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Game mode on: BBC Three takes viewers behind the multimillion-pound esports scene


- Fight For First: EXCEL ESPORTS, available on BBC iPlayer early 2021
- Narrated by Cillian Murphy
At a time when the global audience for esports is set to eclipse the viewership of traditional spectator sporting events and 80 million people a month play League of Legends, a new documentary series from BBC Three has been commissioned to give viewers an unprecedented insight into one of the biggest games in the world. Fight for First: EXCEL ESPORTS will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer in early 2021.
Narrated by Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee Cillian Murphy, this five-part series follows, a multimillion pound esports organisation, at home in their state of the art training facility at Twickenham stadium and abroad at The League of Legends European Championships (LEC) in Berlin, meeting the six-figure salary gamers who are at the heart of this team of rising young superstars. In 2019, they finished in tenth place, but now with huge financial backing, brand new players and a world class coaching team, can they make a true impact on the international League of Legends scene?
Founded in 2014, brothers Kieran and Joel Holmes-Darby came up with the idea for an esports team over a pint. Now six years later and with an investment of eight figures behind them, EXCEL compete in one the biggest gaming leagues in the world.
The team train out of Twickenham stadium and have access to a wide range of sporting facilities usually only reserved for top athletes. Whether it’s DNA testing, physiotherapy, sports psychology, or nutrition, EXCEL applies the same level of training as any traditional sporting team.
During the season, the EXCEL players all live together in a gaming house, so they’re in each other’s pockets 24/7. BBC Three follows the team as they compete against the world’s best esports athletes, while navigating the growing pains of adulting, living away from home, love, new friendships and fame. On the surface, they may be young, rich and living out their dreams, but each player has their own deep-rooted reasons why gaming plays such an important role in their lives.
Cillian Murphy says: “My sons love gaming. When I showed them the trailer for this, they said I had to do it. Being involved in Fight For First has been a great experience and there is so much more to professional gaming than I ever thought. It has opened up a whole new world to me and this series provides a proper insight into a fascinating, global industry.”
Kieran Holmes-Darby, Co-Founder and Chief Gaming Officer at EXCEL ESPORTS, said: “This five-part series showcases our attempts to reach the League of Legends European Championship play-offs for the first time in our history and is a completely unique insight into EXCEL ESPORTS and what goes on behind the scenes of a major esports organisation. At EXCEL, whilst competing at the elite level, we pride ourselves on always striving to be better, and the series demonstrates how we practise, prepare and play. Not only will it offer our fans a deeper look into what we do, but it will also offer people who are completely new to esports a fascinating perspective of our exciting industry.”
Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three, says: “The BBC Three in-house documentary team have created a fascinating series and true insight into the world’s fastest growing sport – and one that has a huge following and importance to our audience. We’re excited to be the first UK broadcaster to follow an esports team through a global esports competition, taking viewers behind the scenes as the teenage team members juggle competing on a world stage with their lives at home.”
Fight For First: EXCEL ESPORTS is a 5 x 30 production made by the BBC Three in-house team. It was commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three, produced and directed by Simon Rawles. The Executive Producers are James Corbin and Jo Smith for BBC Three.
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: Game mode on: BBC Three takes viewers behind the multimillion-pound esports scene

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Southampton Football Club welcomes Midnite as its newest partner
Southampton Football Club is pleased to announce that Midnite, the fast-growing UK sports betting and online casino operator, will become the club’s official training kit partner for the 2025/26 season.
The partnership will see Southampton FC become the first football club to partner with Midnite as part of their rapid brand growth.
The deal continues Midnite’s momentum of high-profile marketing activities, including sponsorship of the 2025 World Snooker Championship and 5’s coverage of the FIFA World Club Cup.
Founded in 2018 by Nick Wright and Daniel Qu, Midnite has been hailed as a new disruptor to the betting industry, challenging the status-quo of the UK’s online gambling market by delivering the best value for customers.
The Midnite branding will sit across training kits for both the Men’s and Women’s First Teams. Its logo will also feature on the back of the Men’s First Team shirt and shorts. Midnite’s branding will also appear around St Mary’s Stadium, including in the dugouts.
Connecting Saints fans like never before
The partnership will see Midnite and Southampton collaborate throughout the season to connect Saints supporters to their club like never before. A host of supporter and community activities will be launched to engage and involve the fanbase in the build-up to the season and throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Southampton and Midnite will also collaborate to support Saints Foundation during the course of the season to support its fundraising ambitions and experiences for participants. Saints Foundation is the club’s charity, which works to provide life-changing opportunities to help people and communities in the city thrive.
Greg Baker, Chief Revenue Officer for Southampton Football Club, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Midnite as our latest club partner. Midnite is disrupting its sector and developing a dynamic challenger brand.
“As a club we pride ourselves on our ability to challenge the status quo and we see a clear alignment with Midnite’s innovative approach. We look forward to working with them throughout the 2025/26 season.”
Midnite Vice President of Growth Jonathan Shaw said: “We’re excited to partner with Southampton for our first-ever football club sponsorship. At Midnite, our mission is to bring our players closer to the games they love, and this high-profile partnership marks the latest step in our brand awareness journey as we continue to grow, with plenty more to come.
“As a fully licensed UK operator, we’re committed to ensuring our players enjoy a safe, responsible, and entertaining experience. We can’t wait to engage with Southampton fans and contribute to what promises to be an exciting and successful season ahead.”
The post Southampton Football Club welcomes Midnite as its newest partner appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SOFTSWISS and Eduardo Barrichello Take the Next Step in 2025 FIA WEC with 24 Hours of Le Mans Debut
SOFTSWISS celebrates a major milestone in its collaboration with rising Brazilian driver Eduardo (Dudu) Barrichello. The talented motorsport star has successfully completed his debut at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, a pivotal round in the ongoing 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Held from 15 to 16 June at the historic Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, the 24-hour endurance race is one of the most prestigious events in global motorsport. First run in 1923, it forms part of the coveted Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. The race challenges every aspect of a driver’s performance, combining speed, consistency, and strategic depth – values that closely reflect the approach SOFTSWISS brings to its own operations in the highly competitive iGaming industry.
At just 23 years old, Eduardo Barrichello added this legendary event to his growing international racing résumé, competing with the Racing Spirit of Léman team in an Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo. His performance at Le Mans represents not only a personal career achievement but also a proud moment for Brazilian motorsport and a significant chapter in his WEC journey.
“Le Mans isn’t just another race – it’s the kind of challenge you grow up dreaming about. Representing Brazil on this stage is a huge honour, and stepping onto that track for the first time is a defining moment in my career. Endurance racing pushes you beyond your limits – physically, mentally, and technically. Having SOFTSWISS as a partner for the entire WEC series this year means a lot,” Eduardo comments.
The collaboration between SOFTSWISS and Eduardo Barrichello builds upon the company’s long-term commitment to performance, innovation, and operational excellence. It extends a relationship with the Barrichello family, which began in 2024 when Rubens Barrichello, Formula 1 legend and Eduardo’s father, was appointed Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS.
“In motorsport, milliseconds can define outcomes; in iGaming, it’s responsiveness, stability, and foresight that define leadership. At SOFTSWISS, we embrace this mindset – continuously optimising our solutions, anticipating market shifts, and pushing the boundaries of technology. Like a Le Mans team, we race through every 24 hours with unwavering resilience – only our race never ends. Our systems are built to deliver flawless performance, every day, hour after hour, without pause,” highlights Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS.
As part of its presence at Le Mans, SOFTSWISS also welcomed a group of partners and guests to experience the race firsthand. The programme included VIP lounge access, helicopter flights over the circuit, access to exclusive camera-only track zones, paddock entry, and hot laps in a real race car. Guests also enjoyed conversations with Rubens and Eduardo Barrichello, creating a unique opportunity to connect motorsport, technology, and partnership in an unforgettable setting.
Earlier this year, SOFTSWISS announced its broad partnership with the rising motorsport talent for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
The post SOFTSWISS and Eduardo Barrichello Take the Next Step in 2025 FIA WEC with 24 Hours of Le Mans Debut appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Million Games and Black Cat Launch Island Ices – A Tropical Slot with Free Spins, Multipliers & Instant Cash Wins
Million Games and partner studio Black Cat are excited to announce the release of Island Ices, a vibrant 5×4 slot packed with tropical charm and rewarding mechanics. As the second game from Black Cat under the Million Star partner programme, Island Ices brings a refreshing low-volatility experience with a polished aesthetic and summer-ready features.
Designed for players who love quick-paced, feel-good gameplay, Island Ices features:
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20 paylines
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96.3% RTP
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Free Spins with multipliers up to x10
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A Prize Collection Bonus Game worth up to 1,750x the player’s bet
A Game Built for Laid-Back Spins and VIP Wins
Set against the backdrop of a luxury island resort, Island Ices takes players from sun-soaked afternoons by the pool to nighttime VIP beach parties, complete with fireworks and instant-cash cocktails.
Landing 3 or more VIP Ticket symbols triggers the Free Spins bonus game, Beach Party style, awarding up to 15 Free Spins with multipliers of x2, x5, or x10. During Free Spins, cash-filled Cocktail symbols become more frequent, turning every spin into a shot at a bigger prize.
The Prize Collection Bonus Game is activated by landing 3 or more Cocktail symbols, clearing the reels and replacing them with instant-cash values only. Players begin with 3 ice cubes—each spin uses one, and every new cash symbol refills them. The feature ends when no ice cubes remain or the grid is full.
Million Star Innovation Meets Summer Style
“Island Ices is a great example of how strong themes and smart mechanics can create something players genuinely enjoy,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games. “Black Cat has followed up their debut with a beautifully executed second release that brings fresh flavour to the lobby without overwhelming complexity.”
With a light, tropical theme and strong feature set, Island Ices offers a flexible, low-volatility experience built to appeal to a wide range of players. The game follows the successful launch of Captain’s Curse and marks another creative step forward for Black Cat under the Million Star programme.
Island Ices is now live across all Million Games partner platforms.
The post Million Games and Black Cat Launch Island Ices – A Tropical Slot with Free Spins, Multipliers & Instant Cash Wins appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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