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“There is room for everyone in esports.” Exclusive Q&A with Ashley Washington, Head of VCT Game Changers
There is an old, now-defunct saying in football that women can’t understand the offside rule. While there was no such explicit quote, the feeling has been pretty much the same in esports, if you go by the low number of women playing the sports.
Now, who will do something to change the gender disparity in esports? Enter VCT Game Changers.
VCT Game Changers is an esports program exclusively for women where gamers play Riot Games’ hit video game VALORANT. The Game Changers tournament is into its third edition this year.
We have here with us Ashley Washington, Head of VCT Game Changers. She talks about, well, the game-changing situation in esports. Her responses are insightful and stats-rich. Don’t miss it.
Q. Let’s start with a quick intro. How did you land in the gaming industry?
A. This is a very reductive version of the story but I was working in account management and sales in NYC after graduating from New York University. Though I did study game design, I wasn’t really sure of myself when it came to making a career in the industry. There was an evening in January of 2016 when I’d just paid my rent—a paycheck and a half—and I just decided that I wanted to move to Berlin. I knew it was fun and cheap because I studied abroad there. I bought a one-way ticket and did that. Berlin is the kind of place where you can make almost anything happen for yourself career-wise, so I chased my dreams and made the switch! I’ve done quality assurance work, data science, journalism and, it turns out, I’m strongest as a product leader.
Q. Tell us about Valorant Game Changers: Mission, vision, mode of operation and all that?
A. VCT Game Changers is a program meant to introduce women to the VALORANT ecosystem, guide them in the cultivation of their skills and, ideally, see them make their way out of the program and into the rest of the VALORANT competitive space. The goal is to have a diversified ecosystem where people from a variety of identities and backgrounds can excel at the highest levels of play. So far, we’ve set out to achieve this by running the tournament circuit that most are familiar with but, in the future, we are working to find additional ways we can make this vision into a reality.
Q. How do you analyse your performance so far? Could you talk about the changes you have brought about in esports, especially in terms of the participation of women?
A. I think there are some obvious things we are looking at and some less obvious things. Really high on the list is participation. We recently maxed out signups for the first time with 130 teams registered out of 128, meaning two teams were on the waitlist when signups closed. Ultimately we saw 126 teams participate, this is over 600 players which is great to see. We set out to create a safe space, so seeing more and more women choose to enter it is absolutely a win. One of the other stronger indicators of success, at least from my perspective, is to see women in rosters in the rest of VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA . Whilst it’s not yet exactly standard, mixed rosters can already be seen in third party VALORANT tournaments, like BLAST Spike Nations, and that’s a beautiful thing as well.
Q. Valorant Game Changers tournament is into its third series now. How has the tournament evolved and progressed over the three series?
A. Growth is probably the biggest evolving factor for Game Changers at this stage. For example, just this year, we saw 91 teams participate in the second series. In the third series, we had 126 teams. In addition to more teams, we are seeing the strength of the teams grow as well. The players are becoming increasingly more skilled and the competitive spirit among EMEA teams is a lot more dynamic. There are a lot of really interesting team and player stories developing and a notable increase in participation from regions that are usually not represented like Turkey and MENA (and some parts of Europe). So, the community that we’ve grown with the tournament is maturing in many ways.
Q. The number of women participating in esports is still low, with reference to an ideal scenario. What do you think are the hindrances women face in entering and excelling at esports?
A. I’ve spent a lot of time talking to women in the scene playing different titles and coming from different backgrounds. The things I hear referenced the most come down to the lack of opportunities (both perceived and actual—they’re equally as bad when the result is the same) and a fear of career instability should they decide to go all in with esports. Many of these women have a hard time convincing orgs to give them a chance or, when they do, getting adequate pay that allows them to focus on doing their best. The women end up needing to maintain their studies or another job so that they have a backup plan in the event that things don’t work out. This happens in esports in general but it would seem that this is a very common experience for women entering the space.
It’s very important that any organisation interested in providing these opportunities to women is also committed to investing in their careers as well. Bringing a group of women together just to have that roster there without paying any mind to what they need to thrive and grow is a costly and painful mistake. It leaves its mark and it can be incredibly discouraging for those that it affects.
Of course I also hear from women who have terrible experiences due to toxicity and the lack of confidence that can come from that or just not seeing enough representation in general. This kind of thing can strike when they’re so young that they don’t even consider trying to play competitively when they get older. It doesn’t end with players either, underrepresentation is happening in every area—women working in talent or esports-related companies might also face these issues.
Q. What kind of activities is Valorant Game Changers undertaking for training and mentoring women in esports?
A. Our approach to this varies regionally. Since Game Changers is still young, not every region has a training supplement, EMEA included. But we are hoping to introduce something like this relatively soon. The most important thing is finding something that is best suited to the region and what the Game Changers community is looking for, so we’ve been doing a lot of listening for now.
Q. How are you looking into the future regarding women’s participation in esports? In which countries do you hope to see a surge in numbers in terms of women players?
A. EMEA is already so strong when it comes to this. The interest in esports among women is high and every year, the landscape for opportunities to play is looking brighter and brighter. Continuing with this is the first thing I hope and fully expect to see. When it comes to regional representation, I dream of higher numbers from MENA—so North Africa and the Middle East. This is already happening so tapping into what players from these regions need to feel comfortable taking the leap is one of many focus points I have looking ahead to the future. Though I can safely say that I wouldn’t complain about an increase from any space in the region. This is one of the rare occasions in life where more is absolutely better.
Q. Finally, what kind of initiatives do you want to see in the esports industry in general –- by governments and other organisations — to ensure the number of women in esports continues to increase?
A. I would love to see more support for younger fans who are curious about playing or being in the industry in general. I think it’s very easy to write off “gaming” as a viable job option but I think that has a lot to do with how few resources there are for school-aged players and their families to have an idea of what this could really look like—whether that’s playing, organising or being part of a broadcast. I mean, I have a pretty standard job that I’m pretty sure my parents never imagined would fall under “working with games”. I think they’re not the only ones.
And, ultimately, I would love to see more initiatives tap into intersectionality. It’s so important to help women feel comfortable in the space, but once that’s begun, there are so many groups within this identity that could use a bit of a lift. For example, I didn’t see many other black women in the industry growing up and it’s a lot of the reason why I didn’t bother doing anything beyond studying games for a while. Eventually, I felt brave enough to go for it anyway but there are so many others like me who won’t even make it that far with it without knowing for sure that it’s possible. Initiatives connecting young players from underrepresented groups is one way to kind of combine both of these things. There are already programs like this out there and I am really excited about seeing that continue to develop in the future.
There is room for everyone in esports. If they truly want to be there, they can be—I really do believe that.
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Meridianbet Expands B2B Operations into Nigeria, Entering a Regulated $2 Billion Betting Market
Meridianbet, a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group, Inc., has officially launched its B2B operations in Nigeria, one of the largest and fastest-growing betting markets in Africa. The company’s entry into Nigeria further strengthens its 20-year presence in Africa, leveraging its proven track record in regulated markets to deliver world-class gaming products.
Through its newly licensed local entity, Masterlive Network Limited, Meridianbet has secured full regulatory approval from the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), allowing it to operate in both sports betting and online casino verticals under License No: LSLGA/OP/OSB/MB041124.
The official launch of Meridianbet.ng marks a strategic expansion into a market worth over $2 billion, according to the research of Orange Business Intelligence Technology, with over 60 million Nigerians actively participate in betting, contributing to one of the fastest-growing industries on the continent.
Zoran Milosevic, CEO of Meridianbet, commented: “Our expansion into Nigeria marks a significant step in our long-term strategy to deepen our presence in Africa’s most dynamic gaming markets. With a highly engaged player base and strong industry growth, Nigeria presents a major opportunity for our B2B model. We are committed to bringing our cutting-edge technology, AI-powered betting solutions, and localized expertise to drive long-term success for our partners in the region.”
FY 2024 Revenue Growth & Investor Outlook
Golden Matrix Group has provided a preliminary full-year 2024 revenue estimate of $150 million, reflecting the company’s continued growth trajectory. The Group expects to release its audited FY 2024 financial results in the coming days, offering investors a comprehensive performance overview. The Nigerian market represents a strategic opportunity for future revenue expansion, aligning with GMGI’s global strategy to strengthen its presence in high-growth gaming markets.
Key Market Potential & Strategic Expansion
According to the Orange Business Intelligence Technology (ORBIT), Nigeria’s betting industry surpassed $2 billion back in 2020, with projections indicating up to $4.7 billion in annual revenue potential over the next decade. Football remains the primary driver of market growth, with a vast customer base engaging both online and offline. Meridianbet’s B2B model will provide advanced technology solutions, gaming content, and platform services to local operators, offering a scalable and highly adaptable system tailored to the Nigerian market.
A Strategic Milestone in Meridianbet’s African Growth
With operations in 18 markets across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, Meridianbet has built a reputation as a leading technology provider and betting operator. The company’s expansion into Nigeria follows its long-standing success in established African markets, where it has been a dominant player for over two decades.
The soft launch of Meridianbet.ng is already delivering positive early results, with strong partner satisfaction and excellent customer feedback.
AI-Powered Innovation & Market Expansion
As part of this rollout, Meridianbet is introducing its proprietary AI Sports Betting Recommender and AI Casino Recommender, delivering personalized betting experiences based on real-time data, player behavior, and predictive analytics. These innovations, already proving successful in multiple markets, will enhance customer engagement, retention, and overall user satisfaction in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
The post Meridianbet Expands B2B Operations into Nigeria, Entering a Regulated $2 Billion Betting Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has launched its swashbuckling new 3-reel, 3-row video slot, Mr Treasure’s Fortune. PG Soft’s perilous high-seas expedition blends the nostalgia of classic arcade machines with modern gameplay as players search for the legendary Black Fang Pirates’ hidden fortune.
ELA Games presents its newest development, Noble Crown. This title, with its high-quality graphics, enticing animations and contribution to a balanced portfolio, is a testament to the studio’s design and development philosophy. This 5×3 slot includes iconic symbols commonly seen in classic pub games, such as crowns, diamonds and lucky sevens.
Evoplay has launched Emerald Brewer, a festive slot that captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with vibrant visuals, rewarding features, and a taste of Irish luck. Played on a 5×4 reel layout, the game introduces Wild symbols, which substitute for all regular symbols except Green Pot, Coin, and Bonus symbols.
Swintt, is helping players satisfy their cravings for sugar, spice and all things nice in Candyman – a sweet new Premium release where tumbling reels and multiplier free spins pave the way to candy-coated wins of up to 5,000x. Played out across an expanded 6×5 reel matrix, Candyman does away with conventional lines in favour of a scatter mechanic were collecting eight or more matching symbols guarantees a prize regardless of where they land, with new icons falling from above to potentially create further wins.
Make Slots Great Again! Nolimit City breaks the norm once more in its latest release Home of the Brave. A slot that isn’t afraid to take a jab! No agendas here, just a whole lot of chaotic fun, spicy mechanics and unpredictable gameplay. Unlike typical slots, which are composed of a couple of rows and reels, Home of the Brave includes a Conveyor Belt positioned above the top row and 2 Hot Sauce Reels on either side of the reel area.
Thunderkick has released The Golden Pot & Pints, the latest introduction to its diverse festive-themed portfolio centred around the iconic Irish holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. Set in an Irish tavern, four lucky leprechauns reside on the reels of this 7×7 cluster pays slot, accompanied by tankards, top hats, and shamrocks.
Amusnet has unveiled the latest addition to its Live Casino portfolio, Extra Crown Deluxe Live. The company’s first-ever live slot game seamlessly blends tradition and innovation into an exciting mix of standard slot games and live-streamed action available 24/7.
Million Games is thrilled to announce the launch of Vault Rush, the latest high-volatility online slot developed in collaboration with YUGO Workshop under the Million Stars partner program. This 5×3 reel slot pays homage to the golden era of classic slots, featuring familiar symbols like 7s, Bars, bells, and fruits.
Play’n GO introduces Trinity Impact, a vibrant new slot that combines adventure, magic, and teamwork in a quest to save the mystical realm of Lumina. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Trinity Impact, where players join three friends on a heroic journey to protect Lumina, a land of magical wonders and ancient Crystal relics.
Push Gaming has launched the sequel to its 2024 Arctic-themed hit with the release of Big Bite Push Ways. The title will debut the provider’s new mechanic, Push Ways. This mechanic features nudging Hot Zones, which splits any symbol within the overlay into two. This increases the number of available ways to 262,144 and drives engagement.
Amusnet has released a new game for those who enjoy classic slot games with a dice twist. The latest addition to the company’s Online Casino, 100 Golden Coins Dice Edition, comes to life in March to provide a fun gaming experience to all dice lovers. This 5-reel, 100-fixed-payline game combines the classic slot game and dice symbols in entertaining gameplay.
Players can expect a fresh and juicy take on the classic slot experience in the latest title from ICONIC21. Iconic Fruits: Hold and Win sees classic appeal meet modern excitement across a three-by-three gameboard with five paylines active. A feeling of nostalgia will be felt as the reels spin and Fruit and Coin symbols land – this includes Cherries, Lemons, Pineapples, Strawberries and Watermelons.
Blueprint Gaming™ has upped the ante in its latest instalment to the iconic Cash Strike™ series. With the eye-catching win boost feature offering electric collect wins boosted by multipliers, Cash Strike Win Boost increases the player’s chances of returns up to a striking 50,000x. A familiar feast of classic fruit symbols adorns the 3×3, 125 ways to win slot alongside an array of blazing golden coins, heightening the excitement with enlarged opportunities for wins during base play.
Playson, the renowned digital entertainment supplier, is taking casino gameplay into an electric new dimension in its latest release, Charge the Clovers: Hit the Bonus™, as bonus play leads with unique Super Charge and Multi features. Golden clovers, making a welcome return to the 3×3 grid, take the form of bonus symbols alongside boost icons, featuring swirling blue tornados which radiate vibrant energy and boost the chance of eye-catching payouts for players.
Every fisherman has a story to tell. Booming Games brings these stories to life with the brand-new Fish Tales games series! The first game tells a story of a mythical bass, so large it can fit the entire reel! See if this is just a myth or indeed, there is such a creature roaming the deep and reel yourself in some monster wins! Fish Tales Monster Bass is a 5×3, 20-line slot with a boatload of features. Start to net wins with the Fishin’ Time cash collection.
The post Week 11/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ELA Games, a supplier of innovative games in the iGaming industry, has partnered with RoyalCasino to enter the Danish market.
Royal Casino is Denmark’s only land-based and online casino with over 33 years of experience in the gambling industry. The Danish RoyalCasino Group operates the land-based casino in their top-rated Hotel Royal, offering Danish players an elevated gaming experience.
ELA Games’ collaboration with the prestigious Danish brand marks a significant milestone for the development studio, as they are entering the Danish market. As a result, ELA Games’ innovative content, such as hallmark titles like Cash of Gods, It’s Shark Time and Lucky Dwarfs, will be hosted on the RoyalCasino.dk platform.
David Fall, ELA Games’ Business Development Manager, commented on the partnership, “RoyalCasino is an illustrious figure in the Danish gaming scene, and we’re excited to partner with them to provide our content on their platform. RoyalCasino.dk, despite its pedigree, is a rapidly growing brand. With the various promotions prepared in tandem with this announcement, ELA Games looks forward to expanding in Denmark.”
Jonas Madsen, RoyalCasino’s Director of Retention Marketing, added, “We’re very excited about the addition of ELA Games to our portfolio of games at RoyalCasino.dk. ELA Games is an up-and-coming game provider who, in just a few years, has managed to create captivating games with quality graphics, and we’re confident that their content will cater to the preferences of our growing database of players.”
The post ELA Games Enters the Danish Market Through New Strategic Collaboration With RoyalCasino appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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