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Fan Index Reveals: The MOST Popular Gaming Character of ALL TIME

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The most popular gaming character is Mario, receiving a whopping 451 points from the fan index
In second place is Sonic the Hedgehog with 394 points, receiving a staggering 59,700,700 Google searches in the last year
Legend of Zelda’s Link lands third place with 377 points, holding the largest number of Reddit mentions
The least popular gaming character is Jack from BioShock with just 48 points!

We’ve spent a lot of time at home, getting to know our favourite video games more than ever before, falling even more in love with a whole range of gaming characters. However, there is plenty of debate about which characters are the nations’ favourite!

With this in mind, experts at Stashbird.com wanted to discover the most popular gaming characters of all time from the best-selling video game franchises*. To thoroughly investigate, Stashbird.com created a gaming fans’ index by analysing the following factors:

Sales of the franchise
Average worldwide searches over the past year
Number of hashtags on Instagram
Number of Reddit mentions
Gamers’ popularity score (survey)

The top 10 most popular characters

Stashbird.com can reveal that in first place, and crowned the most popular gaming character, is Mario with a massive 451 fan index points!

Mario ranked first for franchise sales with a staggering 653,000,000 worldwide copies of Mario games sold, bagging him an easy 100 points. The fun-loving character also ranked sixth for average worldwide searches with 4,606,547 (86 points) in the past year alone! Despite these results, Mario only ranked 10th for popularity, with 45% of gamers choosing him as their ultimate favourite.

Not far behind in second place is Sonic the Hedgehog with 394 points. The extraterrestrial hedgehog ranked second for worldwide searches (59,700,000), giving him 97 points! He was voted the favourite by only 21% of gamers surveyed, however bagged himself 91 points for his 94,300 Reddit mentions.

Link from The Legend of Zelda places third, accumulating 377 points! It is no surprise as the star of the Nintendo series to have ranked top for Reddit mentions (3,920,000) and popularity score (74%), receiving 100 points for both! Interestingly, he ranked lower down for search volumes, with 1,196,200 average searches over the past year.

At number four is Donkey Kong with 354 points, scoring high with 3,930,000 yearly average searches (83 points), 570,000 Instagram hashtags (77 points) and 26,400 Reddit mentions (80 points).

To complete the 10 most popular gaming characters, the results are as follows:
5. Master Chief (Halo) 323 points, Crash (Crash Bandicoot) 323 points, Sora (Kingdom Hearts) 323 points
6. Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy) 314 points
7. Pac-Man (Pac-Man) 308 points
8. Kirby (Kirby) 306 points
9. Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher) 294 points

Closing the top 10 is Ezio Auditore Da Firenze, star of four of the Assassin’s Creed games, with 291 points!

Just making the bottom 10 is Joel Miller, ranking 25th out of a possible 34 places, from the Last of Us. This is not surprising as the franchise only scored 14 points for its 24 million sales. He also scored low on Reddit searches, receiving just 29 points for his 1,670 mentions.

John Marston from Red Dead Redemption and Simon Belmont from Castlevania were both among the least popular with 94 and 74 points, respectively.

Bioshock’s Jack rounds off the bottom 10 list with measly 48 points – a staggering 403 points less than first place contender Mario.

Methodology
1. *Stashbird.com analysed the list of best-selling video game franchises that have sold at least 20 million copies and pulled the most popular/recognised character from each to compile the list of 36 most popular gaming characters of all time.
2. The team then created an index looking at several factors, including sales of the franchise, search volumes using SemRush, the number of Instagram hashtags per character and the number of mentions on Reddit.
3. Finally, to complete the index Stashbird.com surveyed 4,567 gamers worldwide to ask them to vote for their favourite from the list to give each character a popularity score.
4. Games where there is no playable main character were excluded from the list.
5. Stashbird normalised the data by using the PERCENTRANK.INC function in Excel. This function returns the rank of a value in a data set as a percentage of the data set between 0 and 1. These values were then multiplied by 100 to make the range between 0 and 100. The maximum score a character could receive was 500.This enabled the team to rank the 36 characters from most to least popular based on their total points. The data was collected on 29/02/2021 and is correct as of then.

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When LATAM gambles: Blask reveals seasonality patterns across six countries

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Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia represent six distinct iGaming markets — each with its own regulatory framework, player base and cultural rhythms. Yet beneath these differences lie powerful shared drivers: domestic football seasons concluding in Q4, mandatory year-end bonuses injecting billions into local economies, and national holidays that stretch into multi-day celebrations.

Using Blask’s Seasonality feature, player activity across all six countries was analyzed to map engagement peaks by month, day and hour. While regional trends are visible, the execution varies sharply at the local level.

Here’s what the data reveals.

Brazil: The Q4 Convergence Effect

In Brazil, November and December form a clear peak driven by three converging factors.

The Brasileirão season concludes in early December, with title races and relegation battles intensifying betting activity. At the same time, the Copa Libertadores semifinals and final fall in October and November — and Brazilian clubs’ recent dominance has kept engagement high.

The economic boost comes from the décimo terceiro, Brazil’s mandatory 13th salary paid in two instalments by November 30 and December 20. In 2024 alone, it injected R$321 billion into the economy, increasing disposable income during football’s decisive phase.

Saturday edges out Sunday as the top-performing day, reflecting the league’s fixture concentration. Weekends dominate overall, with a pronounced spike between 1 AM and 5 AM on Friday-to-Saturday nights — a sign that late-night casino sessions complement live sports betting.

Argentina: Aguinaldo and League Finals

December leads the calendar in Argentina, driven by the Liga Profesional’s mid-December conclusion and the aguinaldo, the country’s mandatory 13th salary paid by June 30 and December 18.

Sunday ranks highest for engagement, closely followed by Saturday, aligning with concentrated weekend fixtures. The peak activity window — midnight to 3 AM on Saturday-to-Sunday nights — reflects pre-match anticipation and late-night casino play following the workweek.

The pattern closely mirrors Brazil’s Q4 surge, but with a stronger Sunday bias.

Mexico: Liguilla and Late-Night Culture

December again stands out, coinciding with the Liga MX Apertura playoffs (Liguilla) and the championship final in mid-December. The aguinaldo — at least 15 days’ salary, paid by December 20 — provides additional liquidity at the same time.

Sunday leads weekly activity, with Saturday close behind. However, Mexico’s most distinctive feature is its consistent 2–3 AM activity peak across all days, amplified on weekends.

This pattern suggests a strong late-night gambling culture, where casino verticals such as slots, crash games and live dealer experiences drive engagement alongside sports betting.

Chile: September Over December

Unlike its regional peers, Chile’s biggest month is September — not December.

The surge is powered by Fiestas Patrias (September 18–19), the country’s most significant national celebration. When calendar alignment allows, festivities can stretch into a full week, with fondas, music and social gatherings creating a nationwide party atmosphere that extends into online gambling.

Saturday is the dominant day, with activity elevated throughout. Peaks occur around midnight on Friday-to-Saturday nights and again during Saturday afternoon (3–5 PM), indicating a blend of late-night casino play and daytime sports betting.

Peru: The Purple Month Effect

October and November represent Peru’s peak period, with November slightly ahead.

The Clausura tournament reaches its decisive stretch in early November, while October is dominated by Señor de los Milagros — the country’s largest religious festival. Celebrations extend into All Saints’ Day (November 1) and Day of the Dead (November 2), creating a sustained festive period.

Unlike Brazil and Mexico, Peru’s engagement is concentrated during daytime weekend hours, particularly morning and afternoon. This suggests a stronger alignment with live Liga 1 fixtures rather than late-night casino sessions.

Colombia: Primetime Precision

In Colombia, November leads, with October close behind.

The Torneo Finalización enters its cuadrangulares (semifinal group stage) during this period, building toward a December final. Anticipation around the prima de servicios — a mandatory half-month salary bonus due by December 20 — also supports late-year liquidity.

Sunday is the clear weekly leader, with evening primetime activity standing out. Engagement closely mirrors Liga BetPlay broadcast schedules, indicating sports betting is the primary driver rather than late-night casino behaviour.

The Bigger Picture: Regional Liquidity, Local Execution

Across LATAM, the Q4 bonus cycle — décimo terceiro, aguinaldo, prima de servicios and similar payouts — represents a predictable liquidity event spanning six major markets within an eight-week window. Crucially, it coincides with domestic football seasons reaching their climax.

However, peak timing differs significantly:

  • Mexico’s engagement spikes at 2 AM, while Peru’s is daytime-focused.

  • September outperforms December in Chile.

  • Colombia revolves around Sunday primetime broadcasts.

  • Brazil peaks on Saturday nights.

The takeaway is clear: while seasonality patterns are regional, execution must be hyper-local. Campaigns, product pushes and marketing spend need to align not just with the right month — but the right day and even the right hour in each individual market.

The post When LATAM gambles: Blask reveals seasonality patterns across six countries appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Bet It Drives

Bet It Drives Is Back for Season 4: Two CEOs Take on iGaming’s Uncomfortable Truths

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Season 4 of Bet It Drives has officially launched, opening with a candid and controversial debate between two prominent industry leaders. Cedomir Tomic, Founder of Alea, and Oleksandr Feshchenko, CEO of GR8 Tech, hit the road in Barcelona during ICE to confront the topics many in iGaming prefer to avoid.

From expo spending and marketing budgets to regulation loopholes and grey market growth, the season premiere delivers the unfiltered discussion the show has become known for.

Big Booths, Bigger Egos?

One of the episode’s standout moments comes in a single line that captures the tone of the discussion:

“If the booth is big, that’s growth. If the booth is very opulent, that’s ego.”

It’s a sharp observation that reflects the broader theme of the episode — questioning industry norms and exposing the realities behind high-profile conference appearances and award wins.

The CEOs dive deep into:

  • How much iGaming companies really spend on conferences

  • What percentage of budgets go toward marketing

  • How much is allocated to affiliate partnerships

  • When and why grey markets began accelerating

  • What doesn’t make sense about regulation in the US and UK

Debate, Confessions and Prank Calls

Beyond boardroom-level discussions, the episode maintains the show’s signature mix of entertainment and unpredictability.

Filmed against the backdrop of rainy Barcelona during ICE, both guests take part in the “Confess or Call” segment, delivering dramatic prank calls. Cedomir Tomic shares stories from some of the wildest iGaming conference parties, while Oleksandr Feshchenko opens up about the shadiest thing he has done in his professional life.

The result is a fast-paced, unscripted conversation that balances serious insight with candid humour.

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech and host of Bet It Drives, said:

“The opening of ICE is always electric, and I hope this episode gives everyone a boost. This is an entertainment business, so we didn’t want a boring piece. Huge respect to both CEOs for being so public and sharing what usually stays behind the scenes.”

What’s Ahead in Season 4

Season 4 continues with three more high-impact episodes, each maintaining the same uncompromising tone:

  • Max Krupyshev explores crypto payments and their long-term impact on iGaming

  • Akhil Sarin discusses streaming-first acquisition strategies and sponsorship power plays

  • Marek Suchar examines esports betting infrastructure and where the ecosystem still falls short

With strong opinions and little room for safe answers, the new season promises even sharper debates and deeper industry insights.

Where to Watch and Listen

Season 4, Episode 1 of Bet It Drives is available on:

About Bet It Drives

Powered by GR8 Tech, Bet It Drives positions itself as the “Front Seat in the iGaming World.” The show brings industry leaders into a moving conversation format where bold questions, candid answers and quickfire games replace traditional scripted interviews.

Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, Chief Sales Officer at GR8 Tech, the podcast blends hard truths with light-hearted moments as guests discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of iGaming — all while cruising past iconic landmarks around the world.

The post Bet It Drives Is Back for Season 4: Two CEOs Take on iGaming’s Uncomfortable Truths appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Kerry Katona

Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp to star in first episodes of Zingo Bingo’s new content series

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Online bingo brand Zingo Bingo is launching Your Era, a new social-first content series designed to celebrate iconic throwbacks, spark nostalgia, and bring people together through shared memories from past decades.

The first episodes will feature Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona and renowned radio and TV presenter Pat Sharp, with additional guests set to be announced throughout the year.

Celebrating the Moments That Shaped Us

Created specifically for short-form social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, Your Era invites well-known personalities to reflect on the music, fashion, technology and pop culture moments that defined their era.

The format focuses on authentic conversation rather than overt promotion, allowing personality and shared experiences to take centre stage. The series reinforces Zingo Bingo’s positioning as a home for nostalgic fun and a community built around shared memories.

Each episode is structured around five themed throwback segments, designed to unlock memories, emotions and discussion.

Episode Format and Recurring Segments

Every guest takes part in five core segments:

The Memory Bag
Guests reveal five personal nostalgic items and share the stories behind them.

Flashback Files
A quick-fire interview covering music, fashion, technology and defining cultural moments.

Mixtape Memories
Guests select the throwback tracks that shaped them, contributing to a collaborative Your Era playlist.

Taste of the Past
Guests sample retro sweets and snacks, rate their nostalgia levels and share personal associations.

Yesterday’s News
A headline-guessing game featuring real throwback media stories with missing words, prompting humour and reflection on past press eras.

Developed with Blueprintx

Your Era was created in collaboration with long-term content partner Blueprintx, which has previously delivered digital and television campaigns for Kinetic Digital brands including Prime Casino and Slingo.

The series launches in February, with new segments released weekly. Series One will feature six guests across 2026. Content will be distributed across dedicated social channels, shared by participating guests, and promoted on Zingo Bingo’s own platforms.

A Community-Driven Approach

Jack Watson, Brand Manager at Zingo Bingo, commented:

“Your Era is all about what we’re doing at Zingo Bingo — having fun while celebrating the moments that shaped us, the music we played on repeat, the old fads we cringe at and the memories that still make us smile.

We’ve created something for all audiences, with a focus on bringing people together through shared nostalgia and reminding everyone that bingo is about enjoying these moments together.

We have an amazing lineup of guests and are delighted to be working with Blueprintx to shape and bring the content to life — we can’t wait to share it all with the world.”

With familiar faces, cultural throwbacks and a strong community focus, Your Era positions Zingo Bingo as more than an online bingo brand — it becomes a platform for shared stories, connection and collective nostalgia.

The post Kerry Katona and Pat Sharp to star in first episodes of Zingo Bingo’s new content series appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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