eSports

Full team line-ups and event details announced for 2021 F1® Esports Series Pro Championship presented by Aramco

Published

4 years ago

September 16, 2021

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Ahead of the highly anticipated 2021 F1^® Esports Series Pro Championship presented by Aramco, which begins next month, the full driver line-ups and event details were announced in Wednesday’s Preview Show, as teams’ get set to battle it out once again for a piece of the huge $750,000 prize pot – one of the biggest in Esports.

F1^® Esports Series’ flagship competition continues to exceed expectation and shatter records along the way with last year’s Pro Series, as it was then called, achieving 10.6m views across TV & digital, as well as a record 291m social impressions and 23.8m video views throughout the campaign. The ever-rising popularity of the competition was even more evident as nearly half a million people attempted to qualify for this year’s championship, an increase of 108% from 2020.

As per the 2020 competition, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, drivers will continue to race from team factories or bespoke Esports facilities, or their own homes, whilst broadcasts will be filmed from the Gfinity Arena in London. Drivers will compete on the official F1^® 2021 video game, developed by Codemasters and EA.

Aramco return as the presenting partner of the Pro Championship for a second year, and long-term partners DHL and Fanatec also continue to be a key part of the F1^® Esports Series. Fanatec will supply hardware to all drivers for this year’s campaign, as it had done since 2018, while three new drivers will compete in the 2021 season after qualifying through the DHL Time-Trial qualification route, including prominent sim-racer Sebastian Job, who joins Alpha Tauri.

HUGE MOVES ACROSS THE GRID

Since last year’s Championship wrapped up in December, there have been a number of high-profile moves around the grid as two world champions switched allegiances in the off-season. Reigning champion Jarno Opmeer, who secured his first title with Alfa Romeo, has joined Mercedes, filling the spot left by Brendon Leigh. Two-time world champion Leigh, who has been recruited by the FDA, joins the only other drivers champion, David Tonizza.

Reigning teams’ champions Red Bull have retained duo Marcel Kiefer and Frederik Rasmussen, who will both be in contention for a shot at this year’s individual honour, whilst Opmeer’s teammate Dani Bereznay, who helped Alfa Romeo to a second-place finish in the teams’ championship has joined McLaren as they prepare for the new season with a completely new three-driver roster, with last year’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ Dani Moreno also heading to Mercedes.

There will be ten new drivers on this year’s driver line-up, with a third of the grid having been scouted through this year’s Pro Exhibition after qualifying via one of F1^® Esports Series’ qualification routes.

Team	Number	Driver	Nationality	D.O.B
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN F1 Esports	30	Simon Weigang	German	28/10/1997
	38	Filip Prešnajder	Slovakian	27/11/2002
	73	Thijmen Schütte	Dutch	25/08/2004
Scuderia AlphaTauri Esports Team	51	Joni Törmälä	Finnish	15/08/1996
	13	Sebastian Job	British	22/03/2000
	28	Dario Iemmulo	Italian	28/01/2003
Alpine Esports Team	40	Nicolas Longuet	French	06/08/2002
	8	Fabrizio Donoso	Chilean	19/06/1999
	80	Patrik Sipos	Hungarian	30/04/2003
Aston Martin Cognizant Esports Team	88	Lucas Blakely	British	15/07/2001
	92	Daniele Haddad	Italian	12/08/1992
	79	Shanaka Clay	British	04/02/1999
FDA Esports Team	95	David Tonizza	Italian	14/01/2002
	72	Brendon Leigh	British	07/08/1999
	29	Domenico Lovece	Italian	29/06/2001
Uralkali Haas F1 Team Esports	2	Cedric Thomé	German	26/02/1998
	15	Samuel Libeert	French	12/11/1992
	48	Matthjs van Erven	Dutch	03/03/2003
McLaren Shadow	12	Daniel Bereznay	Hungarian	28/05/2000
	20	Bardia Boroumand	Iranian	17/04/2003
	52	Josh Idowu	British	10/02/2003
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team	34	Jarno Opmeer	Dutch	11/04/2000
	26	Dani Moreno	Spanish	09/01/2001
	94	Bono Huis	Dutch	04/12/1994
Red Bull Racing Esports	24	Marcel Kiefer	German	24/08/1998
	19	Frederik Rasmussen	Danish	18/06/2000
	59	Liam Parnell	German	05/09/2002
Williams Esports	21	Álvaro Carretón	Spanish	21/07/2001
	53	Michael Romanidis	Greek	07/09/2003
	23	Alessio Di Capua	Italian	10/04/2002

TWO CIRCUIT DEBUTS, AND OLD FAVOURITES RETURN

This year’s campaign, the fifth season of the competition, will begin on Wednesday 13 October with the first two races of Event 1, as drivers’ replicate the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship by starting off at the Bahrain International Circuit. Whilst the real-world F1^® drivers couldn’t travel to China this year, the Shanghai International Circuit will be brought to life virtually, before the always popular Red Bull Ring rounds off the season-opening Event on the following day.

While most of the chosen venues remain the same as last year, including Zandvoort where F1^® returned earlier this month, there are three new tracks for drivers to get to grips with this season. The ‘rollercoaster’ in Portimão makes its debut in the Pro Championships, as does Imola, whilst the Circuit of the Americas returns to the calendar. As has been the case for the past two campaigns, the season finale will see competitors battle it out at Interlagos.

Event #	Date	Round #	Circuit
Event 1	13-14 October	Round 1	Sakhir, Bahrain
		Round 2	Shanghai, China
		Round 3	Spielberg, Austria
Event 2	27-28 October	Round 4	Silverstone, Great Britain
		Round 5	Monza, Italy
		Round 6	Spa, Belgium
Event 3	24-25 November	Round 7	Portimão, Portugal
		Round 8	Zandvoort, Netherlands
		Round 9	Austin, USA
Event 4	15-16 December	Round 10	Imola, Italy
		Round 11	Mexico City, Mexico
		Round 12	Interlagos, Brazil

EIGHT LIVE SHOWS ACROSS THE SEASON

F1^® Esports fans will be happy to hear that following the increased coverage of last year’s Pro Series, the format will remain the same for 2021, where there will be live racing on Wednesday and Thursday of each Event week, as well as livestreamed qualifying sessions on both days. The Pro Championship will be broadcast on the official F1^® social channels (Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and Huya), as well as select TV broadcast partners.

Ben Pincus, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Formula 1^®, said:

“There’s huge excitement building ahead of the new season of the F1 Esports Series Pro Championship, and we can’t wait to get started, and with so many big moves around the grid, this year’s title really is anyone’s for the taking! As always, we want to thank our partners Aramco, DHL and Fanatec for their continued support which enables us to bring elite sim-racing to fans around the world.”

Paul Jeal, F1 Senior Franchise Director at Codemasters, said:

“The 2021 F1 Esports Series Pro Championship promises to be the most exciting and unpredictable season to date. There have been some exciting driver moves with former double F1 Esports Champion Brendon Leigh joining another ex-champion David Tonizza at Ferrari, and our current F1 Esports Champion Jarno Opmeer moving to Mercedes. We also welcome new exciting talent from the Challengers, and it will be fascinating to see how Alessio Di Capua and Josh Idowu compete on the biggest stage. On behalf of the F1 team at Codemasters and all our players worldwide, good luck to the 2021 drivers. Let the racing begin.”

John Clarke, CEO at Gfinity, said:

“Anticipation is building for the new season of the F1 Esports Series Pro Championship presented by Aramco. It has become a must watch competition for both existing, and an ever-growing army of new, virtual racing fans. The bar is raised each year with new talent emerging and spectacular racing. The Gfinity production team will also be raising the bar with more storytelling and high-octane coverage of the races. It’s time to sit back and enjoy the show!”

eSports

Yalla Group Announces Strategic Partnership with Saudi Esports Federation

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Wladimir P.

yalla-group-announces-strategic-partnership-with-saudi-esports-federation

Yalla Group Limited, the largest Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-based online social networking and gaming company, has announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) to drive the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia’s national esports ecosystem, broaden opportunities for local talent and promote greater inclusivity in competitive gaming. The partnership represents a key element of Yalla’s strategy to deepen engagement in Saudi Arabia, one of the region’s most important growth markets.

Supporting the aims of Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, SEF and Yalla Group signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to further develop esports within the Kingdom and establish new pathways for aspiring talent to develop key skills and experience.

Under the partnership agreements, Yalla has been appointed Official Event Partner of the Saudi eLeague (SEL) 2026, the Kingdom’s premier national esports competition. Support for the Women’s Saudi eLeague will be a key focus of the partnership, aligning with Yalla’s dedication to promote inclusion, community development and broader participation in digital entertainment. By cultivating female talent and establishing structured pathways for women’s participation in competitive esports, Yalla aims to contribute to the growth and vitality of Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector.

In addition, Yalla will launch a talent development programme in collaboration with the SEF’s Saudi Esports Academy, designed to foster local esports talent through training, mentorship and competitive experience. The initiative aims to strengthen foundational talent pipelines and improve the long-term competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s esports ecosystem.

Saifi Ismail, President of Yalla Group, said: “This partnership marks an important step in our engagement with Saudi Arabia’s esports sector. By supporting both national competitions and talent development, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable growth of the Kingdom’s gaming ecosystem.”

“Partnering with a MENA leader like Yalla Group brings valuable regional expertise to the Saudi eLeague. This collaboration is crucial for amplifying the league’s prestige and ensuring it delivers a world-class experience for players and fans,” said Ibrahim Alsheddi, Chief Shared Services Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation.

The post Yalla Group Announces Strategic Partnership with Saudi Esports Federation appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

Martin Lycka Joins Oddin.gg as Vice President of Institutional Affairs

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Wladimir P.

martin-lycka-joins-oddin.gg-as-vice-president-of-institutional-affairs

Oddin.gg has named Martin Lycka as Vice President of Institutional Affairs, enhancing the firm’s knowledge in regulation and responsible gambling as esports wagering grows in regulated markets worldwide.

Lycka offers over 15 years of high-level regulatory and responsible gambling expertise in Europe, North America, and Latin America. Most recently, he held the position of Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling at Entain, where he directed regulatory strategy throughout the Americas and oversaw global esports regulatory issues. He additionally sits on the Board of Directors for the American Gaming Association.

Before joining Entain, Lycka had high-level regulatory positions at GVC Holdings and Paddy Power Betfair, overseeing licensing initiatives and regulatory strategy in various jurisdictions.

In his new position at Oddin.gg, Lycka will collaborate with regulators, policymakers, publishers, tournament organizers, and integrity bodies, making sure the company’s esports betting solutions keep up with changing compliance standards. Situated on the U.S. East Coast, Lycka will aid the company’s growth into more regulated markets worldwide, with this new role highlighting the increasing industry need for suppliers with substantial institutional trustworthiness.

Martin Lycka, VP Institutional Affairs at Oddin.gg, said: “Esports betting has experienced significant development within fully regulated environments. This has been the outcome of proactive engagement, education, transparency, and open dialogue with regulators. Oddin.gg, as an industry pioneer, has built its approach around those principles, and I’m looking forward to supporting the company as it scales across many more global markets.”

Marek Suchar, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Oddin.gg, added: “As esports betting continues to scale, institutional credibility becomes just as important as product quality. Martin brings deep regulatory experience and a practical understanding of what regulators seek to become comfortable with innovative betting products. His appointment strengthens our ability to engage constructively with regulators, addressing integrity, governance, and technological concerns, and to support partners operating in complex regulatory environments.”

The post Martin Lycka Joins Oddin.gg as Vice President of Institutional Affairs appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

2026 summit

HIPTHER Prague Summit Unveils 50% of Its Dynamic 2026 Agenda

Published

7 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.