eSports

The Game Awards 2023: The Rise of eSports from Start to Finish

Published

2 years ago

December 5, 2023

The rise of eSports

In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, few industries have witnessed a meteoric rise quite like eSports. What once started as a niche in the gaming world has now grown into a global sensation, captivating both amateur and professional players with its competitive events, life-changing cash prizes, and viewership figures in the hundreds of millions. Domain and hosting experts Fasthosts has compiled a brief overview of the rise of eSports, and competitive gaming throughout the years, and where the future may take the industry.

The Start of Competitive Gaming

eSports, at its core, revolves around competitive video gaming, and has experienced exponential growth over the past five decades. The earliest known gaming competition stems back to 1972, when Stanford University hosted a contest featuring the science fiction rocket game ‘Spacewar’. The event – orchestrated by sports reporter Stewart Brand – showcased the potential of video games as an “exhilarating spectator sport”, setting the stage for what was to come.

The Slow but Steady Rise

For several decades, the popularity of eSports experienced a gradual rise. In the pre-internet era, arcade tournaments provided the battleground for players, with magazines and record books recognising top players’ achievements. The 1990s marked a turning point as gaming tournaments began to gain traction, offering increasingly substantial prize pools. The technological advancements in video game consoles, and internet and PC gaming paved the way for a prosperous decade for the industry. At the end of the 90s we saw the internet cafe boom where young players would meet and play together in PC cafes, which was the start of the strong youth social gaming culture you see today.

The New Millennium

It was the early 2000s that witnessed the true birth of eSports as leagues and tournaments started to take shape around iconic titles like Counter-Strike, StarCraft, and Warcraft III. In 2001, the first World Cyber Games was held in Seoul. The tournament featured several popular games and attracted over 174,000 participants from 17 countries, making for an unexpected global success. In 2005, the CPL World Tour or Cyberathlete Professional League became the first event to have a prize pool offering over $1 million, demonstrating the start of life changing prizes that go hand in hand with competitive gaming.

Streaming Platforms: The Catalyst for Growth

From 2010 onwards, the world witnessed the revolutionary impact of online streaming platforms like Twitch.tv and Youtube Gaming, leading to skyrocketing eSports viewership figures. When Twitch launched, the ‘League of Legends’ world championship viewership figures went from 1.7 million in 2011 to 8.2 million in 2012, and to 32 million in 2013.

These streaming platforms connected fans worldwide, allowing them to tune into live events from home. The large viewing figures, advertising, and sponsorship opportunities led to investors starting their own teams, and household game developers creating leagues and tournaments. It became standard for eSports events to attract millions of viewers, and the landscape of competitive gaming had been transformed.

The Summit

In 2015, eSports reached a defining moment with The International 2015: Dota 2 Championships. The prize pool offered a staggering $18 million, breaking records and solidifying eSports’ place on the global stage. This marked a monumental shift, proving that tournaments could rival traditional sports events in terms of both prize money and profitability.

The New Decade: eSports Takes Centre Stage

As the calendar turned to the 2020s, eSports entered a new era. The decade began with some of the largest tournaments in history, attracting millions of spectators and providing the largest prize pools seen to date such as The 2021 International Dota 2 Championships which took place in Bucharest Romania, offering a $40,018,400.00 prize pool – the largest prize at the time.

By 2020, it had become increasingly common to see the term “professional eSports player” conceptualising the individuals dedicating their lives to competitive gaming, undergoing strict routines and training in the unique journey of becoming the world’s next best gaming athlete.

The Future

At present, the most-viewed tournaments are impressive spectacles in their own right, with titles like ‘Free Fire World Series’, ‘League of Legends’, and ‘Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’ drawing millions of viewers. Looking to the future, in August 2023, Saudi Arabian tournament organiser Gamers8 ran their ‘The Land of Heroes’ tournament with a colossal prize of $45 million dollars, a figure that we will see constantly being pushed higher in tournaments in following years. And according to BeyonGames.biz, the eSports market is estimated to grow at 21.81% between 2022 and 2027, with the size of the market expected to increase by $3,515.1 million.

The journey of competitive gaming from its humble beginnings to its current global standing is a testament to its enduring appeal and cultural impact. With its exhilarating competition and substantial rewards, eSports has become a true force in the entertainment world. As the industry continues to innovate and evolve, one thing remains clear: this isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a phenomenon that has permanently transformed the way we engage with and celebrate competitive gaming.

Related Topics:eSports Press Releases TheGameAwards

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Anushka Bhatnagar

From Rolling Loud to Riot Games: How 2025 Became the Year of Indian Gaming

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

from-rolling-loud-to-riot-games:-how-2025-became-the-year-of-indian-gaming

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: India has long been a mobile-first gaming market (thanks to PUBG Mobile/BGMI). But 2025 proved that PC esports is not dead; in fact, it’s thriving culturally. Riot’s ability to integrate VALORANT into mainstream Indian youth culture—from “topper” billboards on exam result day to hip-hop festivals—is a masterclass in localized marketing. The success of S8UL Esports in League of Legends also signals that South Asia is finally ready to compete in global Tier 1 events.

The Full Story

Riot Games has released a retrospective on 2025, describing it as the year gaming in South Asia “didn’t feel tucked away anymore,” but rather became an unmistakable part of mainstream culture.

From filled cafés during watch parties to billboards featuring “inside jokes” from voice comms, the publisher’s year was defined by a massive surge in engagement across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan.

The Competitive Surge: LoL and VALORANT The year began with the launch of Legends Ascend South Asia, a structured pathway for League of Legends talent that the region had been demanding. Ninety-five teams competed, culminating in S8UL Esports lifting the trophy and qualifying for the LCP Wild Card Playoffs—placing South Asian talent directly into the global conversation.

Simultaneously, PC esports found its footing in India through VALORANT Challengers South Asia.

The Numbers: The circuit recorded over 103 million live and non-live views throughout the season.
The Finals: The LAN event peaked at 50,000 concurrent viewers, proving that the appetite for PC tactical shooters remains fierce in a mobile-dominated region.

Cultural Crossovers: V5 and Rolling Loud Midway through the year, VALORANT celebrated its fifth anniversary (V5) with a campaign deeply rooted in Indian student culture.

“VAL Toppers”: On JEE results day (a major academic milestone in India), Riot reimagined the traditional “exam topper” billboards to celebrate Radiant-ranked players, sparking a viral conversation.
Rolling Loud India: In November, gaming met hip-hop. Riot integrated VALORANT into one of the world’s largest hip-hop festivals, with karaoke pods and gaming zones operating alongside performances by Wiz Khalifa and Central Cee.

Management Commentary Anushka Bhatnagar, Publishing Lead for Riot Games India & South Asia, reflected on the shift:

“2025 felt like a year when India’s gaming and esports landscape stepped into the centre of cultural conversation. VALORANT turning five reminded us how deeply the community here has shaped the game. From grassroots watch parties to moments like Rolling Loud, the ecosystem grew with a confidence that felt distinctly homegrown.”

Grassroots Momentum Beyond the flash of festivals, the year was sustained by community energy. College events introduced first-time players to the ecosystem, while local watch parties turned malls into pop-up arenas, ensuring that the growth of South Asian gaming was built “together” rather than just broadcast from above.

The post From Rolling Loud to Riot Games: How 2025 Became the Year of Indian Gaming appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

CS2

GG.RECAP 2025: How GG.BET Bridged the Gap Between Football and CS2

Published

2 days ago

December 22, 2025

Wladimir P.

ggrecap-2025:-how-gg.bet-bridged-the-gap-between-football-and-cs2

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: While many operators treat sports and esports as separate silos, GG.BET spent 2025 actively dismantling that wall. Their strategy isn’t just about slapping logos on jerseys; it’s about content crossovers. Events like the “Match of LeGGends”—where pro footballers played Counter-Strike against NAVI—demonstrate a sophisticated understanding that the modern bettor is often a hybrid fan. This cross-pollination strategy is likely the future of betting marketing.

The Full Story

GG.BET, the international betting brand, has released a comprehensive video recap of its 2025 activity, showcasing a year defined by major traditional sports sponsorships and innovative projects that blurred the lines between the pitch and the server.

The recap, which details the operator’s expansion in both the sports and esports verticals, highlights a strategy built on immersive content rather than passive branding.

Traditional Sports: Boxing and Football In the world of traditional sports, GG.BET secured high-visibility partnerships. The brand served as the official partner for the heavyweight clash between Usyk and Dubois II, executing a global media campaign at Wembley Stadium.

In Ukraine, a key licensed market for the brand, GG.BET solidified its football presence by signing a three-year contract with the legendary FC Dynamo Kyiv, alongside sponsorships of FC Polissya and FC Zorya.

The “Dynamo 3.0” Campaign: To celebrate Dynamo Kyiv’s 30th championship, GG.BET hosted a “star-studded” press event featuring a short film on the team’s history, custom jerseys, and fan-centric activations, moving beyond standard sponsorship duties.

Esports Innovation: Mapping the Industry GG.BET continued to lead in its native esports territory. A standout project was the launch of the Interactive Esports Map in collaboration with Esports Charts. This tool provides users with retrospective data on global esports trends, including regional top disciplines and prize fund statistics.

The brand also focused on industry education, organizing the “Ukraine in Esports: Myth vs Fact” panel at the SBC Summit Ukraine and curating a unique “Esports Museum” to display legendary trophies and history.

Blurring the Lines: The “Match of LeGGends” Perhaps the most distinct initiative of 2025 was the “Match of LeGGends: Server Derby.” This crossover show match saw the current NAVI Counter-Strike 2 roster face off against footballers from Dynamo Kyiv inside the game server.

The Format: GG.BET designed unique game modes and special rules for the event, which was streamed with commentary from major figures in sports and entertainment. The project successfully introduced traditional sports fans to esports mechanics and vice versa.

Industry Recognition The efficacy of this hybrid communication strategy was acknowledged by the wider industry, with GG.BET securing the Operator of the Year in CEE title at the EGR Global Europe Awards 2025.

The post GG.RECAP 2025: How GG.BET Bridged the Gap Between Football and CS2 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

eSports

TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2025

Wladimir P.

team-vitality-run-it-back-for-their-2026-lec-roster

Team Vitality is kicking off the new LEC season with renewed energy and a hunger to prove themselves on the international stage.
With superstar mid laner Marek “Humanoid” Brázda joining the lineup, alongside the support of an experienced coaching staff, the club is confident in its ability to compete at the highest level in 2026.
The squad’s goal is straightforward: become a top team in the LEC and qualify for Worlds in North America next year.
Next year marks a new chapter in the club’s long-term strategy to develop and elevate European talent, creating an environment built to deliver results.

Team Vitality is proud to present its new LEC roster for 2026. Throughout the upcoming season, the club aims to build on its existing core and further develop the team’s talent, while welcoming a new mid laner and a strategic Head Coach to elevate performance.

BACK WITH NEW FIREPOWER

The stage is set, and Team Vitality returns to the LEC more determined than ever. At the heart of this ambitious new roster is Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan, the Turkish superstar top laner, who will anchor the team. With the roster built around his talent, communication, and leadership, Team Vitality aims to make a deep run and achieve its first EMEA title.

Roster composition

Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan (Turkish) – 20 years old: The centrepiece of Team Vitality’s project, Naak Nako is an incredibly talented player known for his versatility and impact. A former high-level volleyball player, he began his professional League of Legends career in 2022 with Fenerbahce. Team Vitality then picked him up in December 2023, spent a year developing in the academy, and promoted him to the main roster, bringing both potential and dedication to the LEC squad.

Linas “Lyncas” Nauncikas (Lithuanian) – 21 years old: The hardworking engine of Team Vitality, Lyncas brings his relentless drive and consistency to the refreshed roster. Having played for several teams in the ERL and EMEA Masters, he was recruited by Team Vitality in May 2024. Now entering his third year in the LEC, Lyncas combines experience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the league to power the team’s 2026 ambitions.

Marek “Humanoid” Brázda (Czech) – 25 years old: A veteran of the LEC scene and one of its most consistent mid laners over the past five years, Humanoid is repeatedly ranked among the league’s top 3 midlaners and has qualified for Worlds multiple times with rosters such as Fnatic and MAD Lions. Joining the Hive, Humanoid reunites with longtime teammate and fellow Czech Carzzy, bringing renewed motivation, experience, and leadership that the club hopes will translate into success and lead them to the Worlds stage.

Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság (Czech) – 23 years old: Consistently recognised as one of Europe’s best ADCs, Carzzy enters his seventh LEC year with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, having previously lifted three LEC trophies with MAD Lions. He brings a great personality as well as undeniable skill to Team Vitality. This season, he looks to flourish alongside his new teammate Humanoid, building strong synergy and impact in the hopes of bringing the teams to new heights.

Kadir “Fleshy” Kemiksiz (Turkish) – 24 years old: Having played for Vitality.Bee for seven months, Fleshy was promoted to the main roster last year ahead of the Summer Split. He quickly made his mark in the scene by bringing stability and reliable performances to the bot lane, leaving a strong impression on fans and teammates alike. Now entering his first full year in the LEC, Fleshy is ready to fully prove himself and make a lasting impact on Team Vitality’s road to Worlds.

Coaching staff

Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum (Danish) – Head Coach: A competitor through and through, Pad brings a lifelong passion for sports, having previously competed at a high level in football. He has been a coach in League of Legends since 2017, taking his first steps into the LEC with MAD Lions in 2020. Joining Team Vitality in December 2023 alongside Head Coach Mac, Pad is now taking the next step in his career as the team’s Head Coach, ready to lead Team Vitality to new heights with his experience, discipline, and vision.

Danusch “Arvindir” Fischer (German) – Strategic Coach: An ambitious coach, Arvindir began his career in professional League of Legends as an analyst for top LEC organisations, including SK Gaming and Splyce, before transitioning into coaching. He has worked across all the major ERL leagues, including a 3.5-year tenure at BIG, before moving on to KOI and Team BDS Academy, where he led the team to victory in the 2024 EMEA Masters Summer Split. Joining Team Vitality in 2025 as the Head Coach of the LFL roster, he has proven his worth in developing Vitality.Bee, and has now been promoted to Strategic Coach of the LEC team.

Luka “Lukezy” Trumbić (Croatian) – Assistant Coach: Lukezy has been involved in competitive League of Legends since 2014, initially as a semi-pro player before transitioning to coaching in 2023. He has previously worked with UCAM and NNO, gaining valuable experience across several competitive environments. Joining Team Vitality in December 2024, Lukezy now enters his second LEC season as the team’s Assistant Coach, where he has a hands-on role in player development.

”The addition of Marek to the roster reflects our strategic ambitions for the upcoming LEC season. Over the past 18 months, we have focused on developing Lynacs and Naak, making 2026 a key performance year for the team. We are confident that we now have all the pieces in place to compete for the top positions in LEC. While this season will be decisive, our team thrives under pressure, positioning us well to meet the challenge.” explains Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum, Head Coach of the team.

A NEW ERA BEGINS

With a clear goal in mind of reaching the international stage, Team Vitality enters 2026 determined to make this its breakthrough season. The team’s mission is bold, yet simple: establish itself as a top contender in each LEC split and secure qualification to Worlds. The organisation is committed to elevating European talent and building a team capable of competing at the highest level.

“We are building on the momentum from 2025, with results continuing to improve. We’ve added experience and an X-factor in a key position, in the hope that this will serve as a catalyst to confirm the potential of the young players we backed last year. We are confident that they can demonstrate that European talent is capable of competing for the qualifying spots at the World Championships.” says Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and co-founder of Team Vitality.

See you at the LEC 2026 Versus tournament in Berlin, starting on January 17th for the beginning of the competition!

The post TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.