eSports
EXCEL ESPORTS appoints ex FUSE Director Shahin Rasti as new Head of Partnerships
Today, EXCEL ESPORTS is pleased to announce the appointment of Shahin Rasti as the new Head of Partnerships. Shahin moves into esports having previously worked at sport and entertainment agency – FUSE. In his new role, Rasti will support EXCEL’s existing set of partners, bringing on new commercial partners as well as continuing to grow the organisation’s partnerships team.
With over 10 years of experience within the sports and entertainment marketing industry, Shahin specialises in the creation, strategy and activation of brand partnerships. Working with some of the largest brands and rights holders across the industry, his previous clients include the likes of Subway, Formula 1, Samsung, VISA, Arsenal FC, Santander, ASICS, Allianz and FedEX. With an increasing interest in esports from the sports industry, Shahin has also provided consultancy with esports rights holders including FACEIT, SK Gaming and the UEFA eChampions League.
Shahin will be leading the servicing of EXCEL’s existing partner portfolio, which boasts industry-leading partners including FTSE 100 companies JD Sports and EE as well as the UK’s largest food delivery platform Just Eat, through supporting and creating their core partnership strategy as well as activating and managing their contractual rights. He will also be ensuring the team is driving as much value for existing sponsors at major esports events throughout the year, starting with this year’s League of Legends European Championship Summer Split.
With an overarching vision to create the best partnership offering, platform and content creation in gaming and esports, Shahin will work on bringing in new commercial partners, making sure that all brands EXCEL works with will drive value for the organisation in both the short and long term but also engage with its community in a meaningful and effective way. He will also lead a continuously growing partnerships team, making sure the organisation develops and recruits the best talent within the industry. Shahin’s appointment follows a recent string of new hires for the organisation’s commercial team, including new Partnerships Executive, Sara Leghari.
Shahin Rasti, EXCEL ESPORTS new Head of Partnerships comments: “I’m excited to be joining EXCEL as their new Head of Partnerships. It felt like the right time to move into the ever growing esports space and EXCEL’s journey and vision really stood out to me. The organisation are doing things the right way; with the Power of Better manifesto and building the brand authentically, which continues to resonate and attract a multitude of fans. This strong cultural growth has attracted some of the largest brands in sponsorship, so I am really excited to be a part of the team!”
Mark Carter, Commercial Director at EXCEL ESPORTS comments: “I’m delighted to welcome Sha to the EXCEL family. Sha’s experience working in leading agencies and with major UK and international brands, will be pivotal in how EXCEL develops, articulates and activates its partner propositions as we continue our expansion in the UK and beyond.”
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2026 summit
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
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.
The post Esports Nations Cup 2026 Announces $45 Million Prize Fund for Players, Clubs, and National Teams appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
betting brand marketing
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.
The post Esportes da Sorte Secures Major Sponsorship for FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcasts on SBT and N Sports appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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