eSports
Getting into the esports industry: SOFTSWISS Announces Commentator Kostya “Leniniw” Sivko as Brand Ambassador
SOFTSWISS is entering the esports industry and is delighted to announce that the famous CS:GO commentator, Kostya Sivko, has officially become the company’s brand ambassador. The collaboration is an excellent chance for an award-winning online casino and sports betting software provider to realise innovative projects in this field.
Kostya Sivko is a commentator with 9 years of experience in esports. Notably, Kostya has commentated at the CS:GO Major Championships, the esports industry’s main event, an impressive 12 times. Mr. Sivko has worked for the top CIS studios and international championship venues.
In 2020 and 2021, the esports community named him the best commentator in the industry. Moreover, Kostya has previously worked with betting companies, some of which are SOFTSWISS clients. Kostya’s knowledge of iGaming and its audience, as well as his extensive experience in esports betting, give him an understanding of the online gambling industry that promises a fruitful and creative collaboration between SOFTSWISS and the commentator.
For SOFTSWISS, this is a unique chance to expand its presence in the esports vertical. Working with the brand ambassador will allow the company to get to know the esports market better, discover its key figures and assess further market opportunities. The partnership with Kostya Sivko will enable SOFTSWISS to generate content that resonates with the esport community.
“I found esports interesting because of the competition’s live component in the virtual world. When I came into the industry, there were no signs that it would reach today’s scale. However, I loved what I did and tried to grow. I am confident that my experience in commenting and streaming, as well as my understanding of the esports audience and the iGaming scene, will help me in this partnership. This is an opportunity to go outside the box and find new ways to be useful – both to the esports community and SOFTSWISS,” – commented Kostya Sivko, SOFTSWISS Brand Ambassador.
Kostya plans to create content such as weekly podcasts, live interviews with experienced guests, and those who have not succeeded in esports. Kostya believes it is important to show both sides of the industry. Another exciting format the brand ambassador plans to create is data-driven content with analysts and gambling industry experts.
Vitali Matsukevich, COO at SOFTSWISS, noted the following: “Our company aims to build up its expertise in iGaming and search for new paths of development. The esports industry increases its potential yearly; moreover, we are crossing over with it via our products. The SOFTSWISS Sportsbook makes online betting on esports possible and this niche is of high interest to our clients. Collaborating with influencers and top professionals like Kostya Sivko is a new step to developing innovative solutions that will soon change the iGaming and esport industries.”
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international iGaming company supplying certified software solutions for managing gambling operations. The expert team, which counts 1,400+ employees, is based in Malta, Poland, Georgia, and Belarus. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013 SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.
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2026 summit
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
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
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.
The post Esportes da Sorte Secures Major Sponsorship for FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcasts on SBT and N Sports appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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