eSports

The future of Esports: Video games to be played at Olympics and Glastonbury by 2050, experts predict

Published

6 years ago

June 25, 2020

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

How big will the industry be in 30 years time?

With esports now a $1billion industry this year and its popularity still rising, we ask the question – what does the future hold for professional gaming?

A gaming stage at Glastonbury, giant sold out 100,000-seater stadiums and even a place in the Olympics?

That’s where some academics feel esports could be by 2050.

After exclusively speaking to the experts, we’ve created some food for thought about how the industry evolves in decades to come.

Gaming at festivals such as Glastonbury or Coachella?

As many event organisers now look to bring in wider audiences and test the waters, gaming could be on the cards to feature at some of the world’s biggest festivals.

With comedy stages, poetry and circus acts becoming part of the usual attractions, could competitive gaming be an outlet to bring in new audiences?

Lincoln Geraghty, Professor of Media Cultures at University of Portsmouth in the UK, said: “Absolutely, the crossovers are there. Comicon for example in the last 30 years has gone from comic books to games to big marketing launches.

“So I see a space like Glastonbury, that has a subcultural prestige with people interested in explicit music and the relationship of music and games, people might be drawn to it.”

Esports in the Olympics?

Esports games are already broadcasted to millions of people around the world. Last year’s League of Legends World Championship semi-finals were watched live by 3.9million.

But what about on an elite, mainstream level? The Intel World Open was set to precede this year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympics before it was cancelled, a stepping stone for esports to potentially feature in the competition itself.

Professor Geraghty said: “This is something the Olympic committee is looking at and it would almost certainly provide a much safer space for this competition to take place.

“Whether it be a massive tournament on the scale of the World Cup or be included in the Olympics in 30 years time, it won’t be unexpected and won’t be a surprise.”

All colleges and universities to offer esports majors/degrees?

This is unlikely, but not impossible.

There are already cases around the world of university majors and degrees being offered in game design and for specific games themselves.

As more people in higher education take up these courses, the novelty may wear off and that could lead to more awareness of the power games have on society.

Professor Regan Mandryk, Professor in Computer Science at University of Saskatchewan in Canada, said: “You can now go through college on a League of Legends scholarship, that’s going to change the cache of being an esports athlete.

“I would like to see the stigma of it being a “nerdy” activity change. It’s going to be hard, but it will happen by more people being exposed to different aspects of playing.”

Regularly filling 100,000 seater stadiums?

Whether it’s the World Cup or the Super Bowl, thousands of people want to be there to see how sporting events play out.

And this is no different for esports, even now.

The Spodak Arena in Katowice, Poland held 173,000 people to watch the Intel Extreme Masters in 2017.

“People see their heroes in these gamers and esports personalities,” Professor Geraghty added.

“It’s only replacing the footballer on the pitch with a competitor on your computer screen.”

He said: “I wouldn’t be surprised to see a football stadium or convention centres sell out to see a huge gaming tournament.

“As content creators increase in popularity, people will pay to come out and see them in person.”

To better the understanding of mental and physical health

We all understand games can be stressful and frustrating at times, but the techniques used in a lot of the technology is actually helping health professionals understand humans more.

Despite many negative connotations, studies have found games can actually help our mental health, but also be used to understand the physical effects of stress and recovery.

“Gaming can be very good for you. There are lots of ways that it can help you recover from stress,” added Professor Mandryk.

“It can help you disconnect from the pressures around you. It can also help you connect socially with other people.

“We’ve done research that shows gaming can actually combat loneliness.”

But, how do we get the best out games in the future within other areas of society?

Professor Mandryk said: “Part of the answer is to stop being so afraid of games.”

“This is a very powerful median that we can leverage. There is a lot of motivational pull and people are devoting a lot of time to playing games so why aren’t we harnessing what’s great about them to better society.”

2026 summit

HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-prague-summit-unveils-50%-of-its-dynamic-2026-agenda

The HIPTHER Prague Summit is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive events of the year, with an agenda that reflects the fast-evolving landscape of iGaming, fintech, compliance, AI, media, and beyond. With four distinct stages and content spanning two days, the summit promises high-impact insights, cutting-edge knowledge sharing, and actionable strategies for stakeholders across the digital industries.

While only half the agenda has been released so far, what’s already on the table reveals an ambitious and future-forward program. Attendees can expect the remaining schedule—focused on the Expert Panel Stage and HIPTHER Academy—to further raise the bar with industry-leading panels and advanced learning formats.

Stage 1: Compliance & Regulation

This track offers a robust dive into both regional and global regulatory trends, aimed at compliance professionals, legal experts, and decision-makers navigating complex frameworks.

Day 1 will focus on market updates, regulators’ panels, and regional compliance outlooks. Highlights include a Czech Market update, a panel featuring European regulators, and regional overviews from Germany and the Balkans.

Day 2 expands into the global picture, covering enforcement trends, jurisdiction updates from Southern Europe, the USA, and LatAm, and a deep-dive GLI session on certification and trust. The day wraps with an IMGL-led masterclass exploring the intersection of AI, automation, and accountability.

Stage 2: Expert Panels Stage

This track is a powerhouse of innovation-focused dialogue.

Day 1 will feature panels on iGaming, fintech, AI, media, SEO, esports, and business growth. Industry disruptors and thought leaders will gather to unpack the trends driving momentum across verticals.

Day 2 will turn the spotlight to deep-dive panels with operators, suppliers, and advisors sharing battle-tested strategies, future bets, and lessons from scaling globally.

Stage 3: Main Focus Stage

This stage is split into two powerful themes across both days.

Day 1 is the Keynote Arena, with standout talks on branding, visibility, growth, and deal-making. Sessions like “LinkedIn as a Dealflow Engine” and “Branding in the Attention Economy” offer tactical insights for companies looking to sharpen their competitive edge.

Stage 4: HIPTHER Academy

Designed for hands-on learning and skill development, this stage blends education with real-world application.

Day 1 offers masterclasses, workshops, and practical learning sessions, setting the tone for deep engagement.

Day 2 will feature advanced education formats, including certification-oriented sessions, ideal for professionals looking to level up with verified credentials.

Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Now

With limited availability and high interest across the industry, now is the perfect time to register. Be among the first to access cutting-edge insights, connect with top-tier professionals, and help shape the future of digital industries.

Register today for HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 and be part of the conversation that drives the next wave of innovation.

The post HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Dota 2 esports

Esports Nations Cup 2026 Announces $45 Million Prize Fund for Players, Clubs, and National Teams

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

esports-nations-cup-2026-announces-$45-million-prize-fund-for-players,-clubs,-and-national-teams

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially announced the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, bringing a new national team-focused layer to the global esports calendar.

Set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from November 2–29, 2026, the ENC will feature elite competition across 16 esports titles, emphasizing national pride, iconic rivalries, and global fan engagement.

The ENC 2026 introduces a $45 million funding commitment to empower players, coaches, clubs, and national teams through a structured and sustainable prize model. This investment supports the growth of esports globally and ensures fair, performance-based rewards for all participants.

Three-Part Prize Model: Players, Clubs, and National Teams

The ENC 2026 prize framework is designed to promote equality, transparency, and long-term growth across the esports ecosystem:

$20 million directly awarded to players and coaches across 16 esports titles
$5 million in club incentives for teams releasing players to participate, tied to player performance
$20 million via the ENC Development Fund to support national team operations, logistics, travel, marketing, and program development

“National teams add a compelling layer to esports, rooted in identity and pride,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of EWCF. “Our prize model rewards performance, supports clubs, and strengthens the long-term pathways for players and national programs.”

Player-Centric and Transparent Prize Structure

ENC 2026 guarantees all qualified participants at least three matches, with equal placement earning equal pay across all titles. Coaches are rewarded alongside players for the same placement. Key prizes include:

First place: $50,000 per player
Second place: $30,000 per player
Third place: $15,000 per player

For team titles, payouts scale with roster size, ensuring consistent and fair distribution.

Global Growth and Rotating Host Cities

The ENC will rotate to major international cities after the Riyadh debut, establishing a biennial esports tournament that provides reliable structure for long-term planning by players, partners, and national federations.

Confirmed titles for ENC 2026 include Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, and Dota 2, with additional games to be announced soon.

A New Era for National Esports

By combining national representation with global esports professionalism, the ENC offers players a chance to compete for national pride while connecting fans to elite-level esports. Clubs benefit from performance-linked incentives, and national teams receive long-term support to expand development pathways and enhance competitiveness.

For updates and further information on the Esports Nations Cup 2026, visit esportsnationscup.com and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

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betting brand marketing

Esportes da Sorte Secures Major Sponsorship for FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcasts on SBT and N Sports

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

esportes-da-sorte-secures-major-sponsorship-for-fifa-world-cup-2026-broadcasts-on-sbt-and-n-sports

Leading Brazilian iGaming brand Esportes da Sorte has announced a high-profile sponsorship agreement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasts on SBT and N Sports, reinforcing its presence during one of the most influential sporting events in the world.

The partnership includes extensive brand activations throughout the entire tournament, spanning television, streaming, and digital media.

The sponsorship package delivers wide national exposure through SBT’s free-to-air broadcasts, simulcast coverage, the +SBT streaming platform, and the N Sports pay-TV channel. In addition to traditional broadcast placements, Esportes da Sorte will activate across the broadcasters’ digital ecosystems, including official websites, YouTube channels, and other owned digital platforms.

According to Marcela Campos, Vice President of the Esportes Gaming Brasil Group, which owns the Esportes da Sorte brand, the initiative strategically aligns the company with one of the largest moments of audience engagement in global sport. The FIFA World Cup represents a unique opportunity to amplify brand recall, increase engagement frequency, and strengthen emotional connections with football fans.

“The World Cup is a global event that concentrates attention, conversation, and excitement on an unparalleled scale. In Brazil, it represents one of the most powerful moments of sports audience mobilisation. Maintaining a consistent and high-frequency presence on SBT’s broadcasts allows us to expand our brand positioning and deepen Esportes da Sorte’s connection with the football fan experience,” Campos explained.

On television, Esportes da Sorte will feature prominently through promotional spots, opening and closing idents, commercial break placements, and video inserts. The agreement also includes sponsorship of a dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026 programme, airing throughout the competition, alongside integrated editorial content within the broadcasters’ schedules.

Digitally, the brand will be embedded within the official World Cup broadcasts on SBT and N Sports, while also appearing in additional content initiatives produced by both channels. This multi-platform strategy ensures comprehensive coverage of the tournament, maximising visibility and engagement across broadcast and online audiences.

With this partnership, Esportes da Sorte further cements its position as a major player in Brazil’s regulated iGaming market, leveraging the cultural power of football and the global reach of the FIFA World Cup to strengthen brand equity and long-term consumer affinity.

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