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Q&A with Michael Maokhmphiou, Operations Manager at Lightning Box
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Tell us about the CEE region for you in 2020 – what’s been your major highlights?
We’ve watched with interest as iGaming within the CEE region has developed in recent years, with a number of different countries choosing to regulate. Our games have now been certified in Croatia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. We’ve seen player engagement rise as a result. Numbers have been steady, in spite of the pandemic, which is encouraging, and it is definitely an area with potential growth, particularly as we look to replicate our larger presence in neighbouring western Europe and the Nordics.
To give readers a view of how you see the market – where’s been key for you and what regions are you keeping a close eye on?
The key for Lightning Box has been to build up a catalogue with a wide range of innovative and entertaining slots that have broad appeal. We’ve found recently that players are enjoying a new spin on some of our classic games, particularly when we add new features. A case in point is our recent release Chicken Fox5x Skillstar, which now has an added skill feature and a leader board. This has made it more engaging for players as they look to compete against one another. It is also a popular element of social gaming and can be a good way of introducing new customers to real money gaming as countries regulate. Slovenia may be one of the next in the CEE region and we are monitoring it alongside a few others at the moment.
How have events in since last March changed your approach to the region? Would you say it’s changed the landscape and demographics?
Our approach remains the same for all regions and hasn’t been guided by the pandemic, to be honest. We want to build entertaining slot games that appeal to all demographics. That will continue in spite of external factors which are beyond our control. As statistics have shown, there has been an overall increase in iGaming activities since the pandemic began in March last year. Due to restrictions and betting venues remaining shut, players who like to play in land-based venues have transitioned online. The trick for suppliers like us is to keep them engaged and to make sure they enjoy the experience whilst they’re here in order that they stay.
Looking to the future – what should our readers be watching out for in the next 12 months?
Hopefully will see more entertaining and innovative slots coming out from our studio and others around the world. Popularity in iGaming during the pandemic has increased worldwide due to the ease of access to online casino entertainment and retail businesses being shuttered. We feel as more regions open, there will be more and more players coming online. That’s an opportunity that we need to manage responsibly by working within each jurisdiction’s regulations to ensure player protection.
And last but not least, looking outside of the gaming industry, can you name an industry figure or company that we’d do well to learn from in the year ahead?
I’ve been impressed with the progress of a number of fintech companies recently and the Dutch ecommerce payments specialists Adyen have really caught the eye. Not only were they able to sustain traffic during the global pandemic they also increased it, as well as tailoring their services to businesses so they were still able to operate effectively and efficiently online. To adapt so quickly and with a minimum of fuss is no mean feat. There is a lot that gaming companies can learn from some of these more dexterous fintech giants.
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: Q&A with Michael Maokhmphiou, Operations Manager at Lightning Box
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Government of Tamil Nadu’s Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC) Announces International Counter-Strike 2 and National BGMI Tournaments
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Chennai, India – October 2025: Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu’s flagship esports initiative, the Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC), has announced two major tournaments featuring Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) in collaboration with Skyesports. Both will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium this November, marking one of the most ambitious esports celebrations ever hosted in India.
The CEGC – Counter-Strike 2 will be held from November 7 to G, bringing together top teams from India, Southeast Asia, and Europe to compete for a USD 50,000 prize pool. This prestigious tournament will be part of the Valve Regional Standings, making it one of the key events to watch and positioning Chennai as a rising destination for global esports. Registrations are open across all three regions, with the top two teams from each qualifier advancing to the Chennai Playoffs.
The CEGC – BGMI tournament will follow from November 14 to 16, featuring India’s leading mobile esports teams competing for national glory and share of the INR 50,00,000 prize pool. Details about the tournament format, prize pool, and invited teams will be revealed soon.
The Opening Ceremony on November 7 will bring together global stakeholders, government representatives, and esports leaders to inaugurate the championship. This moment will mark the beginning of a new chapter in India’s esports journey, establishing Chennai as a hub that connects local talent with global opportunity.CEGC isn’t a one-time tournament; it’s the foundation for India’s long-term global esports expansion. It blends community, culture, and competition to build sustainability rather than short-lived spectacle. An official initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu, envisioned by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, it represents a historic milestone as the first Indian state government-backed international esports championship.
Dr Atulya Misra IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, said “Tamil Nadu is proud to pioneer the convergence of technology and sport. Having successfully incorporated esports into the Chief Minister’s Trophy, we are now ready to showcase our state’s prowess on the world stage. This landmark initiative is aligned with the vision of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin, to promote emerging and futuristic sports disciplines and empower the state’s massive youth demographic.”
Meghanatha Reddy IAS, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), added, “Tamil Nadu is proud to champion this new era of esports in India. The Chennai Esports Global Championship reffects our vision to make the state a global esports destination while creating opportunities for young players, creators, and professionals. Beyond competition, it will strengthen industries like broadcasting, production, and content creation, generating jobs and fostering growth for our creative economy.”
Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said, “The Chennai Esports Global Championship is more than an event. It is India’s declaration that we are ready to build, host, and sustain a global esports ecosystem rooted in local talent and creativity. With the support of SDAT, we aim to make Chennai a bridge between Indian esports and the global scene, much like how Saudi Arabia’s Esports World Cup became a worldwide hub for the industry.”
By combining competition, culture, and tourism, the CEGC will deliver a festival-like experience that celebrates both gaming and Tamil Nadu’s heritage, while positioning India within the global esports landscape.
According to IMARC Group, the global esports market was valued at USD 2.08 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 10.06 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 17.05 percent. The Asia-Pacific region currently leads the industry, accounting for over 30 percent of global market share. Within this, India continues to rise as one of the fastest-growing gaming markets, with over 453 million gamers in 2023, expected to surpass 730 million by 2028.
The post Government of Tamil Nadu’s Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC) Announces International Counter-Strike 2 and National BGMI Tournaments appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Today, Team Vitality are proud to announce the contract renewal of South Korean Tekken 8 superstar Jeon “Jeondding” Sang-hyun, who will continue with the organisation through to 2030.
The renewal follows Jeondding’s standout performance at the 2025 Esports World Cup, where he secured an impressive 4th-place finish. This defining moment not only solidified his reputation on the global stage but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most respected and admired competitors in the fighting game community.
“Securing such a long-term commitment in esports is something truly special, and it speaks volumes about the absolute trust we have in Jeondding, both as a player and as a person. His attitude, dedication, and the way he embodies the DNA of Team Vitality make this partnership feel natural and inspiring. We’re thrilled to continue building this journey together and excited to see all the milestones he will achieve with us in the years ahead,” said Danny Engels, Corporate Director of Global Operations at Team Vitality.
The contract renewal reflects Jeondding’s unmatched talent, dedication, and passion for the game as well as Team Vitality’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening its footprint in the fighting game scene.
As Jeondding’s legacy continues to grow, fans can look forward to seeing him in action at the upcoming EVO Nice in France, taking place from October 10-12. Competing on home soil always holds special significance, while the ultimate goal is to become the best club in the world, every event in France carries added meaning.
The post Tekken 8 Superstar Jeondding Renews Contact with Team Vitality till 2030 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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