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U.S. House staff banned from using WhatsApp

U.S. House staff banned from using WhatsApp

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U.S. House of Representatives staff have reportedly been banned from using WhatsApp. Axios reports that the House’s chief administrative officer informed employees on Monday that Meta’s messaging app is now prohibited, citing security concerns.

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Here’s why you’re about to see more ads on WhatsApp

“The Office of Cybersecurity has deemed WhatsApp a high-risk to users due to the lack of transparency in how it protects user data, absence of stored data encryption, and potential security risks involved with its use,” the chief administrative officer wrote in an email sighted by Axios.

As such, House staff are now prohibited from having WhatsApp on any government device, or even accessing its browser version on such devices. Instead, they’re being directed to alternatives such as Signal, Microsoft Teams, Amazon’s Wickr, or Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime.

Responding to the issue on X, Meta’s communications director Andy Stone refuted such security concerns, claiming that members of the House and Senate both regularly use WhatApp.

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“Messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted by default, meaning only the recipients and not even WhatsApp can see them,” Stone wrote. “This is a higher level of security than most of the apps on the CAO’s approved list that do not offer that protection.”

End-to-end encryption is a security measure which scrambles messages so they can only be deciphered by your intended recipient. Signal’s end-to-end encryption is always enabled, which has helped it earn its reputation for being focused on privacy. iMessage, FaceTime and Wickr also appear to have this encryption on by default. The exception is Microsoft Teams, as users must enable its end-to-end encryption.

When reached for comment by Mashable, Meta reiterated Stone’s statement.

Security concerns regarding apps used by government employees are nothing new. States such as New York and Texas have previously banned DeepSeek’s AI app from government devices in several, while TikTok was banned from all federal devices in early 2023.



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BMPS 2026 Grand Finals began in Jaipur, GodLike Esports weren’t the obvious favorites. Teams like Divine Gaming, Reckoning Esports, Nebula Esports, and Victoris Sumus had all looked stronger at different stages of the tournament. Yet 18 matches later, it was GodLike lifting the trophy, claiming a share of the ₹4 crore prize pool, and securing India’s direct slot at the Esports World Cup in Paris.

What makes GodLike’s championship run so impressive is that it wasn’t built on domination. They didn’t top Day 1. They weren’t the biggest story on Day 2. They didn’t collect an absurd number of chicken dinners. Instead, they won BMPS 2026 through something far more valuable in battle royale esports: consistency.

While nearly every title contender suffered a disastrous stretch at some point during the Grand Finals, GodLike remained competitive from start to finish. Their ability to avoid costly mistakes, win critical fights against direct rivals, and consistently put themselves in strong positions ultimately made the difference.

GodLike Never Had A Bad Day

How GodLike Won BMPS 2026 Grand Finals And Secured A Spot At The Esports World Cup When the BMPS 2026 Grand Finals began in Jaipur, GodLike Esports weren’t the obvious favorites. Teams like Divine Gaming, Reckoning Esports, Nebula Esports, and Victoris Sumus had all looked stronger at different stages of the tournament. Yet 18 matches later, it was GodLike lifting the trophy, claiming a share of the ₹4 crore prize pool, and securing India’s direct slot at the Esports World Cup in Paris. What makes GodLike’s championship run so impressive is that it wasn’t built on domination. They didn’t top Day 1. They weren’t the biggest story on Day 2. They didn’t collect an absurd number of chicken dinners. Instead, they won BMPS 2026 through something far more valuable in battle royale esports: consistency. While nearly every title contender suffered a disastrous stretch at some point during the Grand Finals, GodLike remained competitive from start to finish. Their ability to avoid costly mistakes, win critical fights against direct rivals, and consistently put themselves in strong positions ultimately made the difference. GodLike Never Had A Bad Day Battle royale tournaments are often decided by who avoids disaster rather than who produces the most highlights. That was certainly true in Jaipur. Divine Gaming dominated much of the opening two days but struggled to maintain the same level on Championship Sunday. Victoris Sumus exploded into contention with several standout performances before losing momentum when it mattered most. God’s Reign mounted an incredible comeback but left itself too much work to do after a slow start. SouL spent most of Day 1 fighting simply to stay relevant. GodLike, meanwhile, never experienced that kind of collapse. They weren’t always the highest-scoring team in the lobby, but they were almost always collecting something. Whether it was finish points, placement points, or valuable late-game appearances, GodLike consistently kept itself within striking distance of the leaders. That steady accumulation of points meant they never needed a miracle comeback heading into the final day. Their Rotations Were Among The Best In The Tournament One of the biggest differences between GodLike and many of their rivals was their decision-making during rotations. Throughout the Grand Finals, teams repeatedly lost players while attempting risky zone entries or taking unnecessary fights outside the safe zone. SouL, TAG, and Genesis all suffered from these mistakes at different points during the event. GodLike largely avoided them. Their rotations weren’t flashy, but they were efficient. Time and time again, they secured defensible compounds before other teams arrived, forcing opponents to rotate into them rather than the other way around. That positional advantage became especially noticeable on the final day. While other contenders were often scrambling for cover in the closing circles, GodLike repeatedly found themselves holding strong positions near the center of the zone. In a battle royale, that kind of consistency is rarely accidental. The Turning Point Came On Day 2 If there was a moment when GodLike’s title challenge became real, it arrived during Match 3 on Day 2. At that point, Divine Gaming looked like the team to beat. They had controlled much of the tournament and appeared well on their way to extending their lead atop the standings. GodLike had other plans. During the late game, they eliminated Divine before defeating Victoris Sumus to secure a crucial chicken dinner. The victory delivered more than just points. It sent a message to the rest of the lobby that GodLike could beat the strongest teams when it mattered most. From that moment onward, they stopped looking like outsiders and started looking like genuine championship contenders. The standings still favored Divine, but momentum had clearly shifted. GodLike Won The Fights That Mattered Most One of the biggest reasons GodLike eventually won BMPS 2026 was their performance against direct rivals. Championships aren’t decided by farming points against struggling teams. They’re decided by winning the battles against the teams competing for the same trophy. GodLike repeatedly did exactly that. On Championship Sunday, they dismantled 7 Gods during a crucial Rondo match before winning several important engagements against Victoris Sumus. Later, they shut down Nebula Esports’ hopes of mounting a comeback by defending their position perfectly and wiping out the entire squad. Their aggressive push on Vasista Esports during Match 3 was another defining moment. Rather than waiting for the zone to force a difficult rotation, GodLike identified the threat, launched a coordinated shotgun assault, and cleared the compound entirely. These weren’t simply eliminations. Each of these fights directly impacted the title race by denying points to rival contenders while simultaneously boosting GodLike’s own total. Divine Gaming Opened The Door As much credit as GodLike deserves, championships are often shaped by both success and failure. Divine Gaming entered the final day as the team everyone expected to beat. They had been the most consistent roster throughout the opening stages of the tournament and appeared firmly in control of the standings. Then everything changed. Several early eliminations and difficult rotations prevented Divine from building on their lead. More importantly, they failed to capitalize on any weaker match by GodLike. Even during moments when GodLike exited early, Divine couldn’t create the separation they needed. With every missed opportunity, the pressure shifted further away from Divine and onto the chasing pack. Eventually, the standings flipped entirely. Instead of everyone chasing Divine, everyone was chasing GodLike. #GodLike #Won #BMPS #Grand #Finals #Secured #Spot #Esports #World #CupBGMI

Battle royale tournaments are often decided by who avoids disaster rather than who produces the most highlights. That was certainly true in Jaipur. Divine Gaming dominated much of the opening two days but struggled to maintain the same level on Championship Sunday. Victoris Sumus exploded into contention with several standout performances before losing momentum when it mattered most. God’s Reign mounted an incredible comeback but left itself too much work to do after a slow start. SouL spent most of Day 1 fighting simply to stay relevant.

GodLike, meanwhile, never experienced that kind of collapse. They weren’t always the highest-scoring team in the lobby, but they were almost always collecting something. Whether it was finish points, placement points, or valuable late-game appearances, GodLike consistently kept itself within striking distance of the leaders. That steady accumulation of points meant they never needed a miracle comeback heading into the final day.

Their Rotations Were Among The Best In The Tournament

Miramar game being played on the big screen

One of the biggest differences between GodLike and many of their rivals was their decision-making during rotations. Throughout the Grand Finals, teams repeatedly lost players while attempting risky zone entries or taking unnecessary fights outside the safe zone. SouL, TAG, and Genesis all suffered from these mistakes at different points during the event. GodLike largely avoided them. Their rotations weren’t flashy, but they were efficient. Time and time again, they secured defensible compounds before other teams arrived, forcing opponents to rotate into them rather than the other way around.

That positional advantage became especially noticeable on the final day. While other contenders were often scrambling for cover in the closing circles, GodLike repeatedly found themselves holding strong positions near the center of the zone. In a battle royale, that kind of consistency is rarely accidental.

The Turning Point Came On Day 2

BMPS Grand Finals Trophy

If there was a moment when GodLike’s title challenge became real, it arrived during Match 3 on Day 2. At that point, Divine Gaming looked like the team to beat. They had controlled much of the tournament and appeared well on their way to extending their lead atop the standings. GodLike had other plans. During the late game, they eliminated Divine before defeating Victoris Sumus to secure a crucial chicken dinner. The victory delivered more than just points. It sent a message to the rest of the lobby that GodLike could beat the strongest teams when it mattered most.

From that moment onward, they stopped looking like outsiders and started looking like genuine championship contenders. The standings still favored Divine, but momentum had clearly shifted.

GodLike Won The Fights That Mattered Most

Photo of the overall rankings at the bmps grand finals after day 2

One of the biggest reasons GodLike eventually won BMPS 2026 was their performance against direct rivals. Championships aren’t decided by farming points against struggling teams. They’re decided by winning the battles against the teams competing for the same trophy. GodLike repeatedly did exactly that.

On Championship Sunday, they dismantled 7 Gods during a crucial Rondo match before winning several important engagements against Victoris Sumus. Later, they shut down Nebula Esports’ hopes of mounting a comeback by defending their position perfectly and wiping out the entire squad.

Their aggressive push on Vasista Esports during Match 3 was another defining moment. Rather than waiting for the zone to force a difficult rotation, GodLike identified the threat, launched a coordinated shotgun assault, and cleared the compound entirely. These weren’t simply eliminations. Each of these fights directly impacted the title race by denying points to rival contenders while simultaneously boosting GodLike’s own total.

Divine Gaming Opened The Door

As much credit as GodLike deserves, championships are often shaped by both success and failure. Divine Gaming entered the final day as the team everyone expected to beat. They had been the most consistent roster throughout the opening stages of the tournament and appeared firmly in control of the standings. Then everything changed. Several early eliminations and difficult rotations prevented Divine from building on their lead. More importantly, they failed to capitalize on any weaker match by GodLike.

Even during moments when GodLike exited early, Divine couldn’t create the separation they needed. With every missed opportunity, the pressure shifted further away from Divine and onto the chasing pack. Eventually, the standings flipped entirely. Instead of everyone chasing Divine, everyone was chasing GodLike.

#GodLike #Won #BMPS #Grand #Finals #Secured #Spot #Esports #World #CupBGMI">How GodLike Won BMPS 2026 Grand Finals And Secured A Spot At The Esports World Cup When the BMPS 2026 Grand Finals began in Jaipur, GodLike Esports weren’t the obvious favorites. Teams like Divine Gaming, Reckoning Esports, Nebula Esports, and Victoris Sumus had all looked stronger at different stages of the tournament. Yet 18 matches later, it was GodLike lifting the trophy, claiming a share of the ₹4 crore prize pool, and securing India’s direct slot at the Esports World Cup in Paris. What makes GodLike’s championship run so impressive is that it wasn’t built on domination. They didn’t top Day 1. They weren’t the biggest story on Day 2. They didn’t collect an absurd number of chicken dinners. Instead, they won BMPS 2026 through something far more valuable in battle royale esports: consistency. While nearly every title contender suffered a disastrous stretch at some point during the Grand Finals, GodLike remained competitive from start to finish. Their ability to avoid costly mistakes, win critical fights against direct rivals, and consistently put themselves in strong positions ultimately made the difference. GodLike Never Had A Bad Day Battle royale tournaments are often decided by who avoids disaster rather than who produces the most highlights. That was certainly true in Jaipur. Divine Gaming dominated much of the opening two days but struggled to maintain the same level on Championship Sunday. Victoris Sumus exploded into contention with several standout performances before losing momentum when it mattered most. God’s Reign mounted an incredible comeback but left itself too much work to do after a slow start. SouL spent most of Day 1 fighting simply to stay relevant. GodLike, meanwhile, never experienced that kind of collapse. They weren’t always the highest-scoring team in the lobby, but they were almost always collecting something. Whether it was finish points, placement points, or valuable late-game appearances, GodLike consistently kept itself within striking distance of the leaders. That steady accumulation of points meant they never needed a miracle comeback heading into the final day. Their Rotations Were Among The Best In The Tournament One of the biggest differences between GodLike and many of their rivals was their decision-making during rotations. Throughout the Grand Finals, teams repeatedly lost players while attempting risky zone entries or taking unnecessary fights outside the safe zone. SouL, TAG, and Genesis all suffered from these mistakes at different points during the event. GodLike largely avoided them. Their rotations weren’t flashy, but they were efficient. Time and time again, they secured defensible compounds before other teams arrived, forcing opponents to rotate into them rather than the other way around. That positional advantage became especially noticeable on the final day. While other contenders were often scrambling for cover in the closing circles, GodLike repeatedly found themselves holding strong positions near the center of the zone. In a battle royale, that kind of consistency is rarely accidental. The Turning Point Came On Day 2 If there was a moment when GodLike’s title challenge became real, it arrived during Match 3 on Day 2. At that point, Divine Gaming looked like the team to beat. They had controlled much of the tournament and appeared well on their way to extending their lead atop the standings. GodLike had other plans. During the late game, they eliminated Divine before defeating Victoris Sumus to secure a crucial chicken dinner. The victory delivered more than just points. It sent a message to the rest of the lobby that GodLike could beat the strongest teams when it mattered most. From that moment onward, they stopped looking like outsiders and started looking like genuine championship contenders. The standings still favored Divine, but momentum had clearly shifted. GodLike Won The Fights That Mattered Most One of the biggest reasons GodLike eventually won BMPS 2026 was their performance against direct rivals. Championships aren’t decided by farming points against struggling teams. They’re decided by winning the battles against the teams competing for the same trophy. GodLike repeatedly did exactly that. On Championship Sunday, they dismantled 7 Gods during a crucial Rondo match before winning several important engagements against Victoris Sumus. Later, they shut down Nebula Esports’ hopes of mounting a comeback by defending their position perfectly and wiping out the entire squad. Their aggressive push on Vasista Esports during Match 3 was another defining moment. Rather than waiting for the zone to force a difficult rotation, GodLike identified the threat, launched a coordinated shotgun assault, and cleared the compound entirely. These weren’t simply eliminations. Each of these fights directly impacted the title race by denying points to rival contenders while simultaneously boosting GodLike’s own total. Divine Gaming Opened The Door As much credit as GodLike deserves, championships are often shaped by both success and failure. Divine Gaming entered the final day as the team everyone expected to beat. They had been the most consistent roster throughout the opening stages of the tournament and appeared firmly in control of the standings. Then everything changed. Several early eliminations and difficult rotations prevented Divine from building on their lead. More importantly, they failed to capitalize on any weaker match by GodLike. Even during moments when GodLike exited early, Divine couldn’t create the separation they needed. With every missed opportunity, the pressure shifted further away from Divine and onto the chasing pack. Eventually, the standings flipped entirely. Instead of everyone chasing Divine, everyone was chasing GodLike. #GodLike #Won #BMPS #Grand #Finals #Secured #Spot #Esports #World #CupBGMI

in Jaipur, GodLike Esports weren’t the obvious favorites. Teams like Divine Gaming, Reckoning Esports, Nebula Esports, and Victoris Sumus had all looked stronger at different stages of the tournament. Yet 18 matches later, it was GodLike lifting the trophy, claiming a share of the ₹4 crore prize pool, and securing India’s direct slot at the Esports World Cup in Paris.

What makes GodLike’s championship run so impressive is that it wasn’t built on domination. They didn’t top Day 1. They weren’t the biggest story on Day 2. They didn’t collect an absurd number of chicken dinners. Instead, they won BMPS 2026 through something far more valuable in battle royale esports: consistency.

While nearly every title contender suffered a disastrous stretch at some point during the Grand Finals, GodLike remained competitive from start to finish. Their ability to avoid costly mistakes, win critical fights against direct rivals, and consistently put themselves in strong positions ultimately made the difference.

GodLike Never Had A Bad Day

How GodLike Won BMPS 2026 Grand Finals And Secured A Spot At The Esports World Cup When the BMPS 2026 Grand Finals began in Jaipur, GodLike Esports weren’t the obvious favorites. Teams like Divine Gaming, Reckoning Esports, Nebula Esports, and Victoris Sumus had all looked stronger at different stages of the tournament. Yet 18 matches later, it was GodLike lifting the trophy, claiming a share of the ₹4 crore prize pool, and securing India’s direct slot at the Esports World Cup in Paris. What makes GodLike’s championship run so impressive is that it wasn’t built on domination. They didn’t top Day 1. They weren’t the biggest story on Day 2. They didn’t collect an absurd number of chicken dinners. Instead, they won BMPS 2026 through something far more valuable in battle royale esports: consistency. While nearly every title contender suffered a disastrous stretch at some point during the Grand Finals, GodLike remained competitive from start to finish. Their ability to avoid costly mistakes, win critical fights against direct rivals, and consistently put themselves in strong positions ultimately made the difference. GodLike Never Had A Bad Day Battle royale tournaments are often decided by who avoids disaster rather than who produces the most highlights. That was certainly true in Jaipur. Divine Gaming dominated much of the opening two days but struggled to maintain the same level on Championship Sunday. Victoris Sumus exploded into contention with several standout performances before losing momentum when it mattered most. God’s Reign mounted an incredible comeback but left itself too much work to do after a slow start. SouL spent most of Day 1 fighting simply to stay relevant. GodLike, meanwhile, never experienced that kind of collapse. They weren’t always the highest-scoring team in the lobby, but they were almost always collecting something. Whether it was finish points, placement points, or valuable late-game appearances, GodLike consistently kept itself within striking distance of the leaders. That steady accumulation of points meant they never needed a miracle comeback heading into the final day. Their Rotations Were Among The Best In The Tournament One of the biggest differences between GodLike and many of their rivals was their decision-making during rotations. Throughout the Grand Finals, teams repeatedly lost players while attempting risky zone entries or taking unnecessary fights outside the safe zone. SouL, TAG, and Genesis all suffered from these mistakes at different points during the event. GodLike largely avoided them. Their rotations weren’t flashy, but they were efficient. Time and time again, they secured defensible compounds before other teams arrived, forcing opponents to rotate into them rather than the other way around. That positional advantage became especially noticeable on the final day. While other contenders were often scrambling for cover in the closing circles, GodLike repeatedly found themselves holding strong positions near the center of the zone. In a battle royale, that kind of consistency is rarely accidental. The Turning Point Came On Day 2 If there was a moment when GodLike’s title challenge became real, it arrived during Match 3 on Day 2. At that point, Divine Gaming looked like the team to beat. They had controlled much of the tournament and appeared well on their way to extending their lead atop the standings. GodLike had other plans. During the late game, they eliminated Divine before defeating Victoris Sumus to secure a crucial chicken dinner. The victory delivered more than just points. It sent a message to the rest of the lobby that GodLike could beat the strongest teams when it mattered most. From that moment onward, they stopped looking like outsiders and started looking like genuine championship contenders. The standings still favored Divine, but momentum had clearly shifted. GodLike Won The Fights That Mattered Most One of the biggest reasons GodLike eventually won BMPS 2026 was their performance against direct rivals. Championships aren’t decided by farming points against struggling teams. They’re decided by winning the battles against the teams competing for the same trophy. GodLike repeatedly did exactly that. On Championship Sunday, they dismantled 7 Gods during a crucial Rondo match before winning several important engagements against Victoris Sumus. Later, they shut down Nebula Esports’ hopes of mounting a comeback by defending their position perfectly and wiping out the entire squad. Their aggressive push on Vasista Esports during Match 3 was another defining moment. Rather than waiting for the zone to force a difficult rotation, GodLike identified the threat, launched a coordinated shotgun assault, and cleared the compound entirely. These weren’t simply eliminations. Each of these fights directly impacted the title race by denying points to rival contenders while simultaneously boosting GodLike’s own total. Divine Gaming Opened The Door As much credit as GodLike deserves, championships are often shaped by both success and failure. Divine Gaming entered the final day as the team everyone expected to beat. They had been the most consistent roster throughout the opening stages of the tournament and appeared firmly in control of the standings. Then everything changed. Several early eliminations and difficult rotations prevented Divine from building on their lead. More importantly, they failed to capitalize on any weaker match by GodLike. Even during moments when GodLike exited early, Divine couldn’t create the separation they needed. With every missed opportunity, the pressure shifted further away from Divine and onto the chasing pack. Eventually, the standings flipped entirely. Instead of everyone chasing Divine, everyone was chasing GodLike. #GodLike #Won #BMPS #Grand #Finals #Secured #Spot #Esports #World #CupBGMI

Battle royale tournaments are often decided by who avoids disaster rather than who produces the most highlights. That was certainly true in Jaipur. Divine Gaming dominated much of the opening two days but struggled to maintain the same level on Championship Sunday. Victoris Sumus exploded into contention with several standout performances before losing momentum when it mattered most. God’s Reign mounted an incredible comeback but left itself too much work to do after a slow start. SouL spent most of Day 1 fighting simply to stay relevant.

GodLike, meanwhile, never experienced that kind of collapse. They weren’t always the highest-scoring team in the lobby, but they were almost always collecting something. Whether it was finish points, placement points, or valuable late-game appearances, GodLike consistently kept itself within striking distance of the leaders. That steady accumulation of points meant they never needed a miracle comeback heading into the final day.

Their Rotations Were Among The Best In The Tournament

Miramar game being played on the big screen

One of the biggest differences between GodLike and many of their rivals was their decision-making during rotations. Throughout the Grand Finals, teams repeatedly lost players while attempting risky zone entries or taking unnecessary fights outside the safe zone. SouL, TAG, and Genesis all suffered from these mistakes at different points during the event. GodLike largely avoided them. Their rotations weren’t flashy, but they were efficient. Time and time again, they secured defensible compounds before other teams arrived, forcing opponents to rotate into them rather than the other way around.

That positional advantage became especially noticeable on the final day. While other contenders were often scrambling for cover in the closing circles, GodLike repeatedly found themselves holding strong positions near the center of the zone. In a battle royale, that kind of consistency is rarely accidental.

The Turning Point Came On Day 2

BMPS Grand Finals Trophy

If there was a moment when GodLike’s title challenge became real, it arrived during Match 3 on Day 2. At that point, Divine Gaming looked like the team to beat. They had controlled much of the tournament and appeared well on their way to extending their lead atop the standings. GodLike had other plans. During the late game, they eliminated Divine before defeating Victoris Sumus to secure a crucial chicken dinner. The victory delivered more than just points. It sent a message to the rest of the lobby that GodLike could beat the strongest teams when it mattered most.

From that moment onward, they stopped looking like outsiders and started looking like genuine championship contenders. The standings still favored Divine, but momentum had clearly shifted.

GodLike Won The Fights That Mattered Most

Photo of the overall rankings at the bmps grand finals after day 2

One of the biggest reasons GodLike eventually won BMPS 2026 was their performance against direct rivals. Championships aren’t decided by farming points against struggling teams. They’re decided by winning the battles against the teams competing for the same trophy. GodLike repeatedly did exactly that.

On Championship Sunday, they dismantled 7 Gods during a crucial Rondo match before winning several important engagements against Victoris Sumus. Later, they shut down Nebula Esports’ hopes of mounting a comeback by defending their position perfectly and wiping out the entire squad.

Their aggressive push on Vasista Esports during Match 3 was another defining moment. Rather than waiting for the zone to force a difficult rotation, GodLike identified the threat, launched a coordinated shotgun assault, and cleared the compound entirely. These weren’t simply eliminations. Each of these fights directly impacted the title race by denying points to rival contenders while simultaneously boosting GodLike’s own total.

Divine Gaming Opened The Door

As much credit as GodLike deserves, championships are often shaped by both success and failure. Divine Gaming entered the final day as the team everyone expected to beat. They had been the most consistent roster throughout the opening stages of the tournament and appeared firmly in control of the standings. Then everything changed. Several early eliminations and difficult rotations prevented Divine from building on their lead. More importantly, they failed to capitalize on any weaker match by GodLike.

Even during moments when GodLike exited early, Divine couldn’t create the separation they needed. With every missed opportunity, the pressure shifted further away from Divine and onto the chasing pack. Eventually, the standings flipped entirely. Instead of everyone chasing Divine, everyone was chasing GodLike.

#GodLike #Won #BMPS #Grand #Finals #Secured #Spot #Esports #World #CupBGMI">How GodLike Won BMPS 2026 Grand Finals And Secured A Spot At The Esports World Cup

When the BMPS 2026 Grand Finals began in Jaipur, GodLike Esports weren’t the obvious favorites. Teams like Divine Gaming, Reckoning Esports, Nebula Esports, and Victoris Sumus had all looked stronger at different stages of the tournament. Yet 18 matches later, it was GodLike lifting the trophy, claiming a share of the ₹4 crore prize pool, and securing India’s direct slot at the Esports World Cup in Paris.

What makes GodLike’s championship run so impressive is that it wasn’t built on domination. They didn’t top Day 1. They weren’t the biggest story on Day 2. They didn’t collect an absurd number of chicken dinners. Instead, they won BMPS 2026 through something far more valuable in battle royale esports: consistency.

While nearly every title contender suffered a disastrous stretch at some point during the Grand Finals, GodLike remained competitive from start to finish. Their ability to avoid costly mistakes, win critical fights against direct rivals, and consistently put themselves in strong positions ultimately made the difference.

GodLike Never Had A Bad Day

How GodLike Won BMPS 2026 Grand Finals And Secured A Spot At The Esports World Cup When the BMPS 2026 Grand Finals began in Jaipur, GodLike Esports weren’t the obvious favorites. Teams like Divine Gaming, Reckoning Esports, Nebula Esports, and Victoris Sumus had all looked stronger at different stages of the tournament. Yet 18 matches later, it was GodLike lifting the trophy, claiming a share of the ₹4 crore prize pool, and securing India’s direct slot at the Esports World Cup in Paris. What makes GodLike’s championship run so impressive is that it wasn’t built on domination. They didn’t top Day 1. They weren’t the biggest story on Day 2. They didn’t collect an absurd number of chicken dinners. Instead, they won BMPS 2026 through something far more valuable in battle royale esports: consistency. While nearly every title contender suffered a disastrous stretch at some point during the Grand Finals, GodLike remained competitive from start to finish. Their ability to avoid costly mistakes, win critical fights against direct rivals, and consistently put themselves in strong positions ultimately made the difference. GodLike Never Had A Bad Day Battle royale tournaments are often decided by who avoids disaster rather than who produces the most highlights. That was certainly true in Jaipur. Divine Gaming dominated much of the opening two days but struggled to maintain the same level on Championship Sunday. Victoris Sumus exploded into contention with several standout performances before losing momentum when it mattered most. God’s Reign mounted an incredible comeback but left itself too much work to do after a slow start. SouL spent most of Day 1 fighting simply to stay relevant. GodLike, meanwhile, never experienced that kind of collapse. They weren’t always the highest-scoring team in the lobby, but they were almost always collecting something. Whether it was finish points, placement points, or valuable late-game appearances, GodLike consistently kept itself within striking distance of the leaders. That steady accumulation of points meant they never needed a miracle comeback heading into the final day. Their Rotations Were Among The Best In The Tournament One of the biggest differences between GodLike and many of their rivals was their decision-making during rotations. Throughout the Grand Finals, teams repeatedly lost players while attempting risky zone entries or taking unnecessary fights outside the safe zone. SouL, TAG, and Genesis all suffered from these mistakes at different points during the event. GodLike largely avoided them. Their rotations weren’t flashy, but they were efficient. Time and time again, they secured defensible compounds before other teams arrived, forcing opponents to rotate into them rather than the other way around. That positional advantage became especially noticeable on the final day. While other contenders were often scrambling for cover in the closing circles, GodLike repeatedly found themselves holding strong positions near the center of the zone. In a battle royale, that kind of consistency is rarely accidental. The Turning Point Came On Day 2 If there was a moment when GodLike’s title challenge became real, it arrived during Match 3 on Day 2. At that point, Divine Gaming looked like the team to beat. They had controlled much of the tournament and appeared well on their way to extending their lead atop the standings. GodLike had other plans. During the late game, they eliminated Divine before defeating Victoris Sumus to secure a crucial chicken dinner. The victory delivered more than just points. It sent a message to the rest of the lobby that GodLike could beat the strongest teams when it mattered most. From that moment onward, they stopped looking like outsiders and started looking like genuine championship contenders. The standings still favored Divine, but momentum had clearly shifted. GodLike Won The Fights That Mattered Most One of the biggest reasons GodLike eventually won BMPS 2026 was their performance against direct rivals. Championships aren’t decided by farming points against struggling teams. They’re decided by winning the battles against the teams competing for the same trophy. GodLike repeatedly did exactly that. On Championship Sunday, they dismantled 7 Gods during a crucial Rondo match before winning several important engagements against Victoris Sumus. Later, they shut down Nebula Esports’ hopes of mounting a comeback by defending their position perfectly and wiping out the entire squad. Their aggressive push on Vasista Esports during Match 3 was another defining moment. Rather than waiting for the zone to force a difficult rotation, GodLike identified the threat, launched a coordinated shotgun assault, and cleared the compound entirely. These weren’t simply eliminations. Each of these fights directly impacted the title race by denying points to rival contenders while simultaneously boosting GodLike’s own total. Divine Gaming Opened The Door As much credit as GodLike deserves, championships are often shaped by both success and failure. Divine Gaming entered the final day as the team everyone expected to beat. They had been the most consistent roster throughout the opening stages of the tournament and appeared firmly in control of the standings. Then everything changed. Several early eliminations and difficult rotations prevented Divine from building on their lead. More importantly, they failed to capitalize on any weaker match by GodLike. Even during moments when GodLike exited early, Divine couldn’t create the separation they needed. With every missed opportunity, the pressure shifted further away from Divine and onto the chasing pack. Eventually, the standings flipped entirely. Instead of everyone chasing Divine, everyone was chasing GodLike. #GodLike #Won #BMPS #Grand #Finals #Secured #Spot #Esports #World #CupBGMI

Battle royale tournaments are often decided by who avoids disaster rather than who produces the most highlights. That was certainly true in Jaipur. Divine Gaming dominated much of the opening two days but struggled to maintain the same level on Championship Sunday. Victoris Sumus exploded into contention with several standout performances before losing momentum when it mattered most. God’s Reign mounted an incredible comeback but left itself too much work to do after a slow start. SouL spent most of Day 1 fighting simply to stay relevant.

GodLike, meanwhile, never experienced that kind of collapse. They weren’t always the highest-scoring team in the lobby, but they were almost always collecting something. Whether it was finish points, placement points, or valuable late-game appearances, GodLike consistently kept itself within striking distance of the leaders. That steady accumulation of points meant they never needed a miracle comeback heading into the final day.

Their Rotations Were Among The Best In The Tournament

Miramar game being played on the big screen

One of the biggest differences between GodLike and many of their rivals was their decision-making during rotations. Throughout the Grand Finals, teams repeatedly lost players while attempting risky zone entries or taking unnecessary fights outside the safe zone. SouL, TAG, and Genesis all suffered from these mistakes at different points during the event. GodLike largely avoided them. Their rotations weren’t flashy, but they were efficient. Time and time again, they secured defensible compounds before other teams arrived, forcing opponents to rotate into them rather than the other way around.

That positional advantage became especially noticeable on the final day. While other contenders were often scrambling for cover in the closing circles, GodLike repeatedly found themselves holding strong positions near the center of the zone. In a battle royale, that kind of consistency is rarely accidental.

The Turning Point Came On Day 2

BMPS Grand Finals Trophy

If there was a moment when GodLike’s title challenge became real, it arrived during Match 3 on Day 2. At that point, Divine Gaming looked like the team to beat. They had controlled much of the tournament and appeared well on their way to extending their lead atop the standings. GodLike had other plans. During the late game, they eliminated Divine before defeating Victoris Sumus to secure a crucial chicken dinner. The victory delivered more than just points. It sent a message to the rest of the lobby that GodLike could beat the strongest teams when it mattered most.

From that moment onward, they stopped looking like outsiders and started looking like genuine championship contenders. The standings still favored Divine, but momentum had clearly shifted.

GodLike Won The Fights That Mattered Most

Photo of the overall rankings at the bmps grand finals after day 2

One of the biggest reasons GodLike eventually won BMPS 2026 was their performance against direct rivals. Championships aren’t decided by farming points against struggling teams. They’re decided by winning the battles against the teams competing for the same trophy. GodLike repeatedly did exactly that.

On Championship Sunday, they dismantled 7 Gods during a crucial Rondo match before winning several important engagements against Victoris Sumus. Later, they shut down Nebula Esports’ hopes of mounting a comeback by defending their position perfectly and wiping out the entire squad.

Their aggressive push on Vasista Esports during Match 3 was another defining moment. Rather than waiting for the zone to force a difficult rotation, GodLike identified the threat, launched a coordinated shotgun assault, and cleared the compound entirely. These weren’t simply eliminations. Each of these fights directly impacted the title race by denying points to rival contenders while simultaneously boosting GodLike’s own total.

Divine Gaming Opened The Door

As much credit as GodLike deserves, championships are often shaped by both success and failure. Divine Gaming entered the final day as the team everyone expected to beat. They had been the most consistent roster throughout the opening stages of the tournament and appeared firmly in control of the standings. Then everything changed. Several early eliminations and difficult rotations prevented Divine from building on their lead. More importantly, they failed to capitalize on any weaker match by GodLike.

Even during moments when GodLike exited early, Divine couldn’t create the separation they needed. With every missed opportunity, the pressure shifted further away from Divine and onto the chasing pack. Eventually, the standings flipped entirely. Instead of everyone chasing Divine, everyone was chasing GodLike.

#GodLike #Won #BMPS #Grand #Finals #Secured #Spot #Esports #World #CupBGMI
House of the Dragon is back with a vengeance, kicking off season three with the Battle of the Gullet in what series co-creator Ryan Condal called “arguably the craziest episode of television ever.”

Whether or not you thought the premiere, titled “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” lived up to those claims, there’s no denying the naval battle offered a powerful showcase for two characters in particular: Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka “the Sea Snake,” played by Steve Toussaint, and Alyn of Hull, Corlys’ first mate (and illegitimate son), played by Abubakar Salim.

In House of the Dragon season two, we saw just how much hurt Alyn carried over the fact that his father, one of Westeros’ most powerful lords, had never been there for Alyn and his younger brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty).

As season three begins, Corlys is at a place where he’s able to take responsibility for the estrangement, and he expresses that to Alyn as they’re meeting in his captain’s cabin. It feels like the healing is starting to begin when the battle erupts, and both men shift into warrior mode.

It’s a thrilling sequence, punctuated by standout moments for both Corlys and Alyn. At a recent House of the Dragon press day attended by io9 and other outlets, io9 asked Salim about the moment when Alyn, at a distance, watches Corlys tumble overboard amid a fierce hand-to-hand fight with Triarchy leader Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn).

The Seafaring Stars of ‘House of the Dragon’ on That Jaw-Dropping Season 3 Premiere House of the Dragon is back with a vengeance, kicking off season three with the Battle of the Gullet in what series co-creator Ryan Condal called “arguably the craziest episode of television ever.” Whether or not you thought the premiere, titled “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” lived up to those claims, there’s no denying the naval battle offered a powerful showcase for two characters in particular: Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka “the Sea Snake,” played by Steve Toussaint, and Alyn of Hull, Corlys’ first mate (and illegitimate son), played by Abubakar Salim. In House of the Dragon season two, we saw just how much hurt Alyn carried over the fact that his father, one of Westeros’ most powerful lords, had never been there for Alyn and his younger brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty). As season three begins, Corlys is at a place where he’s able to take responsibility for the estrangement, and he expresses that to Alyn as they’re meeting in his captain’s cabin. It feels like the healing is starting to begin when the battle erupts, and both men shift into warrior mode. It’s a thrilling sequence, punctuated by standout moments for both Corlys and Alyn. At a recent House of the Dragon press day attended by io9 and other outlets, io9 asked Salim about the moment when Alyn, at a distance, watches Corlys tumble overboard amid a fierce hand-to-hand fight with Triarchy leader Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). © Ollie Upton/HBO He calls out, not “Lord Corlys,” as he’s always called him, but “Father!” It’s a huge shift for the character, coming so soon after their meaningful discussion. “I don’t think anything is going through his mind. I think it’s actually just a very primal, reactive thing that comes out of him,” Salim said. “I think where it comes from is a place of a primal pain, a primal need for a father. I think the scene before that where they’re in the cabin, and they’re having this moment, and Corlys reveals himself is beautifully performed by Steve in a very vulnerable way.” Even as the action kicks into ferociously high gear, “I think that stays with Alyn, because it’s almost like, ‘We need to finish this conversation because we were getting somewhere.’ Obviously he goes into battle mode, begins fighting and everything, but when he sees Corlys go [overboard] I think all that comes back up, and I think that’s what triggers this almost, like, release. I guess the best [thing] I can kind of relate it to is like when you wake up from a nightmare screaming. You have no idea where it’s come from; it just comes, and I think that’s where that ‘father’ came from.” Before Corlys and Admiral Lohar actually come face-to-face, we see the bad blood between them come to a head in a way that ties into their skills as veteran sailors. As the Battle of the Gullet rages, Corlys realizes Lohar is not really there to fight in Westeros’ war. Instead, she’s hellbent on revenge. She wants the Sea Snake to pay for all the destruction he’s wreaked on Triarchy soldiers for decades. Corlys hits on a plan to weaken the enemy. He points his ship, the Queen Who Never Was, into the narrow Dragonstone pass, knowing Lohar will follow on her ship, the Bitchfist. The Triarchy fleet will be rudderless without its leader. And since Corlys has spent his entire life navigating these treacherous shores, he knows how to make it safely through. © Ollie Upton/HBO At last, the viewer gets to see the Sea Snake show off the sailing skills that have made him a legend across Westeros. “I remember [episode director Loni Peristere] saying, ‘This is when we see what the Sea Snake can do,’” Toussaint said. “He has memorized this journey. He knows where all the rock [obstacles] are, and this is where we see what he can do. It does feel massive. I mean, look, you don’t play epic; you play the moment. But there was half a mind to, ‘I think this will be impressive for people watching it,’ because it certainly felt [epic] doing it.” It is indeed epic, but as viewers saw, Lohar is able to trace the Sea Snake’s route exactly, and her ship also emerges unscathed—leading into that up-close-and-personal confrontation involving lots of scrambling, punches, and blades. Corlys’ fate is unknown at the end of episode one, leaving viewers wondering if he and Alyn will ever get a chance to build up their nascent father-son relationship. Fortunately, there’s a new episode of House of the Dragon season three arriving Sunday on HBO. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Seafaring #Stars #House #Dragon #JawDropping #Season #PremiereAbubakar Salim,HBO,House of the Dragon,Steve Toussaint
© Ollie Upton/HBO

He calls out, not “Lord Corlys,” as he’s always called him, but “Father!” It’s a huge shift for the character, coming so soon after their meaningful discussion.

“I don’t think anything is going through his mind. I think it’s actually just a very primal, reactive thing that comes out of him,” Salim said. “I think where it comes from is a place of a primal pain, a primal need for a father. I think the scene before that where they’re in the cabin, and they’re having this moment, and Corlys reveals himself is beautifully performed by Steve in a very vulnerable way.”

Even as the action kicks into ferociously high gear, “I think that stays with Alyn, because it’s almost like, ‘We need to finish this conversation because we were getting somewhere.’ Obviously he goes into battle mode, begins fighting and everything, but when he sees Corlys go [overboard] I think all that comes back up, and I think that’s what triggers this almost, like, release. I guess the best [thing] I can kind of relate it to is like when you wake up from a nightmare screaming. You have no idea where it’s come from; it just comes, and I think that’s where that ‘father’ came from.”

Before Corlys and Admiral Lohar actually come face-to-face, we see the bad blood between them come to a head in a way that ties into their skills as veteran sailors. As the Battle of the Gullet rages, Corlys realizes Lohar is not really there to fight in Westeros’ war. Instead, she’s hellbent on revenge. She wants the Sea Snake to pay for all the destruction he’s wreaked on Triarchy soldiers for decades.

Corlys hits on a plan to weaken the enemy. He points his ship, the Queen Who Never Was, into the narrow Dragonstone pass, knowing Lohar will follow on her ship, the Bitchfist. The Triarchy fleet will be rudderless without its leader. And since Corlys has spent his entire life navigating these treacherous shores, he knows how to make it safely through.

Steve Toussaint Hotds3ep1
© Ollie Upton/HBO

At last, the viewer gets to see the Sea Snake show off the sailing skills that have made him a legend across Westeros.

“I remember [episode director Loni Peristere] saying, ‘This is when we see what the Sea Snake can do,’” Toussaint said. “He has memorized this journey. He knows where all the rock [obstacles] are, and this is where we see what he can do. It does feel massive. I mean, look, you don’t play epic; you play the moment. But there was half a mind to, ‘I think this will be impressive for people watching it,’ because it certainly felt [epic] doing it.”

It is indeed epic, but as viewers saw, Lohar is able to trace the Sea Snake’s route exactly, and her ship also emerges unscathed—leading into that up-close-and-personal confrontation involving lots of scrambling, punches, and blades.

Corlys’ fate is unknown at the end of episode one, leaving viewers wondering if he and Alyn will ever get a chance to build up their nascent father-son relationship. Fortunately, there’s a new episode of House of the Dragon season three arriving Sunday on HBO.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Seafaring #Stars #House #Dragon #JawDropping #Season #PremiereAbubakar Salim,HBO,House of the Dragon,Steve Toussaint">The Seafaring Stars of ‘House of the Dragon’ on That Jaw-Dropping Season 3 Premiere House of the Dragon is back with a vengeance, kicking off season three with the Battle of the Gullet in what series co-creator Ryan Condal called “arguably the craziest episode of television ever.” Whether or not you thought the premiere, titled “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” lived up to those claims, there’s no denying the naval battle offered a powerful showcase for two characters in particular: Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka “the Sea Snake,” played by Steve Toussaint, and Alyn of Hull, Corlys’ first mate (and illegitimate son), played by Abubakar Salim. In House of the Dragon season two, we saw just how much hurt Alyn carried over the fact that his father, one of Westeros’ most powerful lords, had never been there for Alyn and his younger brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty). As season three begins, Corlys is at a place where he’s able to take responsibility for the estrangement, and he expresses that to Alyn as they’re meeting in his captain’s cabin. It feels like the healing is starting to begin when the battle erupts, and both men shift into warrior mode. It’s a thrilling sequence, punctuated by standout moments for both Corlys and Alyn. At a recent House of the Dragon press day attended by io9 and other outlets, io9 asked Salim about the moment when Alyn, at a distance, watches Corlys tumble overboard amid a fierce hand-to-hand fight with Triarchy leader Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). © Ollie Upton/HBO He calls out, not “Lord Corlys,” as he’s always called him, but “Father!” It’s a huge shift for the character, coming so soon after their meaningful discussion. “I don’t think anything is going through his mind. I think it’s actually just a very primal, reactive thing that comes out of him,” Salim said. “I think where it comes from is a place of a primal pain, a primal need for a father. I think the scene before that where they’re in the cabin, and they’re having this moment, and Corlys reveals himself is beautifully performed by Steve in a very vulnerable way.” Even as the action kicks into ferociously high gear, “I think that stays with Alyn, because it’s almost like, ‘We need to finish this conversation because we were getting somewhere.’ Obviously he goes into battle mode, begins fighting and everything, but when he sees Corlys go [overboard] I think all that comes back up, and I think that’s what triggers this almost, like, release. I guess the best [thing] I can kind of relate it to is like when you wake up from a nightmare screaming. You have no idea where it’s come from; it just comes, and I think that’s where that ‘father’ came from.” Before Corlys and Admiral Lohar actually come face-to-face, we see the bad blood between them come to a head in a way that ties into their skills as veteran sailors. As the Battle of the Gullet rages, Corlys realizes Lohar is not really there to fight in Westeros’ war. Instead, she’s hellbent on revenge. She wants the Sea Snake to pay for all the destruction he’s wreaked on Triarchy soldiers for decades. Corlys hits on a plan to weaken the enemy. He points his ship, the Queen Who Never Was, into the narrow Dragonstone pass, knowing Lohar will follow on her ship, the Bitchfist. The Triarchy fleet will be rudderless without its leader. And since Corlys has spent his entire life navigating these treacherous shores, he knows how to make it safely through. © Ollie Upton/HBO At last, the viewer gets to see the Sea Snake show off the sailing skills that have made him a legend across Westeros. “I remember [episode director Loni Peristere] saying, ‘This is when we see what the Sea Snake can do,’” Toussaint said. “He has memorized this journey. He knows where all the rock [obstacles] are, and this is where we see what he can do. It does feel massive. I mean, look, you don’t play epic; you play the moment. But there was half a mind to, ‘I think this will be impressive for people watching it,’ because it certainly felt [epic] doing it.” It is indeed epic, but as viewers saw, Lohar is able to trace the Sea Snake’s route exactly, and her ship also emerges unscathed—leading into that up-close-and-personal confrontation involving lots of scrambling, punches, and blades. Corlys’ fate is unknown at the end of episode one, leaving viewers wondering if he and Alyn will ever get a chance to build up their nascent father-son relationship. Fortunately, there’s a new episode of House of the Dragon season three arriving Sunday on HBO. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Seafaring #Stars #House #Dragon #JawDropping #Season #PremiereAbubakar Salim,HBO,House of the Dragon,Steve Toussaint

is back with a vengeance, kicking off season three with the Battle of the Gullet in what series co-creator Ryan Condal called “arguably the craziest episode of television ever.”

Whether or not you thought the premiere, titled “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” lived up to those claims, there’s no denying the naval battle offered a powerful showcase for two characters in particular: Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka “the Sea Snake,” played by Steve Toussaint, and Alyn of Hull, Corlys’ first mate (and illegitimate son), played by Abubakar Salim.

In House of the Dragon season two, we saw just how much hurt Alyn carried over the fact that his father, one of Westeros’ most powerful lords, had never been there for Alyn and his younger brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty).

As season three begins, Corlys is at a place where he’s able to take responsibility for the estrangement, and he expresses that to Alyn as they’re meeting in his captain’s cabin. It feels like the healing is starting to begin when the battle erupts, and both men shift into warrior mode.

It’s a thrilling sequence, punctuated by standout moments for both Corlys and Alyn. At a recent House of the Dragon press day attended by io9 and other outlets, io9 asked Salim about the moment when Alyn, at a distance, watches Corlys tumble overboard amid a fierce hand-to-hand fight with Triarchy leader Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn).

The Seafaring Stars of ‘House of the Dragon’ on That Jaw-Dropping Season 3 Premiere House of the Dragon is back with a vengeance, kicking off season three with the Battle of the Gullet in what series co-creator Ryan Condal called “arguably the craziest episode of television ever.” Whether or not you thought the premiere, titled “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” lived up to those claims, there’s no denying the naval battle offered a powerful showcase for two characters in particular: Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka “the Sea Snake,” played by Steve Toussaint, and Alyn of Hull, Corlys’ first mate (and illegitimate son), played by Abubakar Salim. In House of the Dragon season two, we saw just how much hurt Alyn carried over the fact that his father, one of Westeros’ most powerful lords, had never been there for Alyn and his younger brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty). As season three begins, Corlys is at a place where he’s able to take responsibility for the estrangement, and he expresses that to Alyn as they’re meeting in his captain’s cabin. It feels like the healing is starting to begin when the battle erupts, and both men shift into warrior mode. It’s a thrilling sequence, punctuated by standout moments for both Corlys and Alyn. At a recent House of the Dragon press day attended by io9 and other outlets, io9 asked Salim about the moment when Alyn, at a distance, watches Corlys tumble overboard amid a fierce hand-to-hand fight with Triarchy leader Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). © Ollie Upton/HBO He calls out, not “Lord Corlys,” as he’s always called him, but “Father!” It’s a huge shift for the character, coming so soon after their meaningful discussion. “I don’t think anything is going through his mind. I think it’s actually just a very primal, reactive thing that comes out of him,” Salim said. “I think where it comes from is a place of a primal pain, a primal need for a father. I think the scene before that where they’re in the cabin, and they’re having this moment, and Corlys reveals himself is beautifully performed by Steve in a very vulnerable way.” Even as the action kicks into ferociously high gear, “I think that stays with Alyn, because it’s almost like, ‘We need to finish this conversation because we were getting somewhere.’ Obviously he goes into battle mode, begins fighting and everything, but when he sees Corlys go [overboard] I think all that comes back up, and I think that’s what triggers this almost, like, release. I guess the best [thing] I can kind of relate it to is like when you wake up from a nightmare screaming. You have no idea where it’s come from; it just comes, and I think that’s where that ‘father’ came from.” Before Corlys and Admiral Lohar actually come face-to-face, we see the bad blood between them come to a head in a way that ties into their skills as veteran sailors. As the Battle of the Gullet rages, Corlys realizes Lohar is not really there to fight in Westeros’ war. Instead, she’s hellbent on revenge. She wants the Sea Snake to pay for all the destruction he’s wreaked on Triarchy soldiers for decades. Corlys hits on a plan to weaken the enemy. He points his ship, the Queen Who Never Was, into the narrow Dragonstone pass, knowing Lohar will follow on her ship, the Bitchfist. The Triarchy fleet will be rudderless without its leader. And since Corlys has spent his entire life navigating these treacherous shores, he knows how to make it safely through. © Ollie Upton/HBO At last, the viewer gets to see the Sea Snake show off the sailing skills that have made him a legend across Westeros. “I remember [episode director Loni Peristere] saying, ‘This is when we see what the Sea Snake can do,’” Toussaint said. “He has memorized this journey. He knows where all the rock [obstacles] are, and this is where we see what he can do. It does feel massive. I mean, look, you don’t play epic; you play the moment. But there was half a mind to, ‘I think this will be impressive for people watching it,’ because it certainly felt [epic] doing it.” It is indeed epic, but as viewers saw, Lohar is able to trace the Sea Snake’s route exactly, and her ship also emerges unscathed—leading into that up-close-and-personal confrontation involving lots of scrambling, punches, and blades. Corlys’ fate is unknown at the end of episode one, leaving viewers wondering if he and Alyn will ever get a chance to build up their nascent father-son relationship. Fortunately, there’s a new episode of House of the Dragon season three arriving Sunday on HBO. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Seafaring #Stars #House #Dragon #JawDropping #Season #PremiereAbubakar Salim,HBO,House of the Dragon,Steve Toussaint
© Ollie Upton/HBO

He calls out, not “Lord Corlys,” as he’s always called him, but “Father!” It’s a huge shift for the character, coming so soon after their meaningful discussion.

“I don’t think anything is going through his mind. I think it’s actually just a very primal, reactive thing that comes out of him,” Salim said. “I think where it comes from is a place of a primal pain, a primal need for a father. I think the scene before that where they’re in the cabin, and they’re having this moment, and Corlys reveals himself is beautifully performed by Steve in a very vulnerable way.”

Even as the action kicks into ferociously high gear, “I think that stays with Alyn, because it’s almost like, ‘We need to finish this conversation because we were getting somewhere.’ Obviously he goes into battle mode, begins fighting and everything, but when he sees Corlys go [overboard] I think all that comes back up, and I think that’s what triggers this almost, like, release. I guess the best [thing] I can kind of relate it to is like when you wake up from a nightmare screaming. You have no idea where it’s come from; it just comes, and I think that’s where that ‘father’ came from.”

Before Corlys and Admiral Lohar actually come face-to-face, we see the bad blood between them come to a head in a way that ties into their skills as veteran sailors. As the Battle of the Gullet rages, Corlys realizes Lohar is not really there to fight in Westeros’ war. Instead, she’s hellbent on revenge. She wants the Sea Snake to pay for all the destruction he’s wreaked on Triarchy soldiers for decades.

Corlys hits on a plan to weaken the enemy. He points his ship, the Queen Who Never Was, into the narrow Dragonstone pass, knowing Lohar will follow on her ship, the Bitchfist. The Triarchy fleet will be rudderless without its leader. And since Corlys has spent his entire life navigating these treacherous shores, he knows how to make it safely through.

Steve Toussaint Hotds3ep1
© Ollie Upton/HBO

At last, the viewer gets to see the Sea Snake show off the sailing skills that have made him a legend across Westeros.

“I remember [episode director Loni Peristere] saying, ‘This is when we see what the Sea Snake can do,’” Toussaint said. “He has memorized this journey. He knows where all the rock [obstacles] are, and this is where we see what he can do. It does feel massive. I mean, look, you don’t play epic; you play the moment. But there was half a mind to, ‘I think this will be impressive for people watching it,’ because it certainly felt [epic] doing it.”

It is indeed epic, but as viewers saw, Lohar is able to trace the Sea Snake’s route exactly, and her ship also emerges unscathed—leading into that up-close-and-personal confrontation involving lots of scrambling, punches, and blades.

Corlys’ fate is unknown at the end of episode one, leaving viewers wondering if he and Alyn will ever get a chance to build up their nascent father-son relationship. Fortunately, there’s a new episode of House of the Dragon season three arriving Sunday on HBO.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Seafaring #Stars #House #Dragon #JawDropping #Season #PremiereAbubakar Salim,HBO,House of the Dragon,Steve Toussaint">The Seafaring Stars of ‘House of the Dragon’ on That Jaw-Dropping Season 3 Premiere

House of the Dragon is back with a vengeance, kicking off season three with the Battle of the Gullet in what series co-creator Ryan Condal called “arguably the craziest episode of television ever.”

Whether or not you thought the premiere, titled “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” lived up to those claims, there’s no denying the naval battle offered a powerful showcase for two characters in particular: Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka “the Sea Snake,” played by Steve Toussaint, and Alyn of Hull, Corlys’ first mate (and illegitimate son), played by Abubakar Salim.

In House of the Dragon season two, we saw just how much hurt Alyn carried over the fact that his father, one of Westeros’ most powerful lords, had never been there for Alyn and his younger brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty).

As season three begins, Corlys is at a place where he’s able to take responsibility for the estrangement, and he expresses that to Alyn as they’re meeting in his captain’s cabin. It feels like the healing is starting to begin when the battle erupts, and both men shift into warrior mode.

It’s a thrilling sequence, punctuated by standout moments for both Corlys and Alyn. At a recent House of the Dragon press day attended by io9 and other outlets, io9 asked Salim about the moment when Alyn, at a distance, watches Corlys tumble overboard amid a fierce hand-to-hand fight with Triarchy leader Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn).

The Seafaring Stars of ‘House of the Dragon’ on That Jaw-Dropping Season 3 Premiere House of the Dragon is back with a vengeance, kicking off season three with the Battle of the Gullet in what series co-creator Ryan Condal called “arguably the craziest episode of television ever.” Whether or not you thought the premiere, titled “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” lived up to those claims, there’s no denying the naval battle offered a powerful showcase for two characters in particular: Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka “the Sea Snake,” played by Steve Toussaint, and Alyn of Hull, Corlys’ first mate (and illegitimate son), played by Abubakar Salim. In House of the Dragon season two, we saw just how much hurt Alyn carried over the fact that his father, one of Westeros’ most powerful lords, had never been there for Alyn and his younger brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty). As season three begins, Corlys is at a place where he’s able to take responsibility for the estrangement, and he expresses that to Alyn as they’re meeting in his captain’s cabin. It feels like the healing is starting to begin when the battle erupts, and both men shift into warrior mode. It’s a thrilling sequence, punctuated by standout moments for both Corlys and Alyn. At a recent House of the Dragon press day attended by io9 and other outlets, io9 asked Salim about the moment when Alyn, at a distance, watches Corlys tumble overboard amid a fierce hand-to-hand fight with Triarchy leader Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). © Ollie Upton/HBO He calls out, not “Lord Corlys,” as he’s always called him, but “Father!” It’s a huge shift for the character, coming so soon after their meaningful discussion. “I don’t think anything is going through his mind. I think it’s actually just a very primal, reactive thing that comes out of him,” Salim said. “I think where it comes from is a place of a primal pain, a primal need for a father. I think the scene before that where they’re in the cabin, and they’re having this moment, and Corlys reveals himself is beautifully performed by Steve in a very vulnerable way.” Even as the action kicks into ferociously high gear, “I think that stays with Alyn, because it’s almost like, ‘We need to finish this conversation because we were getting somewhere.’ Obviously he goes into battle mode, begins fighting and everything, but when he sees Corlys go [overboard] I think all that comes back up, and I think that’s what triggers this almost, like, release. I guess the best [thing] I can kind of relate it to is like when you wake up from a nightmare screaming. You have no idea where it’s come from; it just comes, and I think that’s where that ‘father’ came from.” Before Corlys and Admiral Lohar actually come face-to-face, we see the bad blood between them come to a head in a way that ties into their skills as veteran sailors. As the Battle of the Gullet rages, Corlys realizes Lohar is not really there to fight in Westeros’ war. Instead, she’s hellbent on revenge. She wants the Sea Snake to pay for all the destruction he’s wreaked on Triarchy soldiers for decades. Corlys hits on a plan to weaken the enemy. He points his ship, the Queen Who Never Was, into the narrow Dragonstone pass, knowing Lohar will follow on her ship, the Bitchfist. The Triarchy fleet will be rudderless without its leader. And since Corlys has spent his entire life navigating these treacherous shores, he knows how to make it safely through. © Ollie Upton/HBO At last, the viewer gets to see the Sea Snake show off the sailing skills that have made him a legend across Westeros. “I remember [episode director Loni Peristere] saying, ‘This is when we see what the Sea Snake can do,’” Toussaint said. “He has memorized this journey. He knows where all the rock [obstacles] are, and this is where we see what he can do. It does feel massive. I mean, look, you don’t play epic; you play the moment. But there was half a mind to, ‘I think this will be impressive for people watching it,’ because it certainly felt [epic] doing it.” It is indeed epic, but as viewers saw, Lohar is able to trace the Sea Snake’s route exactly, and her ship also emerges unscathed—leading into that up-close-and-personal confrontation involving lots of scrambling, punches, and blades. Corlys’ fate is unknown at the end of episode one, leaving viewers wondering if he and Alyn will ever get a chance to build up their nascent father-son relationship. Fortunately, there’s a new episode of House of the Dragon season three arriving Sunday on HBO. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Seafaring #Stars #House #Dragon #JawDropping #Season #PremiereAbubakar Salim,HBO,House of the Dragon,Steve Toussaint
© Ollie Upton/HBO

He calls out, not “Lord Corlys,” as he’s always called him, but “Father!” It’s a huge shift for the character, coming so soon after their meaningful discussion.

“I don’t think anything is going through his mind. I think it’s actually just a very primal, reactive thing that comes out of him,” Salim said. “I think where it comes from is a place of a primal pain, a primal need for a father. I think the scene before that where they’re in the cabin, and they’re having this moment, and Corlys reveals himself is beautifully performed by Steve in a very vulnerable way.”

Even as the action kicks into ferociously high gear, “I think that stays with Alyn, because it’s almost like, ‘We need to finish this conversation because we were getting somewhere.’ Obviously he goes into battle mode, begins fighting and everything, but when he sees Corlys go [overboard] I think all that comes back up, and I think that’s what triggers this almost, like, release. I guess the best [thing] I can kind of relate it to is like when you wake up from a nightmare screaming. You have no idea where it’s come from; it just comes, and I think that’s where that ‘father’ came from.”

Before Corlys and Admiral Lohar actually come face-to-face, we see the bad blood between them come to a head in a way that ties into their skills as veteran sailors. As the Battle of the Gullet rages, Corlys realizes Lohar is not really there to fight in Westeros’ war. Instead, she’s hellbent on revenge. She wants the Sea Snake to pay for all the destruction he’s wreaked on Triarchy soldiers for decades.

Corlys hits on a plan to weaken the enemy. He points his ship, the Queen Who Never Was, into the narrow Dragonstone pass, knowing Lohar will follow on her ship, the Bitchfist. The Triarchy fleet will be rudderless without its leader. And since Corlys has spent his entire life navigating these treacherous shores, he knows how to make it safely through.

Steve Toussaint Hotds3ep1
© Ollie Upton/HBO

At last, the viewer gets to see the Sea Snake show off the sailing skills that have made him a legend across Westeros.

“I remember [episode director Loni Peristere] saying, ‘This is when we see what the Sea Snake can do,’” Toussaint said. “He has memorized this journey. He knows where all the rock [obstacles] are, and this is where we see what he can do. It does feel massive. I mean, look, you don’t play epic; you play the moment. But there was half a mind to, ‘I think this will be impressive for people watching it,’ because it certainly felt [epic] doing it.”

It is indeed epic, but as viewers saw, Lohar is able to trace the Sea Snake’s route exactly, and her ship also emerges unscathed—leading into that up-close-and-personal confrontation involving lots of scrambling, punches, and blades.

Corlys’ fate is unknown at the end of episode one, leaving viewers wondering if he and Alyn will ever get a chance to build up their nascent father-son relationship. Fortunately, there’s a new episode of House of the Dragon season three arriving Sunday on HBO.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Seafaring #Stars #House #Dragon #JawDropping #Season #PremiereAbubakar Salim,HBO,House of the Dragon,Steve Toussaint
Speaking of, Bosworth says Meta has heard feedback that some folks don’t care for the camera capabilities on its smart glasses and would prefer audio-only glasses. “There’s a market demand for that product for sure.” Bosworth then said, “one thing at a time.”

Image may contain Accessories Glasses and Sunglasses

The Meta Fury.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Earlier this month, WIRED discovered code in the public-facing Meta AI app, suggesting that Meta was gearing up to debut a face recognition feature in its consumer smart glasses, technology that may have been trained by a company that builds surveillance tools for the US military and police departments. After WIRED’s report, Meta deleted the code, and none of this technology is present in the new Meta Glasses. Ankit Brahmbhatt, senior director of Product Management for AI Glasses at Meta, tells WIRED there are “no plans for facial recognition,” as it’s not the focus for what the company is building here.

Meta’s goal with these glasses is to get them onto more faces. “It’s more than just whether they fit—fit and comfort are extremely critical to get right—but it’s also your personal brand,” Bristol says. “It’s a really important decision if we want people to wear them as daily driver glasses.” If more people start wearing these Meta Glasses, that means more people are using Meta AI.

Bristol and Bosworth both lamented that with many of today’s AI tools, you have to supply the context manually, whether by providing a picture, document, or search query. With smart glasses, the AI assistant sees what you’re seeing, and that’s one less burden on your part. “It’s not that the thing isn’t smart enough—sometimes that’s a problem—it’s the amount of work I have to do to get it up to speed,” Bosworth says.

But making smart glasses comfier is just one step. Many people are still concerned about the privacy oversteps made possible by wearable cameras that can discreetly record the user’s surroundings. Bosworth believes such anxieties are akin to what happened when smartphones first put high-quality cameras in our pockets.

“There’s this social norming thing that has to happen,” he says. “The glasses are very popular … that doesn’t mean we aren’t worried about every corner case.”

The new Meta Glasses arrive at a turbulent time for the company’s relationship with its workforce. Bosworth himself sent an internal memo to employees last week promising better communication, stability, and workplace perks to improve morale, which is at an all-time low.

#Metas #Smart #Glasses #Sale #Todaymeta,smart glasses,design,wearables,cameras">Meta’s Very Own Smart Glasses Go on Sale Today for 9Speaking of, Bosworth says Meta has heard feedback that some folks don’t care for the camera capabilities on its smart glasses and would prefer audio-only glasses. “There’s a market demand for that product for sure.” Bosworth then said, “one thing at a time.”The Meta Fury. Photograph: Julian ChokkattuEarlier this month, WIRED discovered code in the public-facing Meta AI app, suggesting that Meta was gearing up to debut a face recognition feature in its consumer smart glasses, technology that may have been trained by a company that builds surveillance tools for the US military and police departments. After WIRED’s report, Meta deleted the code, and none of this technology is present in the new Meta Glasses. Ankit Brahmbhatt, senior director of Product Management for AI Glasses at Meta, tells WIRED there are “no plans for facial recognition,” as it’s not the focus for what the company is building here.Meta’s goal with these glasses is to get them onto more faces. “It’s more than just whether they fit—fit and comfort are extremely critical to get right—but it’s also your personal brand,” Bristol says. “It’s a really important decision if we want people to wear them as daily driver glasses.” If more people start wearing these Meta Glasses, that means more people are using Meta AI.Bristol and Bosworth both lamented that with many of today’s AI tools, you have to supply the context manually, whether by providing a picture, document, or search query. With smart glasses, the AI assistant sees what you’re seeing, and that’s one less burden on your part. “It’s not that the thing isn’t smart enough—sometimes that’s a problem—it’s the amount of work I have to do to get it up to speed,” Bosworth says.But making smart glasses comfier is just one step. Many people are still concerned about the privacy oversteps made possible by wearable cameras that can discreetly record the user’s surroundings. Bosworth believes such anxieties are akin to what happened when smartphones first put high-quality cameras in our pockets.“There’s this social norming thing that has to happen,” he says. “The glasses are very popular … that doesn’t mean we aren’t worried about every corner case.”The new Meta Glasses arrive at a turbulent time for the company’s relationship with its workforce. Bosworth himself sent an internal memo to employees last week promising better communication, stability, and workplace perks to improve morale, which is at an all-time low.#Metas #Smart #Glasses #Sale #Todaymeta,smart glasses,design,wearables,cameras

WIRED discovered code in the public-facing Meta AI app, suggesting that Meta was gearing up to debut a face recognition feature in its consumer smart glasses, technology that may have been trained by a company that builds surveillance tools for the US military and police departments. After WIRED’s report, Meta deleted the code, and none of this technology is present in the new Meta Glasses. Ankit Brahmbhatt, senior director of Product Management for AI Glasses at Meta, tells WIRED there are “no plans for facial recognition,” as it’s not the focus for what the company is building here.

Meta’s goal with these glasses is to get them onto more faces. “It’s more than just whether they fit—fit and comfort are extremely critical to get right—but it’s also your personal brand,” Bristol says. “It’s a really important decision if we want people to wear them as daily driver glasses.” If more people start wearing these Meta Glasses, that means more people are using Meta AI.

Bristol and Bosworth both lamented that with many of today’s AI tools, you have to supply the context manually, whether by providing a picture, document, or search query. With smart glasses, the AI assistant sees what you’re seeing, and that’s one less burden on your part. “It’s not that the thing isn’t smart enough—sometimes that’s a problem—it’s the amount of work I have to do to get it up to speed,” Bosworth says.

But making smart glasses comfier is just one step. Many people are still concerned about the privacy oversteps made possible by wearable cameras that can discreetly record the user’s surroundings. Bosworth believes such anxieties are akin to what happened when smartphones first put high-quality cameras in our pockets.

“There’s this social norming thing that has to happen,” he says. “The glasses are very popular … that doesn’t mean we aren’t worried about every corner case.”

The new Meta Glasses arrive at a turbulent time for the company’s relationship with its workforce. Bosworth himself sent an internal memo to employees last week promising better communication, stability, and workplace perks to improve morale, which is at an all-time low.

#Metas #Smart #Glasses #Sale #Todaymeta,smart glasses,design,wearables,cameras">Meta’s Very Own Smart Glasses Go on Sale Today for $299

Speaking of, Bosworth says Meta has heard feedback that some folks don’t care for the camera capabilities on its smart glasses and would prefer audio-only glasses. “There’s a market demand for that product for sure.” Bosworth then said, “one thing at a time.”

Image may contain Accessories Glasses and Sunglasses

The Meta Fury.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Earlier this month, WIRED discovered code in the public-facing Meta AI app, suggesting that Meta was gearing up to debut a face recognition feature in its consumer smart glasses, technology that may have been trained by a company that builds surveillance tools for the US military and police departments. After WIRED’s report, Meta deleted the code, and none of this technology is present in the new Meta Glasses. Ankit Brahmbhatt, senior director of Product Management for AI Glasses at Meta, tells WIRED there are “no plans for facial recognition,” as it’s not the focus for what the company is building here.

Meta’s goal with these glasses is to get them onto more faces. “It’s more than just whether they fit—fit and comfort are extremely critical to get right—but it’s also your personal brand,” Bristol says. “It’s a really important decision if we want people to wear them as daily driver glasses.” If more people start wearing these Meta Glasses, that means more people are using Meta AI.

Bristol and Bosworth both lamented that with many of today’s AI tools, you have to supply the context manually, whether by providing a picture, document, or search query. With smart glasses, the AI assistant sees what you’re seeing, and that’s one less burden on your part. “It’s not that the thing isn’t smart enough—sometimes that’s a problem—it’s the amount of work I have to do to get it up to speed,” Bosworth says.

But making smart glasses comfier is just one step. Many people are still concerned about the privacy oversteps made possible by wearable cameras that can discreetly record the user’s surroundings. Bosworth believes such anxieties are akin to what happened when smartphones first put high-quality cameras in our pockets.

“There’s this social norming thing that has to happen,” he says. “The glasses are very popular … that doesn’t mean we aren’t worried about every corner case.”

The new Meta Glasses arrive at a turbulent time for the company’s relationship with its workforce. Bosworth himself sent an internal memo to employees last week promising better communication, stability, and workplace perks to improve morale, which is at an all-time low.

#Metas #Smart #Glasses #Sale #Todaymeta,smart glasses,design,wearables,cameras

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