James Milner has set an unprecedented Premier League record by becoming the first player to feature in 23 seasons, surpassing Ryan Giggs. The 38-year-old Brighton midfielder achieved this milestone without even kicking a ball in the Seagulls’ match against Everton at Goodison Park.  

Milner made his Premier League debut in 2002 with Leeds United at just 16 years old, quickly establishing himself as one of the youngest talents in the league. His early career saw him transition from Leeds to Newcastle United and then to Aston Villa, where he developed a reputation as a versatile and diligent midfielder.

James Milner’s career is a fascinating journey through English football, marked by consistency, adaptability, and success across multiple top clubs.

Peak years and Premier League titles

Milner’s career truly blossomed when he joined Manchester City in 2010. During his time at City, he won two Premier League titles (2011-12, 2013-14), an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a Community Shield. His contributions were pivotal in establishing City as a dominant force in English football.

In 2015, Milner made a significant move to Liverpool. Here, he added another Premier League title (2019-20) to his collection, along with a Champions League title (2018-19), a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup. His leadership and experience were invaluable to Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp.

Record-Breaking Longevity

Starting his 23rd season in the Premier League with Brighton, Milner has now surpassed the previous record held by Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, who played 22 seasons. With 636 appearances, Milner is just 17 games shy of Gareth Barry’s record of 653 Premier League appearances. His age, 38, makes him seven years older than Brighton’s current manager, Fabian Hurzeler, highlighting his extraordinary longevity.

Versatility and Leadership

Milner’s exceptional fitness levels have allowed him to maintain a high level of performance well into his late 30s. He is widely respected for his professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to the game.

Milner’s versatility is one of his defining traits. Throughout his career, he has played in almost every outfield position, including midfield, full-back, and winger. His ability to adapt to different roles has made him an invaluable asset to every team he has played for. Moreover, his leadership qualities have shone through, often captaining his teams and serving as a role model for younger players.

SiGMA East Europe?Summit powered by Soft2Bet takes place in Budapest from 2 – 4 September

The highly anticipated African eSports Championship is taking place at the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, Morocco until 21 August. The event commenced with a grand opening ceremony yesterday.

Over 180 athletes from 17 countries are competing in five categories: CS2 Open, CS2 Women, MLBB Open, MLBB Women, and PubG Mobile. This tournament will highlight the rapid growth of eSports in Africa and serve as the second stage of the IESF African Regional Qualifiers, determining the final African participants for the World eSports Championship.

Hicham El Khlifi, President of the African Confederation of Digital Sports (ACDS) and the Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games, stated, “Hosting the IESF Africa Esports Championship in Casablanca is a milestone for African Esports. It reflects our continent’s growing passion and potential in the digital sports arena. This event is more than a competition; it’s a statement of progress, showcasing the talent and spirit of African athletes to the world. We’re proud to lead this transformative moment for Esports in Africa.”

The top teams from this championship will represent Africa at the World Esports Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2024.

Bookies’ odds for 2024 African eSports Championship

Bookmakers are offering odds on various outcomes. Teams from South Africa and Egypt are currently favoured, given their strong performances in previous tournaments. Notably, the South African team, known for their strategic prowess in CS2, is a top contender. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Bilal Mohamed, last year’s champion, is also a favourite in the individual categories. Betting enthusiasts can find odds and place bets through major platforms like Bet365 and William Hill, which are providing comprehensive coverage and attractive offers for this event.

This tournament not only marks a significant milestone in African eSports but also showcases emerging gaming talent as these top teams compete for the opportunity to represent their countries on the global stage.

The African eSports Championship was established to expand eSports across the continent. Sponsored by various organizations, including the International Esports Federation (IESF) and local African businesses, the championship aims to provide a platform for African gamers to showcase their talents on a global stage.

Since its inception, the championship has seen significant milestones, including the first offline event in 2024. Last year, Bilal Mohamed from Kenya made history by becoming the first Kenyan to win an African title in eSports. This victory highlighted the increasing competitiveness and talent emerging from the African eSports scene.

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September

In the vibrant setting of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in South Florida, the 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown $25,500 buy-in high roller event reached its thrilling conclusion. Among the elite competitors, one name stood out: Bryn Kenney (pictured above). Known as poker’s all-time money leader, Kenney once again demonstrated his prowess by emerging victorious and adding another $487,990 to his impressive career earnings.

Kenney’s journey to the top of the poker world is nothing short of remarkable. With nearly $67.3 million in total earnings from 297 recorded in-the-money finishes, his career echoes consistent excellence. This latest victory marks his 31st career title, following a significant win at the 2023 Triton London event, where he secured

$6,860,000. Notably, Kenney’s largest payday came from a heads-up deal in the 2019 Triton Millions charity invitational, where he walked away with over $20.6 million.

The 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open High Roller event saw Kenney outlast a field of 67 entries. His performance earned him 504 Player of the Year (POY) points, bringing his total to 890 for the year and placing him within the top 600 in the 2024 POY standings presented by Global Poker.

The event featured a prize pool of $1,654,900, distributed among the top 10 finishers. Notable eliminations included Justin Zaki in 10th place ($52,900) and Brock Wilson in 9th place ($52,900). Jonathan Jaffe, who finished 7th, earned $62,900, while Darren Elias, a four-time WPT main event winner, secured $77,800 for his 6th place finish. Brandon Wittmeyer and Brandon Wilson finished 5th and 4th, earning $102,600 and $152,300, respectively. Alex Foxen, who has nearly $33.5 million in lifetime earnings, finished 3rd with $220,100.

The final showdown saw Kenney holding 5,400,000 chips against Daniel Sepiol’s 1,300,000. The two players agreed to a deal, with Kenney securing $487,990 and the title, while Sepiol earned $390,810 as the runner-up. This marked Sepiol’s seventh final-table finish of the year, adding to his impressive resume, which includes a bracelet win at the World Series of Poker earlier this summer.

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown

With this latest victory, Bryn Kenney continues to solidify his position as poker’s all-time money leader, showcasing his consistent performance and dominance in the high-stakes poker world.

Bryn Kenney was born in 1986, in Long Beach, New York. From a young age, Kenney showed a keen interest in card games, initially playing “Magic: The Gathering” competitively. This early exposure to strategic thinking and competition laid the foundation for his future success in poker.

Kenney’s transition to poker began in his teenage years, where he honed his skills in local games and online platforms. His first major live cash came in 2007 at the East Coast Poker Championships in Verona. Kenney’s breakthrough on the global stage occurred during the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP), where he finished 8th in the $25,000 No Limit Hold’em - Six Handed event, earning $141,168. He also placed 28th in the Main Event that year, securing $255,242.

In 2014, Kenney won his first WSOP bracelet in the $1,500 10-Game Mix Six Handed event, adding $153,220 to his earnings. His career continued to ascend with notable victories, including a $1,687,800 win at the 2016 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure $100,000 Super High Roller event, and a series of high-stakes wins at the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series in 2019.

Kenney’s strategic prowess and fearless approach have made him a formidable force in the poker world. His ability to read opponents and execute flawless bluffs has earned him a reputation as one of the best in the game. Beyond the tables, Kenney is known for his charismatic personality and his contributions to poker culture, including his role as an ambassador for GG Poker.

Kenney’s journey from a young card enthusiast to poker’s all-time money leader is a testament to his skill, resilience, and unbridled ambition. His story continues to inspire a new generation of poker players aiming for greatness.

The Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) High Roller event has become a cornerstone of the poker calendar since its inception in August 2013. Established by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, the SHRPO quickly gained a reputation for its high-stakes action and substantial prize pools. The inaugural event featured a groundbreaking $10 million guarantee, the largest in poker history at the time.

Over the years, the SHRPO has attracted some of the biggest names in poker, with numerous milestones and memorable moments. The series has expanded to include multiple high roller events, with buy-ins starting at $10,000. Notable winners include Erik Seidel, who triumphed in one of the early high roller events, and Bryn Kenney, who has consistently performed well in these tournaments.

The SHRPO continues to be a highlight of the poker season, drawing players from around the world to compete in South Florida’s premier poker destination. Its combination of luxurious settings, competitive fields, and significant prize money ensures that the SHRPO remains a must-play event for poker professionals and enthusiasts alike.

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September

As the fantasy baseball season reaches its climax, managers are on the lookout for players who can give their lineups a final boost. While many prospects have already made their debuts, there are still a few who could make a significant impact. Here, we highlight three top-tier prospects who have the potential to shine.

Junior Caminero’s journey to the majors has been eventful. After a strong start in 2024, a slump and a quad strain delayed his debut. However, he bounced back impressively, hitting .304 with five home runs in 19 games upon his return to Triple-A. Now back in the majors, Caminero has shown flashes of his potential, including a hit with an exit velocity of 116.3 mph. Fantasy managers should be patient, as his elite power could be a game-changer during the playoffs.

?Born in 2003, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Junior Caminero grew up with a passion for baseball. He signed with the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent in 2019 before being traded to the Rays.?His journey through the minors was marked by impressive performances, including a stint in the Australian Baseball League where he became a fan favourite.

Junior Caminero is currently in Major League Baseball and is on the roster of 53 percent of fantasy baseball teams. In the 2024 season, he has played 2 games in MLB with a batting average of .143, no home runs, no runs batted in, no runs scored, and 1 stolen base, while in Triple-A, he has played 53 games with a batting average of .276, 13 home runs, 34 runs batted in, 33 runs scored, and one stolen base.

Jasson Dominguez, also known as “the Martian,” had a promising 2023 that led to a brief stint in the majors. Unfortunately, an elbow injury required Tommy John surgery, delaying his return. Despite a strong start in 2024, a crowded Yankees outfield and another injury have kept him in Triple-A. Dominguez’s power and speed make him a valuable stash for fantasy managers, with the potential to become a star in 2025.

Born in 2003, in Esperanza, Dominican Republic, Jasson Dominguez was named after Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi by his father, a former baseball player and Yankees fan.?Dominguez began training for a baseball career at age eight and quickly gained attention for his extraordinary talent, earning the nickname "El Marciano".

Dominguez is currently at the Triple-A level with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and is on the roster of 23 percent of fantasy baseball teams. In the 2024 season, he has played 10 games in Double-A with a batting average of .316, four home runs, eight runs batted in, eight runs scored, and one stolen base, and 24 games in Triple-A with a batting average of .280, three home runs, fourteen runs batted in, twelve runs scored, and seven stolen bases.

Jace Jung, a 2022 draft pick, has quickly ascended through the Tigers’ ranks. Expected to debut on 16 August, Jung has shown consistent power and a keen eye at the plate, boasting a .377 OBP in Triple-A. His versatility could see him playing at third base, providing fantasy managers with a potential power boost. While it may be wise to monitor his initial performance, Jung’s positional flexibility adds to his fantasy value.

Jace Jung was born in 2000, in San Antonio, Texas. He played college baseball at Texas Tech University, where he was named the Big 12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year. His older brother, Josh Jung, also plays professional baseball, making it a family affair.

These prospects have the potential to become key players in fantasy baseball, offering power, speed, and versatility. Keep an eye on them as the season progresses and consider adding them to your roster for a competitive edge.

Jace Jung is at Major League Baseball level, this player is rostered in only 5 percent of leagues. In 2024 AAA, he played 91 games, hitting .257/.377/.454 with 14 home runs, 60 runs batted in, 50 runs, and two stolen bases.

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September