eSports
got2b and SPORTFIVE embark on the next level with esports
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The trend styling brand becomes the official partner of the EU Masters and opts for digital interaction with the gaming and esports community
After the successful entry into the gaming cosmos last year, got2b is now expanding its activities and enters professional esports for the first time: The trend styling brand will become the official partner of the EU Masters, the biggest League of Legends competition on the European Continent, next to the LEC.
The global sports business agency, SPORTFIVE, which recently expanded its consulting know-how through the acquisition of the esports agency build a rocket (BLRK), has again developed a campaign for the Henkel brand, got2b. Within the scope of this cooperation, SPORTFIVE and BLRK are responsible for the mediation, consulting, conception, activation and implementation of the partnership, as well as the related interactive Twitch campaign.
After a market analysis and consultation, SPORTFIVE already developed a gaming campaign in 2020 for the Henkel hairstyling brand, got2b: #got2ChangeTheGame. During the course of the analysis, it was determined that a high affinity exists between the got2b target group and the subject of gaming. The main aim of the partnership with the EU Masters is therefore still to approach and interact with the gaming community. In doing so, got2b is leaving its comfort zone in the beauty and lifestyle area and is addressing another relevant target group. The partnership and the campaign are focussing on the DACH region and further expanding #got2ChangeTheGame as a campaign.
As integral part of the campaign, got2b is collaborating with five relevant and individual gaming influencers and thereby creating digital live moments on the Twitch streaming platform, which are intended to motivate the community of influencers to have interactions. The focus is on a creative mixture of live streams, hairstyling and quiz elements that significantly integrate got2b into the gaming world. Furthermore, authentic product placements are planned, which cater to the gaming target group and give the community the opportunity to try out new styles that underscore their personality.
In line with the campaign, SPORTFIVE/BLRK have also created a dedicated landing page: www.got2bgaming.de celebrates its launch today and creates further attractive touchpoints for got2b fans from the gaming scene via a major raffle. Awareness, Purchase, Consideration: The goal of the cooperation between got2b and the EU Masters is to achieve interaction and engagement among fans and followers and to sustainably address an important new target group.
Rik Strubel, CMO Henkel Beauty Care, explains: “got2b is a rebel for bold, load communication and innovative products in our Henkel Beauty Care portfolio. Last year, in collaboration with SPORTFIVE, we were able to position got2b very successfully in the gaming community. In order to further expand our involvement in the area of esports, we are now going a step further: As a partner of the European Masters and in collaboration with streamers and gamers, we will succeed in inspiring the community with interactive and entertaining content. In doing so, we will showcase that everyone should style and express themselves just as they want and we clearly embrace diversity and self-expression.”
Karsten Bentlage, Managing Director with SPORTFIVE Germany Consulting, adds: “This intensified partnership not only impressively demonstrates the added value that the gaming and esports world offers Henkel and got2b as a communication platform, but also the power and know-how that build a rocket and SPORTFIVE collectively bring to the table. This cooperation will be authentically and creatively filled with life and new approaches in the digital world!”
Alexander Albrecht, Managing Director of build a rocket, says: “It makes us proud to take this partnership to the next level! After a successful start, Henkel is now taking the next step with got2b and becomes a strong esports partner. We are delighted to once again be able to create, implement and accompany the entire campaign in all its facets with our expertise and in close cooperation with SPORTFIVE.”
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Asia
Esports World Cup Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership with Tencent
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Partnership to drive EWC’s expansion in China, leveraging Tencent E-sports’ networks and expertise to connect Chinese esports with EWC’s global ecosystem
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) announced a partnership with Tencent, making Tencent E-sports the EWCF’s strategic partner in China to drive the expansion of the Esports World Cup’s presence in the region. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the EWCF’s purpose to unite global esports fans under one competitive umbrella and underscores its commitment to integrating the world’s most important and rapidly growing esports market into the Esports World Cup platform. The agreement was formalized at the Empower Esports Worldwide Series – The Esports Operation and Technology Session in Shenzhen, China.
The collaboration will establish a dedicated Development Team to enhance EWC’s visibility, engagement, and industry collaboration in China, while leveraging EWC’s and Tencent E-sports’ networks and expertise to connect Chinese esports with EWC’s global ecosystem. Tencent E-sports will provide marketing expertise, strategic consulting, and operational support to deliver diverse content and experiences.
“The Esports World Cup has created a global stage for competitive gaming, demonstrating its influence not only in China but across the world,” said Mars Hou, Vice President of Tencent Games and General Manager of Tencent E-sports. “Through this partnership, we are committed to elevating EWC’s presence in China and integrating our esports industry with the world’s largest competitive gaming event. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with EWCF to push esports forward on a global scale.”
“The Esports World Cup’s purpose is to create a global platform for esports and gaming fans worldwide, and investing in key growth markets for esports is a core pillar of our mission,” said Thamer Al Shuaibi, Chief of Staff at the Esports World Cup Foundation. “China plays a critical role in this vision, and Tencent’s leadership in gaming and esports positions it as an essential partner. By combining our expertise, we will continue to strengthen esports as an industry, providing new opportunities for Chinese players and Clubs, and bringing the best of the Esports World Cup to Chinese fans.”
Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool in a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together esports’ best players, Clubs and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports.
The post Esports World Cup Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership with Tencent appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
ESIC Implemented its Anti-doping Testing Programme at IEM Katowice 2025
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The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) implemented its comprehensive anti-doping testing program at IEM Katowice 2025, organised by ESL FACEIT Group (EFG). Conducted at EFG’s request, this initiative reinforced the commitment of both organisations to maintaining the highest standards of competitive integrity in esports.
ESIC’s anti-doping procedures, carried out in accordance with the ESIC Anti-Doping Code, ensured that all participating competitors at IEM Katowice adhered to globally recognised best practices. The programme featured advanced testing protocols, thorough monitoring and rigorous enforcement measures, all designed to uphold fair competition.
“At ESIC, our mission is to protect the integrity of the esports ecosystem. By deploying our anti-doping testing at IEM Katowice 2025, we reaffirmed our dedication to supporting event organizers like EFG in hosting competitions where athletes compete responsibly and ethically,” Stephen Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of ESIC, said.
Over the past few years, ESIC has administered more than 700 anti-doping tests at major esports events, including those hosted by EFG. This extensive experience further cements ESIC’s reputation for providing industry-leading services that prioritise player welfare, competitive fairness and a culture of transparency.
“Protecting integrity is paramount for esports, which is why EFG and ESIC are constantly working together to ensure fair competition. ESIC have proven themselves to have the experience, as well as an advanced system that provides the credibility and peace of mind needed at one of our biggest and most prestigious events, IEM Katowice,” Carsten Kramer, Director of Tournament Management at EFG, said.
The post ESIC Implemented its Anti-doping Testing Programme at IEM Katowice 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
Abios partners with Kindred Group to provide full esports betting solutions
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New partnership will see Kambi’s Esports division deliver its full suite of esports products, including odds via Kambi’s Odds Feed+ API, to Kindred’s in-house sportsbook
Abios, a leading esports data and odds provider and part of Kambi Group, is pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with Kindred Group, one of the world’s leading online betting and gaming operators, to provide its full range of best-in-class esports betting solutions.
Abios will supply its complete esports package, including odds, data, widgets and always-on content, to Kindred’s Unibet and 32Red brands, providing the operator’s in-house sportsbook with unrivalled esports betting experiences.
Leveraging Kambi’s Odds Feed+ API, Abios will deliver its high-uptime odds feed which includes comprehensive esoccer and ebasketball coverage, as well as leading esports titles such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2 and VALORANT. Utilising automated modelling, Abios’ low latency odds feed utilises official tournament data to power leading features such as bet builder and player props.
The new agreement is in addition to the Esports odds service Abios currently provides to Kindred as part of Kambi’s Turnkey Sportsbook service.
Anton Janér, Managing Director and Co-founder of Abios, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Unibet and the wider Kindred Group, a leader in the global sports betting and gaming market. This agreement showcases the value of Abios’ full esports odds packages and our ability to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of operators and enables them to reach new audiences through the growth of esports.”
Ben Colley, Sportsbook Director of Kindred Group, added: “Esports continues to grow in popularity, and it’s essential that we offer our customers the best possible experience in this exciting category. Extending our partnership with Abios via Kambi’s Odds Feed+ API and leveraging their deep expertise and esports odds solutions ensures we remain at the forefront of esports betting, delivering unparalleled products and services to our players.”
The post Abios partners with Kindred Group to provide full esports betting solutions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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