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A New Era of Sports: QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK IS LEADING UK DESTINATION FOR ESPORTS
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is fast becoming the leading destination for esports in the UK, with its premier esports arena, Copper Box Arena, at the centre of this rapidly growing industry. The arena has already hosted major esports tournaments featuring popular games such as Apex Legends, League of Legends (LoL Esports), Gran Turismo, and Call of Duty, drawing in avid esports fans from all over the world.
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park welcomes esports epic League of Legends 20-day tournament at Copper Box Arena.
- The leading innovation campus, Here East, on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is now home to a thriving esports community.
- The global games market has more than doubled in value from $70.6Bn in 2012 to $180.1Bn in 2021.
- Hub of esports education with courses at Staffordshire University London based at Here East and College of Esports at Lee Valley VeloPark.
This month, the arena, which is operated by Better, the charitable enterprise, is working with League of Legends Esports (LoL) to host the League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). This is one of many high-profile events taking place at the third-largest arena in London annually.
LoL Esports is the fastest growing global sport and the pinnacle of competitive gaming with more than 100 professional esport teams and over 860 players. Accessible around the globe on 30+ TV and digital platforms, it is one of the most-watched forms of sports entertainment globally.
The 7,500 seater arena’s flexibility enables it to accommodate the diverse event set-ups different esports events require from a full auditorium, to accommodating event and expo combined, from end stage to centre stage to projection onto the field of play itself.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“It’s clear that Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a global leader in esports. The Park is harnessing this growing industry, becoming a hub for skills training and jobs in the sector, and helping to create a better, more prosperous London for all. The eyes of the gaming world will be on the Copper Box Arena this month, as tens of thousands of visitors take part in the exciting programme of events, with millions more joining in online.”
Lyn Garner, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said:
“Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has become a leading destination for esports in the UK. The Copper Box Arena is the perfect venue to host these global spectaculars playing to an audience of millions around the world. With many events choosing to return year after year, the Arena has established itself as the capital’s prime esports venue.
“This phenomena is about much more than the events, with courses for people wanting to develop their skills and a growing cluster of businesses offering a career in the sector. We are creating an ecluster that benefits the London and UK economy as well as having a reputation as a world leader in this high-tech, fast moving industry.”
It also marks two years since the publication of a landmark report by Here East and supported by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) which outlined a roadmap to create a world-class esports cluster that will drive job creation and bring an industry worth $180bn globally to east London. The innovation campus, based in the heart of East London, has been instrumental in promoting the sector and positioning the park as a hub for this rapidly growing industry.
The campus is home to a world leading production, broadcast, tournament, and program design hub, specifically serving the global esports community. As well as Staffordshire University London who are offering undergraduate degrees in digital courses, centered on the gaming and computer sectors. Lee Valley VeloPark, home to the College of esports, is also a key part of the growing esports cluster in the park, providing state-of-the-art facilities for esports athletes and enthusiasts.
Gavin Poole, CEO of Here East, said:
“We are proud that Here East is playing a fundamental role in shaping how the next generation of talent learn about esports, gaming and the industries of the future. Alongside our partners and the businesses and academia based on campus, we are truly realizing East London’s potential to establish a globally significant urban testbed delivering on ideas that are going to power the future economies.”
Miles Eady, Commercial Events Manager at Copper Box Arena, said:
“I am excited to see the rise of esports on Queen Elizabeth Olympics Park and hugely proud to be part of the emergence of Copper Box Arena as the UK’s premier esports venue. The convergence of traditional sports and gaming creates a dynamic and inclusive space for all to come together and compete at the highest level.”
Esports has garnered immense popularity, with viewership for events rivalling that of traditional sports, and the park is at the forefront of embracing this global phenomenon. As esports continues to capture the hearts of many, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is positioning itself as a leading destination for esports in the UK, offering a dynamic and cutting-edge environment for esports tournaments, athletes, and fans alike.
Mr. Gamble Forum, a fast-growing online gambling community, has rolled out a major platform revamp that is already delivering record-breaking growth in traffic, visibility, and user engagement. Timed perfectly ahead of the industry’s busiest season, the update strengthens the forum’s position as a go-to destination for casino and sports betting discussions worldwide.
The refreshed platform combines a cleaner design, expanded content, and new marketing capabilities, all built around a single goal: creating a space where players can freely share real experiences while operators connect with highly motivated users.
“We’ve invested a lot of effort into improving both the user experience and the commercial potential of the forum,” said Paul Puolakka, CMO of Mr. Gamble. “This update reinforces our vision of an open, trusted community that benefits players and partners alike—and the growth we’re seeing confirms we’re on the right track.”
Strong Growth Momentum Following the Revamp
The impact of the update has been immediate. In Novembe 2025, compared to December 2024, Mr. Gamble Forum recorded a sharp rise across all key performance metrics. Daily clicks increased by 270%, daily impressions climbed by 471%, and monthly clicks grew by 380%. These numbers reflect not only improved visibility in search engines but also a growing appetite for a community where players can openly discuss casinos, bonuses, slots, and betting strategies.
Sports Betting Content Broadens the Forum’s Scope
One of the most significant additions is the expansion into sports betting content. The forum now features dedicated discussions around upcoming games, betting strategies, and odds, giving sports bettors a place to exchange insights in real time. Alongside these discussions, users can explore a steadily growing selection of sports betting bonuses, including both long-term promotions and limited-time offers from leading brands.
This addition allows Mr. Gamble Forum to serve a broader audience while keeping casino players and sports bettors under one unified community.
Localized Promotions for Key Regions
As part of the revamp, Mr. Gamble Forum has also refined how promotions are presented. Players from Australia and New Zealand now have their own dedicated sections where they can immediately discover the most relevant casino and betting offers available to them. This localized approach makes it easier for users to find deals that actually apply to their region, while increasing engagement and conversion potential for operators.
A Clear Step Toward Global Expansion
The forum’s international ambitions are already taking shape. A dedicated Swedish-language version of the forum has recently gone live, giving Swedish players a space to participate in discussions in their native language. Early engagement data shows positive signs, suggesting strong potential as localized promotions and content continue to expand.
Over the past year, the forum has seen its strongest growth in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand, and Sweden is now emerging as another promising market.
New Opportunities for Casino and Betting Partners
Beyond user-facing improvements, the revamp introduces new commercial features designed to support partners. Updated call-to-action elements help guide users toward relevant offers, making it easier for casinos to attract players who are already in a decision-making mindset.
For a limited time, Mr. Gamble Forum is also offering partners the opportunity to test forum marketing free of charge, as long as they can provide geo- and IP-targeted dynamic banners. This allows operators to explore the forum’s potential, reach high-intent audiences, and gather performance insights without upfront risk.
A Community Built on Real Player Experiences
Despite the platform’s growth and new features, the core of Mr. Gamble Forum remains unchanged: community-driven discussion. Players continue to share honest reviews of casinos, compare bonuses, talk openly about slot games, and exchange betting strategies. This transparency has been a key factor behind the forum’s rising visibility and trust among users.
As more players join and more regions come online, these conversations are becoming richer, more diverse, and increasingly valuable for both users and operators.
What Comes Next for Mr. Gamble Forum
The December revamp marks the beginning of a new phase for the platform. Further international expansion is already on the roadmap, alongside improvements to mobile performance, contributor rewards, and partner analytics. Each development is designed to strengthen the ecosystem and keep the forum relevant as the online gambling landscape continues to evolve.
Conclusion
With its latest update, Mr. Gamble Forum has transformed from a growing community into a truly global platform. The combination of rapid traffic growth, expanded sports betting content, localized promotions, and innovative partner opportunities highlights a clear direction forward. Backed by strong momentum in the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and early success in Sweden, the forum is well positioned to become one of the most influential discussion hubs in the online gambling industry.
As Paul Puolakka summarizes, “When players feel heard and operators see real value, growth follows naturally. That’s exactly what we’re building with Mr. Gamble Forum.”
The post Mr. Gamble Forum Revamp Sparks Record Growth and Global Expansion appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
- Team Vitality is kicking off the new LEC season with renewed energy and a hunger to prove themselves on the international stage.
- With superstar mid laner Marek “Humanoid” Brázda joining the lineup, alongside the support of an experienced coaching staff, the club is confident in its ability to compete at the highest level in 2026.
- The squad’s goal is straightforward: become a top team in the LEC and qualify for Worlds in North America next year.
- Next year marks a new chapter in the club’s long-term strategy to develop and elevate European talent, creating an environment built to deliver results.
Team Vitality is proud to present its new LEC roster for 2026. Throughout the upcoming season, the club aims to build on its existing core and further develop the team’s talent, while welcoming a new mid laner and a strategic Head Coach to elevate performance.
BACK WITH NEW FIREPOWER
The stage is set, and Team Vitality returns to the LEC more determined than ever. At the heart of this ambitious new roster is Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan, the Turkish superstar top laner, who will anchor the team. With the roster built around his talent, communication, and leadership, Team Vitality aims to make a deep run and achieve its first EMEA title.
Roster composition
- Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan (Turkish) – 20 years old: The centrepiece of Team Vitality’s project, Naak Nako is an incredibly talented player known for his versatility and impact. A former high-level volleyball player, he began his professional League of Legends career in 2022 with Fenerbahce. Team Vitality then picked him up in December 2023, spent a year developing in the academy, and promoted him to the main roster, bringing both potential and dedication to the LEC squad.
- Linas “Lyncas” Nauncikas (Lithuanian) – 21 years old: The hardworking engine of Team Vitality, Lyncas brings his relentless drive and consistency to the refreshed roster. Having played for several teams in the ERL and EMEA Masters, he was recruited by Team Vitality in May 2024. Now entering his third year in the LEC, Lyncas combines experience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the league to power the team’s 2026 ambitions.
- Marek “Humanoid” Brázda (Czech) – 25 years old: A veteran of the LEC scene and one of its most consistent mid laners over the past five years, Humanoid is repeatedly ranked among the league’s top 3 midlaners and has qualified for Worlds multiple times with rosters such as Fnatic and MAD Lions. Joining the Hive, Humanoid reunites with longtime teammate and fellow Czech Carzzy, bringing renewed motivation, experience, and leadership that the club hopes will translate into success and lead them to the Worlds stage.
- Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság (Czech) – 23 years old: Consistently recognised as one of Europe’s best ADCs, Carzzy enters his seventh LEC year with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, having previously lifted three LEC trophies with MAD Lions. He brings a great personality as well as undeniable skill to Team Vitality. This season, he looks to flourish alongside his new teammate Humanoid, building strong synergy and impact in the hopes of bringing the teams to new heights.
- Kadir “Fleshy” Kemiksiz (Turkish) – 24 years old: Having played for Vitality.Bee for seven months, Fleshy was promoted to the main roster last year ahead of the Summer Split. He quickly made his mark in the scene by bringing stability and reliable performances to the bot lane, leaving a strong impression on fans and teammates alike. Now entering his first full year in the LEC, Fleshy is ready to fully prove himself and make a lasting impact on Team Vitality’s road to Worlds.
Coaching staff
- Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum (Danish) – Head Coach: A competitor through and through, Pad brings a lifelong passion for sports, having previously competed at a high level in football. He has been a coach in League of Legends since 2017, taking his first steps into the LEC with MAD Lions in 2020. Joining Team Vitality in December 2023 alongside Head Coach Mac, Pad is now taking the next step in his career as the team’s Head Coach, ready to lead Team Vitality to new heights with his experience, discipline, and vision.
- Danusch “Arvindir” Fischer (German) – Strategic Coach: An ambitious coach, Arvindir began his career in professional League of Legends as an analyst for top LEC organisations, including SK Gaming and Splyce, before transitioning into coaching. He has worked across all the major ERL leagues, including a 3.5-year tenure at BIG, before moving on to KOI and Team BDS Academy, where he led the team to victory in the 2024 EMEA Masters Summer Split. Joining Team Vitality in 2025 as the Head Coach of the LFL roster, he has proven his worth in developing Vitality.Bee, and has now been promoted to Strategic Coach of the LEC team.
- Luka “Lukezy” Trumbić (Croatian) – Assistant Coach: Lukezy has been involved in competitive League of Legends since 2014, initially as a semi-pro player before transitioning to coaching in 2023. He has previously worked with UCAM and NNO, gaining valuable experience across several competitive environments. Joining Team Vitality in December 2024, Lukezy now enters his second LEC season as the team’s Assistant Coach, where he has a hands-on role in player development.
”The addition of Marek to the roster reflects our strategic ambitions for the upcoming LEC season. Over the past 18 months, we have focused on developing Lynacs and Naak, making 2026 a key performance year for the team. We are confident that we now have all the pieces in place to compete for the top positions in LEC. While this season will be decisive, our team thrives under pressure, positioning us well to meet the challenge.” explains Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum, Head Coach of the team.
A NEW ERA BEGINS
With a clear goal in mind of reaching the international stage, Team Vitality enters 2026 determined to make this its breakthrough season. The team’s mission is bold, yet simple: establish itself as a top contender in each LEC split and secure qualification to Worlds. The organisation is committed to elevating European talent and building a team capable of competing at the highest level.
“We are building on the momentum from 2025, with results continuing to improve. We’ve added experience and an X-factor in a key position, in the hope that this will serve as a catalyst to confirm the potential of the young players we backed last year. We are confident that they can demonstrate that European talent is capable of competing for the qualifying spots at the World Championships.” says Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and co-founder of Team Vitality.
See you at the LEC 2026 Versus tournament in Berlin, starting on January 17th for the beginning of the competition!
The post TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
N1 Partners will celebrate the finale of the global N1 Puzzle Promo for partners – running from April 21 to December 31, 2025 – and award the grand prize, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, at an exclusive party in Barcelona during the ICE and iGB conferences. The special guest of the event will be Tommy Cash.
Registration for the party is now open.
Participants – especially those at the top of the leaderboard – still have the final two weeks to influence the results and break into the prize-winning top three. After all, the grand prize – a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter – is something no one in the industry has ever given away before…
The main motto of the exclusive final show-event of N1 Puzzle Promo will be “Because we can” – a philosophy of high achievement and top performance by the promo leaders, running like a red thread throughout the entire event.
This is more than just a party – it’s a community and a private club for top N1 Partners affiliates and guests, industry leaders, media, and influencers, accessible only to the select few. “Because we can” is about limitless opportunities for scaling, the ability to achieve top results together, and creating experiences unmatched in the industry.
N1 Partners reveals long-awaited event details
Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 20:00
Location: Barcelona, Spain
What highlights are planned for the guests?
- award ceremony for the top 3 and presentation of the grand prize – the Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter
- exclusive prizes raffle among all guests
- a performance show, DJ set and additional surprises
- activity zones (red carpet, photo area, bar, VIP lounge with hookahs, and much more)
And, of course, the long-awaited special guest of the evening…
Get ready for the unforgettable performance of edgy Estonian rapper and musician – Tommy Cash!
Register now for the N1 Partners show-event via the link: https://n1puzzle.promo/en.html
After all, why drive when you can fly?
And be number one with N1 Partners?
News source: N1 Partners
The post Registration Open: N1 Puzzle Promo Show & Winner Announcement in Barcelona appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Mr. Gamble Forum Revamp Sparks Record Growth and Global Expansion
TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER
Registration Open: N1 Puzzle Promo Show & Winner Announcement in Barcelona
Registration Open: N1 Puzzle Promo Show & Winner Announcement in Barcelona
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