eSports

Sergey Portnov: Perspectives & predictions

Published

6 years ago

May 14, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Speaking at PM:GO: In Touch with the Future, Parimatch CEO Sergey Portnov opened the floor to questions on topics ranging from why Parimatch and Conor McGregor are a great match, how to survive in a crisis, to predictions for the betting industry and sport in the wake of COVID-19. In typical fashion, Sergey spoke candidly to give the audience insights into some of the most pressing industry issues as well as his plans for Parimatch…

The esports boom

Parimatch is one of the few betting companies to have already shifted its focus to esports – and we are now looking to consolidate our position in the sector. Parimatch has a dedicated team with influential leaders responsible for our development strategy for esports. We will continue to seek out sponsorship deals in the esports sector and innovate our esports offering. The reality is that esports is here to stay and this is not just a temporary attempt to participate and jump on the hype bandwagon. Esports is in our DNA, it is our top priority.

With sports fixtures cancelled across the world, many sports fans have turned to esports, and the popularity of esports will continue perhaps even with the return of sports matches. Looking to the near future, it might be that traditional sports matches are held without crowds of people. For the betting industry, it actually doesn’t matter. We just need the match to take place and to be broadcast. Looking further ahead, there will likely be plans drawn up to avoid having to stop all sport like this again, and there will be conditions agreed for how the sport industry can continue to operate if faced with another situation like the one we’re in now.

At Parimatch, we are also considering creating our own sports, to increase the opportunities for betting and entertainment for our players. For example, we could broadcast penalties, involving just a player and a goalkeeper. During normal times, you don’t have these kinds of ideas – which is why a crisis can be an opportunity to innovate.

Emerging from a crisis stronger and faster

With sports fixtures cancelled around the world, betting companies are seeing the majority of their players fall away. The challenge is how to engage wider audiences with simulated sports – and this is a challenge shared by all bookmakers who have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Some operators will withstand this crisis better than others, because they have adapted their business model, by pivoting to online casinos or adding alternative sports – such as FIFA and table tennis.

Although Parimatch has been affected, we are poised to be one of the structural winners to emerge from the crisis, as we are adapting and finding new solutions so that we remain one step ahead. In every sector, this is great time to optimize your business, identify weak spots in the company and fulfil goals that have been put off.

For me personally, I feel comfortable during a crisis, maybe because I love fighting and it has given me the fighting spirit that you need to prosper during difficult conditions. My advice to those who struggle is to always stay calm to avoid being guided by emotions and making rash decisions under pressure. A person who can distinguish between truth and artificial pressure will be right in their decisions.

Parimatch & The Notorious: A meeting of minds

Our contract with UFC was a prerequisite for Conor as our brand ambassador – and Conor is picky, he doesn’t just collaborate with any brand for money. It was our connection to UFC that initially attracted him. But why did Parimatch choose Conor? Firstly, because there a few examples of celebrities who have really changed their industry. Conor is one of those few people – he has made the UFC popular globally, bringing MMA into the mainstream. In fact, Conor is the face of MMA, and has attracted millions of fans to UFC not just because of his fighting skills, but for what he does

outside the ring. He can gather a crowd of people at a click of a finger – you could say he is a great magician! That kind of power and energy is what we wanted for our brand.

In the ring: Beating the competition

At Parimatch, we of course keep an eye on our competitors, but we mostly compete with ourselves – not on a personal level, but on a company wide scale. We are focused on meeting our own goals, and not trying to copy competitor products, no matter how great they are. We know our weaknesses as a business and we know how to fight them.

For Parimatch, the main priority is solidifying our position as a technology company. Already 99.9% of our business operates online and 70% of it is mobile based. However, we want to become a leading technology business, and not just within the betting sector. We want to be a role model for related industries. We know this may take a few years, but we are confident that we will do it – and will become one of the very few betting companies to have made a major technology breakthrough.

eSports

MEGA Appoints Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer to Drive Esports Growth

Published

20 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

mega-appoints-morgan-tremaine-as-executive-producer-to-drive-esports-growth

Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance (MEGA), the powerhouse behind the globally recognized Esports Awards, has announced the appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer.

The move signals a new phase of growth for the organization as it looks to elevate its live events, expand its intellectual property portfolio, and strengthen premium partnerships across the esports ecosystem.

Based in London, MEGA continues to position itself at the forefront of esports entertainment, with Tremaine now stepping into a key leadership role to guide its next chapter.

A Strategic Leadership Appointment

Having already served as producer for the Esports Awards since 2023, Morgan Tremaine’s promotion formalizes his role within MEGA’s senior leadership team. In his new position, he will oversee the development and production of MEGA’s full events portfolio, including flagship ceremonies and associated digital content.

His appointment reflects MEGA’s ambition to scale its globally recognized event properties and deliver more immersive, high-quality experiences for esports audiences worldwide.

Extensive Experience in Live Production

Tremaine brings over 13 years of experience in live production, content creation, and large-scale event execution. His career spans major media and esports organizations, including roles at TMZ and Esports Engine.

He is also the Founder and CEO of Cuer, a next-generation platform designed to streamline live broadcasts and event production workflows.

Throughout his career, Tremaine has contributed to some of the most high-profile events in gaming and beyond, including TwitchCon and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games streaming initiatives. His portfolio also includes collaborations on Twitch Rivals and major brand activations such as the Fortnite x Polo Ralph Lauren launch.

Collaborations with Global Brands and Talent

Tremaine’s work extends beyond event production into strategic brand partnerships and talent collaborations. He has worked with globally recognized companies such as Ford, Samsung, and Doritos.

In the gaming and streaming space, he has collaborated with leading creators including Pokimane, Quackity, and Botez Sisters, reinforcing his deep connections within the esports and content creator ecosystems.

Driving MEGA’s Event Evolution

In his new role, Tremaine will work closely with publishers, platforms, and commercial partners to shape both the creative and commercial direction of MEGA’s events. His responsibilities will include:

Leading executive production for flagship ceremonies
Supporting strategic partnership development
Enhancing brand integrations and audience engagement
Driving innovation across live and digital event formats

He will also contribute to MEGA’s agency operations, providing leadership on high-profile client projects and helping scale the company’s production capabilities.

MEGA’s Growing Influence in Esports

Since its inception, MEGA has established itself as a leading force in esports live events. In addition to the Esports Awards, the organization produces major industry ceremonies such as the Decade Awards and the Mobies, setting benchmarks for production quality and audience engagement.

Beyond events, MEGA is committed to supporting the broader gaming ecosystem by nurturing talent, promoting education, and creating opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals.

Vision for the Future

Morgan Tremaine expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing the importance of creativity, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the future of esports events.

Similarly, MEGA co-founder Michael Ashford highlighted Tremaine’s pivotal role in the success of the Esports Awards and expressed confidence in his ability to elevate the company’s event portfolio to new heights.

Conclusion

The appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer marks a significant milestone for MEGA as it continues to expand its global footprint in esports entertainment.

With a proven track record in live production, deep industry connections, and a forward-looking vision, Tremaine is well-positioned to lead MEGA into its next phase—delivering world-class events that captivate audiences and redefine standards in esports and gaming entertainment.

Reference

A similar article on esports events and industry leadership can be found on Esports Insider:

This source regularly covers leadership changes, event production, and strategic developments in the esports industry.

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Asia

Mumbai to Host the Prestigious Global Esports Games (GEG) World Finals from March 19–22

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

mumbai-to-host-the-prestigious-global-esports-games-(geg)-world-finals-from-march-19–22

India to host the Global Esports Games World Finals in Mumbai, from 19-22 March 2026, providing India’s growing esports and gaming ecosystem an international stage to compete. The Global Esports Federation’s flagship, Global Esports Games Mumbai, is organised by Eflag Corp with the support of Maharashtra Tourism. GEG Mumbai features 70 esports athletes from 23 countries and territories. This premier event will also feature GEFcon and GEFestival.

After successful editions in Singapore, Istanbul and Riyadh, the Global Esports Games, the international national-team esports championship, makes its South Asia debut with India hosting the World Finals in Mumbai. The tournament will witness leading esports nations competing in DOTA 2 and Clash Royale. The national teams of leading esports nations like Argentina, Australia, the US, Great Britain, Indonesia and Türkiye will compete alongside India and teams from 16 more countries and territories, marking a significant milestone for India as it steps onto the global stage as a host of one of esports’ most prestigious international competitions. The global broadcast reach is projected at 40 million+ viewers.

The programme will feature a Grand Opening Ceremony, GEFCon, GEFestival, fan experiences and meet-ups, playoffs, the grand finale, and medal and trophy presentations, before concluding with a ceremonial handover to Los Angeles for the Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games in December 2026.

Devendra Fadnavis, Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and senior state ministers, will inaugurate the event.

Devendra Fadnavis said: “The future will be shaped by technology, innovation, and digital ecosystems. We are proud that India will host the Global Esports Games, welcoming athletes from around the world to Mumbai. By bringing together sport, technology, and youth talent, this event further strengthens our position as an emerging global hub for digital innovation.”

Sir Paul J. Foster, KStJH, President and CEO of Global Esports Federation, said: “India represents one of the most dynamic growth stories in global esports, and there is no city better suited to host our flagship event than Mumbai. This is a city powered by youth, creativity, and innovation, the same forces shaping the future of esports worldwide. Hosting the Global Esports Games here is about more than competition; it’s about opportunity, connection, and reinforcing our belief that esports is for all.”

Shripad Ashtekar, Founder of Eflag Corp, said: “We are committed to strengthening India’s esports ecosystem and are glad to bring the GEG World Finals to Mumbai, India. This move marks a significant milestone as it will foster talent development, innovation, and global competitiveness while accelerating the rise of homegrown talent, showcasing India’s capabilities on the global esports stage.”

The post Mumbai to Host the Prestigious Global Esports Games (GEG) World Finals from March 19–22 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

International Esports Federation Marks 100 Days of the New Leadership

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

international-esports-federation-marks-100-days-of-the-new-leadership

The International Esports Federation marked the first 100 days of its current leadership by holding an Extraordinary General Meeting and implementing a series of governance, financial and institutional developments aimed at strengthening the federation’s stability and transparency.

At the Extraordinary General Meeting 2026, member federations approved the audited financial reports, further strengthening confidence in IESF’s financial oversight and accountability.

The EGM also introduced updates to the federation’s voting system, designed to enhance the integrity and improve the governance processes.

On the same day, IESF held the fourth Board Meeting in Budapest, Hungary. The in-person meeting allowed Board Members to align strategic priorities for the next 100 days and review governance initiatives aimed at strengthening the federation’s operational framework.

Since the election of the new leadership, the President and the Board have focused on reinforcing the federation’s financial framework and restoring confidence among member federations through improved transparency and accountability measures.

During EGM26, IESF also launched its new official membership platform and the new IESF competition platform. Developed to support national federations in their day-to-day operations, the platforms aim to simplify administrative processes, improve communication and provide a structured environment for managing competitions and federation activities.

These measures reflect the federation’s continued commitment to strengthening democratic governance, financial stability and institutional responsibility across the World of Esports.

As IESF continues its efforts to support national federations and advance esports within the international sports framework, the first 100 days of leadership represent an important step in reinforcing the federation’s institutional foundations.

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