eSports

Record-breaking participation in F1® Esports Series qualification as new campaign begins with Pro Exhibition

Published

5 years ago

May 26, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Following the huge success F1^® Esports has had over the last year with the Virtual Grands Prix and 2020 F1^® Esports Series, Formula 1^® has announced over 494k people attempted to qualify for this year’s 2021 F1^® Esports Series – an increase of 108% from 2020.

There were more ways to qualify than ever before for this year’s F1^® Esports Series, as drivers contested for spots in the event across the F1^® Esports Series Challengers, the DHL Time Trial, the China Championship and the inaugural Women’s Wildcard.

The 2021 season officially starts with the Pro Exhibition, an online combine that will see the 30 drivers who progressed from these four qualification routes showcase their talents in a series of in-game assessments, testing their abilities for the life-changing opportunity to be potentially selected by one of the ten F1^® Esports teams for their Pro Championship rosters. While the participants continue to compete on the official F1^® 2020 video game developed by Codemasters, the new Pro Championship season, which begins in the autumn, will see drivers battle it out on the hugely anticipated 2021 version of the game, the first since EA acquired the long-time developers of the title, which will be released on Friday 16 July.

Highlights from the Pro Exhibition, hosted by F1^® Esports regulars, Tom Deacon, Matt Gallagher and Nic Hamilton, will feature exclusive interviews from Romain Grosjean, F2 driver Guanyu Zhou and W Series driver Jessica Hawkins, and will be broadcast from the Gfinity Arena in London at 19:00 BST on Thursday 27 May on the official Formula 1^® YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Huya (China) channels.

The Pro Exhibition kicks off the new era for the F1^®Esports Series, with the Pro Championship, formerly known as the Pro Series, starting later this year. The F1^®Esports Series is once again presented by Aramco, Global Energy Partner of F1^®, who will remain Presenting Partner as part of an extended agreement following the success of last year’s F1^® Esports Series, which achieved over 11m digital live views. DHL, a founding partner of the F1^®Esports Series, has been renewed as Official Sponsor and will be a key part of the Pro Championship through the DHL Fastest Lap award and associated championship point, mirroring real world racing. Fanatec also continues to be a crucial partner to the F1^® Esports Series, as it has been since 2018, and will supply hardware for all drivers in the Pro Championship once rosters are confirmed after the Pro Exhibition.

Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports at Formula 1^®, said:

“We’re delighted to see so many people enjoying and engaging with the F1 game, as The F1 Esports Series continues to shatter records, with nearly half a million qualifiers for this year’s campaign. We can’t wait to see the talent on show in the Pro Exhibition and look forward to the Pro Championship later in the year, which could be the most exciting yet! As ever, we are thankful for the continued support from our partners Aramco, DHL and Fanatec as we strive to make the F1 Esports Series bigger and better every year.”

Frank Sagnier, CEO at Codemasters, said:

“We continue to be overwhelmed and thrilled with the success of the F1 Esports Series. With more ways to qualify, as shown by the recent China Championship, our players are rising to the challenge in the hope of joining one of the 10 official F1 Esports teams. We’re incredibly proud to introduce the Women’s Wildcard, and we hope we will see a significant increase in women engaging with the F1 game at a grassroots level and challenging at the top of the leaderboard.”

John Clarke, CEO at Gfinity, said:

“The Pro Exhibition is yet another fantastic example of how Formula 1 continues to innovate and expand, uniting the different F1 Esports Series qualification events in a way that hasn’t been done before. Gfinity is proud to continue our work with Formula 1, utilising our tech IP and world-class production to deepen engagement with existing and younger F1 fans around the globe.”

2026 summit

HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda

Published

3 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.

The post Esports Nations Cup 2026 Announces $45 Million Prize Fund for Players, Clubs, and National Teams appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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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