eSports
Mercedes-Benz to become the exclusive automotive partner of all global LoL Esports events
The Stuttgart-based luxury brand is set to become the exclusive automotive partner of all global League of Legends Esports events of Riot Games. This was announced today by Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz AG, during the 2020 League of Legends World Championship Preview Event. The partnership will focus on the League of Legends community and will feature Mercedes-Benz as the presenting sponsor of the Trophy Ceremony at global events — the pinnacle of sporting success for LoL pro teams.
The tenth edition of the 2020 LoL Esports World Championship, or 2020 Worlds for short, will take place in Shanghai from 25 September to 31 October. The first major global sports event in China since the coronavirus pandemic marks not only the tenth anniversary of the Worlds, but also the beginning of the global partnership between Riot Games and Mercedes-Benz. Hints about the partnership were given to the community in advance. Attentive observers had already recognised the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Mercedes-Benz EQC (combined power consumption: 21.3-20.2 kWh/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)¹in the official Worlds anthem video, released on 17 September. It was a hot topic in the community. Mercedes-Benz responded immediately on social media, where Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz AG, sat in an EQC with the Summoner’s Cup on the front passenger seat and said in dialogue with MBUX: “Hey Mercedes, guide me to Shanghai!”
Bettina Fetzer officially announced the partnership today at the Worlds 2020 Preview Event, hosted by Riot Games from Los Angeles. Mercedes-Benz is now the exclusive automotive partner of the three global events of League of Legends: the Mid-Season Invitational, Worlds, and the All-Star Event. In doing so, the automotive brand bearing the three-pointed star is elevating the existing sponsorship of the Chinese League of Legends, the so-called LPL, to a global level.
“We decided to partner with Riot Games because we strongly believe in esports”, says Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz AG: “League of Legends is one of the most popular games in recent years. By partnering with Riot Games at the global level, we want to participate even more actively than before in shaping the future of esports and inspire fans about our brand in a playful dialog”.
Mercedes-Benz begins the partnership with the motto “Icons of a new generation” and in doing so looks back on ten years of League of Legends Esports World Championship. Mercedes-Benz underlines the notion of community first at the start of Worlds and during the event issues Mercedes-Benz-branded Hextech Chests – virtual surprise boxes with coveted in-game items. Furthermore, plans call for using creative and innovative approaches to produce and provide exclusive content for fans during the Worlds. By doing so, Mercedes-Benz intends to interact with millions of connected fans around the globe and to actively participate in shaping Worlds through constant engagement.
“As the first luxury automotive brand to embrace esports at a global scale, Mercedes-Benz has developed a deep understanding of the unrelenting passion fueling the game and the League of Legends esports community,” said Naz Aletaha, Head of Global Esports Partnerships, Riot Games. “Mercedes has been synonymous with excellence for nearly a century, and we are excited to combine our shared appetite for innovation to bring great sporting moments to the global League of Legends stage”.
In addition, the TV spot that impressively fuses the world of LoL Esports with the real world celebrated its world premiere at the media event. In the spot, the viewer meets both famous esports heroines and heroes as well as a number of the most popular League of Legends characters. Only the interaction of all the players makes the line-up an unbeatable team and therewith “Icons of a new generation”.
The commitment to esports and the creation of added value is also made tangible by a host of other measures. Mercedes-Benz will from now on present the trophy ceremonies at all three global events, bring a new broadcast segment in the most important global event streams to the homes of fans and pay lasting tribute to esports in general and the League of Legends community in particular with additional integrations and creative communication activities.
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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.
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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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