Bud Light announced today that it will be sponsoring its first eSports program. The beer company is building a roster made up of players from various titles, including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, Hearthstone, and Heroes of the Storm. They will announce the preliminary choices for athletes on May 7 at the DreamHack Austin event.

Which players make the final roster will be decided by the fans via a voting process that will take place on a yet to be determined date. On June 14, during E3, the five athletes with the most votes will be officially named to the Bud Light All-Stars.

"This is such an exciting area for us. The growth in (eSports) is huge and this is really the right time for us to get in. We have identified it as a great space because, similar to how we identify in the NFL with fans, eSports fans have that same passion." ~ Jesse Wofford, Bud Light's digital sports marketing manager.

The Bud Light All-Stars will compete in a three-round elimination tournament at TwitchCon 2016 in October. Leading up to the tournament they will host Twitch streams throughout the summer, participate in eSports events, and appear in a behind-the-scenes series from Machinima.

Although the Lich King and his undead Scourge have been defeated, the Argent Tournament lives on. Rebranded the Grand Tournament by its ambitious proprietors, the competition has made its way from the icy shores of Northrend to the Hearthstone tables of inns across the world, still host to the Heroes of Warcraft.

Perhaps a bit more playful than its previous incarnation, the Grand Tournament is still a place where would-be champions will compete to prove their honor, their worth…

And their sense of humor.

Scheduled for release in August 2015, The Grand Tournament is a full expansion for Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft. Bringing 132 brand-new cards to the table, The Grand Tournament is the largest expansion for Blizzard’s card game to date. In addition tons of new minions and all-new class spells, the Tourney will also introduce a new mechanic to the game Inspire, where some cards will now be able to modify hero powers. 

What’s a new mechanic without a new keyword to help better identify and refine it? In addition to the new hero power modification mechanic, Blizzard is adding the keyword Inspire. Inspire indicates that whenever the player uses their Hero Power, the Inspire power of any minion in play will activate. For instance, the Lowly Squire, a 1 cost, 1/2 minion, gains +1 attack anytime the player uses their hero power. 

Blizzard has already introduced several of the new cards: for instance, a new hunter spell, Lock and Load, four cost card that causes any spell you cast during the turn to place a random hunter card in your hand. Looks like Face Hunter might be getting a new meta.

In addition to class cards, there will also be new minions ranging from common cards to brand-new legendaries, like Nexus-Champion Saraad, a five-cost, 4/5 Ethereal riding an energy camel who adds a random spell from any class to your hand when you use your hero power.

New cards, a new board, new mechanics and a new keyword, The Grand Tournament offers it all. While the expansion is not available until August, the new card packs will be available for pre-order next week. Players will be able to order the packs in bulk at a discounted price - earning a new card back for doing so - with those packs to be opened as soon as the expansion goes live.

It looks like The Grand Tournament will bring some much-needed vitality to the current meta. With a new mechanic and new class spells and new minions, it is very likely we’ll see crazy new types of decks making their way up the ladder.

What classes do you hope might see some revitalization from this expansion? Any old deck types you hope might make a comeback?

I think it would be awfully nice to play a priest again...

Blizzard has released the closed beta for Hearthstone and the internet is blowing up with streams and YouTube videos. Here are the best ways to get your hands on a beta key for Hearthstone.

1. Opt-in

The first and most obvious thing to do is go to battle.net, sign in, go to the beta opt-in page and opt-in to the beta! It is pretty simple! You can't expect Blizzard to give you a key if you don't tell them you want one.

2. Pay attention to these fan sites for giveaways

Fan sites and news outlets will be given a ton of keys to give away as promotional material. Here is a big list of sites, courtesy of Blizzard, to pay attention to (notice GameSkinny is on this list!)

• Hearthstone on Reddit
• All Things Azeroth
• Blizzplanet
• BlizzPro
• EpicPodcast
• GameBreaker
• GameSkinny
• Gamersbook
• GrindExp
• Happy Hearthstone
• HearthPwn
• Hearthstone Cast
• Hearthstone Player
• Hearthstone Power
• Jotto Hearthstone
• Mana Grind
• ProHearthstone
• Shoutstone
• Utopian Chaos
• WoWHead

3. Stalk Twitter, Facebook, and Google+

In addition to visiting the above sites, look for their social media accounts. Twitter is one of the best ways for sites to reach fans quickly and directly. You can bet your left shoe that keys will be given out on these social media outlets. Yes, even Google+. Actually, G+ being deserted might make it easier for you to snatch up keys! Keep an eye out!

4. Win keys from Facebook

Starting today, Tuesday, August 20, you can visit the official Hearthstone Facebook page to enter to win a Hearthstone beta key. Just “Like” Hearthstone on Facebook and sign up for the sweepstakes using this form.

"The first round of 500 winners will be chosen on Thursday, August 29. The contest entry period will close on Monday, September 2 at midnight PST with a final round of winners selected on Tuesday, September 3."

5. Enter the GameSkinny Hearthstone Contest

Check out our very own Hearthstone giveaway HERE.

I had the chance to try out Hearthstone at PAX East, briefly, and I was surprised at how fun it was. Now, people have their hands on the game and the world can see it in action - everyone is clamoring to get beta access.

Are you in beta? Let us know by writing an article on GameSkinny!

Have keys to give away? Contact us at editors@gameskinny.com or write up a post!

Blizzard announced their new title, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, a collectible card game that... Well, didn't thrill the audience. According to those standing outside, upon announcing the title, many who had been waiting in the queue actually left the room. Rothalack bet his money on Blizz All Stars, and he lost!

The game will allow you to craft cards, creating new decks out of duplicates and cards you aren't thrilled about. Should be an interesting addition to the Blizzard portfolio, even if most don't seem as eager as Blizzard.