eSports

The First Halo eSports Event is Locked In

Published

5 years ago

May 24, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

It looks like the very first Halo eSports event is now locked in for this year. Microsoft is showing that they have zero intentions of delaying the Halo competition for a second time, and it looks like things are moving forward smoothly. They were forced to delay it last year and have now stated that they are moving forward with it. The company has been very quiet about the game so far and has not been showing any new gameplay footage either. The very first Halo Infinite event is going to take place by the end of 2021, and this isn’t speculation either. In fact, Tahir Hasandjekic has stated that there’s now a date and a venue locked in. The exact details about this are unknown, but assuming that nothing goes wrong, then you can expect the event to take place around Autumn.

Team Plans

If you look at the news so far, you will soon see that there are plans to host a full tournament. This is also going to draw a lot of attention because people will be able to bet on who they want to win. If you have never bet online before, then this guide to online betting may be useful. Tashi has stated that the team is going to be providing a full roadmap to help them launch. On top of this, Microsoft has also been cultivating the eSports scene as of late. The team has been working hard to make sure that they consult on ways to incorporate more features for the viewers. They are also going to try and make sure that they are investing in the viewership of the game. This is incredible, to say the least, and it just goes to show how far things have come.

Tashi’s Clarification

Tashi has confirmed that they do not have any relation to the venue of the event. They know that it is going to take place during this run, however. The delay for the Halo franchise was a huge blow to the plans that Microsoft had and at the end of the day, was supposed to be a launch title for the Halo franchise too. Fortunately, the console had the most successful launch ever, even though they had very limited stock. Halo is going to be released for the new platform in Autumn and this indicates that the tournament is going to take place around that time as well. Halo Infinite is not going to be open world but at the end of the day, it is going to have its own day and night cycles. On top of this, it’s also going to have a lot of competitive elements which are going to help it to really take off. A lot of people are excited about this launch and it is not hard to see why. But, of course, only time will tell how the tournament goes and if it is even allowed to launch.

Of course, Halo has been around for quite some time but has only recently begun to gain a lot more traction. A lot of this comes down to the fact that there have been many delays. But, that being said, fans are still excited to see the creators pick things up again.

eSports

Yalla Group Announces Strategic Partnership with Saudi Esports Federation

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Wladimir P.

yalla-group-announces-strategic-partnership-with-saudi-esports-federation

Yalla Group Limited, the largest Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-based online social networking and gaming company, has announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) to drive the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s national esports ecosystem, broaden opportunities for local talent and promote greater inclusivity in competitive gaming. The partnership represents a key element of Yalla’s strategy to deepen engagement in Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s most important growth markets.

Supporting the aims of Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, SEF and Yalla Group signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to further develop esports within the Kingdom and establish new pathways for aspiring talent to develop key skills and experience.

Under the partnership agreements, Yalla has been appointed Official Event Partner of the Saudi eLeague (SEL) 2026, the Kingdom’s premier national esports competition. Support for the Women’s Saudi eLeague will be a key focus of the partnership, aligning with Yalla’s dedication to promote inclusion, community development and broader participation in digital entertainment. By cultivating female talent and establishing structured pathways for women’s participation in competitive esports, Yalla aims to contribute to the growth and vitality of Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector.

In addition, Yalla will launch a talent development programme in collaboration with the SEF’s Saudi Esports Academy, designed to foster local esports talent through training, mentorship and competitive experience. The initiative aims to strengthen foundational talent pipelines and improve the long-term competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s esports ecosystem.

Saifi Ismail, President of Yalla Group, said: “This partnership marks an important step in our engagement with Saudi Arabia’s esports sector. By supporting both national competitions and talent development, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable growth of the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem.”

“Partnering with a MENA leader like Yalla Group brings valuable regional expertise to the Saudi eLeague. This collaboration is crucial for amplifying the league’s prestige and ensuring it delivers a world-class experience for players and fans,” said Ibrahim Alsheddi, Chief Shared Services Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation.

The post Yalla Group Announces Strategic Partnership with Saudi Esports Federation appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

Martin Lycka Joins Oddin.gg as Vice President of Institutional Affairs

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Wladimir P.

martin-lycka-joins-oddin.gg-as-vice-president-of-institutional-affairs

Oddin.gg has named Martin Lycka as Vice President of Institutional Affairs, enhancing the firm’s knowledge in regulation and responsible gambling as esports wagering grows in regulated markets worldwide.

Lycka offers over 15 years of high-level regulatory and responsible gambling expertise in Europe, North America, and Latin America. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling at Entain, where he directed regulatory strategy throughout the Americas and oversaw global esports regulatory issues. He additionally sits on the Board of Directors for the American Gaming Association.

Before joining Entain, Lycka had high-level regulatory positions at GVC Holdings and Paddy Power Betfair, overseeing licensing initiatives and regulatory strategy in various jurisdictions.

In his new position at Oddin.gg, Lycka will collaborate with regulators, policymakers, publishers, tournament organizers, and integrity bodies, making sure the company’s esports betting solutions keep up with changing compliance standards. Situated on the U.S. East Coast, Lycka will aid the company’s growth into more regulated markets worldwide, with this new role highlighting the increasing industry need for suppliers with substantial institutional trustworthiness.

Martin Lycka, VP Institutional Affairs at Oddin.gg, said: “Esports betting has experienced significant development within fully regulated environments. This has been the outcome of proactive engagement, education, transparency, and open dialogue with regulators. Oddin.gg, as an industry pioneer, has built its approach around those principles, and I’m looking forward to supporting the company as it scales across many more global markets.”

Marek Suchar, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Oddin.gg, added: “As esports betting continues to scale, institutional credibility becomes just as important as product quality. Martin brings deep regulatory experience and a practical understanding of what regulators seek to become comfortable with innovative betting products. His appointment strengthens our ability to engage constructively with regulators, addressing integrity, governance, and technological concerns, and to support partners operating in complex regulatory environments.”

The post Martin Lycka Joins Oddin.gg as Vice President of Institutional Affairs appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2026 summit

HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda

Published

7 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.

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