eSports

Online esports tournaments deliver more shocks than LAN events

Published

5 years ago

August 24, 2020

Zoltan Tundik

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Online esports tournaments deliver more upsets than arena events, data has shown.

The Covid-19 outbreak forced esports to move online across all major games, including CS:GO, Dota 2 and League of Legends.

Tournament organisers were forced to rethink significant events that were due to be held offline, including ESL One Birmingham, DreamHack events and ESL One Cologne.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

And the move online certainly seems to favour the underdogs, with data from leading esports betting site Luckbox showing a noticeable decrease in the number of matches ending with expected results.

Luckbox analysed data between March and July, comparing the expected outcome of matches based on pre-match the odds with the final results. The data was compared with the same period last year, when the events were held offline.

The biggest shift came in League of Legends, where 10% fewer matches went as expected, while in Dota 2 it was 5% and CS:GO saw a 3% decrease.

Luckbox’s Director of Sportsbook Metodi Zaburtov said: “Our data shows that we see an increased number of upsets when moving from LAN to Online.

“It’s especially for favorites in ranges 1.2-1.3 and 1.4-1.5, where the trends are clear – there are respectively 6.81% and 11.02% more upsets since the start of Covid-19 pandemic.”

“Apparently, the trend is continuing into August, as fans placing a bet on CS:GO during ESL One Cologne this month have already witnessed a big surprise with 125/1 shot Sprout progressing through their group to reach the playoffs with two stunning victories against the odds so far.”

Zaburtov said several factors could explain why upsets are more likely during online events.

He said: “Online matches are more susceptible to technical issues such as latency, which can sometimes prove a leveller – like a football match on a bad pitch.

“There is also the fact that players are often in their own homes, as opposed to being cheered on by thousands of fans. This often brings out the best in experienced players, while lower-level players might crumble under the pressure. Perhaps playing online suits smaller teams because there is less pressure.”

eSports

Esports Charts to deliver comprehensive viewership data to GeoGuessr

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2025

George Miller

esports-charts-to-deliver-comprehensive-viewership-data-to-geoguessr

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Esports Charts, the leading esports viewership analytics provider, is partnering with GeoGuessr, the world’s favourite geography‑guessing game, to deliver detailed analytics for its esports tournaments. The collaboration will give organizers clear insights into audience engagement and viewership patterns across events.

As part of the partnership, Esports Charts provides tournament dashboard data for the GeoGuessr competitions. Organizers can track engagement trends, compare performance across regions, and make data-driven decisions for future events.

“Esports Charts is thrilled to support GeoGuessr’s esports events. Our team even enjoys the game together during team activities, so it’s fun to combine that passion with our analytics expertise. By providing clear insights into viewership and engagement, we hope to help the organizers nurture and grow GeoGuessr’s competitive scene globally.” – Sergii Rudenko, CSO at Esports Charts

The recent GeoGuessr World Championship 2025 set new viewership records, reflecting the game’s growing presence in esports. In recent years, GeoGuessr has expanded its competitive offerings with larger prize pools, longer seasons, and more events.

“This year’s World Championship has been an incredible journey across four countries. We extend our gratitude to the passionate GeoGuessr community, talented players, and all of our partners who made this possible. Our partnership with Esports Charts plays a key role in helping us gain valuable audience insights, allowing us to continuously grow and elevate the GeoGuessr esports scene. – Mikael Falgard, Head of GeoGuessr Esports

The collaboration marks another step in the development of GeoGuessr’s esports scene and strengthens Esports Charts’ role as a leading provider of competitive gaming analytics.

The post Esports Charts to deliver comprehensive viewership data to GeoGuessr appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

eSports

Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games

Published

5 days ago

September 9, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

global-esports-federation-confirms-program-for-los-angeles-2026-global-esports-games

The Global Esports Federation at its 16^th Board Meeting approved the draft program for the Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games, to be held in December 2026. This follows the earlier announcement of Los Angeles as host city at a major ceremony hosted by Los Angeles Times Media Group Executive Chairman & CEO Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel—now marking a significant milestone on the road to GEF’s flagship event in the United States.

The GEF Board also unanimously elected Paul J. Foster as President of the Global Esports Federation. Paul, who is GEF Chief Executive Officer, was appointed President ad interim following the resignation of founding President Chris Chan in July, and now assumes the role of President & CEO through December 2027.

“I’m honored to be elected President of the Global Esports Federation at today’s Board Meeting. Together with our Member Federations and partners, we will champion inclusion, innovation, and sustainability—empowering athletes, embracing digital transformation, and strengthening the global credibility and prestige of esports for generations to come.” –Paul J. Foster, GEF President & CEO.

In addition, the GEF Board approved the establishment of frameworks to develop the esports ecosystem in the United States, anchored in Los Angeles. This initiative will strengthen the GEF’s connections with stakeholders worldwide and reinforce its mission to elevate esports for all.

The outcomes of GEF 16^th Board Meeting reaffirm the GEF’s role as a convening platform, uniting athletes, publishers, Member Federations, and partners to power the future of esports globally.

The post Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

eSports

TEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION

Published

1 week ago

September 3, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

team-vitality-and-hummel-launch-alternate-jersey-and-exclusive-apparel-collection

Team Vitality launches 2025 Alternate Jersey and an exclusive apparel collection, bringing a new level of energy and excitement for fans.
The jersey, featuring a white base with red and blue accents, pays homage to the French flag and will be worn by all Team Vitality athletes at major esports events taking place in France later this year, including the Rocket League Worlds and EVO Nice.
The Alternate Jersey is available today for €79.99, both online and at Team Vitality’s official Paris store.

Team Vitality is proud to unveil its new Alternate Jersey, accompanied by an exclusive apparel collection. This launch completes the club’s annual merchandise lineup, following the release of the black Pro Jersey earlier this year and the iconic yellow US-style Jersey worn during the Austin Major triumph.

This Alternate edition, featuring the French blue, white and red, honours Team Vitality’s Parisian roots while celebrating the major esports events set to close out the year in France.

The jersey will feature on the global stage with the Rocket League team at the World Championships from September 12 to 14.

PERFORMANCE MEETS LIFESTYLE

The Alternate Collection features a new, stylish jersey and a limited-edition clothing line that blends performance and lifestyle. As with every year, the Alternate Jersey is traditionally white, serving as a complement to the black Pro Jersey released earlier in the year.

Designed in collaboration with hummel, the jersey combines comfort and performance, offering a lightweight fit built to withstand the demands of competitive play. The accompanying exclusive apparel collection follows the same artistic vision, offering clothing and accessories designed for everyday wear. This brand-new lifestyle range, along with exclusive items, reflects the club’s distinctive style.

ALTERNATE JERSEY

Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Jersey – €79.99
Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Sleeves – €29.99
Exclusive Vitality Alternate 2025 Pack – €79.99 (includes 1 Alternate Jersey and a complimentary pair of exclusive sleeves)