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eSports and MMA could be contenders to football’s crown, states Parimatch
Reading Time: 3 minutes
The sports industry continues to grow year on year with the popularity of televised events benefitting not just the sports themselves but the betting industry too. As the diversity of sports on offer in the CIS region combines with increased international betting opportunities the market is at an exciting crossroads, something which Sergey Portnov, Parimatch CEO believes heralds “untapped potential” within CIS and beyond. Ahead of this year’s ICE London, at which the company will be attending to discuss opportunities in the CIS region and its North American objectives, Portnov discusses the growth of eSports and MMA, the importance of good broadcasting and why collaboration between betting and sports is the key to a bright future for both industries.
Looking ahead to 2019 in which territories do you see the big growth potential for your business and why?
We are focusing on consolidating and building on our market position in the CIS region. With the untapped potential within CIS, there remains a strong opportunity to further grow our revenues and brand within the region. Our aim is to reach 20percent market share in the region.
From an international perspective, we are investing in further developing our software to be able to scale internationally. At the same time, we will be growing our global reputation through a brand relaunch and targeted innovative marketing initiatives, and with partnerships such as our sponsorship of the UFC, to help attract potential partners in new markets. The U.S, of course, now provides also significant growth opportunity for the whole of the industry. We have ambitions of establishing operations there, which would be a significant achievement and milestone for our brand.
What sports are challenging football as the most popular with bettors?
There are several challengers to football, which can vary depending on the market and the season. At different times of the year, tennis, basketball, volleyball and hockey are the closest sports in the CIS region to football, in terms of number of bets placed. These sports are already established and get a lot exposure across the media in the region, they also importantly provide opportunities to bet 24-7 because of the large amount of competitions held internationally.
However, we believe the likely future challengers to football will be MMA and eSports. The popularity of these two sports is growing exponentially across the world and we believe they represent opportunities for our industry. If we can reach and appeal to these new customers, we will be able to translate the sports’ popularity and into betting volume. In July 2018 Parimatch became the official betting and wagering partner for the UFC in EMEA, while we are also investing targeted alternative marketing campaigns for the eSports community. We are ahead of the trend and well positioned to capitalise on these sports exciting betting potential.
What constitutes a good sport for the betting industry – is it the profile of a competition eg. the English Premier League is broadcast to 643m homes in 212 territories – or is it the structure of the game and the ability to offer a variety of different bets eg. cricket?
There are a lot of aspects that make a sport a good for the betting industry, but ultimately it comes down to the popularity and exposure of the sport. The support of teams and players creates the betting interest, but this must be completed by the chance for the fans to follow and watch the sport.
In tennis for example, 75percent of bets placed with Parimatch are live bets (next point, game, set etc.). Without the right broadcasting of the sport, we could lose this revenue. Whereas with basketball, which also has a large following, because NBA games are broadcasted at night in the CIS region we can’t fully capitalise on its live betting potential.
Can the betting industry help build the profile of a sport – if so can you give some examples?
The betting industry has a great impact on sports. It is statistically proven that sports bettors watch more sports than non-bettors do. Therefore, it stands to reason that if more fans bet on a sport, it will increase its popularity and following. From an entertainment perspective, it simply complements the sport by creating an emotional connection. It develops a vested interest, which leads to fans following a sport or spectacle more closely.
Furthermore, a great deal of revenue from the betting industry is invested back into sports through broadcasters, as well as leagues and teams. In Britain, betting companies place between 20 and 30 percent of annual revenue (estimated to be £14+ billion for the industry) on advertising – hugely promoting and financially supporting the sports. At Parimatch we sponsor eight teams, and seven sporting federations. These are mutually beneficial for our brand and the sports and we look forward to growing the profile of both industries as we continue to expand as a company.
Parimatch will be heading to ICE London in February to develop its market position in the CIS region and promote its growing portfolio of daily sporting events, leagues and championships, as well as games and entertainments. For more information on the features and services offered by Parimatch, visit: parimatch.com/en/live.html
Source: GB Media (Daria Isakova)
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: eSports and MMA could be contenders to football’s crown, states Parimatch
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G2’s 10yr Anniversary Celebrations Continue with their First-Ever Anime Capsule Collaboration with Solo Leveling
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- The limited-edition G2 x Solo Leveling capsule collection launches November 14, featuring streetwear pieces that capture the spirit of a generation raised on anime, gaming, and fashion, with quiet confidence stitched into every piece
- The capsule marks G2’s first-ever anime collaboration and Solo Leveling’s debut entry into the world of esports
- The collection will be available for purchase exclusively via G2’s shop front
- Solo Leveling took the anime world by storm becoming the most-rated series ever on Crunchyroll
G2, one of the world’s leading entertainment and esports brands, is proud to unveil its first-ever anime collaboration with Solo Leveling, the globally acclaimed anime phenomenon, for the launch of a limited-edition capsule collection. With gaming and anime blurring the lines more than ever, this new collaboration unites the worlds of competitive gaming, anime and street fashion, and continues to disrupt the esports fashion space.
Inspired by Solo Leveling’s signature dark visuals and its powerful, underdog narrative, the collection channels the spirit of transformation that defines both the anime and G2’s competitive ethos. The design direction is deliberately dark and understated, with flashes of lightning and sparks that echo Solo Leveling hero Jin-Woo’s bursts of power as he levels up in the shadows of underground dungeons and daily grinds. Each item in the drop balances minimalist silhouettes and tonal palettes with refined visual cues – subtle details that speak volumes to those who IYKYK.
This collaboration is more than merchandise; it is a wearable narrative, tapping into the mindset of a generation raised on glow-ups, grind culture, and story-driven self-expression. Crafted for people who exist online and offline simultaneously, the G2 x Solo Leveling capsule fits seamlessly into the language of modern high-low streetwear, designed for everyday wear while remaining rooted in story and symbolism.
Solo Leveling has quickly become one of the most successful anime series of recent years. Since its premiere in early 2024, it has built a devoted global fanbase and earned nine awards at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including Anime of the Year. The series tells the story of Sung Jin-Woo, a once-weak hunter who rises in secret to become the most powerful player in a gamified world, a character arc that strongly aligns with G2’s own “zero to hero” journey. The first two seasons are available to stream exclusively on Crunchyroll.
The capsule collection is the latest in a line of exclusive drops from G2, following high-profile collaborations with Ralph Lauren, Warner Bro’s Batman, and iconic lifestyle brand Smiley. It’s another step forward in G2’s journey as a cultural leader, redefining what it means to be an esports organisation.
“We’ve wanted to release an anime collaboration for the longest time so we’re more than excited to kick off our first ever anime drop with Solo Leveling. It feels like the perfect fit for G2’s story – relentless, transformative, and built from the grind up.” says Sabrina Ratih, COO of G2 Esports. “This is more than a fashion drop, it’s a statement of where gaming, anime, and street culture are headed. We’re not just celebrating a shared story of power and perseverance, we’re inviting fans to wear that story, live it and own it. This collection continues our quest to reshape esports fashion and create subtle statement pieces that bridge the gap between fandom and lifestyle.”
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the organisation continues to evolve from an elite competitive force into a global lifestyle brand. With over 40 million fans worldwide and entering into new ventures such as its own media house, 62, and a recent expansion into traditional sports via Gerard Piqué’s Kings League.
The G2 x Solo Leveling Capsule Collection will be available for purchase exclusively through G2’s online store g2esports.com from November 14.
The post G2’s 10yr Anniversary Celebrations Continue with their First-Ever Anime Capsule Collaboration with Solo Leveling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Clever Advertising opens new Malta office, launches fully paid work experience programme for young local talent
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Clever Advertising, a performance marketing agency for tier one iGaming operators and Fintechs, has today officially launched its new strategic office in Malta, reinforcing the island’s growing reputation as a European hub for digital and technology-driven industries.
The new office, located over two floors at the Wembley Business Centre in Msida, will serve as the company’s main base outside Portugal. Its opening marks an important step in Clever Advertising’s global expansion and will bring new career opportunities to Malta’s digital sector.
From Portugal to the world
Founded in Porto, Portugal, in 2007, Clever Advertising has grown into a global leader in affiliate and performance marketing, specialising in the iGaming and Financial Services industries. The company helps international brands attract new customers through a mix of digital advertising, SEO, mobile campaigns, influencer partnerships, and other online marketing channels. Clever Advertising operates on a partnership model – investing its own resources upfront to acquire customers for its clients and earning revenue only when those campaigns succeed.
Silvio Schembri, Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects commented “Clever Advertising’s decision to expand in Malta is another proof of the confidence investors continue to place in our country. Their growth reflects the direction we are taking through Malta Vision 2050, strengthening high-value sectors and creating quality careers for our youths. I particularly welcome their commitment to developing local talent through the Clever Launchpad, which aligns perfectly with our efforts to equip our youths with valuable skills in this fast-evolving sector. As a government, we will keep fostering the right environment for innovative companies to grow.”
Ivan Filletti, CEO of Gaming Malta commented: “Today, we are not only celebrating the inauguration of new offices, but also the continued strengthening of Malta’s gaming ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome Clever Advertising — a company whose energy, values, and investment in both people and interactive entertainment align with the Malta Vision 2050 framework, our roadmap for sustainable growth and resilience.”
“This is an exciting milestone for Clever Advertising,” said Alberto Simões, Managing Director for Malta. “Malta was a natural strategic choice for us. The island offers a thriving talent pool, close proximity to key clients, and a solid regulatory environment in both the Gaming and Financial Services sectors – all of which make it one of the best places in Europe to grow a tech business.
“Our company operates on a true partnership model. We invest upfront to acquire new customers for our clients and share in the resulting revenue. This success-based structure means that when our clients grow, we grow. It’s a win–win model that will directly contribute to the Maltese economy, help generate sustainable jobs, and build long-term partnerships rather than short-term campaigns.
“We’re here to be part of Malta’s business community for the long term, not only as employers, but as partners helping to advance innovation and professional skills on the island.”
Creating jobs and developing skills
The company today also announced its intention to invest in local talent development through the Clever Launchpad, a paid work experience initiative designed for Maltese youth who have recently finished school and are not yet in work or further education.
The programme offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and international exposure within the fast-growing digital sector. Participants will also have the opportunity to spend time at Clever Advertising’s headquarters in Porto. The scheme will be fully funded by Clever Advertising.
“We believe opportunity should be accessible to everyone,” added Simões. “The Clever Launchpad scheme tackles the misconception that digital jobs at international companies in Malta aren’t for the local residents. It’s designed to open doors for young people, even those without a university degree, and give them the chance to build a global career from right here in Malta.”
The post Clever Advertising opens new Malta office, launches fully paid work experience programme for young local talent appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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StarLadder is proud to welcome Blacklyte as the Official Furniture Partner of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, bringing premium-grade desks and chairs to support the world’s best Counter-Strike players during one of the biggest esports events of the year.
All player setups at the Major – including on-stage booths and backstage practice areas – will be equipped with Blacklyte’s high-performance gaming furniture, including the Blacklyte Athena Pro Gaming Chair and the Blacklyte Atlas Lite Standing Desk, designed specifically for professional esports environments.
“Comfort and stability are crucial in high-pressure matches,” said Alex Liu, Founder and CEO of Blacklyte. “We’re excited to support the players at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 with gear that’s built for champions.
The partnership ensures that every pro player competing from December 11 to 14 will have the ergonomic support and functionality required to perform at their highest level — whether in practice or under the spotlight on stage.
“Blacklyte’s dedication to quality, design, and player comfort makes them the ideal partner for the Major,” said Viacheslav Shcherbakov, Head of Sales & Partnerships at StarLadder. “We’re proud to showcase their products on the biggest stage of the CS2 season.”
Fans attending the event will also be able to visit the Blacklyte PlayZone, where they can experience the same chairs and desks used by the pros, participate in giveaways, and take home exclusive merch.
For more information about Blacklyte and their activation at the event, follow us on social media or visit major.starladder.com
The post Blacklyte Joins StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 as its Official Furniture Partner appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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