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Exclusive interview with Rahul Sood, CEO and co-founder of Unikrn
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Rahul Sood is the CEO and co-founder of Unikrn, the world’s leading esportsbook innovator. He started his first company, the world’s first boutique PC manufacturer, is his teens and later sold it to HP. After leaving HP, he joined Microsoft as the founder and CEO or the startup incubation branch then-called Microsoft Ventures. Rahul is a long-time avid gamer and esports fan who also enjoys windsurfing in his spare time.
You mentioned about two “game-changing” products from Unikrn in your email. Could you tell us more about the products?
Rahul Sood: We have 3 singular experiences launching at Unikrn: Unikrn UMode, Unikrn Virtual Game and Unikrn Esportsbook’s Streamer Betting.
Unikrn UMode is the first online skill betting extension for matchmaking games such as Fortnite, League of Legends, Dota 2, Halo and Counter-Strike. Unlike peer-to-peer betting, UMode lets players bet on their normal online matchmaking without betting opponents because Unikrn sets the odds, which lets you bet anytime in fair games without any worries about sharks ruining your fun.
The Unikrn Virtual Game is a curated collection of exciting professional esports matches from the past which are randomly selected and played fresh. There’s a new round every minute, and fans can go to bet on esports without ever facing delays or content gaps, which is an amazing quality-of-life improvement for esports fans used to waiting between rounds, games and tournaments.
Unikrn’s Streamer Betting uses in-house odds-determining trader bots and advanced screen-reading technology to interpret games happening on stream and set odds in real time, even updating odds as matches advance. We’re excited for how this will let fans play along with streamers and improve the community thrill of wins. After all, betting is better as a social experience, and very little in gaming is more social than streaming in its prime!
How do you think these products would change the way the betting industry operates?
Rahul Sood: The betting industry is still behind the curve on the way esports opens interactivity, data fidelity and sheer volume. There’s never been a challenge in sports akin to trying to place reliable odds on streamers. There’s YEARS of content hours consumed from Twitch every second across thousands of channels. Besides Unikrn, the world of betting operators hasn’t begun to scratch the surface of what gamers and esports fans are making possible, whether that’s creating 24/7 skill-based betting, new ways to package esports around the clock or ways to bring people together to cheer on their favorite players.
You are aiming to introduce innovative technologies to betting that would disrupt the dominance of traditional booking houses. In fact, quite a few new companies have aimed to do this, and almost all of them have failed. What is the x-factor for your company, if there is any?
Rahul Sood: Unikrn is x-factor from surface to core. I think the biggest difference is our culture, Unikrn sits at the intersection of esports & video games, blockchain & cryptocurrency, and regulated gambling. As such we employ talented people from all over the world. Our COO, CFO, and CPO along with lead product people are based in Sydney. Our CTO and development teams are in Berlin, Croatia, and Poland. Head of Marketing and Content are in New York, we have content people in Las Vegas, and I’m in Seattle with our Chief of Staff. There’s no way in hell we could build such a company in one city, we required the best talent in all 3 areas. Unikrn is also a technology first company, whereas typical wagering companies are simply licensing software from other platforms.
Maybe most importantly, this isn’t hypothetical: Unikrn is launching multiple singular experiences designed for customers. While others are building wagering experiences around old titles that no one cares about, Unikrn is building wagering experiences around games people love to play. Our products are live and regulator-approved well ahead of our runway, and they’re being followed by many other innovations.
It’s almost two years since you launched your cryptocurrency token UnikoinGold, based on the Ethereum blockchain. Could you tell us more about its performance so far?
Rahul Sood: UnikoinGold has been a fantastic success, achieving everything it was set out to do and hitting most of its projected benchmarks at or ahead of schedule. The whole point of developing UnikoinGold was to give users the ability to use our platform and partner platforms without the delays and fees associated with using traditional banks. At its launch, UnikoinGold closed the largest-ever token sale in esports and gaming, and our partners have included major players in the crypto space because they’re impressed with the unprecedented utility UnikoinGold has brought to the broader crypto ecosystem. I think our biggest challenge is making our crypto more accessible and easier to use. We’re working hard on this, it’s one of the key pillars for 2019.
Unikrn is into its fifth year. The company has received excellent funding and financial back-up. But has the company really captured the public imagination as an esports venture? How do you look back at the last five years of Unikrn?
Rahul Sood: Unikrn is fortunate to have had several extremely successful acquisitions, partnerships and blockchain ventures — the truth is there’s a staggering and publicly invisible business-to-business problem solving portion of our operations. This is common in successful companies in the tech sector: Amazon, for example, makes more of its money on web services than any other division, but it’s a part of the company the public basically never sees.
Everybody at this company is proud of our success and our current place in the ecosystem, as well as optimistic about the future all the way to the horizon.
Being a legal and responsible operator requires diligence and time (working with regulators, governments, patent offices, partners and taking the time to develop proprietary technology can’t be rushed!). Our current user base has been completely won-over, and the next step is broader engagement with new fans.
So are we where we want to be? Of course not, we’ll never truly be satisfied, but believe me Unikrn of 2019 is far ahead of the Unikrn from 2014. We have plenty of work to do and lots of runway to get to where we’re going.
The USA is witnessing a revolution of sorts in the sports betting sector, following the US Supreme Court’s verdict on PASPA Act. What is your take on the future of sports betting in the USA and the role of Unikrn on it?
Rahul Sood: Unikrn is already live with Unikrn UMode in the majority of the United States, making us pretty much first in the door, and we are obviously supportive of states allowing responsible, regulated wagering to expand. Unikrn has well-established connections with land based casinos in Las Vegas, where our primary content team is based, and we expect the United States to be a growing market for us looking forward. I fully expect us to launch our sportsbook across the USA in partnership with some of the largest casino operators in the world.
You had held top positions at HP and Microsoft before founding Unikrn. How different are the mainstream software companies and the gaming and betting companies in terms of challenges, job profile and working environment?
Rahul Sood: Every job is different, but wagering companies bring with them an enormous responsibility to work in partnership with regulators and governments. This happens in any industry, but wagering rightfully brings it to another level. That said, there’s also a tremendous amount of crossover: software and gaming hardware companies are ultimately selling consumers an experience, and that’s exactly what Unikrn does.
We’re sitting at the intersection of three of the most blockbuster industries on earth, regulated gambling, esports & video games, and blockchain & cryptocurrency. It’s never easy, but nothing good comes without hard work.
You have been a serial entrepreneur, having started entrepreneurship from an unusually young age. You have also worked with a number of startups while you were a General Manager at Microsoft Ventures. What is the one thing that separates successful startups from the failures? And what is your advice to startup founders and wannabe founders?
Rahul Sood: Great startups understand that a brand is nothing without 4 key components. An incredible product that people love, a strong team culture made of the smartest and most talented people who eat breath and sleep your mission, a thriving community of fans and evangelists, and most of all strong leadership and patience. All of these components become the foundation of your brand, which if applied correctly becomes a living breathing entity. Most people miss the community part, can you imagine Telsa, OnePlus, or Apple without a community? They’d be like nowhere!
Finally, on a lighter note, it is written on your Wikipedia page that “Sood first took an interest in computers at the age of 11, having disassembled and painted his first computer—an Apple IIc—before even turning it on”. Did it really happen? And did you disassemble your first gaming device as well!? Do share an interesting anecdote to conclude the interview.
Rahul Sood: It absolutely happened, and I had successfully founded my boutique computer manufacturer, VoodooPC, just a few years later. I went on to sell that brand to HP. I guess everything that I’ve ever involved myself with is something I truly care about, for without that I don’t think I’d be anywhere near where I am today.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Exclusive interview with Rahul Sood, CEO and co-founder of Unikrn
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Meet Nolimit City’s latest Crazy Ex-Girlfriend…the kind ex who would “accidentally” like your 2014 selfie at 3am and has a little voodoo doll named after you. She’s sliding straight into the portfolio and trust us… you’ll feel her presence. She kind of reminds you of Outsourced and Nine To Five, and with a sound track like hers, you’ll definitely find it hard to forget about her.
Reel Area
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has mapped out your every move and runs through a 2-4-4-4-4-2 layout across 6 reels. She’s wild enough to set your house on fire and also sometimes shows up holding a pair of scissors. xSplit® doubles the value of all position multipliers on its row, including its own. Positions with no multiplier value, will get a 2x multiplier on the first split and then increase it another 2x for each consecutive split. Yeah, possibly the only time you’re happy to see your crazy ex holding a pair of scissors.
Plot Twist
All good romantic stories have a Plot Twist. The Plot Twist symbol upgrades all sticky symbols to random higher paying symbols and transforms into the same upgraded symbol. Only one Plot Twist symbol can land per spin. The Plot Twist symbol will not affect Wild and Bonus symbols. If no winning combinations land on the first spin, the Plot Twist symbol transforms into a random mid paying symbol.
Rebound Spins
Buddy, I think it’s time to move on… to Rebound Spins. Wins award respins on non winning positions. Winning symbols and all their instances on the reel area will remain sticky during the respin. Every respin that either improves the win, contains a symbol type from the current win or a Wild/Bonus symbol will award an additional respin. During each respin, the multiplier value of all non-winning positions increases by +1 except for Wilds, Bonus and sticky symbols. Rebound Spins end when there are no more wins.
Carpe DIEm Spins
Carpe DIEm, my guy! Landing 3 Bonus symbols will trigger 5 Carpe DIEm Spins. Position multipliers are kept during Carpe DIEm Spins, and a Wild symbol will remain sticky on the top position of the second reel.
Super Carpe DIEm Spins
Landing 4 Bonus symbols will trigger 7 Super Carpe DIEm Spins. Position multipliers are kept during Super Carpe DIEm Spins, and two Wild symbols will remain sticky on the top and bottom position of the second reel.
Mega Carpe DIEm Spins
Landing 5 Bonus symbols will trigger 10 Mega Carpe DIEm Spins. Position multipliers are kept during Mega Carpe DIEm Spins, and Wild symbols will remain sticky on all positions on the second reel.
Speed Run (Nolimit Bonus)
We all have a special place in our hearts for our “firsts”, don’t we? Speed Run makes its debut in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend! All Carpe Diem modes are played at a fast paced sequence. Position multipliers are kept.
God Mode (Nolimit Bonus)
Remember the good ol’ days when she treated you like a god? Learn how ‘Love Hurts’ by landing God symbols on each position and enjoy the only good thing an ex can give you. A Max Win.
Nolimit Boosters
Break ups are never easy. It’s time to up your game with these Nolimit Boosters:• Bonus Booster – guaranteed a Bonus symbol on reel 2.
• Print Spins x20 – guaranteed a spin that starts off with x20 multipliers on all positions.
• Printer Spins x250 – guaranteed a spin that starts off with x250 multipliers on all positions.
• Printiest Spins x1,000 – guaranteed a spin that starts off with x1000 multipliers on all positions.
The post Nolimit City’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has entered the chat appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Fujitsu launches ‘Fujitsu Accelerator Program for SPORTS’ to create new value through Sports x Technology
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Fujitsu today announced the launch of “Fujitsu Accelerator Program for SPORTS,” a global partner co-creation program aimed at fostering new innovation in the sports sector.
Through Fujitsu Accelerator, Fujitsu collaborates with startups and other companies to create new businesses and solve challenges by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI and quantum computing. This new program seeks to expand the value and monetization potential of corporate sports. It will achieve this by combining the strengths of Fujitsu’s sports teams and athletes—including its American football, women’s basketball, and track and field teams—and facilities, with the innovative technologies and ideas of partner companies. Through co-creation, the program aims to generate new value in sports and related fields such as entertainment, tourism, and merchandise and build a corporate sports ecosystem.
Fujitsu will begin recruiting new partners who want to engage in new business creation from December 1. Selected companies will be determined after a pitch event scheduled for February 2026. Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives are planned to commence from fiscal year 2026.
Through various collaborations facilitated by this program, Fujitsu will continue to promote “improving people’s well-being,” one of the indispensable contribution areas of its materiality. In addition to promoting sports through its long-standing support for various teams and athletes, Fujitsu will further accelerate collaboration with local communities and encourage employee engagement.
Application Themes
1. Athlete and Team Enhancement
- Measures to improve athlete performance and results (e.g., training support, mental health support, etc.)
- Data analysis and collection for team sports
2. Well-Being
- Health promotion initiatives targeting a wide range of people, from athletes to general participants and local residents
- Efforts to improve exercise habits and encouragement to start an exercise regimen
3. Fan Engagement Enhancement
- Measures to enhance the appeal of corporate sports teams and athletes, and to attract fans
- Merchandise sales utilizing team IP, improved viewing experiences, and digital fan-participation projects
4. Regional Revitalization
- Revitalization of areas around home arenas and grounds. Business planning in collaboration with local communities (local governments, educational institutions, shopping districts, etc.)
- Tourism planning, especially initiatives linked to the Kawasaki area
5. Social Inclusion
- Access to sports for all demographics (para-sports, adaptive sports), sports experiences for elementary and junior high school students, and club activity support
6. Operations and Business Foundation
- Sports management platforms, corporate sports revenue models, event management, sponsor visibility, DX planning for venues, and athlete second career support
Fujitsu’s Sports Teams
Fujitsu manages many sports teams including its American football team “Fujitsu Frontiers,” the women’s basketball team “Fujitsu Red Wave,” and the track and field team. These teams have produced top athletes who aim for national and world championships. Athletes work as full-time employees of Fujitsu while engaging in their athletic activities, embodying the company’s values and social mission through sports.
1. Fujitsu Frontiers (American Football Team):
Eight-time X-League champions, aiming for an unprecedented ninth title.
2. Fujitsu Red Wave (Women’s Basketball Team):
Achieved their second W-League championship in 16 years in 2023. A top team that values player autonomy.
3. Track and Field Team:
A top-level team that has produced world, Asian, and Japanese record holders. Athletes excel in a wide range of events, including race walking, marathon, and sprints.
4. Other Sports Teams:
In addition to the above, Fujitsu also has various other sports teams, including in women’s cheerleading, men’s basketball and volleyball, 9-man volleyball, swimming, horseback riding, and golf.
Upcoming Schedule (Tentative):
- February 6, 2026: Application deadline
- February 26, 2026: Pitch event
- March 2026: Selection of adopted companies
- April 2026: Start of PoCs
Companies selected to participate in this program will be provided with opportunities to interview and survey athletes and staff belonging to Fujitsu’s sports teams. Fujitsu will offer its training facilities for the PoCs, support the development of use cases, and promote and sell co-created services through the Fujitsu Group.
Fujitsu’s Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030.
Fujitsu’s purpose – “to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation” – is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.
The post Fujitsu launches ‘Fujitsu Accelerator Program for SPORTS’ to create new value through Sports x Technology appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
GAIA is the world’s first AI-driven roulette host now in commercial use.
Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet has announced the launch of GAIA Roulette, a groundbreaking new roulette experience powered by artificial intelligence.
The game – which is now live on PlayUZU Mexico, with plans to expand to additional markets across the SkillOnNet network in the coming months – blends the thrill of RNG gameplay with the 3D realism of a live dealer. It’s the world’s first AI-driven roulette host now in commercial use.
Unlike traditional RNG tables, GAIA Roulette features an intelligent, interactive digital dealer that is personalized to each player. GAIA learns player preferences, adapts its communication style, and provides real-time assistance, helping users understand bets, game flow, and strategies.
Players can discuss game events – asking questions about game results, previous numbers, their wins and losses, and review gameplay history – but they can also talk about everyday topics like hobbies, sports, foods, movies, weather and more to make the experience more enjoyable.
Designed and developed in-house by SkillOnNet, GAIA stands for Gaming AI Agent. It uses GPT-4.1-mini for chat, which supports every language, so players worldwide can converse with her in their native tongue.
For players who enjoy the personal touch of a live dealer, GAIA provides the next best thing. And because it’s powered by RNG technology, they also enjoy faster gameplay and more spins per session than a real live-dealer environment.
For SkillOnNet, GAIA represents a major step forward for AI-driven gaming and personalised casino experiences.
Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet, said: “With GAIA Roulette, we’re redefining what’s possible in RNG casino entertainment, and we’re proud to bring our players something truly revolutionary. PlayUZU has always been about fairness, fun, and innovative entertainment — and GAIA fits perfectly with that promise. This launch will set a new standard for what players can expect from online roulette.”
The post SkillOnNet Redefines RNG Gaming with World-First Launch of AI-Powered GAIA Roulette appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Nolimit City’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has entered the chat
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