eSports
Wamba Technologies signs Borderlands Developer Aaron Thibault to Esports Project
Wamba Technologies, a think tank consisting of leaders in the online gaming industry, is excited to announce the appointment of Aaron Thibault as oversight for its upcoming esports venture, Gamers Oasis. This key addition comes as they move to launch their Gamers Oasis platform which allows gamers to compete for real money directly from their mobile devices.
Thibault began his gaming industry career in 1998, initially working as a sound designer and cinematic director at EA/Origin Systems. Today, he brings over 30 years of experience in game development and education. Thibault spent 16 years at Gearbox Entertainment as Vice President. There, he led major projects, including developing the billion dollar Borderlands franchise. Borderlands 3 was nominated for Best Game Design and Best Art Direction. Currently, Thibault serves as the director of games and esports at Texas A&M University. His industry knowledge will play a significant role in driving the development of Gamers Oasis, which aims to revolutionize online esports competitions.
Meanwhile, a platform like “Gamers Oasis” is only possible due to a patent that gives Wamba Technologies and Gamers Oasis the exclusive capability to offer “real money” capabilities into skill-based video games in the United States where players can actually compete for real money online (Patent 10,424,160). Their patent allows them (and ONLY them) to offer a software feature which will allow gamers to pay an entry fee into tournaments online, compete against each other, and actually win money back (where such capability is integrated into the game in some fashion). This will ultimately give developers previously untapped revenue streams and players the ability to win large amounts of real money while utilizing their skills from the comfort of their very own homes.
“At Wamba Technologies, we are committed to making esports accessible to everyone,” said Denham. “With Aaron’s oversight and experience, we will be able to move into the next phase of development and make Gamers Oasis a reality for dedicated esports players everywhere”
“What Gary and I are going to do with Wamba Technologies and Gamers Oasis has never been done before in esports,” said Thibault. “There is so much incredible potential in this patent, and we can’t wait to start putting it to use and creating a product that is going to completely revolutionize the esports industry.”
Online, real money competition (online esports) is still in its infancy, but Wamba Technologies is currently engaging with gamers, game designers, coders, programmers, esports influencers and financial consultants to aid in the development of Gamers Oasis.
In the United States alone, 215 million people play mobile video games and globally, more than 700 million people are involved with esports. Among those 700 million people worldwide, only a very small percentage are competing online when real money is involved, while the rest of the players are competing in real life (IRL) at physical locations. Wamba anticipates that when offered and monetized properly, a mere 10% of the global market share could generate $13B-$15B in annual revenue from tournament buy-ins and ad revenues alone.
Aaron is not the first major player recently signed on board by Wamba Technologies. Wamba has also previously signed Andy Ashcraft (God of War 2, God of War 3, Disney’s Cars 2, and more), Brian Upton (Lead game designer for Tom Clancy: Rainbow 6, Tom Clancy: Ghost Recon), Marty Denham (genius mind behind the Pentium wafers for Intel), Joe Bagdon (CSO, formerly Military Intelligence Cyber Security in Afghanistan), Jared Goetz (former Lionsgate VP), and a number of other “rock star” individuals behind, or working with, multi-billion dollar products/companies.
IESF signs host agreement with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Qazaq Cybersport Federation in Astana.
Astana has been confirmed as the host city for the IESF World Esports Championship 2027 (WEC27), following a host agreement signing ceremony involving the International Esports Federation (IESF), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Qazaq Cybersport Federation.
IESF said the event is expected to draw participation across more than 150 IESF Member Federations through the qualifiers, with national teams competing via IESF-recognized national member structures.
“WEC27 will be more than a championship. It will be a global celebration of nations, athletes, and the future of esports,” said Vlad Marinescu, President of IESF. “For every player, there is no greater honor than competing under their national flag and officially representing their nation on the world stage. That is what makes the World Esports Championship so powerful and so unique. In 2027, Astana will welcome the world and proudly stand as the Esports Capital in the World of Esports, uniting our Member Federations, athletes, fans, and communities. Kazakhstan has shown remarkable vision, ambition, and commitment, and we are confident that WEC27 will deliver an unforgettable championship and a lasting legacy for the global esports family.”
Yerbol Myrzabosynov, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said: “We are honored that the International Esports Federation has entrusted Kazakhstan with hosting the World Esports Championship 2027. This reflects the confidence in our country’s ability to deliver an event of the highest international standard. Hosting WEC27 reinforces our commitment to advancing esports and creating new opportunities for young people through sport, technology, education, and international cooperation. We look forward to welcoming the World of Esports to Astana and showcasing Kazakhstan as a destination capable of delivering world-class international events.”
Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Qazaq Cybersport Federation, added: “We sincerely thank the International Esports Federation for the trust and confidence placed in Kazakhstan to host the World Esports Championship 2027. This is a historic milestone for our esports community and a testament to the progress we have achieved together with our partners. Alongside IESF, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and our national stakeholders, we are committed to delivering an outstanding championship for athletes, fans, and the World of Esports. WEC27 will inspire future generations, accelerate the growth of esports in Kazakhstan, and strengthen our country’s position as a leading esports and digital innovation hub.”
IESF said more details, including schedule, qualification pathway, venues, official titles, ticketing, and the event program, will be announced in the coming months via its official channels.
The post Astana to host IESF World Esports Championship 2027 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Esports and live events operator says it stayed profitable in 2025 and plans 15 arena events across 13 cities in 2026.
BLAST has opened a New York City headquarters in Brooklyn as the company reported record growth and profitability in 2025, including more than $133 million in revenue and over 40% year-over-year growth.
The new U.S. headquarters is located at 45 Main Street in Brooklyn within a shared 55,000-square-foot office space. BLAST said the hub will support partnerships, live events and commercial growth across North America as it expands its U.S. operations.
The North American push is being led by Chief Business Officer Leo Matlock, who has relocated to New York, alongside Steve Rossi, who joined earlier this year as SVP of Brand Partnerships. BLAST said its U.S. team has grown to eight full-time employees.
BLAST said it has staged seven tier-one esports events in North America over the past 16 months, across Austin, Fort Worth, Boston, Raleigh, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. The company cited “more than $102 million” in economic impact from the 2025 BLAST.tv Austin Major alone, including more than $9 million in hotel expenditures. It also recently announced the Rocket League World Championship will return to Fort Worth in September 2026.
In 2025, BLAST said its broadcasts delivered more than 2 billion live views globally and 300 million hours watched, spanning live events in 22 cities worldwide. The company also said it distributes content via 29 broadcast partners, including SuperSport, France TV and RTBF, reaching audiences in more than 150 territories and 30+ languages.
“Competitive entertainment has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in global media because it combines community, technology and live experiences in entirely new ways,” said Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST. “The next generation of fans want entertainment that feels participatory, social and global by default. That shift is creating enormous opportunities for brands, publishers, creators and host cities, and we believe BLAST is uniquely positioned to help lead that evolution after a landmark year in 2025.” BLAST said it plans to host 15 arena events across 13 cities and three continents in 2026.
The post BLAST opens New York HQ as 2025 revenue tops $133m on 40%+ growth appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BLAST, the Denmark-founded competitive entertainment and esports events company, reported record growth and continued profitability in 2025 and said it has opened a New York headquarters as it expands across North America.
The company said it delivered more than 40% year-over-year growth and generated more than $133 million in revenue in 2025, while remaining profitable and continuing to invest in global expansion. BLAST said its U.S. headquarters at 45 Main Street in Brooklyn sits within a shared 55,000-square-foot office space and will serve as its central base for partnerships, live events and commercial growth across North America.
The expansion is being led by Chief Business Officer Leo Matlock, who has relocated to New York, and Steve Rossi, who joined earlier this year as SVP of Brand Partnerships. BLAST said its U.S. team has grown to eight full-time employees.
BLAST pointed to recent North American activity, saying it has hosted seven tier-one esports events across Austin, Fort Worth, Boston, Raleigh, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City over the past 16 months. The company said these events have generated economic impact for host destinations, including more than $102 million from the 2025 BLAST.tv Austin Major alone, including more than $9 million in hotel expenditures. BLAST also said the Rocket League World Championship will return to Fort Worth in September 2026.
On content reach, BLAST said its 2025 broadcasts delivered more than 2 billion live views globally and 300 million hours watched across live events in 22 cities, distributed through 29 broadcast partners across online platforms and linear broadcasters. “We’re seeing tremendous momentum globally and all across North America, not just in esports fandom, but in how brands, game publishers, cities and entertainment companies are thinking about gaming culture, engaging competitions and digital-first audiences,” said Leo Matlock, Chief Business Officer at BLAST. The company said it plans to host 15 arena events across 13 cities and three continents in 2026.
The post BLAST reports 40% revenue growth in 2025, opens New York headquarters appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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