eSports

Jarno Opmeer and Red Bull lead F1 Esports Pro Series ahead of the Grand Final next month

Published

5 years ago

November 20, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The penultimate round of this year’s F1 Esports Series presented by Aramco saw a trio of thrilling races at some of motorsport’s most iconic circuits as drivers fought it out at Silverstone, Spa and Monza in Event 3. Alfa Romeo’s Jarno Opmeer and Red Bull lead the respective championships as there are just three races left in this year’s Grand Final, as they attempt to get their hands on the $750,000 prize pot.

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.

In the first of Wednesday’s two races, Renault’s Nicolas Longuet took his maiden F1 Esports victory at Silverstone, following a dramatic race at the home of the British Grand Prix. He was pushed all the way to the end by McLaren’s Dani Moreno, who stole P2 outright on the final corner, and Alfa Romeo’s Dani Bereznay, who was bumped up to third after Red Bull’s Frede Rasmussen and Marcel Kiefer were both handed time penalties which meant they dropped further down the field.

Wednesday’s action continued with a trip to Spa, a circuit that is among drivers’ most loved tracks, combining challenging fast corners with long straights, and it did not disappoint. Rasmussen ran out eventual winner, sealing a crucial victory in the race for the title, ahead of Bereznay and Kiefer in second and third respectively.

Event 3 ended at one of Formula 1’s fastest tracks, Monza, as drivers were able to put pedal to the metal for almost the entire lap, giving us some of the quickest lap times we’ve seen this season. Knowing time is running out to pick up wins Ferrari’s David Tonizza gave it all he had to secure victory on the Italian circuit, with Opmeer and Mercedes’ Brendon Leigh rounding off the top three.

The Event 3 results mean Opmeer, Rasmussen, Kiefer and Longuet have a chance to win the title in the final rounds, whilst Alfa Romeo and Red Bull will be fighting to the end to take home the team’s championship this year.

Attention now turns to the Grand Final, on 16-17 December, as drivers take to the track for the last time this year with a double-header at Suzuka and Mexico City, before the season draws to a close at Interlagos, where many real-life world championships have gone down to the wire.

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 second and final dedicated qualifying event for the 2021 F1 Esports Series is now open until the end of November on F1 2020, the newly-released official videogame developed by Codemasters.

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

“The F1 Esports Series continues to demonstrate the very best of esports, where we are able to put on sensational racing entertainment for our fans, both old and new to the sport, in a safe and secure way. It’s been a terrific showcase all season and with only three races to go, all eyes will be on Jarno Opmeer, Marcel Kiefer and Frede Rasmussen to see who claims the 2020 F1 Esports Series Drivers’ Championship and which F1 team is crowned 2020 F1 Esports Series Constructors’ Champion!”

Frank Sagnier, CEO at Codemasters said:

“Even without the buzz of a packed arena, the competition has been as fierce and competitive as ever. As we enter the business end of the season, all eyes are now on Jarno Opmeer to see if he can bring home his and Alfa Romeo’s first World Championship.”

John Clarke, CEO at Gfinity said:

“This has been another brilliant racing spectacle for fans around the globe to enjoy. Even though the drivers are in different locations around the world, the races and the show oozes competitive tension. The scene is now been set for a stunning climax to the season, with the Gfinity Arena ready to rock. Bring it on!”

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

2026 summit

HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

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

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

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

Published

3 days ago

January 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

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.

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