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Endemol Beyond USA launches digital eSports & gaming network
MUMBAI: Endemol Shine North America’s premium content network Endemol Beyond USA is set to launch its new eSports & gaming Smasher Network with the debut of its flagship series Legends of Gaming hosted by Toby Turner.
The network has unveiled seven new original series including Rule’m Sports, based on the hit UK series and hosted by YouTube star Jesse Wellens.
Smasher Network marks the second digital-first network from Endemol Beyond USA, following the launch of ICON, the premium global lifestyle network creatively led by digital pioneer Michelle Phan that is launching in 11 territories globally.
Smasher Network will be available across more than 20 platforms, including YouTube, Roku, TiVo, DailyMotion, Amazon Fire TV, Verizon go90, Vessel and also at Endemol Beyond USA’s OTT platform GetBeyond.US.
In addition to Rule’m Sports, new series set to launch on Smasher Network include: Game Fame, We’re in the Game,Fantasy League, Pro v Pro, and Smashed Up.
Endemol Beyond USA interim president and COO Adrian Sexton said, “eSports is trending globally and we’re excited to be at the tipping point with ‘Legends of Gaming’ hosted by the mega-talented Toby Turner. Our premium networks’ strategy, starting with ICON Network and Michelle Phan, and now heading into Smasher with eSports and gaming, puts us right in the middle of one of the most passionate and intense fan bases in digital. Game on!”
Endemol Beyond USA is producing over 100 videos for Legends of Gaming, with 37 episodes of the premiere series hosted by YouTube sensation Toby Turner (aka Tobuscus). Pizza Hut is on board as the principal integration partner, as well as sponsors Razer and iBuyPower, who outfitted the stage with top-of-the-line equipment and custom gaming systems for the Legends. In addition, Endemol Beyond USA is producing another 37 segments of Legends of Gaming: Game Play showing the complete competition; and 37 companion pieces entitled Legends of Gaming: Bloopers and Outtakes, which gives fans an inside look at the antics that were a part of each episode. There will be cast profiles, win/fail videos and recaps, as well. Legends videos will post seven days a week on YouTube, across five months from 7 October through February 2016.
Legends of Gaming is based on the Endemol Beyond UK format of the same name, which launched in 2014 and is currently in its second season. The US version follows four teams of two gamers who are coached by some of the biggest names in the gaming industry.
Legends talent roster collectively represents 57 million subscribers and followers and over 7.3 billion lifetime views across YouTube and other social media platforms. Coaches include Fatal1ty, Perfect Legend, HotShotGG and Hafu. Contestants include gamers The Jovenshire, Syndicate, Terroriser, TmarTn, OMGitsfirefoxx, iiJERiiCHOii, Lui Calibre and runJDrun.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
