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STARK Esports takes over Swiss tech provider skilled AG and reorganizes company structure

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The Esports agency STARK Esports is strategically realigning itself with the separation of the Player Management division and the acquisition of the Swiss company skilled, that focuses on innovative technology solutions.

STARK Esports is strategically realigning in two respects. Since its foundation in 2015, STARK has been responsible for a number of significant milestones and successes in player management, particularly in FIFA Esports. This business division, which has so far been a key element of the company’s external image, will be separated from the existing structures and be bundled under the newly created “RABONA” brand.

From March 2020 onwards, all player management activities will be taken over and continued by the newly founded RABONA GmbH under the representation of its managing director Marc Goroll (38), a long-standing insider and expert of the German FIFA Esports scene. RABONA’s services include the professional support and further development of the talents as well as Esports coaching, bookings and campaign management. In particular, the increased marketing of players and influencers will be a central element of RABONA’s activities

Meanwhile, STARK Esports is pushing ahead its territorial expansion with the takeover of Swiss-based skilled AG. The existing location of skilled in Biberist will be extended by an additional office in Zurich. Skilled will operate under the name STARK Esports Switzerland AG – the product and service portfolio as well as all employees of skilled will be fully taken over and integrated. With this acquisition, STARK Esports is strengthening its competencies in the technology segment and expanding its portfolio with innovative and customer-oriented software and digital solutions for Esports and Gaming. The first products and projects are already in joint development with customers and will be announced soon.

Martin Wyss, Managing Director of STARK Esports GmbH, is looking forward to the transformation with excitement: „Setting up our company in the best possible way for the future is a process that affects many aspects. In our daily work we have become much more than what is visible to the outside. With the restructuring and expansion, the next steps based on our strategy have been taken. Now it is time to let this echo in the market, whether it is in cooperation with brands, publishers or rights holders. With our expertise and power in the fields of consulting, technology, production and creative solutions, we are very well positioned for further expansion and future challenges.“

Marc Goroll, in the past e.g. Marketing & Communications Manager GSA at Electronic Arts, is looking forward to the new challenge as Managing Director of RABONA: “Esports and gaming as well as the closely related talent and influencer scene have developed rapidly in recent years. Therefore we are currently facing the task of further professionalizing the industry, creating the best possible frameworks and of course continuing to set benchmarks. I am looking forward to this challenge as much as to the further development of our talent and our portfolio.”

Michael Bieri, new Managing Director STARK Esports Switzerland AG, comments: “It makes us proud to be part of the STARK Esports family and part of the company’s growth from now on. Our team in Switzerland consists of Esports enthusiasts from the first hour with a lot of community experience and a good sense of what the target groups are really interested in – from Counter-Strike, League of Legends to FIFA. What drives us is the ambition to develop better digital solutions to help the Esports ecosystem grow as a whole. In any case, we see room for improvement in the market.”

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HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda

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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.

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Esports Nations Cup 2026 Announces $45 Million Prize Fund for Players, Clubs, and National Teams

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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.

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Esportes da Sorte Secures Major Sponsorship for FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcasts on SBT and N Sports

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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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