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The Rise of eSports

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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 CounterStrikeStarCraft, 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.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Atlaslive Shortlisted for “Best Sports Provider 2025” at SiGMA Eurasia Awards

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Atlaslive, a global leader in iGaming solutions, has been shortlisted for the prestigious “Best Sports Provider 2025” award at the SiGMA Eurasia Awards 2025. This nomination recognizes Atlaslive’s commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and delivering top-tier sportsbook solutions that redefine the industry.

The AIBC Eurasia Awards celebrate pioneering projects and game-changing ideas that shape the future of iGaming. Being named a finalist is a testament to Atlaslive’s continuous drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sports betting sector.

Atlaslive’s exclusive, in-house-developed Sportsbook is a standout in the industry, designed to offer a seamless and highly customizable experience for operators. Built on a foundation of scalability, flexibility, and cutting-edge live technology, the solution enables rapid growth and market adaptability. Key features include:

  • Seamless API integration for effortless platform connectivity
  • Advanced customization to meet operator-specific needs
  • A powerful bonus engine to drive player engagement
  • Real-time data analytics for strategic decision-making
  • State-of-the-art risk management ensuring optimized margins
  • Innovative Bet Builder feature for enhanced user interaction

With these capabilities, Atlaslive empowers operators to stay ahead in an evolving global market, driving engagement, boosting retention, and maximizing growth opportunities.

Lidiia Vakulenko, COO of Atlaslive, expressed her excitement about the recognition: “Being shortlisted for ‘Best Sports Provider 2025’ validates the hard work and dedication of our team in developing one of the most advanced sportsbook solutions in the industry. Our innovation, unique features, and technical excellence continue to set us apart, and we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sports betting technology.”

Atlaslive continues to innovate, offering operators unparalleled technology and seamless integration to enhance their business success. This recognition by SiGMA Eurasia underscores the company’s mission to revolutionize the iGaming industry with state-of-the-art sportsbook solutions.

 

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post Atlaslive Shortlisted for “Best Sports Provider 2025” at SiGMA Eurasia Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Week 6/2025 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Tom Horn Gaming brings another exciting slot game to players with Book of Darius, a high-volatility adventure set in the deserts of Persia. This title expands the iGaming software supplier’s strong ‘Book of portfolio, with each game offering a new take on this player-favourite mechanic. Book of Darius delivers well-balanced bonus features, including Free Spins, a Special Expanding Wild symbol, and the Stake Booster, which make up for an engaging gameplay experience with high win potential.

 

Spinomenal is providing some much needed warmth this season with the release of Majestic Wild Buffalo Winter Wonderland – part of the Wildlife series. Expansive grasslands have been transformed into a winter tundra glistening with snow. While playing this cool slot, players will be joined by wolves, black bears, eagles and mountain cats – all acting as the Medium symbols. During the main game, the majestic Buffalo Wild counts as any symbol apart from double symbols, free spins and bonus.

 
Play’n GO takes players on a cosmic collision course with Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars, the highly anticipated sequel to Invading Vegas. This intergalactic slot promises high-octane entertainment as Earth’s favourite city collides with Martian mayhem. Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars reimagines the chaos of its predecessor, introducing a Martian twist to Sin City’s neon chaos in the form of the alien’s very own version of Vegas on Mars.

 
Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has combined fear with fluff as mythical creatures and farmyard favourites go head-to-head in brand-new release Giants and Sheep. This ginormous 5×4 slot can see players net up to a maximum of 10,000x through three different wild features, giant symbols and a lucrative Free Spins bonus. At any time during gameplay, one of three wild features can occur.

 
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, 40 Extra Crown. The game features a classical yet modern royal theme and offers thrilling gameplay, state-of-the-art graphics and exhilarating sound effects. 40 Extra Crown is based on Amusnet’s all-time favourite Extra Crown, so it will undoubtedly impress all lovers of timeless classics combined with a fresh and glamorous layout.

 
ELA Games is proud to announce its latest release, It’s Shark Time! 2. This game is a thrilling development to the It’s Shark Time! series, which includes the original and a holiday-themed version. Now, players can enjoy new exciting features and more chances to win. The game follows the familiar 5×3 slot format with 20 paylines, however, the graphics have been enhanced with improvements to the underwater creatures, making a more lively and exciting atmosphere.

 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, love is in the air, and Booming Games take full responsibility – thanks to the timely release of smokin’ hot slot Burning Love. The popular games provider has been busy searching for the perfect match for players, and this fiery 5×3 game ticks all the boxes. A fresh and exciting twist on the old favourite Burning Classics, this romantic revival retains all its allure despite its mesmerising makeover.

 
TaDa Gaming is continuing its ‘classic with a twist’ approach to slots in new release Fruity Wheel. With five reels, three rows and 243 ways to win, this innovative take on a classic fruit delivers Lucky 7s, watermelons and oranges all in a row, while the Royals ensure engagement through frequent win potential. The mix of traditional features and innovative elements puts Fruity Wheel in a league of its own. With Diamond Wilds, a Lucky Wheel giving generous Multipliers and Expanding Wilds in the Free Game, players will be entranced from the first spin.

The post Week 6/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Bombay Group Enters a New Era with Kevin McGowen taking the lead as CEO

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Bombay Group, renowned for its innovative approach to luxury gaming and hospitality, is set to embark on an exciting new chapter by appointing Kevin McGowen as the new CEO.

“Time has arrived to welcome all suitable discerning players from across the globe to experience our unparalleled gaming offerings,” said Mr McGowen as he sees Bombay Group as a global leader in redefining the gaming experience that combines cutting-edge technology, cashless systems, and private, exclusive environments to reshape the traditional casino industry. “I’m hugely impressed by the Bombay team’s dedication to elevating standards in the high-end gaming industry from a product and compliance perspective. One of my goals for the near future is to engage even broader global experience in the team,” added the new CEO.

The company’s interim CEO, Anita Brinke, has set the stage for Bombay Group’s next phase of growth as the final preparations for the opening of the unique venue are concluded, and the organisation is well-prepared for its ambitious goals. “The ultimate goal of my work of recent years has been to realise the unique vision of a destination that is totally worth a separate journey regardless of how much one has experienced in life. Only a few weeks remain until the opening of The Burman and in combination with the Bombay Club they will complete the redefining of modern high quality entertainment. Now is a good time to pass the baton so that Kevin can give our crown jewel the final shine,” said Brinke assuredly.

Kevin McGowen, a Chief Executive has over 30 years of experience in gaming, hospitality and relationship marketing. Most recently, he served as CEO of Les Ambassadeurs, a prestigious private members’ casino in Mayfair, London. Kevin’s career spans across major global gaming jurisdictions and client feeder markets, including Las Vegas, The Bahamas, London, the Far East, and the Middle East. Kevin’s extensive experience in both land-based and online gaming will play a pivotal role in realising the Group’s ambitious vision.

The Group is also pleased to announce Dajana Tiitsaar as Chief Operating Officer. Dajana’s strong operational background and extensive knowledge of local market dynamics will play a critical role in ensuring seamless daily operations. Dajana joined Bombay Group from Enefit, an Estonian based energy company where she last held the country manager position, she also has over a dozen years of experience in tourism, hospitality and marketing. Her appointment underscores Bombay Group’s commitment to operational efficiency and long-term success.

In August 2024, Bombay Group proudly opened the Bombay Club, alongside world-class restaurant, bars, and lounges in Tallinn. Looking ahead to March 2025, Bombay is set to open its highly anticipated hotel, The Burman, in Tallinn’s historic Old Town. Dating back to 1850, The Burman is among the city’s historic gems. The hotel will open with two additional restaurants, a bakery, and a spa, further enhancing and enriching the character of Tallinn’s historic Hanseatic town. This addition will complete the full buildout of the project, cementing Bombay Group’s commitment of delivering premium world-class experiences in gaming and hospitality.

The post Bombay Group Enters a New Era with Kevin McGowen taking the lead as CEO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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