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Intel® Extreme Masters Katowice is back in full glory as G2 Esports and Oliveira claim their place in the Hall of Heroes as 2023 Champions
Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice 2023 has come to a spectacular closure, as our new Champions have claimed their eternal spot in the Hall of Heroes – a place where legends are born and history is forged for all generations of esports players and fans worldwide. Across three days, over 65,000 people visited the sold-out Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and StarCraf® II Championships at the Spodek Arena and the International Congress Center (MCK), the IEM Expo, and two additional esports tournaments.
IEM Katowice 2023 CS:GO Championship
The Hall of Heroes hosted 24 of the world’s best CS:GO teams during ten competition days, with the final three days being played out in front of a live audience. After many intense battles, it was G2 Esports and Heroic that were left with the opportunity to claim the ESL Pro Tour (EPT) CS:GO Championship title, a lion’s share of the $1,000,000 total prize pool, and a spot in the IEM Cologne 2023 tournament. The audience at the packed Spodek Arena, along with the almost 710,000* people simultaneously tuning in from around the world, was kept at the edge of their seats, but eventually, it was G2 Esports that took a 3-1 victory.
While previously only making it as far as the semi-finals at IEM Katowice Championships, G2 Esports has officially entered the Hall of Heroes and will see its name engraved on the iconic trophy for the very first time. The team has now also made its first step to completing the race to the Intel® Grand Slam IV, needing three more wins of EPT Masters or Championship events to secure its $1,000,000 cash prize.
Moreover, Nikola “NiKo” Kovač finally managed to secure the coveted IEM Katowice title after having lost three Grand Finals in the past, making the win a particularly special moment for the G2 Esports rifler. For his teammate, Justin “jks” Savage, this is the second IEM Katowice victory after winning last year’s edition as a stand-in for FaZe Clan. He hereby becomes the first player ever to win IEM Katowice back-to-back while playing for different teams. The Australian also debuted as EPT DHL MVP (Most Valuable Player).
“If you want to know how much winning IEM Katowice meant to the G2 Army, just watch NiKo finally lifting the trophy,” said G2 Esports. “We are honored to cement our place in CS:GO history and join the Hall of Heroes with this amazing team.”
Next up in the ESL Pro Tour for CS:GO is the ESL Pro League Season 17, on February 21-March 26. For more information, check the official website and follow ESL CS on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
IEM Katowice 2023 StarCraft® II Championship
StarCraft® II fans world-wide got to experience a most memorable and emotional tournament as well. After five days of intense battles for the $500,000 total prize pool and the title of World Champion, it was Maru and Oliveira – respectively placed first and 20th in the EPT 22/23 Combined Standings – who were this year’s Grand Finalists.
With the former being the expected winner, the people watching the matches live at the MCK as well as the more than 73,000* fans simultaneously watching the live broadcasts were in for a big surprise as it was Oliveira who claimed the victory. Shedding tears of happiness live on stage after his remarkable performance, Oliveira has shown the world the fairytale-like possibility to reach the absolute top as an underdog.
The win is one of the most memorable ones in the almost 25 years of StarCraft® history, as the Chinese Terran player who commenced his professional career in 2015 has never before won a tournament outside of China. Furthermore, despite being close to not making it out of the Group Stage, he ended up beating some of the big fan-favorites – including Heromarine, Reynor, and herO – along the way.
For more information about EPT SC2, check the official website and follow ESL SC2 on Twitter and Facebook.
ESL Impact Katowice
Marking a spectacular start of an action-packed year for the all-women CS:GO circuit, ESL Impact, eight top teams competed at the $100,000 tournament in Katowice. Motivated by tremendous local support at the IEM Expo at the MCK, the Polish squad from NAVI Javelins made it to the Grand Finals, where they were challenged by Nigma Galaxy.
Eventually, it was the latter that proved to be the stronger team as they beat NAVI Javelins 2-0 after overtime on the last map. Nigma Galaxy thereby continues to dominate the all-women CS:GO scene, now having claimed all four ESL Impact trophies since the circuit’s launch in early 2022.
Next up is the ESL Impact League Season 3 on March 8-April 16, with the Global League Finals taking place live at DreamHack Dallas on June 2-4. For more information, check the official website and follow ESL Impact on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
ESL R1 2023 Spring Season Round 1 & 2
Apart from the ESL Impact tournament, the returning IEM Expo hosted another heated competition as the brand-new ESL R1 made its debut. On February 11-12, 48 racers gave a whole new meaning to virtual racing during the first two rounds of the 2023 Spring Season. With more than 75,000 hours watched during the live broadcasts of the first two rounds, EFG’s newest esports circuit already proves to be a stunning success.
Encouraged by the fans gathering around the live stage, Maximilian Benecke from MOUZ became the fastest RENNSPORT driver during Round 1, while Joshua Rogers from Porsche Coanda Esports Racing Team was the first to cross the finish line in Round 2.
The ESL R1 2023 Spring Season continues with rounds 3 to 8 on March 13-May 8 and concludes with the 2023 Spring Major, live at the RENNSPORT Summit on May 27-28. For more information about ESL R1 check the official website and follow ESL R1 on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
The IEM Expo
Last but certainly not least, the event provided its attendees with countless new memories through activities at the IEM Expo. Games, cosplayers, influencers, competitions, hardware presentations, and much more were offered by some of the biggest brands on the market. The big crowd attending is a testament to the ability of shared interests, hobbies and passion for bringing people together to celebrate and socialize.
As the lights slowly turn off in the Spodek Arena and silence settles in the MCK, a new chapter of esports history is officially written and new legends are immortalized at the Hall of Heroes. The spectacular beginning of the year is a promising start for what is yet to come for the world beyond gameplay.
Latest News
WinSpirit Redesigns VIP Experience to Drive Retention and Long-Term Player Value
Player loyalty is evolving — and so is WinSpirit’s approach. They’ve unveiled a fully redesigned VIP program, merging loyalty mechanics and exclusive rewards into one clear, gamified journey. The goal? Drive deeper engagement, long-term satisfaction, and higher lifetime player value (LTV) through transparency and simplicity.
This combination of permanent progression and time-limited campaigns positions WinSpirit’s VIP Club as a modern retention tool — one designed to reduce churn while giving players a clearer sense of achievement.
Data-Driven Response
The updated VIP model is a direct response to user behavior and feedback. WinSpirit observed that, for some users, the previous program might have been a little complex — primarily due to separated loyalty levels and the pressure of maintaining temporary statuses. So the brand decided to simplify the progression path.
“We consistently listen to our players, and their desire to retain earned progress was clear,” said a WinSpirit representative. “This redesign is our commitment to them—we’re replacing complexity with simplicity, ensuring every player feels valued and their long-term journey is rewarding.”
How the New VIP Club Works
The redesigned VIP Club merges lifetime progress with seasonal engagement to create a system that rewards both consistency and activity. Players unlock a permanent VIP status that never resets — a key benefit that builds trust and long-term motivation.
On top of this, rotating seasonal levels introduce fresh challenges and time-limited bonuses that keep engagement high. Even when players take a break, their status stays — removing pressure and encouraging steady play.
All progression and rewards are tracked in a centralized VIP dashboard, giving players full visibility and control without the need to contact support. This clarity minimizes friction and churn.
Seasonality as a Strategic Engagement
WinSpirit’s new format introduces quarterly campaigns, each with a dedicated theme and bonus structure. The current activation, Flame of Thrill, designed to re-ignite player motivation during autumn campaigns, features:
- Increased cashback tiers and deposit insurance
- Personalized bonuses and access to exclusive promotions
- Limited seasonal rewards and much more
Even for long-term players, these rotating seasons bring something new — keeping the program exciting well beyond the first few tiers.
Why It Matters for Business
From a business perspective, the redesigned VIP Club introduces several measurable advantages:
- Increased retention (reduced status loss anxiety).
- Higher LTV (steady progression over time).
- More consistent activity (recurring seasonal goals).
- Fewer negative touchpoints (clear rules).
The introduction of a permanent VIP threshold (VIP Iron) creates a strong psychological anchor for re-engagement — aligning well with known gamification strategies in product design.
Overall, WinSpirit’s transformation reflects a broader commitment to listening to players. The brand is shifting toward a more sustainable model that fosters long-term relationships through clarity, fairness, and flexible progression. It’s a big step toward a smarter, player-first future — where loyalty is truly rewarded, and progress never goes unnoticed.
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INSPIRED UNVEILS GOLD CASH FREE SPINS SUPER WHEEL™ FEATURING THE REVOLUTIONARY PLAYER LINK™ MECHANIC
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Inspired Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: INSE), a leading B2B provider of gaming content, systems, and solutions, has launched Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel, a supercharged evolution of Inspired’s classic hit slot, Gold Cash Free Spins. Available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.
Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel introduces a new industry-first shared bonus mechanic named, Player Link (United States Patent No. 12,350,596). For the first time, players can share and compete in the anticipation and excitement of a bonus trigger in the form of the Super Wheel. This innovative mechanic generates a sense of community and competition, delivering the lucrative “Super Bonus” to a winning player, before resetting and starting the competition all over again.
Set on 5×4 reels with 40 win-lines, the game combines the much-loved Gold Cash Free Spins gameplay with electrifying new features. The shared Super Wheel awards instant cash prizes, lucrative Super Cash rewards, or triggers the high-value Super Bonus. Each spin of the super wheel builds suspense, with segments that progressively upgrade to increase the chances of hitting the Super Bonus. The Super Bonus awards eight Super Free Spins featuring only the highest-paying symbols and dramatic Wild Spins, with Wilds dropping onto the reels for big win potential.
Steven Collett, Chief Product Officer at Inspired Entertainment, commented: “Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel is a major leap forward in slot innovation. With the revolutionary Player Link mechanic, we’ve created a shared, community-driven experience that builds excitement for every player. This game blends the trusted Gold Cash Free Spins brand with fresh, competitive gameplay designed to engage players and deliver strong results for operators. We’re excited to see its performance and look forward to launching more fun content, featuring our groundbreaking Player Link technology. Each title will incorporate the Super Wheel as a consistent feature while offering a distinct Super Bonus aligned with the game’s theme.”
With escalating rewards, shared excitement, and iconic features, Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel sets a new benchmark for iGaming. It combines big wins, big action, and a shared sense of fun, to keep players engaged and highly entertained.
The post INSPIRED UNVEILS GOLD CASH FREE SPINS SUPER WHEEL™ FEATURING THE REVOLUTIONARY PLAYER LINK™ MECHANIC appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Wagercomms and Million Games Launch Hard Eight Poker™ – A Fast, Strategic Table Experience
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Million Games, in partnership with Wagercomms, has officially launched Hard Eight Poker, a high-speed, strategic casino table game that combines classic card play with dual progressive jackpots and sleek, mobile-first design.
Developed under the Million Stars partner program, Hard Eight Poker represents the next step in Wagercomms’ mission to deliver proprietary, high-performing table content for online operators.
The game introduces a dynamic mix of Ante betting, Red/Black decisions, and optional Progressive Eight side bets, giving players the freedom to raise, insure, or cash in at every stage. With multi-tier payouts — including 5:1 for a Pair of Eights, 25:1 for a Hard Eight, and 50:1 for Triple Eights — the action builds round after round.
“Hard Eight Poker delivers exactly what today’s casino audience wants — something fast, strategic, and fair,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games. “Wagercomms has created a table game that’s easy to learn but layered with strategic depth, giving operators a powerful new addition to their lobbies. It’s the perfect example of how the Million Stars program helps studios like Wagercomms transform great concepts into market-ready games”
Following Draw Sevens, Hard Eight Poker marks the next milestone for Wagercomms under its Wagercomms Originals series — a growing portfolio designed for lasting player engagement and differentiation in slot-heavy environments.
“With Hard Eight Poker, we wanted to create a table game that feels familiar but plays with a fresh edge — fast, strategic, and designed for the modern player,” said Peter Bengtsson, CEO of Wagercomms. “Working with Million Games allowed us to focus on gameplay depth and balance, while their platform and publishing expertise helped us bring it to operators worldwide.”
With a 2.74% house edge, mobile-first design, and certified RNG, Hard Eight Poker is now available for integration via Million Games, offering both casual and competitive players an elevated table experience.
The post Wagercomms and Million Games Launch Hard Eight Poker™ – A Fast, Strategic Table Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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