eSports
UltraPlay reports a record-breaking increase in eSports betting
Advanced betting solutions provider UltraPlay has reported a record-breaking increase in the eSports betting volume and turnover after COVID-19 hit the sports sector.
The company has reported a 500% turnover growth since mid-March 2020 compared to an average yearly increase of 30% by the end of 2019. Bets’ growth, including the number of bets, reached 450% growth for the same period. There is a 22% increase in the number of bets per player daily, according to UltraPlay. The reported data is accumulated by the coverage of 34 eSports, 16 of them offered with live odds on the leading eSportsbooks powered by UltraPlay.
With traditional sports events canceled or postponed, eSports stepped up and offered many new opportunities for its fans and bettors. UltraPlay increased its CS:GO events by 15%, all offered with pre-match and live odds, while Dota 2 events’ coverage was increased by 20%. League of Legends continues to be offered with its previous number of events. By the end of 2019, LoL recorded a turnover increase of over 65%. The three main eSports titles continue to be responsible for 60% of the betting volume, but this percentage is gradually going down due to a recent spike in interest in sports simulators.
UltraPlay also reports another promising trend related to the games that simulate sports such as football, basketball, and hockey – FIFA, NBA2K, and NHL. Due to the gap in the sports bettors’ previous choices, there is an increase in FIFA’s and NBA2K’s percentage in the overall eSports betting turnover.
These titles are offered with an enormous amount of events by UltraPlay’s eSports trading department on a weekly basis. According to UltraPlay, FIFA breaks records compared with the period before COVID-19 with 1500 events weekly, 90% of which are offered in-play on the provider’s clients, where NBA2K comes with over 500 events, all of them offered with live odds. UltraPlay also offers more than 250 NHL events weekly, 70% of those going live. Overall, UltraPlay covers over 3500 events weekly, 90% of them with live odds.
Peter Ivanov, Head of Trading at UlraPlay commented: “We believe eSports could be the profitable alternative to many sportsbooks looking for a solution at the moment. And it won’t be a short-term solution; rather it will gain more power in the next following months and years. From the data we collected since mid-March, we are certain that the eSports potential will be further released.
He added: “Esports is the next generation of bettors’ way of entertainment and operators need to make this leap forward as soon as possible.”
UltraPlay has also announced an increased interest in their eSports betting solution ODDS.GG from many leading online operators now looking to expand into eSports. The multi-awarded product ODDS.GG has an easy-to-use infrastructure and integration process through its API key.
The B2B betting provider started offering eSports pre-match and live odds back in 2014, where the sector was less known and risky. For the past 6 years, the company has enhanced its offering to 34 titles, 16 of them covered with live odds. On a monthly basis, UltraPlay offers 6000+ events with pre-match odds as well as 5500+ events with live odds. The eSports punters can choose from more than 200 markets on most of the games.
About UltraPlay:
UltraPlay is a modern technology company, founded in 2010, with the core ambition to offer an innovative approach to the online gaming industry by providing advanced betting solutions, focused on sports and eSports betting, live betting, white-label, online casino and blockchain technology.
Assembled by a team of iGaming professionals with vast experience in betting product development, operations, eSports and marketing, UltraPlay is a trusted partner for delivering superior sports software and odds products to its customers. Learn more about the company here: www.ultraplay.co
Powered by WPeMatico
eSports
TEAM VITALITY RETURNS TO FORTNITE WITH WORLD CHAMPION PLAYERS
Team Vitality has officially returned to competitive Fortnite after a three-season absence, unveiling a high-profile roster built around world championship pedigree and international ambitions.
The organisation’s comeback is anchored by two champions from the Fortnite Championship Series, alongside an experienced figure from the French competitive scene who will guide the team’s performance and community engagement.
Championship pedigree joins the roster
Egor “SwizzY” Luciko, a 2025 FNCS World Champion, joins as one of the scene’s most promising young competitors, recognised for his fast-paced mechanical play and strong performances on major stages. He is joined by fellow 2025 FNCS World Champion Aleksa “Queasy” Cvetkovic, widely regarded for his consistency and strategic approach at the highest level of competition.
Former French professional player Clément “Skite” Danglot completes the lineup as Team Manager and Coach. In addition to overseeing competitive operations, Skite will co-stream official matches, offering fans expert analysis throughout the season.
Team Vitality President Fabien “Neo” Devide described the return as a performance-driven project aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision of excellence, combining elite talent with experienced leadership to compete at the highest level.
Strategic focus on global competition
The organisation’s return is closely tied to its ambitions on the international stage, particularly qualification for the Esports World Cup in Riyadh and continued success across FNCS competitions. The announcement follows the introduction of Fortnite Reload mode at the Esports World Cup, which has further strengthened the club’s commitment to the title.
Beyond competition, Team Vitality aims to position its Fortnite revival as a community-focused initiative. Skite’s live broadcasts and analysis are intended to provide fans with deeper insight into the team’s progress from qualification stages through major international events.
Global Operations Director Danny Engels emphasized that the organisation’s return signals broader strategic growth across multiple esports titles, with a clear objective of securing international trophies and reinforcing Team Vitality’s presence at the top tier of global competition.
With a championship-calibre roster and renewed competitive focus, Team Vitality enters a new phase in Fortnite with ambitions to re-establish itself among the world’s elite teams.
The post TEAM VITALITY RETURNS TO FORTNITE WITH WORLD CHAMPION PLAYERS appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
Reckoning Esports and GodLike Esports to Represent India at the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 in Japan
Indian Pokémon UNITE esports is set for a return to international competition as Reckoning Esports and GodLike Esports secure qualification for the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 in Japan.
Both teams advanced through India’s official Pokémon UNITE competitive circuit, organised by Skyesports in partnership with The Pokémon Company.
Reckoning Esports claimed India’s primary slot by winning the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 – India League, a $20,000 multi-stage online competition featuring ten of the country’s leading esports organisations. The tournament adopted a circuit-based group stage across five matchdays before concluding with King of the Hill Playoffs.
In a tightly contested grand final, Reckoning Esports defeated GodLike Esports 3–2 to secure the championship and confirm their place at the PUACL Finals.
Reckoning Esports player Jeet “Swifty” Kundra said the victory reflected the team’s resilience throughout the season, adding that representing India on the international stage is both an honour and a significant challenge.
GodLike Esports secured India’s second qualification slot through the Pokémon UNITE Winter Tournament 2026 – India, an additional pathway featuring open qualifiers that welcomed both established organisations and emerging teams.
After their narrow India League defeat, GodLike Esports delivered a dominant performance in the single-elimination bracket, drawing on experience to capture the title. Their run included a decisive 3–0 victory over underdog finalist Orange Flag, one of the tournament’s breakout performers.
GodLike Esports player Om “Scepter” Gore said the team used its earlier loss as motivation, emphasizing confidence and consistency as key factors behind their qualification. Founder and CEO Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude described the achievement as a milestone for both the organisation and the wider Indian esports community.
The Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 Finals will take place on March 28–29 at Yokohama BUNTAI. Reckoning Esports and GodLike Esports will join 16 teams competing for the championship title and a share of the $200,000 prize pool.
The post Reckoning Esports and GodLike Esports to Represent India at the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 in Japan appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Call of Duty Warzone esports
Team Vitality Expands FPS Dominance Ahead of Esports World Cup 2026 With PUBG, Warzone and CrossFire Entry
Team Vitality Accelerates FPS Expansion Ahead of Esports World Cup 2026
Team Vitality has officially announced a major competitive expansion ahead of the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC), confirming its entry into three additional shooter titles: PUBG (PC), Call of Duty: Warzone, and CrossFire. The move strengthens the organisation’s growing dominance across FPS and tactical shooter esports, following championship success in Counter-Strike and VALORANT during the 2025 season.
The expansion signals a decisive strategic push as Team Vitality looks to build on its Top 3 overall club finish at the 2025 Esports World Cup, positioning itself as one of the most versatile and ambitious multi-title organisations in global esports.
Call of Duty: Warzone – Vitality Returns With Proven EWC Pedigree
Team Vitality is officially re-entering the competitive Call of Duty: Warzone ecosystem for the 2026 season, assembling a veteran-heavy roster built for immediate impact. The lineup includes Angel “Sage” Quinones, who secured a third-place finish at last year’s Esports World Cup, alongside experienced EWC finalists.
The new Warzone squad begins its EWC qualification journey through the Warzone Resurgence Series, with two pivotal LAN finals scheduled at DreamHack Birmingham and DreamHack Atlanta. Strong performances at these events will be crucial in securing Team Vitality valuable points and a place at the 2026 Esports World Cup.
Call of Duty: Warzone Roster
- Rasim “Blazt” Ogresevic (USA)
- Logan “Skullface” Greifelt (USA)
- Angel “Sage” Quinones (Mexico / Guatemala)
- Ethan “Ebatez” Bates (USA) – Coach
PUBG (PC) – A Strategic Return to a Global Esports Pillar
Team Vitality is making its long-awaited return to PUBG (PC) competition, marking its first appearance in the title since 2019. The roster is anchored by players recently competing under the Nemiga banner, who finished sixth at the PUBG Global Championship, reinforcing Vitality’s intent to compete at the highest international level.
This return also unlocks strategic synergies with Bigetron by Vitality, the organisation’s established PUBG Mobile powerhouse in Southeast Asia. As PUBG’s global ecosystem increasingly bridges PC and Mobile competition, Team Vitality aims to unite its worldwide fanbase and elevate brand visibility across both platforms.
PUBG (PC) Roster
- Aliaksandr “Gedrox” Puchko (Belarus)
- Vladislav “Lev4nte” Tasenko (Russia)
- Andrey “Qw1zzy” Pobedinskiy (Russia)
- Artem “hallomybad” Baskakov (Russia)
- Ramazan “H1RUZEN” Valiullin (Russia) – Coach
- Sergei “MrTok” Britok (Russia) – Manager
CrossFire – Entering a New Region With Championship Ambitions
Expanding into CrossFire for the first time, Team Vitality has acquired ROC Esports’ former lineup, establishing its operations in Egypt with a dedicated gaming house. The squad will compete in the CrossFire West League (EMEA), with two critical competitive splits scheduled for March–April and June–July.
Success in the regional league is expected to be the gateway to qualification for the Esports World Cup, while long-term ambitions stretch further toward the CrossFire Stars World Championship in China. Team Vitality enters the ecosystem as a dangerous challenger, targeting dominance beyond regional competition.
CrossFire Roster
- Youssef “tottziN” Nasser (Egypt)
- Ahmed “SNARE” Salah (Egypt)
- Mohamed “Snake” Ahmed (Egypt)
- Mohamed “Horus” Mahrous (Egypt)
- Abdelrahman “slayer” Fawzy (Egypt)
- Andrei “strey” Solovev (Russia) – Coach
- Kislay “Drolo” Satyaj (India) – General Manager
- Ammar “Apps” Ahmed (Egypt) – Substitute
- Abdelrhman “Bone” Mahmoud (Egypt) – Substitute
Building Toward a New FPS Dynasty
With momentum from a Top 3 finish at the 2025 Esports World Cup, Team Vitality is targeting even greater success in 2026, driven by the belief that every win counts.
Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and Co-founder of Team Vitality, commented that the expansion reflects the organisation’s commitment to elite competition and long-term growth across shooter esports. Corporate Director of Global Operations Danny Engels added that the move strengthens Vitality’s position to build a true multi-title FPS dynasty on the world’s biggest competitive stage.
As the countdown to the 2026 Esports World Cup begins, Team Vitality’s expanded shooter portfolio signals a clear message to rivals: the organisation is all-in on global FPS supremacy.
The post Team Vitality Expands FPS Dominance Ahead of Esports World Cup 2026 With PUBG, Warzone and CrossFire Entry appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
-
Canada7 days agoINCENTIVE GAMES PARTNERS WITH LOTO-QUÉBEC TO LAUNCH REAL-MONEY GAMES IN THE PROVINCE OF QUÉBEC, CANADA
-
Latest News7 days agoLaunch Of A Fresh Online Casino Guide 2026
-
Accra7 days agoKaizen Gaming Launches Betano in Ghana — 20th Regulated Market & Responsible GameTech Expansion
-
Africa7 days agoState of the African Video Game Industry 2026: Xsolla Backs SpielFabrique’s Definitive Market Report
-
Edvardas Sadovskis CPO at ICONIC216 days agoICONIC21 Reimagines Myth: Medusa vs. Perseus — The Stone Duel
-
Brasil7 days agoBrasil en foco: Regulación, mercado y presión fiscal moldean la nueva fase del iGaming
-
Blask Awards7 days agoEndorphina’s Hell Hot 100 Crowned “Ukraine Game of the Year” at the Blask Awards
-
Brazil7 days agoBrazil: Regulation, market dynamics and tax pressure shape a new phase for iGaming



