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“We’re moving and scaling our market presence worldwide”: Exclusive interview with Evoplay CCO
Reading Time: 4 minutes
As the famous tech-first studio prepares to take the Baltic region by storm following its debut in Estonia, and soon Lithuania, we caught up with Evoplay’s CCO, Vladimir Malakchi to talk about the supplier’s expert insight into the CEE market and player profiles.
Congratulations on Evoplay’s latest market debut! How long have you had your eye on the Baltics?
Thank you, it’s a real milestone for us and we’re very pleased to be expanding and building a first-class network. The Baltics is an important market and we’ve been planning entry for some time.
The growth there has been astounding – in Latvia, for example, Euro 11.5 million was generated by the online casino sector just a few years ago. And in Estonia, a recent survey showed that 80% of adults said they had, at least once, placed bets on games of chance, which shows what a tech-savvy audience we’re dealing with.
Our games have proven to resonate really well with CEE players, and we first entered Romania with WinBet, as well as expanding into Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. Alongside that, we have already certified our games with local certificates and we’re about to enter Lithuania with one of its most credible casino operators to continue building our Baltic presence
Tell us about your latest deals – what do they encompass and what are you set to deliver?
We’re moving and scaling our market presence worldwide. The CEE region, Estonia and Lithuania are three markets we’ve been looking at this year, and I’m sure we’ll have plenty more exciting news to announce soon enough.
In 2021, we entered Estonia with Slots.io, and with our Lithuanian regulatory approval added to the mix, one can certainly say that our approach is globally local.
When it comes to our offering, we’ve hand-picked our very best to please not only the regulator but also our new players, including Ice Mania, Fluffy Rangers and Forest Dreams. Having really made a name for ourselves as one of the most tech-first suppliers around, we’re very confident that we’ll be able to bring a truly exciting gaming experience to the table that will showcase just how much we stand out as a unique supplier.
What’s your overall view of the three markets available? How do they compare to other CEE markets where Evoplay is live?
The preferences are similar to the typical CEE player, and accordingly relate to the European player profile. We find that CEE countries have similar tastes with regards to games, but with slightly differing needs from country to country.
What we need to remember here is that mobile is the key channel. This means each of our games need to be designed for a highly discerning audience that knows exactly what they should expect when it comes to next-gen gaming. This means flawless graphics, pitch-perfect sounds and an immersive atmosphere that can compete on a par with other types of mobile-based games that they’re accustomed to outside of gambling.
When it comes to the tech – what’s the primary channel of choice for Estonia and Lithuania, and how do you aim to tailor your offering?
As already mentioned, mobile is king – and this is where we really excel. Of course, we go far deeper than that when it comes to evaluating what we have to offer and tailoring our games accordingly. Now it’s too early to say, as we’re still testing and analysing the feedback from players from these markets and adjusting our offering based on the incoming data and each game’s performance.
This, is of course, means that we plan to bring plenty more of our games to the table as we continue to hone our offering, and we will share more specific data and feedback after six months in these markets, but the initial findings are interesting and positive. As everywhere, players choose quality, interesting games that they find familiar to the ones that they are used to seeing on the market.
So, this fits very well with Evoplay’s approach of giving the games you feel you know, but with a new spin based on stunning graphics, great mechanics, and incredible technological implementations.
Taking a look at the games you have prepared for your partners – what have you selected as the best in your catalogue? What can players look forward to?
For the Estonian and Lithuanian markets, we’ve certified a selection of 40 slot titles and we’re pleased to see that all of them have good performance rates in Estonia already, and in some cases – have knocked even our most optimistic expectations right out of the park. Players really like what we have to offer, and we’re delighted to be making a real difference when it comes to entertainment.
Delving into our titles, we think, for example, that Ice Mania, Forest Dreams and Fluffy Rangers are going to be big hits in Estonia, and we’re confident that this will carry over to Lithuania, too – especially, of course, our worldwide evergreen hits such as Hot Triple Sevens, Elven Princesses and Fruit Nova.
Last but not least, how do you see further CEE expansion fitting into Evoplay’s strategy? Should we expect plenty more news soon enough?
We’re exploring all opportunities with regards to our CEE market expansion – it’s a strong marketing that’s ripe for our gaming experience. In many ways, we’re only just getting started – with the Balkan markets proving especially exciting as player interest continues to surge there.
Moving southwards, of special interest to us is Greece – and we’re working hard to assemble a catalogue of regulation-friendly products as we undergo the suppliers’ licencing process, adapted this year. This changing nature of regulation is something I predict to continue to be a hot topic throughout 2021 on the continent, and it’s all about being innovative and agile to adapt to both the regulator and our partners’ needs.
Further afield, we’re open and looking to new markets to reach in Central Western Europe, LatAm and emerging markets. Having a global reach, but with locally relevant games, is a core driver for us, and we’re very much looking forward to keeping our momentum going from last year, which was a record-breaking time for us, across markets, launches and new games. Do stay tuned for plenty more exciting announcements soon enough!
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Red Bull WOLOLO 2026 Takes Over London As Tickets Go On Sale For Eighth Edition: ‘Londinium’
Reading Time: 2 minutes
- Red Bull Wololo returns for its eighth edition, Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, taking place from April 1st – 6th, 2026.
- The tournament brings together elite Age of Empires strategists from around the globe to battle across Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV.
- London itself has been transformed into a living Age of Empires spectacle today, with a citywide takeover that lets fans experience the spirit of Age of Empires firsthand.
- Tickets for the Playoffs are available on eventbrite.co.uk/e/red-bull-wololo-playoffs-tickets-1974965913211?aff=oddtdtcreator,
- Tickets for the Grand Final are available on royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2026/red-bull-wololo-londinium, giving fans the chance to witness the world’s top Age of Empires players compete in iconic London venues.
The call of “Wololo” rings across the capital of the UK today as tickets officially go on sale for Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, the grandest chapter in Age of Empires competitive history. Taking place from April 1st – 6th, 2026, the renowned esports tournament will not only bring elite RTS competitors to London but transform the city itself in a landmark takeover celebrating the return of Red Bull Wololo for its eighth edition.
To mark the launch of ticket sales, Red Bull Wololo has staged a special takeover across London today, bringing Age of Empires to life in three iconic locations. From Leicester Square and Tower Bridge, to Hyde Park with the Royal Albert Hall rising in the distance, the streets have come alive with performers dressed as iconic characters from the game. Wielding medieval-style flags emblazoned with the Red Bull Wololo emblem, they offered passersby and fans a glimpse into the tournament and the chance to join the action as London beheld the spirit of Age of Empires.
In 2026, across six days of competition, Red Bull Wololo: Londinium will see the world’s best Age of Empires strategists battle for supremacy in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV, culminating in a historic Grand Final at the Royal Albert Hall – the first-ever Age of Empires orchestrated esports final, with a 40-piece orchestra performing the game’s legendary soundtrack live for over 2,500 fans.
Red Bull Wololo: Londinium Key Dates
- Group Stages: April 1st – 3rd, 2026 – Red Bull Gaming Sphere, Shoreditch
- Playoffs: April 4th – 5th, 2026 – The Odeon Luxe Cinema, Leicester Square
- Grand Final: April 6th, 2026 – Royal Albert Hall
The action kicks off at the Red Bull Gaming Sphere with the Group Stages before moving to the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square for the Playoffs, where top competitors from the Age of Empires II and Age of Empires IV qualifiers battle under the spotlight in one of London’s most iconic entertainment venues. The tournament will then reach its crescendo within the historic walls of the Royal Albert Hall, where players who have proven themselves worthy will face off for ultimate glory and a place in Age of Empires competitive history.
Tickets are now on sale for the Playoffs and Grand Final of Red Bull Wololo: Londinium. Secure your Playoff tickets (eventbrite.co.uk/e/red-bull-wololo-playoffs-tickets-1974965913211?aff=oddtdtcreator) and Grand Final tickets (royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2026/red-bull-wololo-londinium) . Don’t miss the chance to see elite esports players from around the world compete across Age of Empires titles in historic venues, as London itself becomes a stage for strategy and conquest.
Fans across the globe will be able to tune into the action for every stage of the tournament via the Red Bull Gaming Twitch and YouTube channels.
The post Red Bull WOLOLO 2026 Takes Over London As Tickets Go On Sale For Eighth Edition: ‘Londinium’ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Konami Digital Entertainment and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Have Signed a Partnership Agreement
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Konami Digital Entertainment pleased to announce the signing of a partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. (Konami) announces a partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been signed. CAF is the continental federation governing football associations in the African region, currently comprising 56 member countries and regions. CAF organises numerous tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, which determines the continent’s top football team, significantly contributing to the sport’s development.
In recent years, football has enjoyed overwhelming popularity in Africa, with interest in national and club teams rapidly increasing. Furthermore, interest and enthusiasm for eFootball are also growing, leading to the signing of this new licensing agreement with CAF.
To commemorate this partnership, a special AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS 25 Campaign will be held within eFootball. Tournament events and African star players will appear in the game, allowing players to experience the excitement of the actual tournament.
Koji Kobayashi, Senior Executive Officer, Konami Digital Entertainment commented: “We are delighted to announce the establishment of a partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This partnership brings new possibilities to the gaming experience, and we are truly excited to deliver the passion of the African region-home to some of the world’s most powerful footballing nations – to fans around the globe through eFootball, and this partnership opens up exciting new possibilities for the gaming experience. Through this initiative, we look forward to adding new African star players and tournament licenses such as TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, further enhancing the realism and excitement of eFootball.”
Véron Mosengo-Omba, General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) adds: “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be one of the most exciting and widely followed editions of our flagship competition. Our partnership with KONAMI reflects CAF’s commitment to innovation, global fan engagement, and creating new opportunities for African youth in both football and digital spaces.”
Konami Digital Entertainment will continue to expand its licenses and provide authentic soccer experiences to fans worldwide through eFootball.
The post Konami Digital Entertainment and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Have Signed a Partnership Agreement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
- G2 has named Betpanda, a leading online crypto casino, as its official CS global betting partner
- Starting in 2026, Betpanda will appear on G2’s CS2 team jerseys
- Throughout the year, fans can take part in tournaments, giveaways, sweepstakes, and a variety of video and social content designed to enhance the fan experience
G2, one of the world’s leading entertainment and esports brands, has entered into a partnership with Betpanda, a leading online crypto casino, as the official global betting partner for the organisation’s Counter-Strike team. The collaboration will roll out a series of initiatives worldwide, including giveaways, sweepstakes, content, tournament activations, and more. As part of the collaboration, Betpanda branding will appear as the main logo on G2’s CS team jerseys from 2026.
Throughout 2026, fans will be able to experience the partnership first-hand at multiple esports tournament activations throughout the year, featuring creators and teams, offering exclusive in-person opportunities.
With a shared commitment to innovation and community, G2 and Betpanda aim to provide engaging experiences for fans throughout the year. The partnership will also extend to a range of digital activations, featuring exclusive video and social content, giveaways, and other initiatives.
“Betpanda joins us at an exciting moment for the organisation,” said Alban Dechelotte, CEO of G2. “This alliance allows us to build fresh, meaningful touchpoints for our fans throughout the year. We hope to create moments that will entertain and connect with fans all around the world.”
“G2 has set the standard for excellence in esports, and we’re proud to collaborate with a team that consistently pushes the boundaries of what the industry can be,” says Betpanda. “Their view on innovation and creativity goes perfectly hand-in-hand with our way of breaking boundaries and reaching new fans and audiences. Thank you to EMW Global for helping us to make this partnership possible. We’re excited to see the impact we can create alongside G2 in 2026”
The post G2 Announces Betpanda as Official CS Global Betting Partner Ahead of 2026 Season appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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