eSports

ESPORTS INSIDER ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF ESI DIGITAL SUMMER AND START-UP INVESTMENT COMPETITION, THE CLUTCH

Published

5 years ago

July 1, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Esports Insider, the leading B2B esports events and media company is excited to reveal the return of ESI Digital Summer on 8-9th September, and The Clutch, a pitch investment competition which provides some of the most promising esports focused startups with a chance to pitch to a panel of investors and judges, and the opportunity to promote themselves. This year’s winner of The Clutch will receive an exclusive place in Level 256’s leading incubator program, worth 5,000 Euros, and includes meetings with notable investors , partners, organisations, institutions and key accounts from around the world.

ESI Digital Summer will bring together industry leaders in esports, sports and global brands to discuss and debate investment, esports ecosystems, education and more, and will feature some of the world’s most innovative brand showcases. With over 60 speakers, 400 attendees and more than 16 hours of live content across two days, ESI Digital Summer is also offering unparalleled networking opportunities for all attendees. Speakers for ESI Digital Summer will include some of the industry’s most prominent thought leaders and brand authorities, and is set to be announced over the coming months.

The Clutch, in partnership with Level 256, an innovation & economic development platform dedicated to esports by Paris&Co launched in 2018 and supported by the City of Paris, has become a standout initiative within the industry. With applications now open, esports focused startups can enter to take part in this prestigious competition taking place on September 9th. Entrants will have just minutes to pitch before an esteemed judging panel starts their questions and investigation. The panel will decide the best company with the winner to be announced during the final moments of ESI Digital Summer.

The winner of The Clutch in 2021 will secure an exclusive place in Level 256’s industry leading incubator program worth 5,000 Euros. The winning company will also be offered both extensive promotion, and access to mentorship and guidance that will help elevate their company to the next level. Level 256 launched in November 2018 by Paris&Co and with the initiative of the City of Paris, has incubated 32 projects dedicated to esports, which created 168 jobs and raised over 20M€. The platform has gathered more than 103 speakers and mentors during their hosted events since its launch.

In its fourth edition, and now an annual ESI event, The Clutch has seen over 50 startups in its first two editions and seen some of the most impressive and industry-changing esports startups showcased. Previous winners have included esports performance company GScience who build performance systems tailored to gamers, and TEAMS.GG, a gaming matchmaking platform allowing players to find like minded people to create ideal teams, and play better together.

“It was extremely important and exciting for us to win The Clutch Digital as it was another proof [statement] that this kind of technology is relevant to the esports space, and that Anzu specifically is relevant in the ad space. It was great to be recognised by leaders in the space.” said Natalia Vasilyeva, VP of Marketing at Anzu.

“We are very thrilled to be a partner in this 4th edition of the ESI and The Clutch. We are looking forward to discovering the amazing entrepreneurs of the British esports world. It is also a great opportunity to support the European esports ecosystem by encouraging cooperation between France and the UK. We are happy to welcome the winner to benefit from our incubation program and we hope that this first step is just the beginning!” said Vincent Vercelli, Head of Incubation for Level 256 (Paris&Co).

“I am really excited ESI Digital Summer will return this September providing world class content and presenting some of the largest global brands, and will also host the fourth edition of The Clutch. This year we are looking forward to showcasing the most ground-breaking startup ideas and first-rate pitches in the industry, and as always, it will be a difficult process to whittle it down to a final four. Since its inception in 2019, we have continued to see more and more esports startups enter the space and here at Esports Insider, we are proud to continue providing a platform for those companies looking to stand out, and unapologetically push boundaries in the esports industry.” said Sam Cooke, Managing Director and Co-founder of ESI.

Asia

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

Published

15 hours 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

2 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

5 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.