Latest News

The boom of virtual gaming tournaments

Published

5 years ago

October 28, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The global gaming industry is undergoing rapid change and is seeing significant growth year on year. It is currently worth around £116 billion, and it is expected to grow by a Compound Annual Growth Rate percentage of 12.9% between now and the year 2027.

There are a number of key factors that are driving this, including the availability and advancement of technology. Both the hardware and software of games consoles, computers and gaming accessories are improving greatly in terms of efficiency, innovation and usability.

Increased access to internet services with decent connection and speed has also influenced this, as well as the relatively new development of influencer marketing through streaming platforms. Of course, it is also undeniable that recent global events have meant that people have had to spend more time at home social distancing and have found themselves playing more games. Gaming has provided entertainment and social engagement to people who may have been too busy to play regularly before. There are game types to suit everybody, from action and adventure games to strategy and puzzle games. All gaming sectors have seen an increase of gameplay during this period and one in particular is the casino industry. In the last several months, many people have signed up to one of many casino sites to play their favourite games like blackjack and poker. The increase of players has been forced by the closure of land-based casinos meaning people had to move online to access casino games. And it was not just normal casino games that had to take place online, many large gambling events like the World Series of Poker tournament also had to move online due to the recent pandemic. Many events and competitions were already taking place virtually, however this year has seen more events than ever make the transition online, is this phenomenon going to stay?

Virtual Competitions

There has also been a boom in virtual gaming tournaments, or esports tournaments, during this time. The number of tournaments has skyrocketed in comparison to previous years, so too has the audience numbers on streaming sites such as Twitch and YouTube. As conventional tournaments across the sports and entertainment industries have faced cancellations or postponements, virtual competitions have acted as their replacements.

There are three main types of esports that are run as virtual gaming competitions. One is first person shooters (FPSs), these can be player v player or team games, with popular examples including Call of Duty, Doom and Counter-Strike. There are also fighter gaming competitions, such as those held for Super Smash Bros or Street Fighter. However, some of the most anticipated tournaments are those in the Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) category, with League of Legends and DOTA 2 being the big names in this area.

Many players participate in these events due to their financial incentives. Large corporations sponsoring these events draw in professional players with the promise of huge cash prizes. Pros train for these events all year round, gaming to them is a career choice as they fund their passion through prize winning and sponsorship deals scored through their streaming channels. DOTA 2 is by far one of the biggest tournaments in terms of the amount of prize money it gives out. Since the game was released in 2013, there have been 54 tournaments and the average prize has been a hefty sum of $111,111 US dollars. This year’s prize money hase totalled $6 million.

Replacing Sporting Events

Virtual gaming tournaments this year have acted as a good replacement for some of the major sporting events.

After F1 was forced to postpone earlier this year, Torque Esports’ All-Star Esport Battle took over in March. Racers from a variety of motorsports joined in on the action, including the legendary Max Verstappen. Verstappen found victory at the Redline’s Real Racers Never Quit competition series when he won the first qualifier, however the final saw Rudy Van Buren take home the top prize after he dropped out. Van Buren actually holds the title of ‘World’s Fastest Gamer’ in 2017.

There was also the virtual Formula One Grand Prix which attracted both pro gamers and champion F1 stars. This was the second time the event ran and this year it was based on Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. Competitors included Ben Stokes, an England cricketer, and racing driver Alex Albon. The trophy was won by two time Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc.

Another high-profile esports tournament was the Fortnite World Cup. In the summer of 2019, the Fortnite finals were streamed across Twitch, Youtube, Twitter, Facebook and within the game itself. Weekly online tournaments started in April, with players from each region competing to qualify for the finals and be in for a chance of winning a cut of the $1,000,000 prize pool. The overall winner was 16 year old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, who lifted the trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. This year however, Epic Games have had to put a stop to the World Cup this year due to the cross-region nature of the event. They instead moved all over competitions exclusively online this year, including the Fortnite Champion Series and the Fortnite Cash Cups.

Virtual Gaming Industry is Growing

At the rate that the virtual gaming industry is growing, in the future we may see the same kind of media coverage and attention for these tournaments as we do some of the major traditional sports competitions. Huge audiences already enjoy watching these events via live streams, and many also place bets too. As stadium events around the world continue to be cancelled and postponed, virtual gaming tournaments are continuing to become a more mainstream form of entertainment for fans of competitive sports.

Conferences

Win Systems arrives at GAT Expo Cartagena with its latest innovation

Published

7 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

win-systems-arrives-at-gat-expo-cartagena-with-its-latest-innovation

Win Systems, a leading provider of technology solutions for the gaming and entertainment industry, will be attending GAT Expo Cartagena 2026 on March 25–26 in Cartagena de Indias. Visitors can find the company at Stand A7, where it will highlight its latest electronic roulette innovations and casino solutions.

At the event, Win Systems will unveil Colors, the next evolution of its successful electronic roulette line. This includes an innovative 6-position wall-mounted version designed to optimize floor space while delivering maximum performance and visual impact on the gaming floor.

Customization and Player Engagement

Colors stands out for its high level of customization, allowing operators to tailor visual elements and configurations to align with their brand identity and market preferences. Whether in compact or large-scale setups, Colors is engineered to capture attention and enhance player engagement from the very first spin.

A key innovation is its dynamic paytable, which enables players to select from four different paytable options. This includes multipliers of up to 120x on inside bets, offering both increased excitement for players and higher revenue potential for operators. By combining design, performance, and flexibility, Colors delivers a highly versatile and profitable solution for modern casinos.

Enhanced Slot Offerings

In addition to Colors, Win Systems will showcase its renowned Sublime and Rhapsody slot machines, now featuring new game releases that blend advanced graphics, innovative mechanics, and high performance. These updates reinforce Win Systems’ commitment to creating engaging content that maximizes both the player experience and operator profitability.

Strategic Industry Presence

“GAT Expo Cartagena is a key platform for the Latin American gaming industry,” said Manuel Wladdimiro, Sales Director for Central America & the Caribbean at Win Systems. “It’s an ideal opportunity to present our latest innovations and strengthen our presence in the region.”

With a proven international track record and a constantly evolving product portfolio, Win Systems continues to prioritize innovation, performance, and results-driven design. Attendees are invited to visit Stand A7 to experience these new developments firsthand.

The post Win Systems arrives at GAT Expo Cartagena with its latest innovation appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

PureWager and MIRACL announce new partnership

Published

7 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

purewager-and-miracl-announce-new-partnership

MIRACL, the world’s only single-step multi-factor authentication (MFA) provider, today announces a strategic partnership with PureWager Group, an emerging leader in next-generation sports betting technology. This collaboration will enable effortless player access via MIRACL’s passwordless, single-step login, boosting security and improving user experience across PureWager’s network.

PureWager Group is at the forefront of delivering innovative retail and online sportsbook solutions across North America, with a particular focus on Tribal Enterprises. Their platform empowers clients with Class 2 and on-premises mobile gaming solutions, alongside engaging social sportsbook and iCasino experiences.

MIRACL replaces traditional login methods entirely, providing passwordless authentication through a simple PIN. Fully compliant with GDPR, AML, and other international standards, MIRACL eliminates the need for usernames, passwords, or separate 2FA tools. With a proven 99.9% login success rate, the solution ensures players enjoy seamless access, while operators reduce potential revenue loss from login friction.

Sandro Di Michele, Chief Revenue Officer at PureWager Group, commented:

“Simplicity sits at the heart of the PureWager platform. As we expand our next-generation sportsbook ecosystem across North America, it’s essential that players can log in quickly and securely. MIRACL’s single-step authentication removes unnecessary friction while delivering the highest levels of security and compliance. This partnership strengthens our ability to offer a modern sportsbook experience that’s intuitive for players, efficient for operators, and scalable for future growth.”

Rob Griffin, CEO of MIRACL, added:

“MIRACL is fast becoming the standard for secure, frictionless logins across iGaming and sports betting. By partnering with leading next-gen technology providers like PureWager, we are removing password-related login barriers while supporting operators in meeting evolving regulatory requirements for multi-factor authentication. This collaboration will give more players access to a secure, seamless experience, keeping them engaged and loyal, while protecting their accounts with best-in-class security.”

MIRACL Trust eliminates the need for passwords, SMS codes, push notifications, or physical key cards. Leveraging patented Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, no personal data is stored or transmitted, meaning there are no “honey-pots” vulnerable to attack, and the solution remains fully GDPR-compliant. Players can log in using a simple PIN or biometric scan in just two seconds, enjoying an average success rate of 99.88%.

By combining ease of access with robust security, MIRACL ensures the online gaming experience is both safe and convenient. For operators, this reduces fraud risk and strengthens the integrity of their platforms, while players benefit from a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience.

The post PureWager and MIRACL announce new partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arman Tsarukyan

Choice Gaming Launches High-Energy Crash Game Arm’s Punch

Published

7 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

choice-gaming-launches-high-energy-crash-game-arm’s-punch

Choice Gaming is taking crash games to the next level with the launch of Arm’s Punch, a high-energy title created in collaboration with MMA superstar Arman Tsarukyan. The partnership brings the adrenaline and intensity of the fight arena directly to players’ screens, where every round feels like stepping into the ring and every multiplier offers the chance to land a big win.

Set inside a buzzing boxing arena, Arm’s Punch delivers non-stop action as multipliers climb higher with every passing second. Players must decide the perfect moment to cash out before the round crashes, balancing risk and reward to maximise their potential winnings.

The game offers manual and automatic cash-out options, the ability to place multiple bets per round, and a live feed displaying bets and results in real time, creating a fast-paced and immersive experience that keeps players constantly engaged.

Anna Vardanyan, Partnership Manager at Choice Gaming, said:

“We’re excited to introduce Arm’s Punch and deliver a crash game that combines speed, excitement and real win potential. The collaboration with Arman Tsarukyan adds an extra level of energy to the experience, bringing the thrill of combat sports into the gameplay.”

With lightning-fast rounds, explosive gameplay and the involvement of one of MMA’s rising stars, Arm’s Punch delivers a dynamic crash experience designed for players who enjoy both the strategic timing of crash games and the electrifying atmosphere of combat sports.

More than just a game, Arm’s Punch aims to deliver a true knockout experience for fans of fast-paced gaming and fight-inspired action.

The post Choice Gaming Launches High-Energy Crash Game Arm’s Punch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.