eSports

Game Changers: A Roundtable on the eSports Revolution

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2023

game-changers:-a-roundtable-on-the-esports-revolution

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Over the last decade, a significant cultural shift has occurred in the entertainment industry. Esports, the organized and competitive form of video gaming, has gone from a fringe interest to a global sensation, captivating millions of fans and bringing in billions of dollars in revenue. This rapid rise has not only transformed gaming from a casual hobby to a legitimate profession but has also firmly established itself in mainstream culture, challenging traditional sports and revolutionizing the entertainment industry as a whole.

Esports, short for electronic sports, has evolved into a flourishing industry encompassing competitive gaming, live events, sponsorships, media coverage, and an ever-growing fan base. As technology advances, so does the potential for esports to redefine what it means to be a spectator and participant in the world of sports and entertainment. With a structure that mirrors traditional sports leagues, including professional teams, star players, and devoted fan communities, esports has become an influential force, making a significant impact on the gaming world and broader society.

For this roundtable, European Gaming spoke to Kevin des Lauriers, CEO at J3STER, and Kirill Nekrasov, Product Officer at BETBY to delve deeper into the rise of esports, examining the factors behind its explosive growth, the influence it wields across various industries and the exciting possibilities that lie on the horizon. By understanding the transformative power of esports and the remarkable journey it has undertaken thus far, we gain insights into a phenomenon that continues to reshape entertainment, challenge societal norms, and captivate a generation of enthusiasts.

How is the rise of esports changing the way people interact with games?

KDL: Globally, we’re seeing a big increase in arenas being built specifically to draw in fans of esports. We’re also seeing a rise in LAN events across the world, with competitive and even casual players now putting together teams in order to get involved. Smaller sponsors are putting on more tournaments, and there seems to be a plethora of new leagues being created for any and every game imaginable – not just the usual titles, such as Warzone and League of Legends.

KN: There is a vast increase in viewers who passionately follow certain teams and particular disciplines within esports, whether that be soccer, ebasketball or any other sport that they like. This engagement ultimately acts as the spark for viewers to become participants, following in the footsteps of their favourite esports players, getting involved at an amateur level and engaging with the esports that they enjoy most.

Influencers are often the faces of esports. What impact do these figures have on the industry?

KDL: In the industry, we’re in an interesting spot where influencers currently have a lot of power. Prominent players can discover and highlight exploits in games, effectively pushing game publishers to release patches and fixes more frequently. These publishers are also clamouring to release new features to keep these influencers happy and engaged, otherwise they risk them moving on to the next big thing.

There are armies of community managers working with game publishers, ready to provide influencers with gifts such as giveaway items for their fans, card packs, in-game content such as skins and more. Winning these influencers over is a surefire way to garner a positive reception in the esports sphere.

KN: In many industries, influencers are becoming more high-profile, garnering trust amongst audiences and shaping trends. These people within the esports industry are no different, whether they are players who were already in the public eye, or streamers who have amassed an organic following. However, the impact of these figures can both be positive and negative.

If influencers enter the world of esports solely to generate quick success and garner hype, without having an esports background or a noticeable passion, then this can have a negative impact on the long-term development of the industry. If they do not enjoy the content, or understand the complexities and depth of esports, passionate fans will see through this attempt to engage with them and be turned away.

This can reduce the quality of new entrants. Some may also use their popularity to promote products or events that do not align with the values and needs of the esports community. This can also create a negative perception among fans.

Following that, what is the main appeal for both players and influencers to get involved in esports?

KDL: Most influencers are pros (or ex-pros), which effectively makes this relationship analogous to the classic sports commentators. They educate us on how good these “new players” are, and what we can strive to become – or simply admire from afar.

However, pro esports players arguably aren’t as well-known today as the players we grew up with in classic sports. Some influencers host watch parties of big esports events, helping their fans to understand a little bit more about the teams and their players, which opens it up further for newcomers to get involved.

KN: Doing something you love and are passionate about, and competing at a competitive level cannot be underestimated. Entering esports, whether as a participant or influencer, should be a long-term commitment rather than just a temporary one. The esports community is incredibly passionate and this is a key selling point to getting involved, to be surrounded by like-minded people who care about the industry.

Being fully committed can bring a long-term career, and being able to participate in professional competitions, and potentially creating your own brand and personality that generates a following.

In your own opinion, how do you think you’re pushing innovation within the esports industry?

KDL: On paper, J3STER is everything that Twitch influencers and viewers can wish for – community, engagement and monetization. We focus on creating lines for each influencer based on their match data, with the odds generated being unique to that influencer and their community.

Our mission is to increase the influencer’s ability to monetize without requiring any further work. J3STER does all of the work through seamless API integrations. Influencers can sign up through their Twitch account, connect their game data through our publisher API connections, and then send the link out to their viewers. This process can be completed in less than one minute.

For viewers, they have an alternative to tipping through Twitch streams, as each bet placed through J3STER gives the viewer the opportunity to tip the streamer directly. Of course, when there’s a bet on the line, each viewer is much more engaged in the outcome of the influencer’s match.

KN: BETBY has been actively innovating the esports industry since its inception. We started our journey in esports with the Betby.Games project, which is a unique opportunity for bettors to wager on the most popular esports disciplines, providing 24/7 availability, and minimising human error.

Something which is a big bonus to our brand is our trading department, with many being esports fans themselves. Because of this, they are actively searching for new and unique markets and tournaments for our brand to be involved with, and expanding our offering. BETBY was the first company to offer its customers markets on the Pokémon UNITE Championship, Team Fortress 2 and Trackmania.

Of the latest product releases, it is worth highlighting our Betbuilder, which allows you to make combo bets within a single match, and which has already gained recognition among esports fans thanks to the exciting nature of these types of bets.

What are your predictions for the future of esports?

KDL: The eyes on esports have now reached the point where marketers simply cannot resist or oppose it any longer. I believe that, within the next five years, we’ll have more people tune in to watch a major esports competition than will tune into the Superbowl.

It’s also absolutely plausible that esports will very soon have the same energy behind it that the World Cup has – but this will require influencers with the necessary reach and power. Also, which game will headline? Will it be League of Legends, one of the biggest and longest-standing esports games, or perhaps Counter-Strike? Call of Duty is also another contender, as its recent huge rise in popularity is notable.

If the legions of gamers and influencers within the esports industry cannot decide on a headlining game – in order to give esports an ‘identity’ – everything will continue to be grouped under the umbrella of ‘esports’, which could diminish its potential. Evolution is necessary, and I believe it’ll happen very quickly.

KN: The esports industry will certainly continue to grow and become even more professional. In the context of betting, this will mean a transition to a more professional relationship between market participants, whether it is obtaining broadcast rights or using data.

For spectators and fans of esports, the events will become more exciting as participation increases. We are also seeing a strong development in production standards from tournament to tournament, and this is really incredible to see. In addition, I personally expect an active expansion of esports on mobile devices which will widen the audience and will also help the emergence of a couple of exciting new disciplines in the industry.

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BETBY

BETBY Expands E-Sim Portfolio with Three Industry-First Titles: eHockey, eMMA and eTeqball

Published

15 minutes ago

March 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

betby-expands-e-sim-portfolio-with-three-industry-first-titles:-ehockey,-emma-and-eteqball

Tier 1 sportsbook supplier BETBY has expanded its proprietary esports feed, Betby.Games, with the launch of three industry-first e-sim titles: eHockey, eMMA and eTeqball. The new releases further strengthen BETBY’s high-frequency betting content portfolio, introducing new sports verticals while continuing to deliver fast-paced, always-on content designed to maximise engagement for operators and players worldwide.

Each of the new titles debuts as a first-of-its-kind esports simulation in the betting industry, reinforcing BETBY’s reputation as a pioneer in developing original betting content.

eHockey launches with four tournaments representing the NHL’s divisions: Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific. Each match follows a format of three periods lasting three minutes each, delivering uninterrupted action with no stoppages. Designed to replicate the intensity of real hockey, the title offers 15+ betting markets and is expected to generate over 11,000 matches per month, ensuring a constant flow of high-frequency betting opportunities. Arriving just ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs next month, the new title allows hockey fans to stay immersed in the sport 24/7, extending engagement beyond real-world fixtures.

eMMA introduces a fast-paced combat sports experience featuring two tournaments: UFC Legends and UFC Women Legends, where some of the sport’s most iconic fighters face off in simulated matchups. By bringing together well-known names from MMA history, the title creates an instantly familiar environment for fans and bettors alike. The format focuses on quick fights, with each matchup consisting of a single round lasting around one to two minutes on average. Events begin every five minutes, ensuring continuous action throughout the day. Betting markets focus on the fight winner, creating a simple yet highly engaging wagering experience. Combined, the two tournaments are expected to deliver around 15,000 events per month.

Completing the trio is eTeqball, which introduces a brand-new sport to the Betby.Games portfolio. Combining elements of football and table tennis, the rapidly growing discipline brings a unique dynamic to esports simulations. The title launches with the TQX Cup Hungary – Double Mixed tournament, generating around 1800 matches per month. Each match consists of two games played up to 12 points, with over 20 betting markets available.

Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Innovation & R&D at BETBY, said: “Creating original content has always been at the core of the Betby.Games vision. With Hockey, MMA, and Teqball, we’re introducing three industry-first titles that further diversify our portfolio and bring new experiences to esports betting. Each of these games offers fast gameplay, clear betting mechanics, and a constant stream of events, helping operators keep players engaged 24/7.”

The post BETBY Expands E-Sim Portfolio with Three Industry-First Titles: eHockey, eMMA and eTeqball appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

B2B iGaming

Logifuture Joins Forces with BetConstruct AI to Expand Virtual Sports

Published

1 week ago

March 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

logifuture-joins-forces-with-betconstruct-ai-to-expand-virtual-sports

Logifuture, a leading B2B provider of virtual sports and instant gaming solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with BetConstruct AI, a global iGaming platform powering hundreds of operators worldwide. This collaboration integrates Logifuture’s flagship products, Zoom Sports and Simulate, into BetConstruct AI’s platform, significantly expanding access to innovative engagement tools for operators.

Expanding Global Reach

The partnership enables operators to offer next-generation virtual sports and instant betting solutions, enhancing player activity and generating incremental revenue.

Zoom Sports delivers ultra-realistic virtual football and tennis events in both full-length and turbo formats, offering thousands of daily betting opportunities.
Simulate allows players to instantly simulate the outcome of betslips, removing waiting times and creating immediate engagement.

These tools extend player retention, increase betting activity beyond live events, and create cross-sell opportunities across the BetConstruct AI network.

Innovation at the Core

Both Logifuture and BetConstruct AI prioritize innovation and product differentiation, helping operators stand out in a highly competitive market.

Niccolò Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture, commented:
“Partnering with BetConstruct AI is a major step forward. Their global reach makes them the ideal partner to scale Zoom Sports and Simulate worldwide. This collaboration is just the beginning of a long-term partnership to deliver new experiences and stronger operator performance.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership will focus on expanding distribution, delivering new gaming experiences, and introducing innovative products to keep players engaged while helping operators grow revenue worldwide.

The post Logifuture Joins Forces with BetConstruct AI to Expand Virtual Sports appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

betting innovation

Bet It Drives S4 Finale: Oddin.gg’s Marek Suchar on Esports Betting

Published

2 weeks ago

March 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

bet-it-drives-s4-finale:-oddin.gg’s-marek-suchar-on-esports-betting

The global esports betting industry continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, and one of the sector’s most influential voices has recently shared key insights into where the market is heading.

In the latest episode of Bet It Drives, Marek Suchar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Partnerships at Oddin.gg, joined host Yevhen Krazhan to discuss the realities, challenges, and future opportunities shaping esports betting.

Recorded during the ICE event in Barcelona, Season 4 Episode 4 brings together two experienced industry figures for a candid discussion about the mechanics behind esports wagering. Suchar, who helped transform Oddin.gg from a small startup founded by four partners into a global B2B infrastructure provider for esports betting, offered a detailed perspective on the sector’s growth, integrity requirements, and regulatory future.

A Look Inside the Esports Betting Ecosystem

Esports betting has quickly moved from a niche vertical to one of the most dynamic areas of the online betting ecosystem. Oddin.gg has played a critical role in this development by offering odds feeds, trading tools, and risk management solutions to betting operators around the world.

During the conversation, Suchar explained how advanced monitoring systems help identify suspicious betting patterns in real time. As esports wagering continues to scale globally, integrity monitoring and data analysis have become essential tools for protecting both operators and players.

He emphasized that the future success of esports betting will depend heavily on transparency, robust data management, and strong cooperation between operators, regulators, and technology providers.

Addressing Industry Challenges

The podcast also tackled some of the uncomfortable realities facing the iGaming sector. Suchar spoke openly about what he believes the industry often gets wrong when it comes to esports betting.

One of the key issues he highlighted was the misunderstanding of esports by traditional betting stakeholders. While esports audiences are digital-native and highly engaged, many operators still attempt to apply conventional sports betting strategies without adapting to the unique dynamics of competitive gaming.

Suchar stressed that esports requires specialized infrastructure, data expertise, and an understanding of the communities surrounding the games themselves.

He also addressed strict internal policies around betting within odds and trading providers, explaining that integrity protocols and compliance standards are essential in ensuring fair markets and preventing conflicts of interest.

Market Growth and Global Opportunities

One of the most striking points in the discussion was Suchar’s estimate of the potential size of the esports betting market. According to him, the global esports betting handle could approach $100 billion, highlighting the enormous commercial potential of this rapidly expanding sector.

The conversation explored which regions are most likely to emerge as the largest regulated markets for esports betting. As regulatory frameworks evolve across Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia, new opportunities are opening for operators that are prepared to integrate esports properly into their product offerings.

Suchar noted that future growth will largely come from markets that combine strong esports fan bases with clear regulatory structures and advanced digital betting ecosystems.

Entertainment Meets Industry Insight

In addition to serious discussions about market development, the episode also maintains the playful format that Bet It Drives has become known for.

Suchar participated in the segment “Confess or Call,” spinning a wheel that led to a humorous prank acquisition call where he jokingly suggested Oddin.gg might explore purchasing esports organizations NAVI and Vitality.

The lighthearted moment added entertainment value while reinforcing the informal and candid style of the podcast.

A Season Focused on Industry Truths

Season 4 of Bet It Drives has focused heavily on honest discussions about the realities of the iGaming industry. Earlier episodes featured prominent figures such as:

Cedomir Tomic of Alea
Oleksandr Feshchenko of GR8 Tech
Akhil Sarin discussing marketing strategies at Stake
Max Krupyshev exploring crypto risks and trust within gaming ecosystems

The final episode with Marek Suchar closes the season by focusing on the infrastructure layer that powers esports betting growth.

Why Esports Betting Matters for Operators

For sportsbook operators, the esports vertical represents a massive opportunity to engage younger audiences and diversify betting products. However, the conversation in this episode highlights that success requires more than simply adding esports markets.

Operators must invest in specialized technology, integrity monitoring, and partnerships with providers that understand the esports ecosystem.

Suchar’s insights reinforce a growing consensus across the industry: esports betting is no longer experimental. It is rapidly becoming a central pillar of the digital betting economy.

As esports audiences continue to grow and regulatory frameworks mature, the companies building reliable infrastructure today are likely to shape the industry’s future.