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Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?

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Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?
Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

  • Johan Sundstein aka ‘N0tail’ is the top-ranking esports player of 2020, with $6.9 million in prize money to his name
  • The average age of a top-ranking esports player is 24 for male players and 27 for female
  • Popular streaming sites have experienced a 20% increase in the number of hours streamed in lockdown

Esports have accelerated into the mainstream in recent years, providing many avid gamers with the opportunity to turn their passion into a career. And with prize funds reaching the millions, being on top of your game certainly pays off. So, what does it take to make it big in esports and how has the industry evolved? Intel explored the ins and outs of the growing esports world.

The making of an esports star

  • The most top-ranking male players of 2020 are from China (26%), and the most top-ranking female players are from the USA (42%)
  • Physical health must also be a priority when training for esports, as well as in-game performance

As an avid gamer, what would it take to break into the esports industry and what exactly does an esports star look like today?

Based on the 100 top-ranking male and female esports players of 2020, the average age is 24 for male players and 27 for female. Some are even as young as 16, demonstrating that progression is very possible at a young age.

To climb the ranks, players must be committed to perfecting their game and putting in the necessary training, both in-game and physically. Professionals specialise in one or two games, focusing their time and energy on perfecting their performance.

“The best game to get into when moving into professional gaming or streaming is something you actually enjoy,” explains Chris Ball aka ‘Sacriel’. “It’s clear to see when a streamer is forcing themselves to play a type of game they don’t enjoy just because they feel a ‘big’ game is their only option – so instead find something that you can be passionate about.”

Healthy eating and a good night’s sleep are also recommended for optimal performance.

Esports host, Frankie Ward says “Esports teams are beginning to bring their routines in line with more traditional sports. Counter-Strike team Astralis, for example, has a coach, sports psychologist, and a physiotherapist. They also have a nutritionist and a sleep doctor that they can access, should they need extra help.”

Aoife Wilson, Head of Video at Eurogamer also stresses the importance of physical health, adding that players should “make physical training a priority alongside in-game training, which can not only help with focus and mindset, but in preventing strain or injuries that can come with sitting at your computer for prolonged periods of time.”

The esports industry in 2020

  • The industry, which is currently worth $1.1 billion in 2020, is projected to be worth $1.8 billion by 2022
  • The top competing countries are the USA, China and The Republic of Korea

Esports have come a long way since their conception – from ‘Spacewar’ played on the first ever computer to ‘Dota 2’, best enjoyed on a specialist gaming PC. So, what does the industry look like in 2020?

Today esports have the potential to fill huge arenas with thousands of fans. Not to mention the additional at-home audience watching live competitions streamed online. The Intel® Extreme Masters, held in Katowice in 2017, was one of the largest esports events in history, with a live attendance of 173,000 and viewership of 46 million.

While many live 2020 esports events were forced to cancel in response to the coronavirus pandemic, some went ahead in a virtual format. In fact, popular streaming sites such as Twitch and YouTube experienced a 20% increase in the number of hours streamed in lockdown, suggesting gaming provided solace to many throughout quarantine.

The esports industry has grown by epic proportions in recent years. Over the last five years, revenue has tripled from $325M to $1.1 billion and audience size has quadrupled from 120M to 495M. What’s more, the industry is projected to be worth a huge $1.8 billion by 2022.

While the esports world is very much a global playing field, with players hailing from all around the globe, the top competing countries are the USA, China and The Republic of Korea. 2019 winnings totalled $41.3 million, $18.5 million and $16.5 million for the respective nations.

Streamer Chris Ball aka ‘Sacriel’ says, “as the technical limits on game engines get pushed further and further back with breakthroughs in computing prowess, I think esports and streaming is going to become more mainstream and I look forward to what the new technology brings us.”

You can view the full list of those make it to the top in the eSport industry here.


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: Revealed: What does it take to become an esports star?

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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Fast Track AI to change the face of iGaming CRM

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Fast Track will unveil its new AI-driven natural language platform on 2 September during its annual Fast Track House event in Malta. The launch will also be streamed live online from 4 PM CEST, giving the iGaming industry an exclusive first look at the future of player engagement.

For the past decade, Fast Track has pioneered real-time data integration, the Singularity Model, the only Gameplay Risk Engine, and Rewards, the first AI-ready gamification system. Each innovation has moved the company closer to its vision: to digitalise the iGaming industry and deliver the first self-learning engagement platform.

Fast Track AI is trained on over 10 years of iGaming expertise and designed to transform how CRM teams work. It can perform technical analysis on terabytes of real-time data, deliver advanced insights into CRM performance and player behaviour, and uniquely take direct action on those insights across the platform.

“This isn’t just AI added to CRM. This is CRM re-engineered for the natural language era,” said Simon Lidzén, CEO and Co-Founder of Fast Track.

“Even your wildest imagination can only take you so far; minds have been bound by constraints for so long that it is hard to picture the full power of Fast Track AI. You simply need to see it to believe it. This is why I am organising a live session to unveil it; to showcase what a native iGaming CRM, built on the most comprehensive real-time data infrastructure together with the Singularity Model, is capable of. I urge the whole industry to sign up.” Lidzén added.

The big reveal will take place during the Fast Track House event in Malta and will be streamed live online. The broadcast begins at 4:00 PM CEST on 2 September. 

Registration is now open: https://app.livestorm.co/fast-track/fast-track-ai-in-action

 

The post Fast Track AI to change the face of iGaming CRM appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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TSG Group’s financial results for Q2 2025: solid foundations, transformation of core titles and global debut of Trophy Hunter.

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In Q2 2025, Ten Square Games consistently executed its plan to transform its core titles and further expanded the flight simulator segment, with a particular focus on Wings of Heroes. The share of TSG Store in Group bookings reached new record levels.

The Company successfully prepared for the launch of its newest game, Trophy Hunter, on the global market and made significant progress in developing Real Combat Simulator. Although in the short term the effects of these efforts are not yet fully visible in q/q results, on a y/y basis – in H1 2025 – the Group recorded clear improvement in adjusted EBITDA and net profit, and generated a strong cash position.

“Our strategy is clear – the transformation of our core titles, accelerating the growth of Wings of Heroes, and bringing new projects to market. The past quarter showed that we are making real progress in each of these areas, even if the effects are not always immediately visible. That is why we are especially pleased with the successful launch of Trophy Hunter – our first new title since 2022. Players received it very positively, and early KPIs demonstrate clear growth potential. The progress achieved so far strengthens our conviction that the path we have chosen for the Group’s development is the right one.” – said Andrzej Ilczuk, CEO of Ten Square Games S.A.

Transformation of core titles

In H1 2025, Group bookings amounted to PLN 171.9 million, down 12.3% y/y, driven by declines in both core titles. In Fishing Clash, bookings reached PLN 101.4 million in H1, including PLN 48.7 million in Q2 2025 alone. Hunting Clash generated bookings of PLN 33.9 million in H1, of which PLN 15.2 million came in Q2 2025.

The Group continued the transformation process in both titles, aimed at halting the decline in bookings and rebuilding monetization potential. Key actions included extensive testing of player segmentation and offers, as well as improving the early-game user experience. During the period, user acquisition spending was significantly reduced. This was a deliberate decision which, while lowering bookings in the short term, is designed to increase the effectiveness of marketing investments in the longer perspective.

A return to higher marketing spend is planned once key game metrics, in particular early retention, improve. Enhancing the early-stage player experience remains a critical element of the transformation process. According to the Management Board, the tests already show initial positive signals, although full effects will take more time as the solutions are extended to larger groups of players who account for a significant share of Group bookings.

Growth of projects with increasing importance: Wings of Heroes, Real Flight Simulator and TSG Store

Titles in the flight simulator segment maintained positive y/y growth in bookings. In H1 2025, Wings of Heroes achieved bookings of PLN 13.6 million, up 111.7% y/y, while Real Flight Simulator generated PLN 10.5 million (+7.9% y/y). In Q2 2025, bookings for these projects reached PLN 6.3 million and PLN 5.2 million respectively. Both projects will soon deliver new updates to players.

TSG Store approached the strategic threshold of 25% share in Group bookings – in June 2025 the ratio stood at 23.4%. The share reached 32.9% in Fishing Clash and 21.7% in Hunting Clash. Record results of TSG Store were driven primarily by systematic in-house development, including the introduction of a unique currency in Hunting Clash, a redesigned store in Fishing Clash, and the implementation of a loyalty system for customers. An important external factor was also a U.S. federal court ruling allowing direct in-app communication with players using Apple devices in the USA about the store’s offer.

New projects: successful global debut of Trophy Hunter and development of Real Combat Simulator

On July 3, 2025, the global premiere of Trophy Hunter took place – Ten Square Games’ first new release since October 2022. Early retention and monetization metrics outperform the Group’s previous titles and highlight the game’s growth potential. The Company is supporting its development with marketing campaigns whose budgets are gradually increasing. The product roadmap for H2 2025 assumes rapid enrichment of the game with new content and features designed to strengthen its community aspects and differentiate Trophy Hunter from competitors. The team’s top priority at this stage is to support player retention and engagement. As of August, the development team has been expanded to 11 people. Trophy Hunter operates on a hybrid model, generating revenues from both in-app purchases and ads.

At the same time, Real Combat Simulator, developed by the Group’s subsidiary Rortos, is progressing. Work is currently underway on an update introducing multiplayer mode and new content – a key stage bringing the project closer to global launch.

Solid foundations and financial flexibility

“In the first half of 2025, Ten Square Games’ financial results improved year-on-year despite a decline in bookings. This improvement was largely driven by reduced marketing spend and strong cost discipline across other areas. During this period, we once again allocated a record-high dividend to our shareholders, while the strength of our business model was confirmed by a solid cash position that ensures financial flexibility for the future,” said Magdalena Jurewicz, CFO of Ten Square Games S.A.

In H1 2025, adjusted EBITDA of the Ten Square Games Group reached PLN 57.6 million, up 5.0% y/y. In Q2 2025, adjusted EBITDA stood at PLN 27.0 million – broadly in line with last year, but down 11.4% compared to Q1 2025. Net profit in H1 2025 increased 18.7% y/y to PLN 47.4 million, while in Q2 it amounted to PLN 20.0 million, lower both y/y and q/q.

Operating cash flow in January–June 2025 amounted to PLN 56.3 million, of which PLN 26.3 million was generated in Q2. In the same period, the Company paid a dividend of PLN 100 million and settled an earn-out payment of PLN 14.7 million to the former owners of Rortos. Regular generation of cash from operations provides the Group with solid financial foundations, enabling simultaneous investment in growth and sharing profits with shareholders.

 

The post TSG Group’s financial results for Q2 2025: solid foundations, transformation of core titles and global debut of Trophy Hunter. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Kantar Finds Security Driving iGaming, SOFTSWISS Leading Loyalty

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, shares first takeaways from a Kantar-led qualitative study conducted at iGB L!VE London, showing that security, reliability and revenue-growth potential are the most influential criteria when selecting iGaming software partners. The findings also place SOFTSWISS first by Net Promoter Score (NPS) – the industry benchmark for client loyalty and advocacy.

Designed as an event-based, face-to-face qualitative survey, the Kantar study explored how operators, game providers, and iGaming tech companies make procurement and partnership decisions. Across the total sample, respondents most frequently ranked safety and security of operations as the number-one driver, followed by a reliable partner with a strong market reputation and the ability to open up new revenue opportunities. Close behind were stable, low-downtime infrastructure and a high level of client service – signalling that risk mitigation and dependable delivery are the baseline for partnership decisions, with growth enablement expected rather than optional.

The study revealed a clear divide in priorities between final decision-makers and decision influencers. Influencers place comparatively more weight on the “everyday assurances” of an iGaming platform, like: 

  1. Security 
  2. Client service 
  3. Optimised service infrastructure 

Final decision-makers look further out, prioritising: 

  1. Stable infrastructure with minimal downtime 
  2. Clear business-growth levers 
  3. A reliable partner with a strong market reputation 

For vendors, the takeaway is to address both sides: demonstrate service excellence to operational stakeholders and prove resilience, scalability and go-live readiness to executive sponsors.

Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, said: “Security and reliability are now the non-negotiables of iGaming procurement. What Kantar’s work highlights is the two-lens buying logic: operational teams evaluate partners on day-to-day assurance – robust security, responsive support and efficient infrastructure – while final decision-makers judge long-term resilience, Tier-1 launch readiness and the capacity to unlock new revenues. Our roadmap is built for both: verifiable security and service benchmarks today, coupled with proven high-load performance and compliance for tomorrow’s growth.”

Net Promoter Score, calculated as the share of promoters minus detractors, is a widely used indicator of client loyalty. SOFTSWISS achieved the highest NPS in the evaluated set. In open responses, clients most often described SOFTSWISS as a “reputable company” and “most reliable”, repeatedly citing “reliability” as the key reason for high ratings. Beyond NPS, SOFTSWISS was most frequently associated with a broad range of strengths: safety and security, a reliable partner with strong market standing, stable and low-downtime tech infrastructure, and a high level of client service.

SOFTSWISS continues to share market-ready expertise with industry stakeholders. Recent resources include the Sportsbook Online Calculator and the iGaming in LatAm Report, both available on the SOFTSWISS website.

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides certified software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 30,000 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.

The post Kantar Finds Security Driving iGaming, SOFTSWISS Leading Loyalty appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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