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Champions crowned as Riyadh Masters 2023 wraps up Dota 2 action at Gamers8
The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters 2023 competition wrapped up yesterday after 12 days of thrilling matches featuring 20 elite teams vying for victory and taking home a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool. As one of the premier tournaments in the Dota 2 calendar, Riyadh Masters 2023 ran the globe’s greatest teams through a round-robin group stage and then double-elimination playoffs in the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA).
Among the teams competing for the top prize was Dota 2 powerhouse Team OG, the first team in Dota 2 history to win four Dota Major Championships. Team Tundra Esports, reigning champions of Dota’s iconic “The International” tournament, also headed into the 2023 Masters amongst the favorites. Of course, there could only be one winner, and this achievement went to Team Spirit, who triumphed in the final, beating Team Liquid in an encounter for the ages.
The $15,000,000 prize pool is the largest available of any Dota 2 competition this season, and the action did not disappoint, with the stakes being so high. Over 120,000 fans tuned in to the official broadcast on Twitch to witness the epic showdown. Team Spirit reached the Grand Final for the second year in a row, knocking out the season’s most dominant performer, Team Gaimin Gladiators, along the way and beating Team Liquid 2-1 in the upper-bracket final as the team looked to banish last years demons and finish in first place rather than second. Team Liquid earned a shot at their redemption by crushing Team Talon 2-0 in the lower bracket final. But the result of this eagerly anticipated rematch in the five-game Grand Final went to Team Spirit, an unassailable 3-1. As champions, Team Spirit left Gamers8 and Boulevard Riyadh City $5,000,000 richer, the runners-up collecting $2,500,000 from the overall prize pool.
Faisal bin Homran, Chief Esports Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters tournament at Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has captured the imagination of the thousands in attendance at Boulevard Riyadh City’s Esports Arena and the tens of millions watching avidly across the globe. Since July 19th, the global gaming and esports scene has been captivated by the exploits of the best Dota 2 teams and players in the world. Competing for a $15 million prize pool – the biggest third-party prize pool for a tournament ever – the action has been even more dramatic than anticipated and epitomizes the level of standard for which Gamers8 has become renowned. We congratulate Team Spirit on their success and thank all the teams, players, fans, sponsors, and partners at the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters for being part of a special moment in Saudi Arabian gaming history.”
Although the Riyadh Masters may have finished, there’s plenty more action on offer as part of Gamers8: The Land of Heroes in its 2023 edition. Esports athletes from around the world are competing in a 12-tournament lineup with a prize pool of $45 million to the soundtrack of musical superstars like Imagine Dragons, Alan Walker, and Metro Boomin’, who are putting on a show for the crowds at Gamers8. The festival, the world’s largest for gaming and esports, has been full of action since it kicked off in July, with seismic impacts such as Pakistan winning the Nations Cup in Tekken against a well-favored Korean team. Among the other titles taking center stage at Gamers8’s home in Boulevard Riyadh City are Rocket League, PUBG Mobile, FIFA, and Counterstrike.
Fans can enjoy further exciting events as the festival continues through August 27th, following which the Gamers8 festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum. Known as the ‘Next World Forum,’ it brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world to Saudi Arabia. Gamers8 is playing a key role in developing the grassroots esports scene in Saudi Arabia and providing opportunities for esports athletes around the world. Over 67% of Saudi citizens are gamers, and multiple world champions have come from the Kingdom already to win on the world’s largest stages.
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iGaming Wise Officially Rebrands to Wise Connections
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Following two years operating as iGaming Wise, and more than three years previously as Affluck, the company is entering a new chapter under its new name: Wise Connections.
The rebrand reflects the company’s continued evolution and its commitment to delivering clear value, stronger matchmaking, and more direct, effective connections for partners across the iGaming sector.
Wise Connections is built on a simple idea: quality beats quantity. Instead of pushing generic introductions or relying on outdated directories, the platform focuses on personal, vetted, and direct connections. Every introduction is made manually through trusted channels like Telegram, LinkedIn, or email, ensuring that both sides meet with full context, purpose, and confidence.
The core services remain the same: Marketing & PR, Consulting, Affiliate Management, but they are now tied together under a stronger single identity. And the biggest focus moving forward is the B2B Matchmaking, which has already proven to be one of the most effective ways to help operators, providers, affiliates, and service companies expand into the right markets.
Founder & CEO Gjorgje Ristikj describes the change as a natural step in the company’s growth: “We wanted a name that reflects what we really do. We connect companies with people who matter, and we do it the right way, personally, transparently, and with purpose.”
Wise Connections is not just a new name, it’s a clearer direction. A more structured approach. And a stronger commitment to building long-term partnerships that actually move businesses forward.
The post iGaming Wise Officially Rebrands to Wise Connections appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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BEGE Announces Dates for 2026 Edition: 25–26 November
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The Balkan Gaming and Entertainment Expo (BEGE) is excited to announce the official dates for its 2026 edition: 25–26 November 2026. Following another remarkable year, BEGE is already preparing an even bigger and more innovative event that will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the region.
“BEGE 2025 was an outstanding success,” said Nino Berezhiani, Marketing Manager of BEGE. “The energy, innovation, and connections we saw over two days were truly inspiring. From the engaging conferences to the vibrant exhibition halls and the unforgettable BEGE Awards Night, it was incredible to witness our community come together to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and drive the industry forward. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for BEGE 2026 – it’s going to be even bigger and bolder!”
BEGE 2026 promises two days filled with cutting-edge insights, networking opportunities, and top-tier conferences, continuing the tradition of delivering an unmatched platform for collaboration and growth in the gaming industry.
Organizers encourage participants, sponsors, and partners to save the dates and stay tuned for announcements regarding conference programs, speakers, and special highlights for the next edition.
The post BEGE Announces Dates for 2026 Edition: 25–26 November appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Evoplay appoints Vasilena Mantsiou as Chief Financial Officer
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Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has promoted Vasilena Mantsiou to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), recognising her outstanding contribution to the company’s growth and operational excellence.
Vasilena joined Evoplay in May 2022 and was promoted to Head of Accounting Department in January 2024, where she played an instrumental role in strengthening the company’s financial processes and supporting its continued expansion across global markets.
As CFO, she will oversee Evoplay’s financial strategy, planning, and operations, ensuring the studio continues to deliver sustainable growth and stability as it scales its presence worldwide.
The appointment highlights Evoplay’s ongoing commitment to nurturing internal talent and promoting from within, ensuring a strong leadership team that reflects the company’s core values and ambition.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Vasilena has been an integral part of Evoplay’s journey, demonstrating exceptional leadership and deep financial expertise.
“Her promotion to CFO is a natural step forward, and we’re confident that her strategic vision will continue to support our long-term goals as we expand into new markets.”
Vasilena Mantsiou, CFO at Evoplay, said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on this new role and grateful for the trust placed in me by the Evoplay team.
“Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed the company’s remarkable growth and innovation, and I look forward to contributing further to its success in this new capacity.”
The post Evoplay appoints Vasilena Mantsiou as Chief Financial Officer appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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