Latest News
Three-way title fight in this week’s F1 Esports Series Pro Championship presented by Aramco Grand Final
While the real-world F1 season may have ended on Sunday, we have plenty more racing action for you this week as we head into the Grand Final of the F1 Esports Series Pro Championship presented by Aramco, with just eight points separating the top three drivers. Reigning champion Jarno Opmeer leads the way on 140, with Lucas Blakeley and Frede Rasmussen within touching distance of the Dutchman on 135 and 132 points respectively. It is still all to play for in the Teams’ Championship too with Mercedes on 222 points and Red Bull not far behind on 199, as they fight to get their hands on a share of the $750,000 prize pot.
Drivers will take on the iconic Imola circuit for the first time in an F1 Esports Series event, after it was introduced to the F1 2021 video game this year, before Wednesday’s action finishes up at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The final Round of the season will take place at Interlagos, where many famous championship battles have been decided in the real world.
The live shows will be streamed online via official Formula 1 channels on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and Huya, as well as broadcast on television by select international partners including the likes of Sky, ESPN and Fox Sports, whilst Qualifying show content will be streamed exclusively on Twitch, YouTube and Huya.
Please see the table below for the full breakdown of the platform splits so you don’t miss a moment of the action this week:
Day |
Session |
Time (GMT) |
Coverage |
Wednesday 15 December |
Qualifying Show 1 |
15:30 – 16:45 |
Twitch, YouTube & Huya |
Evening Show 1 |
19:30 – 21:00 |
TV & Online |
|
Thursday 16 December |
Qualifying Show 2 |
15:30 – 16:45 |
Twitch, YouTube & Huya |
Evening Show 2 |
19:30 – 21:00 |
TV & Online |
Ahead of this week’s Grand Final, we spoke with Jarno Opmeer, Lucas Blakeley and Marcel Kiefer, all looking to get their hands on some silverware this week, with all quotes below available for use in editorial:
Jarno Opmeer – Mercedes
“There’s a lot of pressure on the top three going into the final. It’s going to be a battle between me, Frede and Lucas which makes it very exciting, especially with how qualifying works. It can switch around really fast so anything could happen!”
Lucas Blakeley – Aston Martin
“I’ve not been in this position fighting for a championship before so it’s a privilege to even be in this position so I’m grateful I’m able to be doing this in the first place. I’ve been working on the details and making sure I’m prepared to the best level I can be to perform at the final event at the same standard that I have been driving all season. I’m more excited about the final than nervous for it.”
Marcel Kiefer – Red Bull
“Lucas has had a great season and Aston Martin have made a great comeback so we have to give them credit for that. Jarno is probably the smartest guy on the grid when it comes to strategy so he’s always tricky to race against. Frede is the most talented driver and probably sim-racer overall, especially over one lap. His raw pace is incredible. I’m backing our boy Frede for the title and hoping he can secure P1.”

Latest News
Wazdan Wins Volatility Virtuoso Crown at Slotsoo Game Provider Awards 2025
Wazdan, the leading gain-focused developer, has been awarded the prestigious Volatility Virtuoso title at the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards 2025.
This win is further confirmation that when it comes to real innovation and serious gains, Wazdan continues to set the benchmark in the iGaming industry.
While others chase trends, Wazdan defines them.
This award doesn’t come as a surprise; it’s a natural result of consistently delivering bold, player-centric features that are built to drive engagement and maximise performance.
At the heart of this award lies Wazdan’s signature Volatility Levels™, a truly game-changing mechanic that hands control back to the player. Whether they’re after low-risk, steady wins or craving high-volatility, big-hit action, Wazdan’s games empower players to choose their own pace, their own style, and ultimately, their own gains.
But Volatility Levels™ isn’t the only customisation tool Wazdan offers in its games. Titles like 9 Coins™, Hot Slot™: 777 Cash Out, and many others benefit from Chance Level™, a feature engineered for performance, precision and boost in players’ retention.
Every mechanic that Wazdan brings to market is designed with a clear purpose: to maximise player engagement and deliver measurable gains for its partners.
Jakub Popanda, Lead Marketing Manager at Wazdan, said: “We believe that true innovation isn’t just about novelty, it’s about control, clarity, and consistent performance. Volatility Levels™ embodies this philosophy, giving players the freedom to define their own thrill, and operators the tools to unlock tangible growth. We’re honoured to have been recognised.”
The post Wazdan Wins Volatility Virtuoso Crown at Slotsoo Game Provider Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
BETBY DELIVERS STRONG H1 2025 PERFORMANCE WITH CONTINUED COMBINED GROWTH ACROSS SPORTSBOOK AND BETBY.GAMES
BETBY, a leading sportsbook supplier, has released its H1 2025 performance figures, showcasing solid growth across key verticals, including its proprietary esports feed BETBY.Games. These results highlight the provider’s product strength and growing global presence through both new and existing partnerships.
During the first half of the year, BETBY’s sportsbook delivered a strong performance, with Gross Gaming Revenue increasing by 472% compared to H1 2024. The number of active players across its partner network rose by 211%, reflecting the growing appeal of BETBY’s comprehensive sportsbook solution. Total bets placed also climbed by 277%, marking another period of high engagement across the platform.
Betby.Games, the supplier’s proprietary esports feed, also made a significant contribution to the company’s overall growth. The vertical achieved a 153% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue and a near 57% rise in bets placed during the period. As a result, Betby.Games accounted for 14% of the company’s total GGR for H1 2025.
Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at BETBY, said: “H1 has been another important step forward for BETBY, with meaningful growth in both our sportsbook and esports verticals. We continue to innovate, scale, and support our partners’ ambitions by delivering products that perform, with Betby.Games’ performance demonstrating the underlying strength and potential of the vertical. As we look ahead, we remain focused on accelerating growth across all areas.”
To find out more about Betby, please visit: https://betby.com/
The post BETBY DELIVERS STRONG H1 2025 PERFORMANCE WITH CONTINUED COMBINED GROWTH ACROSS SPORTSBOOK AND BETBY.GAMES appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
STRIVE SECURES SBK X BRADFORD CITY DEAL TO DRIVE FAN-FOCUSED GROWTH
Sports marketing consultancy Strive Sponsorship has brokered a new multi-year partnership between SBK, the sportsbook app from Smarkets, and Bradford City AFC, newly promoted to EFL League One. The collaboration aims to deepen fan engagement and drive measurable brand impact for SBK through content innovation and strategic alignment.
The deal positions SBK as one of Bradford City’s main partners and official betting sponsor. The partnership’s centrepiece is the launch of a new club podcast, designed to give fans exclusive behind-the-scenes access, nostalgic stories, and in-depth interviews with past and present figures from the club.
The tie-up follows an insight-led strategic review of the English football ecosystem conducted by Strive on SBK’s behalf. This review identified rights holders whose brand values, audience profile, and commercial proposition aligned with SBK’s mission to grow awareness and salience in a crowded betting market.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure supporting long-term client SBK throughout this process, said Malph Minns, Managing Director at Strive.
“They’ve really bought into the data-led, insight-driven methodology we’ve developed to guide partnerships that aren’t just visible—but valuable.
“The City team have been incredibly collaborative, and I’m excited to see the partnership come to life—especially with the podcast bringing fans closer to the club’s story.”
The deal showcases how Strive blends market intelligence, rights negotiation, and fan-focused activations to deliver partnerships that serve both brand objectives and supporter experience. For SBK, the podcast provides a powerful content platform to deliver long-term brand affinity, while Bradford City AFC benefits from a new media channel to build deeper connections with its loyal fanbase.
Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, said: “Strive undertook a data-led strategic review of English football for us over the summer, identifying opportunities that fit within a clear strategy to help us build brand awareness and brand salience.
“They also led on contract negotiations, securing us the rights we need to deliver value to the business.
“As a result of that work, we are thrilled SBK will be partnering with Bradford City AFC. Together, we will be bringing fans closer to the action and backing the Bantams every step of the way in what will be a really exciting season in Sky Bet League One.”
Davide Longo, Chief Commercial Officer at Bradford City AFC, added: “We are incredibly pleased to welcome SBK on board as the club’s official betting partner and will look forward to working closely with them over the next two seasons.
“The introduction of a Bradford City podcast will help bring supporters closer to their club, hearing stories from former players and other guests each month.
“Working with Strive has been an absolute pleasure. They are an incredibly thorough and professional outfit who are diligent in approach and work with a smile.”
The post STRIVE SECURES SBK X BRADFORD CITY DEAL TO DRIVE FAN-FOCUSED GROWTH appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News3 months ago
ELA Games Receives Key Nomination at EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards
-
Latest News2 months ago
LEGENDS by Fire & Ice: July 1st at The BOX Soho
-
Latest News2 months ago
New Resort & Casino Selects IvedaAI for Intelligent Video Surveillance Ahead of Grand Opening
-
Latest News2 months ago
HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn
-
Latest News2 months ago
S8UL acquires North America’s leading Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster ahead of Esports World Cup 2025
-
Latest News3 months ago
Esports World Cup Foundation Launches Global “Road to EWC” Program, Unveiling Qualification Pathways for the Esports World Cup 2025
-
Latest News1 month ago
Brand-new projects debuting at iGB L!VE: Casino&You and Win&You Partners!
-
Latest News3 months ago
StarLadder to Host 2025 CS2 Major in Budapest’s 20,000-Seat MVM Dome
You must be logged in to post a comment Login