eSports

IEM Cologne 2021: how major events increase the popularity of esports betting

Published

5 years ago

August 27, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

IEM Cologne is one of 2021’s best Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournaments. This newsworthy event brings together 24 teams from all around the world, has a $1 million prize pool and three stages of play.

Counter-Strike is flourishing

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the fourth game in the Counter-Strike series of games. As with its forerunners, the game is a multiplayer first-person shooter in which two teams (Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists) compete against each other in various game modes.

Just imagine, the first release of Counter-Strike was published on November 9, 2000. This game has existed for more than 20 years. Even though the last game in the Counter-Strike series Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was released nearly 9 years ago, in August 2012, the game is still top-rated online and has millions of fans.

According to Statista, as of February 2020, Counter-Strike had 24 million monthly active users, more than double the figure from May 2016. In May 2021, CS:GO reached more than one million concurrent players on Steam.

More than just a game

And what’s interesting is, it’s not just a game for millions of gamers, but for watchers of esports content too, of course. ELEAGUE Major, which took place in January 2018, was the most-watched CS:GO tournament that year, reaching nearly 1.9 million viewers. With such a large number of supporters, it is par for the course that CS:GO competitions are worth big money.

The game’s annual cumulative tournament prize pool reached $21.77M in 2019. And in 2020, the estimated prize money for CS:GO tournaments stood at $15.85M, making it the online game with the highest cumulative prize pool in that year.

Gamers are not short of attention and cash rewards. For instance, the Danish gamer, a member of Astralis, Andreas Højsleth, known by his online alias, Xyp9x, has earned over $1.88M playing CS:GO competitively. Currently, he is in second place in the earnings table for players of CS:GO. Another Danish player, Peter Rasmussen, who goes by the alias dupreeh, occupies the first spot with around $1.91M.

CS:GO betting

Professional gaming quickly became a matter of interest to sportsbooks. Today, as reported by iGB, the most popular esports betting titles fall under two categories. The first includes the “Big Three”: League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. They’re also some of the most popular video games globally.

The growth of popularity of these games turned the attention of the majority of sportsbooks. Global betting operators are widening their portfolio with popular online PC games. Some of the most popular CS:GO events are commercial CS:GO tournaments with 24/7 schedules that allow sportsbooks to fill free airtime with engaging content.

Betting on commercial CS:GO events works the same way as betting on major CS:GO events. Bettors wager on various markets: the outcome of a match, top-performing players, final scores, etc.

One of the platforms that provide fast and dynamic 24/7 esports tournaments is ESportsBattle. It is worth noting that the organizers of ESportsBattle CS:GO tournaments have noticed the huge spike in bettors’ engagement rate in the run-up to big matches.

ESportsBattle & CS:GO

Because of increased global demand, ESportsBattle decided to expand its horizons and became the first platform to launch 1×1 CS:GO matches, guaranteeing beginner players an opportunity to have a shot at it. Earlier, ESportsBattle had only a 5×5 format and later became the first to offer 2×2 CS:GO matches.

This variety of formats and modes allows pro and amateur players to face off in EsportsBattle tournaments, develop their skills, and make money on it.

For bettors of EsportsBattle CS:GO tournaments, operators provide the following markets: match winner (2-way or 3-way), match handicap, total maps, correct map score, map winner (2-way and 3-way), total rounds.

During July 2021, when IEM Cologne 2021 took place, ESportsBattle CS:GO matches chalked up far more views, which, in turn, led to increased bettor engagement. The number of views of ESportsBattle tournaments has risen dramatically: from 120K in June to almost 200K in July.

Furthermore, the number of views increased by 73% from the beginning of 2021. Betting on CS:GO gives bettors a chance to feel even more engaged in the whole IEM Cologne 2021 experience, as though they are participating in the tournament.

Thanks to regular broadcasts of esports events that boosted the gaming, esports and betting markets began to enjoy particular popularity. Moreover, one of the betting operator stated that there was almost 40% uptake in the number of active bettors engaged with EsportsBattles’ CS:GO events between June and July. Since the beginning of 2021, the number of people betting on EsportsBattle CS:GO events has increased by 10,000%.

BETBY

BETBY Expands E-Sim Portfolio with Three Industry-First Titles: eHockey, eMMA and eTeqball

Published

2 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

betby-expands-e-sim-portfolio-with-three-industry-first-titles:-ehockey,-emma-and-eteqball

Tier 1 sportsbook supplier BETBY has expanded its proprietary esports feed, Betby.Games, with the launch of three industry-first e-sim titles: eHockey, eMMA and eTeqball. The new releases further strengthen BETBY’s high-frequency betting content portfolio, introducing new sports verticals while continuing to deliver fast-paced, always-on content designed to maximise engagement for operators and players worldwide.

Each of the new titles debuts as a first-of-its-kind esports simulation in the betting industry, reinforcing BETBY’s reputation as a pioneer in developing original betting content.

eHockey launches with four tournaments representing the NHL’s divisions: Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific. Each match follows a format of three periods lasting three minutes each, delivering uninterrupted action with no stoppages. Designed to replicate the intensity of real hockey, the title offers 15+ betting markets and is expected to generate over 11,000 matches per month, ensuring a constant flow of high-frequency betting opportunities. Arriving just ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs next month, the new title allows hockey fans to stay immersed in the sport 24/7, extending engagement beyond real-world fixtures.

eMMA introduces a fast-paced combat sports experience featuring two tournaments: UFC Legends and UFC Women Legends, where some of the sport’s most iconic fighters face off in simulated matchups. By bringing together well-known names from MMA history, the title creates an instantly familiar environment for fans and bettors alike. The format focuses on quick fights, with each matchup consisting of a single round lasting around one to two minutes on average. Events begin every five minutes, ensuring continuous action throughout the day. Betting markets focus on the fight winner, creating a simple yet highly engaging wagering experience. Combined, the two tournaments are expected to deliver around 15,000 events per month.

Completing the trio is eTeqball, which introduces a brand-new sport to the Betby.Games portfolio. Combining elements of football and table tennis, the rapidly growing discipline brings a unique dynamic to esports simulations. The title launches with the TQX Cup Hungary – Double Mixed tournament, generating around 1800 matches per month. Each match consists of two games played up to 12 points, with over 20 betting markets available.

Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Innovation & R&D at BETBY, said: “Creating original content has always been at the core of the Betby.Games vision. With Hockey, MMA, and Teqball, we’re introducing three industry-first titles that further diversify our portfolio and bring new experiences to esports betting. Each of these games offers fast gameplay, clear betting mechanics, and a constant stream of events, helping operators keep players engaged 24/7.”

The post BETBY Expands E-Sim Portfolio with Three Industry-First Titles: eHockey, eMMA and eTeqball appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

B2B iGaming

Logifuture Joins Forces with BetConstruct AI to Expand Virtual Sports

Published

2 weeks ago

March 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

logifuture-joins-forces-with-betconstruct-ai-to-expand-virtual-sports

Logifuture, a leading B2B provider of virtual sports and instant gaming solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with BetConstruct AI, a global iGaming platform powering hundreds of operators worldwide. This collaboration integrates Logifuture’s flagship products, Zoom Sports and Simulate, into BetConstruct AI’s platform, significantly expanding access to innovative engagement tools for operators.

Expanding Global Reach

The partnership enables operators to offer next-generation virtual sports and instant betting solutions, enhancing player activity and generating incremental revenue.

Zoom Sports delivers ultra-realistic virtual football and tennis events in both full-length and turbo formats, offering thousands of daily betting opportunities.
Simulate allows players to instantly simulate the outcome of betslips, removing waiting times and creating immediate engagement.

These tools extend player retention, increase betting activity beyond live events, and create cross-sell opportunities across the BetConstruct AI network.

Innovation at the Core

Both Logifuture and BetConstruct AI prioritize innovation and product differentiation, helping operators stand out in a highly competitive market.

Niccolò Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture, commented:
“Partnering with BetConstruct AI is a major step forward. Their global reach makes them the ideal partner to scale Zoom Sports and Simulate worldwide. This collaboration is just the beginning of a long-term partnership to deliver new experiences and stronger operator performance.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership will focus on expanding distribution, delivering new gaming experiences, and introducing innovative products to keep players engaged while helping operators grow revenue worldwide.

The post Logifuture Joins Forces with BetConstruct AI to Expand Virtual Sports appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

betting innovation

Bet It Drives S4 Finale: Oddin.gg’s Marek Suchar on Esports Betting

Published

2 weeks ago

March 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

bet-it-drives-s4-finale:-oddin.gg’s-marek-suchar-on-esports-betting

The global esports betting industry continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, and one of the sector’s most influential voices has recently shared key insights into where the market is heading.

In the latest episode of Bet It Drives, Marek Suchar, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Partnerships at Oddin.gg, joined host Yevhen Krazhan to discuss the realities, challenges, and future opportunities shaping esports betting.

Recorded during the ICE event in Barcelona, Season 4 Episode 4 brings together two experienced industry figures for a candid discussion about the mechanics behind esports wagering. Suchar, who helped transform Oddin.gg from a small startup founded by four partners into a global B2B infrastructure provider for esports betting, offered a detailed perspective on the sector’s growth, integrity requirements, and regulatory future.

A Look Inside the Esports Betting Ecosystem

Esports betting has quickly moved from a niche vertical to one of the most dynamic areas of the online betting ecosystem. Oddin.gg has played a critical role in this development by offering odds feeds, trading tools, and risk management solutions to betting operators around the world.

During the conversation, Suchar explained how advanced monitoring systems help identify suspicious betting patterns in real time. As esports wagering continues to scale globally, integrity monitoring and data analysis have become essential tools for protecting both operators and players.

He emphasized that the future success of esports betting will depend heavily on transparency, robust data management, and strong cooperation between operators, regulators, and technology providers.

Addressing Industry Challenges

The podcast also tackled some of the uncomfortable realities facing the iGaming sector. Suchar spoke openly about what he believes the industry often gets wrong when it comes to esports betting.

One of the key issues he highlighted was the misunderstanding of esports by traditional betting stakeholders. While esports audiences are digital-native and highly engaged, many operators still attempt to apply conventional sports betting strategies without adapting to the unique dynamics of competitive gaming.

Suchar stressed that esports requires specialized infrastructure, data expertise, and an understanding of the communities surrounding the games themselves.

He also addressed strict internal policies around betting within odds and trading providers, explaining that integrity protocols and compliance standards are essential in ensuring fair markets and preventing conflicts of interest.

Market Growth and Global Opportunities

One of the most striking points in the discussion was Suchar’s estimate of the potential size of the esports betting market. According to him, the global esports betting handle could approach $100 billion, highlighting the enormous commercial potential of this rapidly expanding sector.

The conversation explored which regions are most likely to emerge as the largest regulated markets for esports betting. As regulatory frameworks evolve across Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia, new opportunities are opening for operators that are prepared to integrate esports properly into their product offerings.

Suchar noted that future growth will largely come from markets that combine strong esports fan bases with clear regulatory structures and advanced digital betting ecosystems.

Entertainment Meets Industry Insight

In addition to serious discussions about market development, the episode also maintains the playful format that Bet It Drives has become known for.

Suchar participated in the segment “Confess or Call,” spinning a wheel that led to a humorous prank acquisition call where he jokingly suggested Oddin.gg might explore purchasing esports organizations NAVI and Vitality.

The lighthearted moment added entertainment value while reinforcing the informal and candid style of the podcast.

A Season Focused on Industry Truths

Season 4 of Bet It Drives has focused heavily on honest discussions about the realities of the iGaming industry. Earlier episodes featured prominent figures such as:

Cedomir Tomic of Alea
Oleksandr Feshchenko of GR8 Tech
Akhil Sarin discussing marketing strategies at Stake
Max Krupyshev exploring crypto risks and trust within gaming ecosystems

The final episode with Marek Suchar closes the season by focusing on the infrastructure layer that powers esports betting growth.

Why Esports Betting Matters for Operators

For sportsbook operators, the esports vertical represents a massive opportunity to engage younger audiences and diversify betting products. However, the conversation in this episode highlights that success requires more than simply adding esports markets.

Operators must invest in specialized technology, integrity monitoring, and partnerships with providers that understand the esports ecosystem.

Suchar’s insights reinforce a growing consensus across the industry: esports betting is no longer experimental. It is rapidly becoming a central pillar of the digital betting economy.

As esports audiences continue to grow and regulatory frameworks mature, the companies building reliable infrastructure today are likely to shape the industry’s future.