Connect with us

eSports

The Global Esports Federation turns two, and what an epic ride it has been

Published

on

Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

When the Global Esports Federation (GEF) was launched in 2019, one of its goals was to marry the fast-growing esports world with values often tied to traditional sport.

Esports was already the fastest growing sport in 2019, with revenue over US$1 billion and a worldwide reach of close to 500 million. With its massive reach and widespread appeal among the young, esports is seen as a gateway to connecting with the youth of the world.

What then, could a new esports organization bring? As it turns out, plenty.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

For starters, the GEF celebrates its second anniversary just as the inaugural edition of the Global Esports Games (GEG), its flagship event, prepares for a highly-anticipated opening in Singapore.

The GEF’s journey over the past two years has also seen it expand the reach of esports globally while championing causes often overlooked by the larger esports world.

Promoting diversity

Female representation has long been an issue in esports. The lack of opportunities for women to play at major events and an overwhelmingly male-dominated executive workforce both at esports global companies and international bodies often meant that the interest of women in esports was often overlooked.

But the GEF made sure to address this.

For its inaugural edition of the GEG, the GEF set the tone of its flagship event by ensuring that it had a women’s category. Teams Paraguay, Mongolia and Great Britain emerged through regional qualifiers to earn the right to battle it out for Dota 2 supremacy alongside hosts Singapore. GEG 2021 will also be the first major international tournament to feature an all-women Dota 2 category.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

In the boardroom, the GEF has also led the way. In two years, it has increased women representation at the GEF, edging toward 40%.

Said Chris Chan, president of the GEF: “The GEF was founded on the principle that everyone in the gaming world should be considered equals and it is why we have always pushed for an inclusive esports and youth culture.

“The beauty of esports is that color, gender, race and how affluent someone is don’t factor in. When you interact virtually, it doesn’t matter what your background is.

“And that is the culture we want to foster with our #worldconnected movement. Esports is universal, and it should be something everyone can experience and enjoy.”

Championing inclusivity

Central to fostering diversity is the need to be more inclusive. And that is where the GEF has also made significant inroads, especially with promoting esports and events in the Middle East.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

While esports had made tremendous strides in the dominant markets of Europe, North America and Asia, elite-level, international events are still in its infancy in the Arab world.

The GEF brought two events to the Middle East in its inaugural Global Esports Tour, which opened in Los Angeles in September 2021, before moving to Riyadh in October and Dubai in November.

Aptly, the United Arab Emirates became the 100th Member Federation to join the GEF in August 2021. To date, the GEF has 105 Member Federations.

For the 18-19 December GEG world finals, which will feature over 100 esports athletes from over 40 countries, the GEF has taken the extra step of assembling a Team #worldconnected — which brings athletes of different backgrounds, including those who represent the refugee community, people with disabilities, wounded servicemen and women, and other underserved communities.

Among the athletes in Team #worldconnected is Roby Hormis, a former refugee from Iraq who is now based in the Netherlands. He will compete in eFootball alongside Brazil-born Yuri “Yuri_FPOLIS” Andrade, who now resides in the United States.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

And for the pair, initiatives like Team #worldconnected are what makes the GEF a refreshing addition to the global esports ecosystem.

Said Yuri_FPOLIS: “For me, just inviting people from all around the world, from different backgrounds, is a big step to making esports something the whole world can enjoy. It’s awesome and that is something amazing that the GEF is doing.”

Inclusivity is, however, not confined to the athletes.

As part of the Singapore 2021 GEG, GEFCon will bring together thought leaders in esports, sports, technology, and entertainment to explore topical issues facing the industry such as the role of fintech in esports, the future of entertainment, and how organizations are moving from sponsorship to partnership.

There is also the GEFestival, a two-week virtual celebration of esports in the build-up to GEG 2021. It features community gaming, music and entertainment for the gaming communities of the world.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

As with any organization, the formative years are crucial. It is where one builds stability and strong roots to form a firm foundation for growth. With a strong base, already established in its first two years, the global esports community can look to many more initiatives that will excite and positively impact esports.

Among the initiatives on the horizon are the expanding of the GEF’s presence in the metaverse with its partnership with 888 The New World, and an exciting line-up of Global Esports Tour and GEG 2022 as the flagship event moves to Istanbul, Turkey.

Said GEF CEO Paul J. Foster: “Just like the dynamic industry that is esports, the GEF also needs to constantly evolve and innovate to cater to an ever-changing target audience and market.

“But as we look to strengthen and add to the many initiatives and partnerships we had built in our first two years, our ethos of bringing inclusivity and celebrating diversity in esports will always remain central to what we do.”

Powered by WPeMatico

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading
Advertisement

eSports

eWear launches aim.one – the world’s first functional gaming wear for esports athletes and gaming-fans

Published

on

ewear-launches-aim.one-–-the-world’s-first-functional-gaming-wear-for-esports-athletes-and-gaming-fans
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

From hoodies to short-sleeved jerseys: the entire collection has been developed to meet the specific needs of gamers – uncompromising, highest-quality and thought-out down to the last detail.

“There is the right functional clothing for every sport – for soccer, tennis, golf… Gaming used to have this gap. Not anymore!”, say the founders.

The debut collection features 4 products and thus offers the right piece for all gamers: hoodie, longsleeve, shirt and pants. Each combines innovative functionality with comfort and style. Smart gadgets – including special ventilation zones, padding and other features to promote reaction, focus and grip – make this clothing a real support in the game.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Developed from the ground up specifically for playing at a PC, “aim.one is for everyone who wants to take their gaming to the next level – from high-end eSports pros to hobby gamers,” say the founders. “With this collection, gamers finally get their own clothing tailored to their passion!”

 

The product launch will take place via Kickstarter on the 5th of August!

Until launch, Gamers can unlock MVP status for only a €/$1 donation. This grants up to 35% discount during the campaign — plus a free nickname print on their apparel.

The post eWear launches aim.one – the world’s first functional gaming wear for esports athletes and gaming-fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

eSports

Stake strikes international esports partnership with Team Vitality

Published

on

stake-strikes-international-esports-partnership-with-team-vitality
Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

  • Team Vitality is proud to unveil a landmark multi-year partnership with Stake, the world’s leading online casino and sportsbook platform, in a major seven-figure agreement.

  • As the official international betting partner of Team Vitality’s Counter-Strike 2 roster, Stake will benefit from a comprehensive activation plan: prominent jersey placement, high-impact brand campaigns across social media, innovative content production, and exclusive access to players.

  • Unveiled at IEM Cologne 2025, one of the most prestigious events on the Counter-Strike calendar, the partnership marks a new chapter in Stake’s ongoing expansion into esports. It also highlights the increasing appeal of the industry to global brands seeking visibility, high-value engagement, and premium positioning on the international stage.

Team Vitality today announces a major multi-year agreement with Stake, a global leader in the betting and gaming sector. Through this partnership, Stake becomes the official international partner of Team Vitality’s CS2 team, with the ambition of establishing a strong presence in the esports ecosystem. The two organisations will collaborate on exclusive content and bold creative activations. First stop: IEM Cologne, where the team will debut its new jersey featuring Stake’s branding at one of the most iconic events in competitive Counter-Strike.

With this collaboration, Team Vitality joins the ranks of established global sports such as Formula 1, MMA, and football, solidifying its place in the mainstream sports landscape and taking another step forward in the global recognition of esports.

 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

STAKE JOINS FORCES WITH THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD

This alliance comes at a landmark moment for Team Vitality’s Counter-Strike 2 roster, which has made history this year by winning multiple consecutive titles, including the prestigious ESL Grand Slam and Blast Austin Major last month. Recognised as a global powerhouse in the CS2 scene, the team embodies a culture of bold ambition, elite performance, and the thrill of competition – values shared by Stake. This partnership brings together two brands that place intensity and excellence at the core of their identity.

Stake will play a key role in supporting the CS2 roster throughout the world’s most prominent international competitions. First, the brand will be featured across Team Vitality CS’s digital platforms. Second, the two brands will co-create premium content activations and provide fans with exclusive player access year-round. Lastly, Stake’s logo will appear on the front and left collarbone of the team’s official jersey.

 

PARTNERSHIP KICKS OFF IN COLOGNE

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

As the reigning champions of last year’s tournament, Team Vitality is launching this partnership at a pivotal moment in the competitive calendar. IEM Cologne is one of the most iconic and widely followed tournaments on the Counter-Strike circuit, with the 2024 edition attracting over one million viewers – making it the second most-watched CS event of the year.

This event gathers a passionate global audience and provides a powerful platform to associate Stake with the highest level of competition and emotion. It is a strategic opportunity to activate the partnership during a peak moment of tension, spectacle, and performance – creating a strong, authentic connection between the brand, the team, and Vitality fans worldwide.

“This partnership with Stake is historic: not only for its scale but also for its symbolic value. It reflects the success of our ambition to establish Team Vitality as a leading global esports brand, alongside the biggest names in their respective industries. At a defining point in our Counter-Strike journey, this collaboration will allow us to create innovative experiences, offer exclusive content around our team, and support our CS2 roster as it reaches new competitive heights,” said Vas Roberts, co-CEO of Team Vitality.

“This partnership brings together two industry powerhouses: Stake, a global leader in betting and entertainment, and Team Vitality, the reigning CS2 world champions. This collaboration adds esports to our globally renowned portfolio of sports and entertainment partnerships, with Team Vitality representing exactly the caliber of world-class partner we seek as we enter the esports arena,” said Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake.

The post Stake strikes international esports partnership with Team Vitality appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Asia

NODWIN Gaming Partners with Sony LIV for Streaming Rights of Esports World Cup 2025

Published

on

nodwin-gaming-partners-with-sony-liv-for-streaming-rights-of-esports-world-cup-2025
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading esports and gaming company, has announced that Sony LIV has acquired the Hindi and English language media rights for select matches of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, further amplifying the tournament’s reach and representation across India.

As part of the partnership, Sony LIV will stream select matches from the Esports World Cup in India, bringing the action to millions of fans in languages they resonate with. The Hindi-language broadcast will be available exclusively on the Sony LIV app and official website.

In addition, Sony LIV will also stream the weekly shows, behind-the-scenes features and player interactions spotlighting EWC athletes and teams, curated for both core and casual esports audiences. This collaboration follows NODWIN Gaming’s recent partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to manage media rights and regional distribution across South Asia.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said: “Our goal is to bring the Esports World Cup to as many passionate fans across South Asia as possible, and this partnership with Sony LIV is a major step in that direction. It combines Sony LIV’s incredible reach with NODWIN’s focus on building localized, fan-first esports experiences. With both Hindi and premium English content, we are creating a viewing experience that feels personal, immersive, and truly regional.”

With the addition of Sony LIV as the exclusive Hindi broadcast partner and NODWIN Gaming as the strategic regional media and marketing partner, the EWC is poised to reach unprecedented heights in South Asia. This aligns with the mission of making esports more inclusive, accessible and locally relevant.

With top-tier Indian talent competing across multiple titles, the Esports World Cup 2025 presents a unique opportunity to showcase India’s growing presence in global esports and to unite audiences around a shared national dream.

The post NODWIN Gaming Partners with Sony LIV for Streaming Rights of Esports World Cup 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania