eSports

Alfa Romeo and Jarno Opmeer lead F1 Esports Pro Series after races in Bahrain, Vietnam & China

Published

5 years ago

October 16, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The first round of the F1 Esports Series presented by Aramco got underway with three thrilling races in Bahrain, Vietnam and China, as drivers set their sights on the huge $750,000 prize pot, in what is poised to be the biggest and best season yet.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic drivers are racing remotely for the first time this year, but the popular live shows continue to be broadcast from the Gfinity Esports Arena in London, as we ensure fans don’t miss a moment of the action.

On Wednesday evening drivers took to the Bahrain International Circuit for the season opener, competing at the increased 35% race-length for the first time this year. Alfa Romeo dominated in the only ‘night race’ on the calendar, with Jarno Opmeer and Daniel Bereznay finishing P1 and P2 ahead of Red Bull’s Marcel Kiefer, who joined them on the podium for the first time this season.

Wednesday’s double-header continued with an F1 first as the drivers became the first to race competitively on the brand-new Hanoi Street Circuit in Vietnam, albeit on the F1 2020 official video game developed by Codemasters, rather than the real thing. The multiple long straights and sharp turns made for dramatic racing, which saw last year’s champion David Tonizza come out on top for Ferrari in a tense battle with Renault’s Nicolas Longuet for the win; Jarno Opmeer rounded off the top three.

This year’s first event ended in style with a third and final race in China on Thursday evening, as Jarno Opmeer raced home at the Shanghai International Circuit for his second win of the season. Marcel Kiefer and Daniel Bereznay finished P2 and P3 respectively to crown a successful first round.

This week’s results mean Jarno Opmeer leads the way in the driver standings, whilst Alfa Romeo top the team’s championship.

Attention now turns to the second event, on 4-5 November, as we get set to race for the first time at the Zandvoort Circuit and visit a fan favourite in Canada, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, before finishing at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, where this year’s revised F1 2020 schedule began with an entertaining double-header.

Following the first round of action, the overall standings are as follows:

DRIVER STANDINGS
Position	Driver	Team	Points
1	Jarno Opmeer	Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN F1 Esports	65
2	Marcel Kiefer	Red Bull Racing Esports	41
3	Daniel Bereznay	Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN F1 Esports	33
4	Nicolas Longuet	Renault Vitality	28
5	Frederik Rasmussen	Red Bull Racing Esports	28
6	David Tonizza	FDA Hublot Esports	25
7	Joni Törmälä	Scuderia AlphaTauri Esports	20
8	Brendon Leigh	Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports	18
9	Álvaro Carretón	Williams Esports	14
10	Lucas Blakeley	BWT Racing Point F1 Esports	9
11	Enzo Bonito	FDA Hublot Esports	6
12	Daniel Moreno	McLaren Shadow	6
13	Fabrizio Donoso	Renault Vitality	5
14	Cedric Thomé	Haas F1 Team Esports	4
15	Daniele Haddad	BWT Racing Point F1 Esports	1
16	Bono Huis	Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports	0
17	Bardia Boroumand	Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports	0
18	Michael Romanidis	Williams Esports	0
19	James Baldwin	McLaren Shadow	0
20	Salih Saltunç	Williams Esports	0
21	Manuel Biancolilla	Scuderia AlphaTauri Esports	0
22	Simon Weigang	Haas F1 Team Esports	0

TEAM STANDINGS
Position	Team	Points
1	Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN F1 Esports	98
2	Red Bull Racing Esports	69
3	Renault Vitality	33
4	FDA Hublot Esports Team	31
5	Scuderia AlphaTauri Esports Team	20
6	Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team	18
7	Team Williams Esports	14
8	BWT Racing Point F1 Esports	10
9	McLaren Shadow	6
10	Haas F1 Team Esports	4

The live show was streamed online via F1’s official channels on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and Huya, as well as broadcast by international television partners such as ESPN (US), Sky (UK) and Ziggo (Netherlands).

Following a huge year for F1 Esports, which saw over 30 million people tune in to the Virtual Grand Prix Series, more people than ever want to get involved. The first qualifying event for the 2021 F1 Esports Series is now open until the end of October on F1 2020, the newly-released official videogame developed by Codemasters. For more information visit www.f1esports.com.

Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives & Esports at Formula 1 said:

“We’re thrilled to see the Pro Series back underway and to do it safely and remotely as the world continues to navigate the global pandemic. The first event has shown exhilarating racing with three fantastic races giving us five different podium finishers. We’re definitely in for a thrilling season with it all to play for as the F1 teams battle it out for our huge $750,000 prize pot. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the championship has in store for us!”

Frank Sagnier, CEO at Codemasters said:

“The F1 Esports Series presented by Aramco is back with the bang. We have our most competitive line-up to date, and the drivers didn’t disappoint for the opening series of races. Time will tell if a new rival will emerge to break the dominance we’ve seen from the likes of David Tonizza, Frede Rasmussen & Daniel Bereznay last year, or if Brendon Leigh can roar back and reclaim his crown. We’re off to an incredible start, and we can’t wait for the next round of races.”

John Clarke, CEO at Gfinity said:

“What a start to our biggest season so far, we’ve got a great new game, amazing drivers, thrilling racing, all delivered live and remotely. F1 is once again leading the way in delivering great entertainment for fans from around the world who love gaming and motorsport. Everyone involved has risen to the challenge of having the drivers spread across the globe. Get ready for the best season of racing yet.”

For more information on the F1 Esports Series presented by Aramco visit www.f1esports.com.

Asia

Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

team-india-and-turkiye-win-gold-at-the-global-esports-games-mumbai

Team India and Türkiye won Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai, delivering electrifying performances in front of a packed arena and thousands more tuning in online worldwide. India’s Anuhith Gosala edged Kazakhstan 3–2 in a thrilling Clash Royale Grand Final, while Türkiye secured a commanding 3–1 victory over Mongolia in the Dota 2 Grand Final. With a Gold in Clash Royale and a Bronze in Dota 2, Team India was crowned Overall Champion.

India stormed into the Clash Royale Grand Final with a 2–1 win over the USA in a tense lower bracket decider, setting up a rematch with Kazakhstan. Having fallen 0–2 in the upper bracket, India turned the tables when it mattered most, as Anuhith Gosala delivered a clutch performance to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory and the Gold medal.

In Dota 2, Team India secured Bronze after falling to Mongolia in the lower bracket. Mongolia advanced to the Grand Final, where Türkiye asserted its dominance with a composed 3–1 victory to take the title.

Sharing his thoughts on the victory, Team India’s Clash Royale gold medallist, Anuhith Gosala, said: “This moment is surreal. To win the Grand Finals here in India, in front of a home crowd, makes it even more emotional. The preparation was relentless, the pressure was intense, and every match tested my limits—but that’s what makes this victory so special. Hearing the cheers, feeling that energy, and lifting this title for the country is an indescribable pride. This is for India, and for everyone who believes in us. I hope this win inspires many others to follow in our path.”

Sir Paul J. Foster, President & CEO, Global Esports Federation, said: “As the Global Esports Games Mumbai comes to a close, we celebrate not only the incredible performances of our athletes, but the spirit of unity and connection that defines our global community. Mumbai has delivered exceptional energy, passion, and hospitality, reinforcing our belief that esports transcends borders and brings the world together. We are deeply grateful to our partners in India for setting a new benchmark for excellence—and we now look ahead with excitement to Los Angeles, where this journey continues on an even greater stage.”

Shripad Ashtekar, Founder of Eflag Corp, said: “Over the past few days, we have witnessed not just world-class competition, but the coming together of talent, innovation, and community on a truly global stage. We hope to keep delivering such platforms and strong foundations for future growth by unlocking new opportunities for Indian players, creators, and the broader AVGC ecosystem. We are proud to have played a key role and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”

Organized by the Global Esports Federation in partnership with Eflag Corp, with the support of Maharashtra Tourism, the Global Esports Games Mumbai was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. Over four days, Mumbai welcomed 48 elite athletes from 19 countries, emerging from a global field of 78 nations in the Regional Qualifiers.

The post Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Asia

Skyesports and GodLike signs MoU with Maharashtra Cyber to promote esports and cyber hygiene in Maharashtra

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

skyesports-and-godlike-signs-mou-with-maharashtra-cyber-to-promote-esports-and-cyber-hygiene-in-maharashtra

India’s esports ecosystem is taking another step forward as Skyesports and GodLike Esports sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Cyber, the Government of Maharashtra’s nodal cybersecurity body. The partnership aims to grow the state’s esports ecosystem while promoting cyber hygiene and responsible digital behaviour among gamers.

The agreement was signed during a closed-door meeting in Mumbai and reflects a broader push by the state to develop its digital and creative industries. As India’s leading state economy, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a hub for esports and gaming, aligning with its wider “orange economy” strategy.

Under the MoU, the three parties will collaborate on esports tournaments, leagues, and community initiatives, while embedding cyber safety messaging into all activities. This includes raising awareness around cyberbullying, fraud prevention, data privacy, and responsible online conduct—key concerns as esports audiences continue to grow, particularly among younger users.

Skyesports will lead tournament organisation and community engagement, while GodLike Esports will support through mentorship programmes, professional player involvement, and grassroots initiatives. Maharashtra Cyber will focus on amplifying cyber awareness and promoting safe digital practices across the ecosystem. Eyrie Entertainment will support outreach efforts and help scale campaign visibility across the state.

Commenting on the initiative, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said:

“The growth of esports requires strong collaboration between the industry and government stakeholders. This MoU with Maharashtra Cyber represents an important step toward strengthening Maharashtra’s esports ecosystem through responsible gaming initiatives and grassroots engagement. As India prepares to compete at global events such as the Esports World Cup (EWC), Esports Nations Cup (ENC), and the Asian Games 2026, partnerships like this will play a key role in building a stronger pipeline of talent and opportunities for young gamers. With GodLike Esports also joining the initiative, we aim to combine competitive expertise and creator reach to drive deeper community engagement. The MOU is a first-step towards solidifying Maharashtra as an esports hub globally.”

Yashasvi Yadav, Additional Director General of Police at Maharashtra Cyber, added:

“As esports continues to grow rapidly among young audiences, it is equally important to promote safe and responsible digital practices within the gaming ecosystem. Through this collaboration with Skyesports and GodLike Esports, we aim to raise awareness around cyber hygiene, online safety, and responsible behaviour in gaming communities. Initiatives like these will help ensure that the growth of esports in Maharashtra is supported by strong awareness of cybersecurity, digital discipline, and safe online participation.”

Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude, Founder of GodLike Esports, said:

“At GodLike Esports, we have always believed that the true growth of esports in India lies in strengthening its roots at the grassroots level. Through this collaboration with Maharashtra Cyber and Skyesports, we aim to support the state’s vision of building a strong and sustainable esports ecosystem. Our focus will be on engaging young gamers through mentorship, community initiatives, and professional player interactions, while also promoting cyber hygiene and responsible gaming practices. This MoU also marks the first step toward our vision of putting the state on the global esports map, and we look forward to sharing some exciting announcements around this soon.”

The initiative also aligns with global recommendations from organisations such as the International Telecommunication Union, which highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness as digital participation expands.

For more on esports growth and regulation, see Europa Gaming’s coverage on India Esports Market Growth and Esports Regulation Trends.

As esports continues to scale in India, partnerships like this underline a key industry shift: growth is no longer just about tournaments and audiences, but also about building a safer, more responsible digital environment for the next generation of players.

The post Skyesports and GodLike signs MoU with Maharashtra Cyber to promote esports and cyber hygiene in Maharashtra appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

Esports community establishes Latin-American Esports Institute (ILAE)

Published

6 days ago

March 20, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

esports-community-establishes-latin-american-esports-institute (ilae)

The Latin-American Esports Institute (ILAE) was established following a General Assembly held on 6 March 2026 in Rio de Janeiro. The organisation was founded with the stated goal of promoting competitive integrity, legal safety, and institutional research within the esports sector.

Carlos Gama, Vice President of Games and Esports at the Rio de Janeiro branch of the Association of Brazilian Information Technology Companies (ASSESPRO) and President of the Advisory Council of FERJEE (Rio de Janeiro Esports Federation, involved with the upcoming IEM Rio) was elected as Executive President to lead a multidisciplinary team tasked with developing frameworks for the industry’s regional growth.

One of the primary objectives of the ILAE is the creation of a local Esports Arbitration Chamber. This mechanism is intended to serve as a specialized venue for the mediation and resolution of conflicts, such as contractual disputes between players and organisations. The model aims to offer a technical alternative to the traditional judicial system, seeking to provide greater legal security and faster resolutions for administrative and professional disagreements within the competitive environment.

The ILAE’s structure is centered on an Executive Board that includes:

Vice-President Marcella Ferreira (former pro player and current sports psychologist),
Administrative-Financial Director Vinicius Verly (FERJEE), and
Project Director Marianna Muniz (FERJEE and OnFire Agency).

Technical oversight is managed by lawyers:

Dr. Antonio Carlos Bratefixe (Research and Knowledge) and
Dr. Osmar Berardo, who will direct the institute’s Arbitration Chamber.

The Fiscal Council is led by: Dr. Soraya Vasconcelos, who also leads Brazilian organisation Galorys, responsible for financial and institutional oversight.

Regarding the institute’s mission, Carlos Gama stated that the organization intends to facilitate dialogue across the Latin American esports community. “We want to bring together athletes, teams, researchers, organizations, companies, and public managers to build a common development agenda for the region,” Gama noted. He also highlighted that a priority for the ILAE will be the production of research on strategic themes, such as social inclusion and competitive integrity policies.

The ILAE’s governance framework also incorporates individuals with competitive backgrounds, aiming to ensure the organisation remains informed by the practicalities of the sector. This includes the participation of former FPS and eFootball pros Marcela “Callax”, Renato “Rentão”, Monik Bisoni, Gabriela Tavas, and Gabriel “Franja” within the various councils and administrative chairs.

By integrating these perspectives alongside legal and academic professionals, the institute intends to address the specific needs of the regional ecosystem. The organization has opened associations to professionals, researchers, and entities.

The post Esports community establishes Latin-American Esports Institute (ILAE) appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.