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Esports Proposed As Official Medal Sport At AIMAG 2025

Published

3 years ago

October 12, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Esports has been included into the proposed list of official medal sports to be contested at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2025. Announced at the recently concluded 41st Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly last week, this proposal is a step towards seeing esports elevate its status from demonstration games to a full-fledged medal event.

Set to take place in Riyadh, AIMAG 2025 will be the 7th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and marks the first time Saudi Arabia. The next AIMAG will take place next year in Chonburi, Thailand.

If successful, having esports feature as an official medal event at AIMAG would have brought the progress full circle, following its debut in a multi-sporting event’s program at the AIMAG 2017 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan as a demonstration sport. From thereon, esports has appeared at the 2018 Asian Games as demonstration sport followed by full-medal events at the 2019 and 2021 SEA Games. Esports was also planned as a full-medal sport at the 2022 Asian Games that is currently postponed.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Mr Animesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, 8bit Creatives, India’s leading esports consulting and talent agency & an ex-esports athlete:

With esports gaining the momentum that it has, it has made its way into various national and international platforms including the Asian Games. The most recent consideration of adding esports to AIMAG 2025, comes as a very welcome move. At a time when the gaming industry in India is getting redefined and diversifying into many new games while recovering from recent setbacks, this comes as a validation of the prominence of esports in this world. Clearly, the growth track that Gaming and Esports have been on, is going to continue.

Such developments instil a lot more confidence in the whole sporting ecosystem built around esports and is an inspiration for budding esports players to hone themselves. Our esports teams, 8bit & sOul are all motivated to work hard and represent India in these national and international tournaments and bring laurels for the country. At 8Bit Creatives, we are committed to nurturing and supporting more and more esports players in our country to put India on the global map.

Mr Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF):

What better news than this, from the first addition of esports as a demonstration event at AIMAG 2017 to being included as a proper medal event at AIMAG 2021 (postponed due to the pandemic) and now possible inclusion at AIMAG 25 brings us immense joy & excitement. It is safe to say that Esports is not far away from being considered a mainstream sport now courtesy of the remarkable efforts undertaken by the AESF and the OCA. The event AIMAG 2025 is set to take place in Riyadh and the Saudi Arabia government recognised esports as a sport there which is very encouraging.

ESFI is proud to be a full member of the AESF and to have participated in all major sporting events conducted by the OCA. With these constant landmarks scaled by Esports on the international stage under the committee that has already recognised it as an official sport, it is now time for the Indian government to do the same as well so that we will have the proper infrastructure, training facilities and coaching given to our young esports athletes.

Rohit Jagasia, Founder & CEO, Revenant Esports:

It’s great to see Esports continue its transition into major international multi-sports events after the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. The AIMAG is a prestigious game organized by the OCA and having Esports as a full-fledged medal event in it will only increase its significance among the Indian population.

A lot of international organisations have already given official recognition to Esports and if our government was to follow suit, it would provide immense motivation to the hardworking gamers and esports athletes of the country who are already exceeding expectations in different rosters. We would definitely be excited to see India compete in Riyadh at AIMAG 2025 and win medals.

Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director, Alpha Zegus, the next-gen marketing agency specializing in the domains of gaming & lifestyle:

It’s an absolute big win for the community. Being honoured as an official medal sport gives so much more credibility to esports, not only as a sport but as a viable career option. We need more of such instances to attract higher interest from the government, investors, and most importantly, fans. Not too long until we see Esports being placed in the same league as cricket, football, basketball, etc. and having similar fan power, scale and craze.

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Thunderpick World Championship 2025 Announces Finals Dates and Teams

Published

1 hour ago

September 9, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Thunderpick World Championship (TWC), one of the largest independently sponsored CS2 tournaments in the world, today announced the dates and teams for its 2025 Finals. With a $1 million USD prize pool on the line ($850,000 for the finals), the championship will bring together 20 of the top Counter-Strike teams to compete in front of a global audience this fall.

The TWC Finals Closed Qualifier will run Sept. 9 to 11, determining the final teams punching their ticket to the TWC Finals (LAN stage) in Malta on Oct. 15 to 19.

Teams competing at TWC 2025 include:

The MongolZ – Defending Thunderpick World Champions, currently ranked #3 in the world
NAVI – Ukrainian powerhouse, former Major champions, and a perennial top 10 team
FURIA – Brazil’s top CS2 roster, known for their aggressive playstyle (#8 world ranking)
Aurora – Rising Russian squad, solidified as a global top five contender (#5 world ranking)
Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) – Legendary Swedish organization with a rich Counter-Strike legacy
SAW – Portugal’s leading team, climbing steadily in the European scene
BB – Prominent CIS roster competing at the highest international level
ECSTATIC – Denmark’s up-and-coming team with upset potential
TNL – South Korean squad representing Asia’s growing CS2 presence
Nemiga – Belarusian veterans with experience on the international stage
BIG – German giants, fan favorites with multiple international titles
ENCE – Finnish-led team, known for deep runs at Majors and top-tier consistency
PARIVISION – Fast-rising CIS squad making waves in qualifiers
KOLESIE – Underdog team emerging from the Eastern European circuit
OG – European mix team, returning to TWC after competing last year
JiJieHao – One of China’s strongest representatives in CS2 competition
Team Legacy – International lineup with veteran leadership
M80 – North America’s breakout team with a young, talented roster
Imperial – Brazilian fan favorites led by seasoned veterans
9z – South America’s rising stars, representing Argentina and Uruguay

This year’s tournament features four Top 10 ranked teams, setting the stage for one of the most competitive editions yet. The MongolZ’s return to defend their 2024 title among the presence of perennial powerhouses like NAVI, FURIA and Aurora.

“As we enter our third year, the Thunderpick World Championship continues to push the boundaries of competitive Counter-Strike,” said Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy at Thunderpick. “With top teams from around the world converging on Malta and the return of defending champions The MongolZ, fans can expect an unforgettable event full of high-stakes gameplay.”

The TWC 2025 Finals are presented in collaboration with Hotspawn, the leading hub for esports news and analysis. Together, Thunderpick and Hotspawn are committed to elevating the fan experience with innovative production, compelling storytelling, and fair play at the heart of the competition.

The post Thunderpick World Championship 2025 Announces Finals Dates and Teams appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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18Peaches launches early access to give operators head start on new titles

Published

1 hour ago

September 9, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

Premium slot game development studio 18Peaches has launched its Early Access Program, giving operators the chance to preview and integrate upcoming titles before their official release.

The initiative provides partners with a competitive advantage, ensuring they can deliver fresh, exclusive content to players ahead of the wider market.

It also means operators will have the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the team behind 18Peaches’ modern, high-performing casino content.

Chief Product Officer Aziz A said: “Our Early Access Program is about more than getting our games live before your competition. It’s also a chance to work closely with us in maximising performance for your players.

“We see this as a true partnership. By collaborating at this stage, our partners benefit from exclusivity, while we ensure our games are more engaging than ever. It’s a win-win for both sides, and ultimately for the players who get the very best experiences from day one.”

18Peaches has significantly ramped up output over recent months, and is on track to more than double the size of its portfolio during 2025. This includes recent blockbuster releases such as Hacker Crash™ Jackpot and Leprechaun Jackpot Collector.

The studio will be exhibiting at SBC Summit Lisbon from September 16-18, at stand C10. Drop by for more information and game demos.

The post 18Peaches launches early access to give operators head start on new titles appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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BetFury Welcomes VIP Users with up to $20,000 First-Week Rewards

Published

21 hours ago

September 8, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

BetFury has recently set new standards for VIP communities worldwide. The platform has expanded the VIP Transfer Program, allowing players to carry over their loyalty status from other platforms and instantly unlock exclusive rewards. The first week brings an opportunity to claim up to $20,000, confirming BetFury’s position as a leader in player-focused innovation.

About VIP Transfer Program on BetFury

The program creates a direct bridge for experienced players. VIPs no longer start from zero – their loyalty is instantly recognized. A redesigned structure guarantees a smoother entry, transparent rules, and more powerful benefits. BetFury positions every VIP not simply as a player, but as a valued partner whose trust deserves premium treatment.

Core Benefits of the VIP Transfer Program

Personal VIP Managers ensure constant support and fast solutions.
VIP Transfer Manager guides the player during the first week, answering every request and ensuring their comfort.
Daily Chambers is a streak of special bonuses during the first week.
Exclusive Rewards expand the journey far beyond a trial, including a full range of permanent VIP perks.

Additionally, the VIP Club itself opens access to other unique perks:

Special Treats: Welcome VIP Bonus, Birthday Bonus, Personal Bonus, Bounty Bonus, Free Spins, and Promo codes.
Highest Bonuses: up to 25% Cashback, 10% Rakeback, Weekly, and Monthly rewards.
Additional Perks: early access to new features, private events, personalized profiles, exclusive chat rooms, and privileged withdrawal limits.
VIP Club Lounge: a dedicated hub where members track bonuses, claim rewards in one click, and communicate directly with their managers. Branded merch is also on the horizon.

Path to Super VIP Club Member

In addition to traditional ranks, the VIP Club includes the Super VIP stages. Players who remain active and reach the 15th rank achieve Super VIP status. It is reserved for the most loyal platform users. Higher levels deliver more substantial financial benefits, deeper personalization, and recognition that positions Super VIPs as the elite core of BetFury.

How to Transfer VIP Status to BetFury?

The process of joining the VIP Transfer Program eliminates unnecessary friction. Candidates follow three steps inside a straightforward interface:

Providing contact details: email, country, Telegram (optional).
Choosing the verification method: confirm your ability to be a VIP by depositing over $5,000 or sending screenshots of proof from other platforms.
Completing the action: the deposit occurs directly in the modal window; screenshots are uploaded securely through the same form.

The VIP support team manually checks applications and confirms eligibility. Approval unlocks immediate access to all benefits, ensuring a seamless transition to BetFury’s VIP environment.

About BetFury & Its Strategic Vision

BetFury is an ecosystem of crypto products for entertainment and additional income. The platform has gathered over 4M users for over six years of existence. BetFury offers over 8,000 Slots and 22 Original games, featuring an impressive RTP of up to 99.28%. In addition to iGaming, the platform has 80 Sports for betting. They include eSports and have odds better than the market average.

BetFury positions the VIP Transfer Program as more than just a promotional campaign. The initiative demonstrates a global strategy aimed at strengthening long-term loyalty, attracting experienced users from multiple platforms, and creating a unified VIP ecosystem with real value behind the status.