Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, will moderate a panel at The Blockchain show on 29^th June, bringing together experts from entertainment, location-based gaming, and content localisation to examine what it takes to build sustainable gaming ecosystems across emerging markets.

The panel, titled “Global Gaming Expansion: Lessons from Untapped Markets,” will structure its discussion across four themes: the growth dynamics reshaping emerging gaming markets; the role of localisation in creating experiences that genuinely connect with new audiences; the infrastructure and communities needed to build gaming ecosystems beyond the game itself; and the lessons and opportunities that will define successful expansion in the years ahead.

Alona Shevtsova plans to frame the discussion around the central challenge for companies looking to expand globally: entering a new market requires far more than bringing an existing product to a new audience. Understanding local cultures, building communities, adapting experiences, and creating ecosystems that allow gaming to grow sustainably are all as important as the product itself.

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, said:

“The future growth of gaming will come not only from new technologies, but from understanding people — their cultures, communities, and the experiences they want to be part of. Successful expansion will belong to those who can combine global ambition with local understanding.”

The first segment will examine why regions including the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are becoming increasingly significant for developers, operators, and investors — driven by young audiences, accelerating digital adoption, and new entertainment models creating substantial growth potential. Panellists will explore how consumer preferences differ across markets and what trends among younger audiences are shaping the future of gaming and entertainment.

The third segment will broaden the lens beyond the game itself, exploring the role of location-based entertainment, gaming centres, esports, and experiential destinations in attracting new audiences and building long-term communities. Panellists plan to address how entertainment ecosystems — spanning physical venues, events, and community infrastructure — accelerate gaming adoption in markets where the category is still establishing itself.

Earlier this month, Alona Shevtsova was shortlisted for the 2026 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Established Business of the Year category. Her team is also preparing for the Fintech Connect conference in London later this year. Sends will be a leading sponsor of this event.

*Sends is a trade name of SMARTFLOW PAYMENTS LIMITED, registered in England and Wales (Company No.11070048). For more information, visit sends.co .

The L&G esports team founded by Alona Shevtsova got four prize-winning places this month. Team’s sponsor — Sends company — plans to increase investments

CS:GO professionals — L&G team — got prizes in four championships this month. Starting May with 2nd place in the United21 competition, this young team continued the month with 1st place at the Dragon Esport Cup, 3rd at ROG Spring Cup 2024 and 3rd at Comic Con Baltics 2024. Simultaneously, the team continues its participation in ESEA Main S49.

“Following recent team changes, we’ve dedicated significant time to training and building strong relationships. I believe we now have the strongest L&G squad to date. Our current success is a great motivator, and we’re eager to achieve even more this year,” commented Kyryl «marat2k» Samsoniuk, captain of L&G Esports.

L&G esports team, one of the top five Ukrainian teams in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, has extended its sponsorship contract with Smartflow Payments Limited this spring. Sends is the trade name of Smartflow Payments Limited. The company’s founders always support sports initiatives and young teams with a particular interest in esports.

Alona Shevtsova, owner of the Sends Company

“I see tremendous potential in esports. This field is evolving rapidly, much like the fintech industry once did. As the world increasingly shifts online, we are opting for digital solutions more than ever before. This is why our company wholeheartedly supports, promotes, and cheers for the L&G team,” commented Alona Shevtsova, owner of the Sends Company.

The L&G team began competing in top tournaments and almost immediately reached the Advanced division of the ESEA League Europe competition. The team also participated in and took prizes in European tournaments such as the SCL League, WhiteBit Crypto Open, Phoenix League, and local competitions. The team players are marat2k, r0ublE, kr1vda, kL1o, OneUn1que, rji (coach).

Smartflow Payments Limited is an innovative private limited company based in England and Wales. It offers financial solutions such as Internet acquiring and multicurrency business accounts, currency exchange and card issuance.

It is worth mentioning that the L&G team created its merch items, which are available for order worldwide. For more information about the team, visit the L&G Instagram page, Twitch, or Telegram Channel.