eSports
eSports in the CIS region , Q&A w/ Viktor Block, Senior Sales Manager/PandaScore
Esports has long been popular in the CIS region, with various top-tier teams and players all calling it home. How has the landscape evolved over the last few years? Have any particular trends emerged that have surprised you at all?
Esports boomed in the CIS region in 2008 when Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games became really popular. While esports had been a thing as far back as 2003, the rise of games such as Counter-Strike and DOTA2 was a major catalyst for the upward trajectory the sector has been riding ever since. In recent years, the infrastructure needed to support esports has improved drastically across the CIS region, including the construction of the Pixel Esports Arena in Minks, Belarus, and the Cyberspace Arena in Almaty, Kazakhstan, both of which hold top-flight contests. Internet connectivity has also improved, while support from local and international sponsors such as Monster Energy, Red Bull and War Gaming have provided funds for further investment while also driving awareness. Ultimately, this has seen the landscape evolve into a thriving industry with lots of opportunities for further growth.
In terms of trends, and especially relating to esports betting, I’ve been surprised by the high demand for betting on console games – we call them eBattles and they include disciplines such as eSoccer and eBasketball. I think this is just a natural development that has occurred off the back of strong demand for video game content, which is often the bridge between traditional sports and esports.
What factors have contributed to esports’ growth in the CIS over the past few years?
One of the biggest factors for me is that teams have become more professional and are now training and playing in well-run clubs. This takes place in dedicated buildings and rooms, set up with high-speed internet and the absolute best gaming equipment. Player salaries have also gone up, which has increased the calibre of players taking part in contests across the region, taking competitiveness to the next level. Today, many CIS players now play for high-ranked teams such as Virtus.pro, Team Spirit, Betboom or Na`Vi which compete on the international stage. This in turn is helping esports grow across the CIS region.
Given how many countries are in the CIS region, can you walk us through some of the biggest regulatory differences when it comes to betting on esports? And how does PandaScore navigate these changes?
The legality of betting and esports betting differs from country to country within the CIS region. Some are super strict or even prohibit gambling, while others take a more liberal approach, regulating the activity and licensing operators. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest markets and their approach.
In Ukraine, esports has been recognised as a sport since 2018 and in 2020 the country regulated and licensed gambling for the first time. The law focuses mostly on standard betting – sports and casino – but is likely to also include esports betting given that esports is a recognised sport in the country with tier-one Ukraine sportsbooks like Favbet and Parimatch offering it to their players.
Kazakhstan has a growing gambling industry with betting shops and casinos operating in major cities such as Almaty and Nur-Sultan. Gambling is regulated by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and while the regulatory framework is somewhat restrictive, sports betting – which is likely to include esports betting – is permitted.
Navigating the constant changes in betting regulation across the CIS region can be challenging, so we make sure to keep up to speed with the latest developments by monitoring legislative updates and amendments to regulatory guidelines. We also track industry trends and best practices to anticipate regulatory changes ahead of time, allowing us to adapt quickly if needed. This can involve benchmarking against competitors, attending conferences and networking with key stakeholders.
In your view, are there any unique opportunities for the expansion of esports and esports betting within the CIS region? And how does this differ to other regions?
It’s important to understand that CIS, especially Ukraine and Kazakhstan, play by their own rules. By that I mean they are very different to other esports markets, so don’t think what works in Italy will work in Ukraine. For example, while League of Legends is very popular in Europe, in CIS, it’s Dota 2 that takes the top spot. But for those who can understand the region and each market, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.
Let me elaborate. Dota 2 is thriving in the broader CIS, with regular tournaments and events attracting large audiences both offline and online. teams like Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), Virtus.pro and Team Spirit have achieved significant success in Dota 2 competitions, contributing to the game’s popularity in the region. While Dota 2 is big, other video games also enjoy significant popularity, including CS2, World of Tanks and Fortnite among others.
Operators need to consider this when deciding their markets and odds, marketing strategies and plans for player engagement.
What would you say is the key to creating a successful esports product for a CIS audience?
Understanding layer preferences in each market and delivering an experience that exceeds their expectations. For the CIS region, this means focusing on Dota 2 – this is a game that offers deep and strategic gameplay requiring teamwork, communication and skilful execution of plans and strategies. Its competitive nature appeals to gamers as they enjoy the challenge of multiplayer experiences – this goes back to the original MOBAs back in 2008. These factors must be present in the esports betting experience offered to players – at PandaScore, this means a comprehensive Dota 2 offering that covers markets such as Kills, Towers, Roshans and Barracks, with players able to challenge themselves in a betting competition against others.
Support is also key to delivering a quality player experience. We offer round-the-clock assistance and are regularly rolling out updates to improve the experience players receive when betting on esports at sportsbooks using our data, odds and betting tools such as our Bet Builder. We are always working hard to expand our offering to cover the most in-demand games including CS2, Valorant, Call of Duty and many more.
What trends or developments do you anticipate shaping the future growth of esports in the CIS region over the next few years?
The industry will continue to grow and become more professional. Esports is different to traditional sports and it still lacks recognition in some markets, even though it is considered an official sport in a growing number of countries across the CIS region. I think as it evolves, more governments will provide more support for esports as it brings tremendous economic, cultural and social benefits. This could include funding for esports initiatives, rolling out regulatory frameworks, helping to foster partnerships with esports organisations or simply recognising it as a sport.
The continued proliferation of smartphones across the region will be a further catalyst for esports growth. Titles such as PUGB Mobile, Free Fire and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will attract large audiences and provide new opportunities for teams, players, sponsors and other stakeholders to explore. This is a really exciting time for esports and esports betting in the CIS region, and PandaScore is thrilled to be part of it.
The post eSports in the CIS region , Q&A w/ Viktor Block, Senior Sales Manager/PandaScore appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The International Esports Federation (IESF) is thrilled to announce a major milestone as 136 nations have officially registered for the National Qualifiers of the 2025 esports season. This record-breaking level of participation underscores the remarkable growth and global appeal of esports, uniting athletes and fans from every corner of the world under one shared passion.
The National Qualifiers, which commenced on January 15, 2025, mark the start of an exciting journey for millions of athletes. Competing across a diverse range of PC, mobile, and console titles, these athletes are fighting for the opportunity to represent their nations on the largest stage of esports.
Highlighting the significance of this achievement, IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski stated:
“The participation of 136 Member Federations in this year’s National Qualifiers is an extraordinary accomplishment. It reflects the deep passion, dedication, and unity within the global esports community. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the emergence of this year’s national champions and the incredible talent that will define the 2025 season.”
As IESF celebrates its 16-year legacy, the 2025 season is another step forward in showcasing esports as a powerful unifying force. The federation remains committed to supporting the growth of the esports ecosystem, encouraging the next generation of athletes, and celebrating the diversity within the global esports community.
The 2025 season will bring nations together to honor the competitive spirit and creativity of esports. With 136 nations involved, IESF reaffirms its dedication to fostering collaboration, inspiring excellence, and showcasing the exceptional talent of athletes from all over the world.
The journey to an unforgettable year in esports has begun, as IESF continues to bring the world closer through the shared passion for competitive gaming.
The post The World of Esports Unites: 136 Nations Registered for 2025 Season appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
With the start of the year behind, the company reflects on the key milestones.
Business Development
In 2024, the company experienced significant expansion, reflecting the increasing demand for progressive esports betting solutions. The total volume of bets processed grew by 74.2%, aided by the efficiency and dynamic scalability of the company’s trading team, alongside new collaborations from partners and clients. Otto Bonning, Head of Sales, said: “Our new partnerships with companies such as Altenar, NuBet, Airhead Ventures, and TurboStars have significantly strengthened the portfolio. These collaborations demonstrate our expanding influence and commitment to delivering exceptional solutions in the esports betting industry”. Clients also experienced an improvement in GGR, demonstrating the impact of the solutions on profitability.
The company’s user engagement rates also reflected the sizable uplift seen in 2024, with active users rising by 97.3% and average bet size increasing by 7%. Meanwhile, DATA.BET continued to broaden its presence in key markets, including Canada, Brazil, Finland, and Poland, further strengthening its global reach.
Esports Trading and Content Coverage
DATA.BET focused on strategic growth, enhancing its esports content to offer prosperous and dynamic opportunities for clients and their users.
Making focused improvements in popular markets resulted in growth. “We’ve expanded our offerings by adding 38 new markets, creating more opportunities for bettors and driving engagement,” said Thomas Donson, Head of Trading. “Our event coverage has also grown by 11%, adding over 10,000 events to ensure a more diverse and comprehensive experience. Ensuring 24/7 trading process, DATA.BET offers the highest quality market availability.”
The trust earned through high-quality product features, including the new Scoreboard and Pitch Tracker widgets, as well as the Bet Builder based on official data, all launched in 2024, has been instrumental in enhancing the customers betting experience. Scoreboards deliver detailed statistics, interactive visualizations, and comprehensive insights, helping users make informed decisions while boosting engagement through features like live betting, analysis, and availability for LoL, CS2, Valorant, and Dota 2.
Pitch Tracker, supporting our top tier titles, offers a 2D map as a visual representation with advanced tools for data analysis and in-game tracking, delivering detailed insights that enhance user engagement and decision-making. Additionally, the Bet Builder enables personalized betting by allowing users to combine multiple selections into a single wager, meeting the demand for tailored and dynamic betting experiences.
DATA.BET also broadened the scope of disciplines, adding 6 new games, such as Deadlock, Street Fighter 6, GeoGuessr, Teamfight Tactics, Hearthstone, Apex Legends, complementing client content with distinctive choices that amplified diversity and engagement.
Customer Support & Risk Management
The company provides a seamless customer experience and robust Risk Management, continuing to deliver swift and practical assistance.
With an average response time of up to 5 minutes, the dedicated team remains extremely efficient, addressing client concerns promptly while maintaining the highest quality standards. Between Q2 and Q4, handled around 1,500 client requests and completed more than 150 technical tasks effectively and precisely, ensuring high-quality 24/7 support and maintaining consistent service standards.
This is due to our proprietary trading platform that enables the generation and customization of content – specifically, markets – to align precisely with each partner’s distinctive requirements while accommodating their existing settlement rules. This approach ensures a seamless transition to the solution, eliminating the need for adjustments or reconfiguration after working with a previous data provider.
DATA.BET’s Risk Management team efficiently handled over 1,700 client requests. Over time, the number of requests from long-term clients noticeably decreased. The team’s familiarity with clients’ audiences and operations reduces risks through proactive measures. By identifying patterns early, the team prevents issues, ensures smooth operations, reduces reactive interventions, and builds client trust while improving system efficiency.
In 2024, DATA.BET strengthened its presence in the esports betting industry by showcasing its solutions and engaging with audiences at premier exhibitions, immersing attendees into the vibrant world of esports. Moving into 2025, DATA.BET remains focused on leveraging this momentum to drive further success and prospects for everyone involved in esports betting.
The post DATA.BET Reflects on 2024 Milestones, Growth, and Achievements appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The global esports organization GIANTX has launched its new jersey for 2025. This jersey will be worn by professional players from the different teams within the organization in their national and international competitions this year.
The color blue takes center stage in a design that evolves the wave pattern used in the previous collection. The jersey is already available on GIANTX’s official channels and will debut in competitive play this week with the first matches of League of Legends and Valorant.
As a novelty, the new GIANTX jersey pays homage to its history by including an ‘08’ on the front of the collar. 2008 marks the founding year of the Málaga-based club Giants, whose merger with the British Excel led to the creation of GIANTX, one of the longest-standing esports brands in Europe.
This jersey is part of a collection that also includes hoodies and other products available in both blue and black. It is not the only new offering from GIANTX for its fans and video game enthusiasts.
In esports, fan loyalty goes beyond the action on the server. It’s about building community, offering added value, and connecting with the audience authentically. For this reason, GIANTX has launched an exclusive membership for fans of the club or esports in general who purchase the giants’ skins in Valorant.
The GIANTX VCT Membership offers unique rewards such as access to giveaways, gifts, passes to learning platforms for professionals, meet-and-greets with players and creators, and even trips to Berlin to support the team kicking off the Valorant Champions Tour this Wednesday. The skin pack is already available in the game.
With the launch of this GIANTX package in Valorant—one of the most-played games in the world with over 20 million active users, developed by Riot Games—the club takes another step in one of the most solidified club-fan relationships on the continent.
These announcements set the stage for the return to competition, which kicks off in style this week with the start of the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), and Spain’s Superliga by Liga de Videojuegos Profesional (LVP).
The post GIANTX launches jersey and membership for 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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