eSports
Qatar’s Aspire Zone Foundation and Russia’s ESforce Holding signed a memorandum of cooperation at SPIEF 202
Qatar’s leading global sports center, the Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), and the Russian esports holding ESforce have signed a Memorandum of strategic cooperation. The signing took place at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum-2021 (SPIEF-2021), where Qatar acts as a guest country, with the support of the sports marketing agency QR Sports (part of the Qatari-Russian Cooperation Center group, QRCC).
Qatar’s AZF and Russia’s ESforce intend to cooperate in the development of the esports industry in Russia and Qatar: to hold joint events and exchange expertise in the organization of projects.
Mohammed Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, CEO of the Aspire Zone Foundation:
“AZF’s sports leadership has been built through a unique combination of comprehensive services and programs. In addition, Aspire Zone is the most integrated sports city in the world. AZF is always at the center of events, as it not only supports the country’s sports ambitions, but also contributes to the development of sports around the world. We are ready to share our experience”.
The Aspire Zone Foundation is based in Qatar and specializes in providing some of the world’s best sports stadiums and venues, sports medicine, research, and education to the international sports industry. It was created by the Emir’s decree on January 11, 2008 as a part of three organizations: Aspire Academy, Aspetar and Aspire Logistics. Having grown significantly since its inception as a project of The Sports City in 2003, the international sports destination was renamed the Aspire Zone in 2006. This date is significant in the history of the AZF, as the foundation gained international recognition by becoming the center of the 2006 Asian Games, where more than 200 events with intense competition were held over 15 days.
Sergey Barkhudarian, Commercial Director at ESforce Holding: “We are pleased to strengthen our position in the international market and gain new opportunities in the framework of cooperation with the Aspire Zone Foundation. The exchange of experience between experts of major players from different countries will work for the development of the esports industry around the world, and the next level of technological projects will appear in esports”.
“This step will bring a great opportunity and mutual benefit for both countries in the field of esports,” said Kirill Lata, Head of QR Sports.
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eSports
Vlad Marinescu Re-Elected as 10th IESF President
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The International Esports Federation (IESF) concluded its 17th Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside the 17th World Esports Championship Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Finals. Member federations from around the world gathered to review the federation’s annual progress, adopt key motions, and participate in the 10th IESF Elections, marking a milestone moment in the federation’s governance history.
During the election session, Vlad Marinescu was re-elected as the 10th President of the IESF, securing his second term. His re-election reflects the continued confidence of the membership in his leadership and vision for the future of the World of Esports.
“I am truly grateful for the trust placed in me to continue leading the International Esports Federation,” Marinescu said. “As we mark our 10th election cycle, we remain steadfast in our commitment to unity, transparency, and the sustained growth of the World of Esports.”
Delegates reviewed strategic priorities for the year ahead, including enhanced governance standards, expanded athlete development initiatives, and strengthened international cooperation. Voting on member-submitted motions underscored the federation’s collective commitment to advancing integrity, professionalism, and institutional maturity across the esports ecosystem.
The assembly also elected the IESF Board for 2026, comprising:
Board Members:
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HRH Prince Omar Bin Faisal – Jordan
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Afiq Fadhli Bin Narawi – Malaysia
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Elin Yoojung Moen – Norway
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Clint Kennedy – United States
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Flip De Bruyn – Namibia
The OGM concluded as the 17th World Esports Championship MLBB Finals continued, highlighting IESF’s ongoing mission to unite nations through Esports and support athletes, federations, and fans worldwide.
The post Vlad Marinescu Re-Elected as 10th IESF President appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Bet builder
GG.BET launches Bet Builder for a new way to bet
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Customers can now use Bet Builder, a format that lets them build their own set of markets on one match into a single bet with higher odds. Bet Builder is available for both esports and sports events. You can try out the new feature with a deposit bonus of up to 150% and a free bet worth up to $50.
Customers can now place a combined bet on a single match by picking various options for how events in the match will play out. For example, in CS2, customers can choose which team will win on a specific map, how many kills a specific player will rack up, how many rounds will be played on a single map, and so on.
To place a Bet Builder bet, pick an event that hasn’t started yet, press the ‘Bet Builder’ button, put together your selection of markets from those available, get higher combo odds, and finish placing the bet in one click. At this initial stage, GG.BET is offering Bet Builder on football, basketball, hockey, CS2, Dota 2, LoL, and VALORANT, with more sports and disciplines to be added down the line.
“GG.BET has always been known for embracing unconventional markets and elaborate betting options. Bet Builder is there to meet customer demand for more interesting formats in a single match. The ability to make predictions right down to a specific round and any other tiny detail of a match is what gives users variety and improves their skills,” the GG.BET press office explained.
GG.BET is offering customers the opportunity to test out the Bet Builder format with a deposit bonus of up to 150% and a free bet of up to $50.
The post GG.BET launches Bet Builder for a new way to bet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur
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The World Esports Championship 2025 (WEC25) is officially open in Kuala Lumpur, welcoming athletes, fans, and delegations from around the globe. With 19 nations taking part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), this year’s event stands as the most internationally diverse MLBB competition in IESF history.
After a year filled with national and regional qualifiers and preparations from teams around the world, the world’s top esports athletes have arrived in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead, offering fans a first glimpse of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding this year’s championship.
“WEC25 reflects the continued growth of esports as a space for connection, competition, and shared passion,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski. “Bringing together 19 nations for MLBB is a milestone not just for the title, but for the entire esports ecosystem. We are proud to bring this edition of the championship to Kuala Lumpur.”
As the competition officially kicks off, the schedule is fully packed with exciting match-ups among Nations, competing for their flag and country. The best from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to become the MLBB World Champion.
IESF extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports, partners, athletes, and global supporters who continue to elevate the championship’s reach and impact.
The post IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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