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Revealed: The public’s all-time favourite on-screen characters of film, TV and gaming

gaming
- If search volume equated to Instagram followers, the Joker could charge $102k (£74.5k) for a sponsored post
- Rachel Green has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with her name of all sitcom characters (1 million)
- Pennywise, Chucky and Jigsaw are the most searched-for horror characters
- Games featuring Pikachu rake in highest revenue ($90 billion/£65.9 billion) of all the top gaming characters
There are hundreds of iconic characters from film, TV and gaming who will forever be household names. But which characters are the public’s all-time favourites? New research by Currys looked at online search volumes and social media posts that talked about some of the most famous personalities from various media genres. Below you can find out who topped each list as the most legendary icons of their genre.
The most iconic gaming characters
- If search volume equated to Instagram followers, Sonic could charge $67k (£48.9k) for a sponsored post
- Pikachu has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with his name of all gaming characters (7.4 million)
- Mario has appeared in the most games of all characters (259)
- Total revenue for the Pokemon game series ($90 billion/£65.9 billion) is higher than any other game, with second-placed Mario Bros lagging far behind ($30.3 billion/£22.2 billion)
The world of gaming has transformed over the decades, but is it the high-definition characters of today that are the fan favourites, or the iconic cartoons of decades gone by? The answer appears to be the latter. The ever-so-speedy Sonic the Hedgehog raced to the top of the search volume ranks, followed by Pikachu and Pac-Man. It’s a similar story on Instagram, with Pikachu, Mario and Sonic receiving the most posts.
Rank | Character | Global Monthly Search volume | No. of Insta posts with name hashtagged |
1 | Sonic | 6,700,000 | 3,273,487 |
2 | Pikachu | 3,700,000 | 7,430,874 |
3 | Pac-man | 3,000,000 | 1,642,920 |
4 | Mario | 2,100,000 | 5,559,810 |
5 | Big Boss | 712,500 | 2,800,000 |
6 | Luigi | 641,200 | 1,300,000 |
7 | Lara Croft | 607,700 | 735,000 |
8 | Kratos | 571,900 | 654,000 |
9 | Yoshi | 556,700 | 1,800,000 |
10 | Diablo | 490,900 | 1,100,000 |
The most terrifying horror characters
- If search volume equated to Instagram followers, Pennywise could charge $15k (£10.9k) for a sponsored post
- Pennywise has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with his name of all horror characters (2 million)
- Hannibal Lecter has the highest average IMDb rating (rated 7.2)
Although many of us would probably rather forget some of the most memorable horror characters, the fact that we can’t makes them all the more iconic. Taking first place for search volume and number of Instagram posts is killer clown Pennywise, who has really had a lasting impact on audiences. He’s followed by evil doll Chucky and Saw’s murderous mastermind Jigsaw in terms of search volume, and Dracula and Halloween’s Michael Myers in number of Instagram posts.
Rank | Character | Global monthly search volume | No. of Insta posts with name hashtagged |
1 | Pennywise AKA IT | 1,500,000 | 2,000,000 |
2 | Chucky | 1,400,000 | 1,100,000 |
3 | Jigsaw | 967,000 | 844,000 |
4 | Freddy Krueger | 943,000 | 991,000 |
5 | Michael Myers | 798,000 | 1,200,000 |
6 | Frankenstein’s Monster | 673,900 | 124,000 |
7 | Hannibal Lecter | 635,000 | 332,000 |
8 | Dracula | 632,000 | 1,500,000 |
9 | Slenderman | 579,500 | 517,000 |
10 | Eli | 324,100 | 1,000,000 |
The Best-loved sitcom characters
- If search volume equated to Instagram followers, Mr Bean could charge $11k (£8k) for a sponsored post
- Rachel Green has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with her name of all sitcom characters (1 million)
- Rachel, Monica, Ross and Phoebe from Friends have the joint highest average IMDb rating (rated 8.9)
There have been plenty of memorable sitcoms over the decades, each attracting die-hard fan bases. So, it’s interesting to see that the data reveals a landslide victory for Friends, with the cast beaten only by Mr Bean in search volume. Not only does this suggest that Friends could be the most iconic sitcom of all time, but it also answers the question many Friends fans have been dying to know – who is the most popular ‘Friend’? It turns out the on-screen couple, Ross and Rachel both take the crowns.
Rank | Character | Global monthly search volume | No. of Insta posts with name hashtagged |
1 | Mr Bean | 1,100,000 | 568,000 |
2 | Ross Geller | 589,300 | 932,000 |
3 | Rachel Green | 509,400 | 1,000,000 |
4 | Monica Geller | 491,700 | 969,000 |
5 | Joey Tribbiani | 470,000 | 957,000 |
6 | Will Smith | 364,000 | 247,000 |
7 | Phoebe Buffay | 338,000 | 812,000 |
8 | Bart Simpson | 303,000 | 590,000 |
9 | Jerry Seinfeld | 273,000 | 125,000 |
10 | Homer Simpson | 266,000 | 688,000 |
The most legendary superheroes and villains
- The Joker, Spider-Man and Black Panther are the most searched-for superheroes and villains in the world
- Batman has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with his name of all superheroes and villains (28.2 million)
- Black Panther has the highest average IMDb rating for all films he has featured in (rated 8.1)
Who steals the title as the greatest superhero is a popular topic of debate. As is the Marvel vs. DC Comics rivalry. To settle these disputes once and for all, the data reveals that Batman, and his nemesis the Joker, take the victory as the most-searched-for and posted about characters. But if we’re basing the win on a majority vote, Marvel and DC Comics are neck and neck, with five characters each ranking in the top 10 – leaving the competition very much open between the two market leaders.
Rank | Character | Global monthly search volume | No. of Insta posts with name hashtagged |
1 | Joker | 10,200,000 | 13,700,000 |
2 | Spider-Man | 7,200,000 | 20,500,000 |
3 | Black Panther | 4,400,000 | 6,000,000 |
4 | Wonder Woman | 3,800,000 | 9,300,000 |
5 | Iron Man | 3,400,000 | 16,600,000 |
6 | Batman | 3,200,000 | 28,200,000 |
7 | Harley Quinn | 3,200,000 | 6,600,000 |
8 | Thor | 2,800,000 | 10,900,000 |
9 | Deadpool | 2,700,000 | 6,100,000 |
10 | Aquaman | 2,600,000 | 2,500,000 |
Methodology
The top characters were identified using Google searches for the “top sitcom characters”, etc. From this, a list of approximately 100 characters was curated for each category, which was narrowed down to 15 based on the highest search volumes (found using SEMRush). Instagram hashtag counts are based on the number of posts hashtagged with the characters’ names, e.g. #Sonic, etc. Potential Instagram earnings were calculated by using the search volume for each character as a hypothetical ‘follower count’. With these figures, we calculated an earning per post based on an unspoken industry standard rate of $100 per 10,000 followers. IMDb ratings were calculated by averaging the IMDb rating of all TV shows or films the character has featured in. For gaming, we identified the total number of games the characters have featured in.
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WSOP Online Returns to GGPoker This August with 33 Gold Bracelets and $5,000,000 in Special Promotions!

Play for millions in prizes from August 17 through September 30
GGPoker, the World’s Biggest Poker Room, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of WSOP Online this August, bringing the thrill and prestige of the World Series of Poker® directly to players’ screens. The six-week festival will run from August 17 to September 30, featuring 33 official WSOP Gold Bracelet events, tens of millions in guaranteed prizes, and a gigantic $5,000,000 in special promotions designed to reward players across the globe.
This year’s WSOP Online series on GGPoker promises an exhilarating journey for players of all skill levels, offering a direct path to poker immortality and a share of millions in guaranteed prize money. The schedule is packed with can’t-miss events, including:
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August 25: $215 Mystery Millions – Featuring a staggering $1,000,000 top bounty and a $10,000,000 guaranteed prize pool
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September 8: $1,500 MILLIONAIRE MAKER – With an impressive $1,000,000 guaranteed for first place and a total $5,000,000 guaranteed prize pool
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September 22: $5,000 WSOP Online MAIN EVENT – The flagship tournament boasting a colossal $25,000,000 guaranteed prize pool
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September 29: $10,300 GGMillion$ High Rollers – A premier event for high-stakes players with a $10,000,000 guarantee
Adding to the excitement, WSOP Online 2025 will include a suite of innovative promotions offering even more ways to win:
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$3,000,000 Continental Flipouts: As in previous series, players will be assigned to one of four continents, and Continental Flipouts will be held following each bracelet event (open to bracelet-event participants from the same continents as the event winners). These special flipouts will feature prize pools of up to $250,000, fostering incredible regional rivalry
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$1,000,000 Super Pass Bonus: Each of the 33 Bracelet winners will receive a coveted $30,000 Super Pass, granting them direct access to the record-breaking WSOP Paradise $60M Super Main Event in the Bahamas this December
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$1,000,000 Ranking Freeroll: The top 10 countries in the Bracelet Rankings will unlock 10 exclusive freeroll tournaments for their players, with prize pools scaled according to each country’s final rank, adding another layer of national pride to the competition
“WSOP Online is about to deliver another incredible experience,” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador. “With 33 gold bracelets up for grabs, huge prizes, plus millions in special bonuses like the Continental Flipouts and Super Passes to WSOP Paradise, this series is a must-play for any poker enthusiast. It’s a truly global celebration of the game, and I can’t wait to see who takes home the gold!”
The wider poker community can follow the WSOP Online action live at GGPoker.tv, with the final table of the $5K Main Event broadcast on September 23 at 18:45 UTC (hosted by Jeff Gross & special guest) and the final table of the $10K GGMillion$ High Rollers broadcast on September 30 at 18:45 UTC (hosted by Jeff Gross & Daniel Negreanu).
Players can qualify for each monumental WSOP Online event through satellites running around the clock on GGPoker, making the dream of winning a WSOP Gold Bracelet more attainable than ever. New players to GGPoker are also eligible to claim the Welcome Bonus, earn rewards with the Honeymoon for Newcomers promotion, and automatically join the Fish Buffet loyalty program, offering regular cash prizes.
The post WSOP Online Returns to GGPoker This August with 33 Gold Bracelets and $5,000,000 in Special Promotions! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Week 32/2025 slot games releases

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has released 4 Horsemen III: Inferno to complement the wildly popular Mythology series. 4 Horsemen III: Inferno invites players into an apocalyptic hellscape where the reels are engulfed by a scorched wasteland under burning skies. A relentlessly surging and dark soundtrack creates an atmosphere thick with tension. The Horsemen return, Conquest, War, Famine, and Death, each carrying their own Free Spins feature, which is triggered with three or more full-sized Scattered Free Spins symbols.
Following the success of Money Coming and Money Coming – Expanded Bets, leading content provider TaDa Gaming has released Money Coming 2. A straightforward 3×1 grid with a bonus reel for Multipliers and a single payline means Money Coming 2 is all about the numbers. With no symbols, just numbers or blank positions on the first three reels, when the numbers land they are added sequentially to make the payout.
Relax Gaming, the award-winning iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has launched Conquer Babylon, a bold release inspired by the ancient wonders of Mesopotamia. Set amidst the towering structures of Babylon, the high-volatility 6×8 slot offers up to 262,144 ways to win, combining immersive visuals with powerful bonus features and a maximum win of 15,000 times the stake.
Get your mops out, this ship is one big floating mess! Only the dirtiest of sailors can sail the seven seas aboard Nolimit City’s latest release, Seamen. If you’re 6ft tall, love the open sea and have a taste for working with seamen, then join the White Pearl today! This ship is used to carrying some big loads.
Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden, has unveiled its latest instant win title: Bass Rewards. Packed with colourful fish and serious prize potential, the game takes players on the fishing trip of a lifetime. In Bass Rewards, every catch counts – inviting players to bait their hook and fish for fortune across a grid swimming with characterful catch.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot game, Tiki Tiki Boo Boo. With a colourful theme and invigorating soundtrack, Tiki Tiki Boo Boo is the perfect summer adventure, complemented by a bunch of special features to guarantee an unforgettable experience. The video slot’s toppling reels mechanics and its 243 ways to pay make the game a fun alternative to slots with standard paylines.
Blueprint Gaming™ has strengthened its long-term partnership with globally renowned operator bet365 through the exclusive release of bet365 Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus. The 6×4, 4,096-way to win slot provides an intriguing update to the beloved Kong series, with revamped cash harvests and a new-look bonus trail.
Spinomenal has launched its mythology-themed Majestic Zeus slot. Set at the foothills of Mount Olympus, Majestic Zeus welcomes players to a Grecian world where the rewards are potentially as large as the mountains themselves. The 5×3 frame is nestled between two towering columns adorned with Grecian goddesses. A thunderous, powerful musical score evokes the might of Zeus and heightens the entertainment.
Just Slots has announced the launch of its latest title, ‘Unholy Mystery’. Building on strong momentum, this marks Just Slots’ fifth release since the breakout success of their debut game, Sugar Heaven. Following the ominous world of their last release, Book of Arcane 100, Unholy Mystery gives the theme a playful twist by blending dark undertones with a party-like atmosphere and a bold visual style that feels like a monster birthday jamboree.
TaDa Gaming has released Fortune Gems 500, a thrilling 3+1 reel video slot that dazzles with elegant visuals and dynamic rewards. Its core innovation lies in the special fourth reel, which randomly displays multiplier values up to 500x or a powerful Ex NUDGE symbol.
Playson welcomes the return of its lucky leprechaun in the charming new release, 4 Pots Riches: Hold and Win, with the mischievous figure on hand to elevate wins with a host of enriched features. The highlight is the Super Pot Bonus Game, which is triggered by the Super Clover Bonus Symbol.
BGaming puts a fresh spin on the popular fishing genre with the launch of Big Tuna Bonanza. This charming adventure pulls inspiration from some of the most popular titles in the category, inviting players to cast their lines and reel in big wins. Big Tuna Bonanza is bigger and bolder than the fishing games that have come before it.
Play’n GO revives one of its earliest icons with Lady of Fortune Destiny Spins. The Lady steps back into the spotlight with a refreshed presence, ushering in a wave of unpredictability that rewards attention and patience in equal measure. With a glowing crystal ball at her side, the Lady of Fortune transforms missed chances into charged potential.
The post Week 32/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
GeoLocs and Shufti Join Forces to Streamline Player Onboarding and Compliance

GeoLocs, the specialist geolocation platform for the iGaming, Sports Betting and iLottery industries, has partnered with identity verification provider Shufti to deliver a seamless and secure user experience for both operators and players in regulated markets worldwide.
The integration of GeoLocs’ precise geolocation technology with Shufti’s robust identity verification solutions allows operators to onboard players faster while maintaining full compliance with local regulations. The partnership reduces friction in the registration and verification process, enabling a smoother journey from sign-up to gameplay.
Will Whitehead, Commercial Director at GeoLocs, commented: “We’re excited to be working with Shufti to bring a more seamless, secure experience to clients and players alike. Both of our technologies have been built with compliance and UX at their core, and this partnership allows us to combine strengths—making onboarding and verification faster, smoother, and more robust for operators in regulated markets.”
With regulatory frameworks tightening in both emerging and established jurisdictions, the collaboration ensures that operators have access to integrated tools that deliver high standards of security, compliance, and user experience.
Roger Redfearn-Tyrzyk, SVP of Sales at Shufti, added: “We’re proud to be teaming up with GeoLocs to support operators in delivering frictionless onboarding and a high level of regulatory compliance. Our joint capabilities mean operators can verify users quickly and accurately while GeoLocs ensures they are playing from permitted locations—creating an end-to-end experience that puts both security and user satisfaction first.”
This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation and player-centric technology in the fast-evolving iGaming space.
The post GeoLocs and Shufti Join Forces to Streamline Player Onboarding and Compliance appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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