And for the first time in online gaming history, no one wanted to leave.

But this was the professional circuit. It wasn't just about speed. It was about the hacks.

Playing ball games online offers numerous benefits, including:

The ball launched upward, spiraling through the air. It sailed perfectly through the center of the ring.

But Leo had a secret. He didn’t play to win. He played to listen .

He saw the goal. It was a small, hovering ring at the far end of the Grid. Kruger was two steps away, arm raised to clothesline him.

Jax’s connection cut out. The warehouse rushed back. He ripped the headset off, gasping for air, his body drenched in sweat. The small crowd in the warehouse around him erupted into cheers.

"Connection stable," the voice in his earpiece whispered. It was Mira, his handler. "Ping is four milliseconds. You’re clean, Jax. Get ready for the kickoff."