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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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G2 and Logitech G Team Up for Logitech G PLAY 2025: A Celebration of Breakthrough Moments and Women in Esports

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G2 Esports and Logitech G join forces for Logitech G PLAY 2025, Logitech G’s annual flagship event, set to take place on September 17 at 18:45 CEST. This year’s event celebrates Breakthrough Moments in play, and highlights the importance of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in esports and gaming.

The event kicks off with a Logitech G Keynote, broadcast on YouTube via @LogitechG, and sets the tone for the evening highlighting new products, new designs and innovations for gamers, and the future of esports.

Following the Keynote, G2 will host a panel featuring leading women in the industry, and will dive into the defining breakthrough moments that have shaped these women’s careers, as well as the broader challenges and opportunities for women in esports.

  • Laure Valée – On-Air Talent
  • Athena “Kitty” Jiang – Influencer and content creator
  • Michaela “mimi” Lintrup – Professional VALORANT player and G2 Gozen captain
  • Petra “Petra” Stoker – Professional VALORANT player for G2 Gozen
  • Hosted by ChelseaBytes – G2 content creator and advocate for diversity in gaming

The panel will be broadcast from the G2 HQ in Berlin on mimi’s Twitch channel – mimimimichaela, and feature a Q&A from the live audience. If you’re local to Berlin and would like to attend, let us know and we can add you to the guestlist.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday 17 September
  • Time: 18:45 CEST
  • Location: Berlin @ G2 HQ, online mimimimichaela, and keynote via @LogitechG
  • Agenda: Logitech G Keynote, G2 Panel

 

The post G2 and Logitech G Team Up for Logitech G PLAY 2025: A Celebration of Breakthrough Moments and Women in Esports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 8-15

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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

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IGT announced that its much-anticipated Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin electronic table game (ETG) recently made its world debut at Downtown Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The vibrant standalone ETG game includes many of the attributes that have propelled the success of the Wheel of Fortune slots franchise for nearly three decades including word puzzles, wheel spins and exciting jackpot rewards. The game is accompanied by an attention-grabbing, 9-plus-feet upright video wheel that stands independent of the ETG terminals and entertains casino guests with the famous “WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!” chant.

MGM Resorts International has announced that Corey Sanders, Chief Operating Officer, will retire from the company after more than 30 years of dedicated service and leadership. Sanders has agreed to remain COO through Dec. 31, 2025, and to serve as an advisor to the President and CEO through Dec. 31, 2026. The Company intends to name a new COO to serve as Sanders’ successor later this month. Sanders is currently MGM Resorts’ Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company’s Las Vegas and regional properties as well as multiple corporate departments, including Hospitality, Gaming, Human Resources and Strategic Initiatives. Prior to that, he served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

Members of Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria and Big Lagoon Rancheria gathered outside the State Capitol in Sacramento to protest Assembly Bill 831 (AB 831). If passed, the bill would limit economic opportunities available to less wealthy tribes in the state by banning legitimate online social games using sweepstakes promotions. It would also eliminate more than $1 billion of existing economic activity generated by the industry in California, and close off a potential new revenue source for the state via sensible, modern regulation and taxation.

Partnerships

Genius Sports Limited has expanded its long-term partnership with Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook (Hard Rock Bet) to power the top-rated platform with its market-leading official data, trading and marketing solutions, as well as its ground-breaking BetVision product. Genius Sports has worked in partnership with the leading operator since 2021, providing the highest quality official data and pinpoint trading solutions across top tier leagues globally, including the Premier League, Serie A, European Leagues, Liga MX, NFL and more. Hard Rock Bet will be able to provide its customers with Genius Sports’ first-of-its-kind BetVision low latency streaming solution.

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of data-driven casino intelligence and player engagement platforms, has announced that Dania Beach Casino is continuing to benefit from its deployment of the QCI Nimble platform. While the property currently focuses on the QCI Host and QCI Marketing modules, it has expressed enthusiasm about the capabilities of the new AGI56 release and its impact on future customer engagement strategies. AGI56 represents the most ambitious release in QCI’s history, with the platform undergoing a full refresh of its technology stack, improved integration of advanced analytics, and the introduction of generative AI-driven tooling through Chatalytics.com. QCI’s platform is currently deployed in more than 350 casinos worldwide.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 8-15 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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🚀 Stellar Soft: From Africa’s Betting Shops to the Future of Global iGaming

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The iGaming industry is one of the fastest-changing landscapes in the world. New technologies, shifting regulations, and evolving player expectations create both challenges and enormous opportunities. In this environment, only those who dare to innovate, adapt, and partner wisely are able to thrive.

One company that embodies this journey is Stellar Bets — an ambitious software provider that began in Africa and is now preparing to reshape the future of retail betting in Europe. Our story is not just about creating games. It’s about building a complete ecosystem for operators, affiliates, and entrepreneurs — and opening doors for long-term partnerships across continents.

🌍 Humble Beginnings, Bold Vision

When we entered the African market, the industry was already crowded with solutions. Many thought there was little room left for innovation. But we believed otherwise.

From the start, we knew the secret to success wasn’t just about building games — it was about designing ecosystems. Operators needed more than entertainment; they needed reliable tools, sustainable margins, and technology that would support them in real conditions — including low internet speeds, limited hardware, and highly competitive retail environments.

Our first big step was the launch of Stellar Rocket, a crash game that quickly captured the imagination of African players. With stunning visuals, a dynamic multiplier, and an innovative balance between player wins and operator profitability, it became much more than just a game — it became a movement.

Within months, betting shops from Nigeria to Kenya were reporting higher engagement, stronger retention, and more stable revenue. The success of Stellar Rocket proved that innovation could transform even the most traditional retail setups.

📈 Growth Backed by Numbers

Success stories are powerful, but in iGaming the numbers matter most.

  • In 2024–2025, Stellar Bets expanded into more than 15 African countries.
  • Successfully achieved the ideal balance between player satisfaction and operator profitability with our Next-Gen RTP System.
  • Operators reported 30–45% revenue growth after integrating our solutions.

This growth wasn’t accidental. It came from a deep commitment to R&D, continuous improvement, and a philosophy that sees technology as a service to both operators and players.

And here’s the key: we didn’t just help operators earn more — we also made sure players enjoyed fairer, more exciting experiences. In a market where achieving both can be challenging, this balance clearly sets Stellar Bets apart.

🎮 Beyond Games: Building an Ecosystem

The heart of Stellar Bets has always been innovation, but we quickly realized that individual games are not enough. Operators need comprehensive solutions to scale their business.

That’s why we built an ecosystem:

  • Stellar Box — a plug-and-play solution that allows operators to deploy instantly.
  • Stellar Kiosk — an all-in-one machine with built-in computer and receipt printer.
  • Cloud-based admin tools — for user management, analytics, and cashier control.
  • Proprietary hardware — designed for stable operation even in areas with low bandwidth.
  • AI-powered RTP engine — balancing fairness for players and profits for operators.

And perhaps the most groundbreaking innovation of all — HomePlay.

📱 HomePlay: Bridging Offline and Online

Retail betting shops are still the heartbeat of many markets. But until recently, their biggest limitation was the number of physical terminals. Only so many customers could play at the same time.

With HomePlay, we changed that forever.

This breakthrough technology transforms every smartphone inside a betting shop into a personal gaming station. Customers join live Stellar Rocket sessions using their own devices, while the cashier desk continues to handle all deposits and withdrawals.

✅ No waiting lines.
✅ No need for extra hardware.
✅ Every customer becomes an active participant.
✅ Revenue per square meter grows exponentially.

In essence, HomePlay gave new life to retail betting, transforming it from a simple place to play into a vibrant community where thousands of players share emotions and experiences — while providing operators with a scalable, compliant, and seamlessly integrated tool.

For many partners, this feature alone was a game-changer — and it’s one of the clearest examples of how Stellar Bets delivers innovation designed for real-world business impact.

💡 The Secret Behind Our Success

One question we often get is: how can a startup compete with legacy companies in the iGaming space?

The answer is simple — being a startup is our biggest advantage.

🔹 Agility over bureaucracy — We test, pivot, and bring innovations to market quickly, while larger companies get stuck in long decision-making cycles.
🔹 Innovation in our DNA — We don’t just rely on proven models. We experiment, take risks, and introduce features that others are too slow to try.
🔹 Closer to the player — Our teams listen, analyze, and adapt in real time, creating products that reflect what players actually want.
🔹 Growth mindset — Every market matters. Every operator matters. Every affiliate matters. For us, every partnership is a chance to grow together.

🔹 Constant rapid development — We continuously expand our product portfolio, scale operations, and evolve to meet the needs of new markets.

But above all, we recognize the importance of technological excellence — investing in R&D, proprietary hardware, and resilient software that deliver security, stability, and reliability for both operators and players. It’s this mindset that has powered Stellar Bets from a small startup into one of the most recognized software providers in Africa.

🤝 Reshaping the Future of iGaming Together

After building a strong foundation across Africa, we are now preparing for the next chapter — entering the European market. We see great potential in several EU countries where many operators still depend on outdated systems and solutions.

Our goal is not just to expand, but to bring real value: technology that has proven itself in highly competitive retail environments, tools that balance innovation with compliance, and products that boost both player satisfaction and operator revenue.

For us, Europe is an opportunity to share what we’ve learned, adapt to new contexts, and grow together with forward-looking partners who are ready for benefit from:

✅ A personal account manager.
✅ 24/7 technical support.
✅ Access to a constantly evolving ecosystem.

We know our success depends on the success of our partners. That’s why we treat every collaboration as a joint venture — where both sides grow together.

And here’s our invitation: if you are looking for an iGaming software partner who delivers not just games, but full-scale solutions designed for growth — Stellar Bets is ready to work with you. Let’s reshape the future of iGaming — together.

📩 Contact us: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: stellar-bets.com
💼 LinkedIn: Stellar Bets

The post 🚀 Stellar Soft: From Africa’s Betting Shops to the Future of Global iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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