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Exclusive CEE interview with Evoplay Entertainment
Reading Time: 5 minutes
With the CEE region no doubt set to be one of Europe’s biggest growth stories this year, we caught up with Evoplay Entertainment’s CBDO, Vladimir Malakchi, to talk through the region’s demographics, opportunities and hottest markets through 2021 and beyond.
The CEE region has become an increasingly important factor for growth on the continent, which markets do you see being the main drivers?
It’s all about the big-hitters that have an established framework in place, whether that be Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Croatia or any of the other regulated markets. What we’ve seen in the last few years has been exponential in terms of growth, and that’s undoubtedly a good thing. Solid, concise frameworks that allow a safe and level playing field for both player and operator has created a wide berth of entry for multiple international brands across the region. Given the windfall on revenue for governments, rather than seeing GGR go offshore, will undoubtedly prove to be a good thing for local economies, and has already proven to be a significant contributor to national budgets.
In hand with that development comes a surge in the quality of gaming available – as well as a more advanced menu of entertainment experiences – whether that be table games, instant games or slots. I’m fully confident that the advantages of a safe, regulated market will continue to be felt by countries that have established a steady GGR growth rate and a favourable environment for doing business.
In general, how would you define the typical CEE player’s profile towards slots, instant and table games? What kind of entertainment are players looking for?
The typical CEE player mainly shares characteristics with those you’d find elsewhere in Europe. Having said that, the transition to online has indeed come later than in the West, so it is inevitable that we see games that have a lot in common with the land-base sector to appeal to players. We’re also seeing plenty of interest in instant games (especially when it comes to our stable of titles), which I believe to be a massive growth area. Why? The clue’s in the name – they give players a chance to enjoy instant entertainment, lighting-fast game rounds and a quickfire result.
Are there any particular territories that stand out for you as having a unique player demographic?
While we’re certainly not a brand that believes in a ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to global delivery, from personal experience I can say that the extent that one sees unique player demographics vary from country to country is relatively minimal. A greater factor that shapes delivery of product, and in effect defining the demographics of the players you deliver to in each market – is the infrastructure and accessibility. For example, with rural or highland areas, slower internet speeds are inevitable and therefore require more adaptable content that can either be leveraged via game engines to enhance the download speed, or alternatively through the application of light technical requirements for the game itself.
Having said that, CEE is digitising at an impressively fast pace. Heavy investment in high-speed broadband coverage can be observed throughout Europe, with 86% of the Czech Republic’s rural locations now connected to the internet, for instance, while Romania (as I’m sure any citizen there will be fast to tell you), has one of the fastest internet speeds in the world!
How should operators in the region be looking to tailor / customise their content to further drive retention and engagement?
There’s really no substitute for analysing the market in depth. That means closely studying the preferences of local players and the state-of-play for any potential competitors. Operators who get that process right can adapt their offering accordingly, thus driving revenue in the long-term.
We know that while session durations are relatively consistent across Europe, the average stake value is not. This is especially the case in the CEE region, where arguably the economic fallout from COVID-19 can be felt harder than most, which requires a gaming experience that can provide extended entertainment without draining player’s bank balances in minutes. This is especially the case for what is a hugely tech-savvy demographic – who are far more discerning than many outsiders would assume – and therefore require a solid product with the maths to back it up. Success here is all about authenticity, and players will recognise a lack of it from a mile off.
Gamification’s going to be a hot topic in the months ahead given the need for entertainment – as a market expert, what types of features do you believe will be key in 2021?
Tournaments are very strong right now – and formats that allow players to compete against each other in real time are going to be a mainstay in gaming development this year. I see this as being indicative that providing players with an additional sense of competition, such as pitting players against players through formats like multiplayer gameplay, is a whole new level of gamification in itself that can do wonders for making your products more interesting for your audience locked down at home.
I’m particularly excited about what multiplayer can offer, and we’re taking this area very seriously. They’re going to be a serious asset when it comes to providing an additional dimension of gameplay. Combine that with faster rounds with instant games (which are very hot right now), as well as the opportunity for more varied stakes – and you have a lightning-fast experience that can create a hugely exciting betting environment and really drive engagement and retention.
Ukraine of course is going to be very closely watched – how would you rate the regulation process so far and do you believe we’re on track to go live by mid-next year?
We’ve seen good progress in Ukraine since July last year when online gambling was officially made legal – and the government has been working hard to get a regulatory framework in place, with a commission already formed to monitor the issuing of licenses to casino operators.
It is also expected that the number of licences that the authorities choose to grant will be limited – this, just like we’ve recently seen in Argentina, means that we have a queue of foreign operators waiting for certification, and I predict will start seeing the results show in around six months. I look forward to contributing towards the creation of a safe and regulated gaming environment for all, as well as seeing the benefits that gaming revenue will bring to our national economy – just as it has for other regulated CEE territories. The future is certainly looking bright!
And last but not least, are there any leading figures or businesses you can recommend to our readers for 2021 inspiration?
The biggest source of inspiration to me personally continues to be the fantastic team of staff we’ve got right here at Evoplay Entertainment. The tremendous success we’ve enjoyed as a company drives me to strive for more, and I genuinely believe that when we work together as a company, there is almost nothing we can’t achieve.
Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from your own accomplishments, no matter how large or small. It’s a reminder that your greatest days lie ahead – something that’s particularly important to remember in the current circumstances!
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S8UL Makes History at the Esports Awards 2025, Becomes First Indian Organisation to Win Two Major Honours
Reading Time: 3 minutes
S8UL wins Esports Content Group of the Year for the fourth time, Animesh “8Bit Thug” Agarwal crowned Esports Personality of the Year at the Oscars of gaming
S8UL Esports, India’s trailblazing force in gaming and creator-led entertainment, delivered a landmark moment at the Esports Awards 2025 in Las Vegas. The organisation celebrated a remarkable double win, lifting the Esports Content Group of the Year award for the fourth time, while Co-Founder Animesh “8Bit Thug” Agarwal was honoured as Esports Personality of the Year. The night became even more memorable as S8UL emerged as the first and only Indian organisation to win two separate titles at the Esports Awards, a milestone shaped by the team’s heart, dedication, and years of passion.
Often called the Oscars of the gaming world, the Esports Awards shine a spotlight on the finest global talent every year. For India, S8UL’s double win comes during a remarkable season in which the organisation also competed at the Esports World Cup, standing alongside some of the world’s most premier teams and creators while representing the country on one of esports’ biggest international stages. Winning Content Group of the Year again, in a category stacked with giants like T1, Sentinels, Team Liquid, and Fnatic, reinforces S8UL’s global standing and the strength of its storytelling, creativity, and community-first approach.
This year also marked a proud moment for Indian creators who featured among some of the world’s most competitive categories. Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, was nominated for Streamer of the Year. She stood alongside some of the biggest names in global streaming including Kai Cenat, Marc “Caedrel” Lamont, Morgan “AngryGinge” Burtwistle, Felix “xQc” Lengyel, Nicholas “Jynxzi” Stewart, and Nick “Lacy” Fosco. The award was ultimately won by Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr, yet Payal’s presence in a lineup of this scale reflects the growing global footprint of Indian creators and the doors they continue to open. Snax also continued to represent India’s creator and competitive community across the year, contributing to S8UL’s global presence including its run at the Esports World Cup, where the organisation competed in some of the most challenging lineups internationally.
Raj Varma carried the Indian flag into the Esports Content Creator of the Year category, nominated alongside Marc “Caedrel” Lamont, Cody “Clix” Conrod, Alexandre “gAuLeS” Borba, Tarik “Tarik” Celik, Jack “NiceWigg” Martin, and Mark “Ohnepixel” Zimmermann. The award went to Nicholas “Jynxzi” Stewart, yet Raj’s nomination underscored the rise of Indian storytellers who are now being recognised at the highest level of global esports entertainment.
Reflecting on the landmark night, S8UL’s founders shared their thoughts.
Animesh “8Bit Thug” Agarwal, Co-Founder, S8UL, said, “This year’s esports awards nominations were already huge for us. Back to back nominations told us we were doing something right. But winning Content Group of the year, for the fourth time running, its just wild. Lets take a moment to celebrate the huge moment that it is! And ‘Esports Personality of the year’, that really is a shared victory! The nights our fans have spent watching us, cheering us and all the votes they cast, together we’ve made this happen. Honestly, if you are a wellwisher of Indian Gaming, its the time to rejoice. Seeing Indian Gaming here, its big. I always knew this can happen, but its surreal when it did. Going back home with so much more determination! “
Naman ‘Mortal’ Mathur, Co-Founder, S8UL, said, “This is a proud moment not just for S8UL, but for India. Year after year, our goal has been to show the world that Indian gaming creators can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best. These wins inspire us to push even harder and continue representing India globally.”
Lokesh “Goldy” Jain, Co-Founder, S8UL, said, “S8UL has always been about building a legacy rooted in creativity, collaboration, and community. Winning two awards tonight is a testament to the relentless efforts of our team and the unwavering love of our fans. We will continue raising the bar for Indian esports and creators worldwide.”
As S8UL celebrates a historic night, the moment stands as another reminder of how far Indian esports has come and where it is headed. With creators, teams, and leadership continuously raising industry benchmarks, S8UL’s journey continues to inspire millions across the country, proving yet again that world-class esports culture can grow from the heart of India’s gaming community.
The post S8UL Makes History at the Esports Awards 2025, Becomes First Indian Organisation to Win Two Major Honours appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Red Bull Solo Legends National Final Set to Make Esports History at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Red Bull Solo Legends is stepping into a new chapter as the tournament’s national finals arrive at the breathtaking Royal Opera House, Mumbai on 2nd December.
For the first time ever, the century-old cultural landmark will host an esports event, bringing competitive gaming into a space that has witnessed some of India’s most celebrated artistic performances.
This is a powerful moment for Indian esports. What began in community rooms, cyber cafés, and online lobbies now enters one of the country’s most majestic stages, celebrating the growth of gaming as a modern cultural force.
The journey to the finals has been equally ambitious. Red Bull Solo Legends is a multi-phase tournament, featuring both online and on-ground stages, uniting tens of thousands of solo BGMI players from every corner of the country. From grassroots talent to seasoned pros, competitors battled through a pure solo queue format, proving their instincts, consistency, and clutch ability. Each round brought them closer to the opportunity of facing India’s top BGMI professionals at the finals. The champion of Red Bull Solo Legends will walk away with the title of India’s strongest solo BGMI player along with an exclusive international Red Bull Racing experience.
With 64 of the country’s finest solo BGMI contenders taking the stage, 32 qualified finalists, 24 top-tier pros, and 8 Chaos Agents, the Royal Opera House will echo with a new kind of intensity.They will compete across 5 matches to determine the first-ever Red Bull Solo Legends champion. As spectators walk in, they’ll be part of a one-of-a-kind atmosphere where strategy, instinct, and pure solo skill unfold inside one of Mumbai’s most exquisite architectural treasures.
Red Bull Solo Legends will feature some of India’s prominent BGMI athletes including Jonathan Amaral (Jonathan Gaming), Tanishk Singh (Admino), Rudra B (Spower), Sahil Jakhar (Omega), Raghuraj Singh (Slug), Mohammed Owais Lakhani (Owais), Sohail Shaikh (Hector), and Paridhi Gupta (Noob Pari) and many more. These players, known for their exceptional skills, will compete against each other, bringing their unique strategies and gameplay styles to the forefront. Esports thrives on pressure, audience energy, and unforgettable moments. The Royal Opera House, known for its grandeur and legacy, offers a stage worthy of the stakes. The contrast is striking in the best way, with ornate balconies and vintage chandeliers watching over India’s sharpest digital athletes as they fight for the title of the country’s strongest solo BGMI player.
Built between 1909 and 1915 and inaugurated by King George V, the Royal Opera House is India’s only surviving opera house, restored lovingly after decades of closure. From theatre to classical music to film screenings, its stage has embraced every form of performance. On 2nd December, it will embrace competitive gaming for the very first time, welcoming India’s esports community into its history.
Red Bull Solo Legends has been created to celebrate individual excellence in BGMI. Every rotation, every fight, every decision rests on the player alone. Hosting the finals in a venue that represents mastery, legacy, and performance adds a rare emotional depth to the competition, turning every clutch into a moment that will be remembered long after the final circle closes.
Tickets will be exclusively live on Swiggy Scenes 21st November onward.
Matches will also be broadcast live on the Red Bull Game On YouTube channel for fans from across the country: youtube.com/@RedBullGameOn
The post Red Bull Solo Legends National Final Set to Make Esports History at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: < 1 minute
eGaming Integrity has been shortlisted for the Tech Supporter of the Year award at the Digital Isle Tech Awards 2025, which recognise organisations making a significant contribution to the Island’s technology sector through collaboration, capability-building, and practical support.
eGaming Integrity provides compliance and internal audit services that help digital businesses strengthen their regulatory readiness and operational resilience. Its integrity-as-a-service model combines monitoring tools, risk assessments, and regulatory guidance to support both new and established operators. The firm also contributes to broader industry development by delivering workshops, best-practice resources, and advisory support aimed at helping early-stage and growing companies navigate compliance and security requirements.
Companies working with eGaming Integrity report improvements in governance, data protection, and audit preparedness, along with increased confidence when launching products or expanding into new markets. The firm’s partnerships with accelerators, incubators, and industry bodies have helped foster a more open and collaborative environment across the Island’s tech community.
Emma Shilling, Director of eGaming Integrity, commented: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted. Our focus has always been to support licence-holders and technology businesses in meeting the Island’s high standards. This recognition reflects the hard work of our team, the value of expert led technical solutions and the value of clear, practical guidance for organisations across the sector.”
Public voting for the awards is now open and closes at 2pm on 27 November 2025.
Members of the public can vote by selecting a finalist in each category at: digitalisleofman.com/tech-awards/
Winners will be announced at the Digital Isle 2025 event on 27 November.
The post eGaming Integrity Shortlisted for Tech Supporter of the Year Award appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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