Thieves in SĂŁo Paulo against home favourites LOUD, Global Esports upsetting Nongshim RedForce in Busan, Karmine Corp completing their incredible turnaround against Team Liquid in Barcelona, and TYLOO seeing their fortunes change following the arrival of SiuFatBB mid-season.
The trio also discussed the open qualifier details recently revealed as part of the VCT 2027 circuit reset, and the newly announced regions and the effect this will have on roster building. On that topic, t...
G2 BALD BUFF! / KC Stumble? / MSI Valencia / LCK Final Three / TheShy Is Back! - Hot Takes ep. 115
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the LEC Madrid roadshow, including G2 Esports winning against Karmine Corp to reach the Summer final, while KC secured a place at the 2026 World Championship. The trio also talked through the playoffs chances of Movistar KOI, GIANTX, NAVI, and Team Vitality.
In Korea, they look into the ongoing LCK playoffs, where one of the remaining Gen.G, T1, or Hanwha Life Esports will soon be crowned season winners. In the LPL, Bilibili Gaming remain clear favourites to win Split 3, but eyes are on a resurgence from...
Team Spirit Wins BLAST Open Porto / FISSURE Playground #3 - Hot Takes Counter-Strike Edition
Team Spirit proved themselves against MOUZ in the BLAST Open Porto grand finals and FISSURE Playground #3 gets started.
Time stamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:14 - MOUZ v Vitality
05:58 - Post-final goofiness
09:46 - Grand final analysis
21:18 - Current state of the scene
22:21 - State of Vitality
26:49 - Small LANs + lineup changes
35:13 - FISSURE prize money issuesÂ
BLAST Open Porto Playoffs - Hot Takes Counter Strike Edition
It's almost time for the BLAST Open Porto playoffs! This week, Dan and Sophie
Time stamps:
0:00 - Intro
01:09 - Blast Porto Chat
03:06 - NaVi
10:01 - G2 + Aurora
13:56 - Spirit + Furia
20:47 - Spirit Interview Experience
26:43 - Vitality featuring jL
33:32 NatTea being some of the best esports talent
37:22 Who plays against MOUZ?
LEC WORLDS TEAMS? / Vitality Third Seed? / Who Does FNC Keep? / MKOI Worries - Hot Takes ep. 112
In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee and Davide are rejoined by Ethan for an LEC playoffs preview. The trio discuss the Worlds hopes of Karmine Corp and G2 Esports, as well as the chances of GIANTX, NAVI, Team Vitalit, and Movistar KOI of securing a seed at the 2026 World Championship.
They also look into Fnatic's failure to qualify for Worlds for the first time in eight years, and discuss which parts of the roster, coaching staff, and management need to make way for a change in fortunes.
Finally, the group dives into the LCK...
Spirit won EWC / BLAST Open Porto - Hot Takes Counter-Strike Edition
This week, Dan catches Sophie up on everything Esports World Cup and Team Spirit's win before BLAST Open Porto begins
FNATIC TO WORLDS?! / MKOI Doomed? / LEC Playoffs Chances / Caps Skins & Ceremony - Hot Takes ep. 110
In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Davide, and Luca dive into the latest LEC action, including which of Fnatic, NAVI, Movistar KOI, and SK Gaming will secure the final playoffs spots.
The trio also look into the upswing in form for GIANTX, the necessary rebuild for Shifters after comments from Striker and nuc, and what could be going wrong with MKOI.
Finally, the group also discuss the now-confirmed Tristana and Orianna skins chosen for Caps as he enters the Hall of Legends, and Davide gives behind-the-scenes insights into the Berlin ceremony that he was...
ENC POSTPONED! / Fnatic Are Back?! / Vladi Comeback / Gen.G First / BLG Slipping - Hot Takes ep. 109
In this episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the sudden announcement of the postponement of the Esports World Cup; no longer taking place this November in Riyadh.
The trio also catch up on the LEC, including Fnatic's win against G2 Esports and the turnaround in form for mid laner Vladi, as well as KC's potential perfect split, and the fight for playoff places.
Then, the group heads east to discuss Gen.G's return to the top of the LCK and if their stranglehold on the lead is returning, while BLG's stranglehold on...
Can Vitality And MOUZ recover in time for EWC playoffs? - Hot Takes Counter Strike Edition
Dan and Sophie are back with another episode! This time, Dan catches Sophie up on all the goings on at the Esports World Cup Counter-Strike group stage.Â
CAPS INDUCTED INTO HALL OF LEGENDS! / Who's Next? / Correct Timing For Caps? - Hot Takes ep. 107
In this special episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss Caps' entry into the coveted Hall of Legends. The 2019 Mid-Season Invitational winner and MVP, and two-time World Championship finalist, is the third inductee after Faker and Uzi.
The trio discuss his achievements and highlight their favourite moments from the player, while also looking into who could be next and giving their thoughts on the controversial timing of Caps' addition.
00:00:00 - Caps inducted into Hall of Legends
00:01:50 - Favourite Caps moments
00:13:30 - Tristana and Sylas skins
00:19:01 - Champs Caps has played...
MKOI MISSING MADRID?! / Oner Subbed! /Fnatic 0-9? / Perkz Insights / BLG Flandre - Hot Takes ep. 106
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the latest LEC updates, including the low chances for Movistar KOI to qualify for their own Madrid roadshow, the likelihood that Fnatic ends the LEC Summer split winless, and the insights gained from new G2 Esports head coach Perkz in his recent on-stream interview with Jankos.
The trio also discuss the latest in the LCK title race, including who between Hanwha Life Esports, T1, Gen.G, and Dplus KIA are currently the in-form team. Over in the LPL, they talk through Bilibili Gaming's signing of Flandre...
FNATIC DOWNFALL?! / FURIA Drama! / Pacific Bug Embarrassment / Play-Ins Updates - Hot Takes ep. 105
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee and Zahk round up the latest news from the VALORANT Champions Tour, including VCT Stage 2 groups and play-ins updates across leagues.
In VCT Americas, the duo discussed the simultaneous drama surrounding FURIA and koalanoob's now-infamous interview, as well as delayed fallout from Inspire's benching by ENVY.
The two also talk through the latest in VCT EMEA, including Enterprise Esports' surprise victory over Fnatic, and the issues the latter will face rebuilding for 2027 if things do not turn around this season.
In VCT Pacific, the pair go...
BLAST Bounty Upsets / Hotspawn Is Hosting a CS2 LAN! / - Hot Takes ep. 104
Dan and Sophie are back with another episode of Hot Takes talking all things BLAST Bounty finals where Team Spirit did in fact try to play some Counter Strike.
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.
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DK WORLD'S BEST? / MKOI Peaked? / KC On Fire! / FNC Hopeless / LCS 2-Team League - Hot Takes ep. 103
In the latest Hot Takes League of Legends episode, Lee, Davide, and Luca catch up on the latest LoLEsports action around the globe.
The trio discussed Karmine Corp's great start to Summer, contrasted against rivals Movstar KOI struggling in the Paris roadshow. They also discussed the rest of the LEC results, including G2 in the Perkz era, the lack of hope for Fnatic, SK Gaming, and Team Heretics, and what to expect from Team Vitality and GIANTX.
In other regions, the group update on the LCS and its current two-team league status as LYON Gaming...
BLAST Bounty Upsets / Hotspawn Is Hosting a CS2 LAN! / - Hot Takes ep. 102
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See our content across all different platforms, follow us for our CS and Dota 2 content on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.
BLAST Bounty Returns / Hotspawn's First Ever Event! / TPWC EU Series 2 Teams / - Hot Takes ep. 101
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.
See our content across all different platforms, follow us for our CS and Dota 2 content on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.
AURORA GO INTERNATIONAL?! / CS2 Rostermania Special / TPWC South America S2! / - Hot Takes ep. 100
It's time to talk all things rostermania, with more from the recent round of Thunderpick World Championship 2026 matches! | 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.
See our content across all different platforms, follow us for our CS and Dota 2 content on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.
PERKZ HEAD COACH?! / Dylan Falco Benched / HLE Wins MSI / BLG Golden Road Failed - Hot Takes ep. 99
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the gripping finish to the Mid-Season Invitational that saw Hanwha Life emerge victorious following a 3-2 belter versus Bilibili Gaming.Â
Earlier in the tournament, LYON Gaming eliminated G2 Esports, triggering the latter into a coaching change with Dylan Falco benched to make way for G2 legend Perkz to become the new head coach.
Stories discussed:
https://www.hotspawn.com/league-of-legends/news/hanwha-life-esports-msi-champion
https://www.hotspawn.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-dylan-falco-perkz
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:15 - HLE beats BLG in MSI final
G2 ELIMINATED T1! / Top 4 Secured / G2 vs LYON / HLE vs BLG - Hot Takes ep. 98
In this emergency episode of Hot Takes — the first of its kind — Lee, Davide, and Luca discuss the stunning 3-1 by G2 Esports to eliminate world champions T1 from the Mid-Season Invitational. The trio dive into the series, including BrokenBlade's best-ever performance, and a pentakill from Peyz in the series' final match.
They also look to the remainder of the tournament, including G2's chances at a top three with their next matchup against LYON Gaming. The winner of that will face either Bilibili Gaming or Hanwha Life Esports in the lower bracket final on Saturday.
...
KC DISASTER! / T1 Insane / TL Solid / BLG vs T1! / G2 Hopes / MSI Play-Ins Recap - Hot Takes ep. 96
In the latest episode of Hot Takes, Lee, Davide, and Luca recap the Mid-Season Invitational Play-Ins stage, with a focus on Karmine Corp's disastrous elimination to Team Liquid. They also discuss TL's admirable run, which ended at the hands of T1 - the clear strongest team in this phase.
The trio also look ahead to the bracket, including Bilibili Gaming versus T1, G2 Esports' hopes against Top Esports, Hanwha Life Esports being heavy favourites against Team Secret Whales, and the all-Americas clash between LYON Gaming and FURIA.
Storied discussed:
https://www.hotspawn.com/league-of-legends...
Post Major Roster Shuffle / TPWC South America Series 1 - Hot Takes Counter Strike
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.
NiKo got his Major / -Overpass +Cache - Hot Takes Counter-Strike Edition
Dan and Sophie are back from Cologne to discuss all things playoffs weekend!
MSI POWER RANKINGS! / BLG, HLE or T1 Favourites? / Caps Top 5 Mid? / Lane Rankings - Hot Takes ep.93
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Davide, and special guest Armand Luque preview the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational in Daejeon, South Korea. The trio discuss their team rankings, including whether Bilibili Gaming, Hanwha Life Esports, or T1 are favourites, and black sheep Top Esports' chances at avoiding their international curse.
The trio also talk through the chances of western representatives G2 Esports, Karmine Corp, LYON Gaming, Team Liquid, and FURIA, as well as the LCP sides heading to the tournament.
Finally, the group decided on their lane rankings, creating a top five players list for...
Live at IEM Cologne Major! / Media day / Playoffs brackets - Hot Takes Counter-Strike Edition
Dan and Sophie are in the same room for once! Here at the IEM Cologne Major playoffs, they get into media day, brackets, predictions, roster changes and more.Â
MASTERS LONDON FINALS! / PRX vs EDG / LEV On Fire / VIT Superteam / WTF G2? - Hot Takes ep. 91
In the latest Hot Takes episode, Lee, Zahk, and guest Zhobiii preview the VALORANT Masters London finals weekend, including the upper bracket clash between heavyweights EDward Gaming and Paper Rex. The trio also talked through the lower bracket game between Leviatan and Team Vitality, as well as the runs of other teams like G2, Team Heretics, Xi Lai Gaming, FUT Esports, and more.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:09 - NRG
00:06:36 - Leviatan
00:13:33 - Global Esports
00:18:50 - FULL SENSE
00:22:14 - G2 Esports poor
00:38:16 - Xi Lai Gaming exceed expectations
00:44:20 - FUT Esports & s0pp<...
