Latest News
First-ever Olympic Esports Games to take place in 2025; massive opportunity for Indian esports
Following the IOC’s partnership with the NOC of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, India’s growing esports sector has an opportunity to prove its mettle on the international stage and flourish
In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This decision follows the recent proposal by the IOC’s Executive Board and will be presented at the IOC Session ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The IOC has entered a 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the Olympic Esports Games. As per the official announcement, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee remarked, “The world is invited to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.”
Indian esports, already on the rise, stands to gain significantly from this development. Following a bronze medal win in DOTA 2 at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and competing in five titles at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, India’s esports scene is on track for further growth.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking development, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, said, “NODWIN Gaming is thrilled that esports has earned its place in the Olympics with its own standalone event, akin to the Summer, Winter, and Paralympics. This recognition allows countries to develop independent esports programs. Together with our partners in the GEF and the EWC, NODWIN Gaming is eager to build esports in our core growth markets, seizing this opportunity for hope and glory.”
The IOC launched its first esports pilot, the Olympic Virtual Series, in 2021 followed by the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023. This event brought together over 130 players from around the world, competing in 10 mixed-gender categories, attracting over 500,000 unique participants and six million views, with 75% of the audience aged 13 to 34.
“The IOC’s embrace of the Olympic Esports Games honors the dedication and skill of millions of gamers worldwide. It goes beyond just competition; it elevates esports to a global platform, encouraging international collaboration and potentially ushering in a new generation of athletes. This initiative truly is a landmark moment for esports, bringing it the global recognition it has long earned. The inclusion of esports in the Olympic movement demonstrates its growing influence and cements its place in the future of sports,” commented Roby John, CEO and Co-founder at SuperGaming.
The introduction of the Olympic Esports Games is set to further enhance the credibility of esports in India, establishing it as a viable sport and career option.
“This recognition will further legitimize esports as a career option, more parents will now support their children in pursuing careers in this field, elevating the professional landscape of competitive gaming. We are proud to support the growth of esports in India, giving our players the chance to shine on this prestigious international platform,” further.
With the official announcement of the Olympic Esports Games, work will now begin on selecting the host city and venue, determining the event’s timing, selecting titles, and establishing the qualification process for players. The IOC has emphasized collaboration with International Federations already engaged in e-sports and National Olympic Committees that include esports in their activities.
While the titles for the Olympic Esports Games have not been officially announced, the potential inclusion of games across diverse platforms is expected to stimulate growth in India’s gaming industry. This could lead to a rise in PC and console gaming, diversifying India’s predominantly mobile gaming market as players aim to represent their nation at the largest international multi-sport event.
“We are absolutely elated by the announcement of the Olympic Esports Games which is being hosted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This marks a monumental step for the industry and all its stakeholders. The Indian esports sector is on an upward trajectory and this will further empower it. Esports being integrated under the banner of the pinnacle of sports events in the world will bring further legitimacy to this form of sport and encourage a new generation of esports talent to rise from the country. We’re excited and look forward to extending our support to the esports community of India so they make a mark at the global event!” said Vishal Parekh, COO, CyberPowerPC India.
Additionally, the IOC will establish a dedicated structure for the Olympic Esports Games, distinct from the traditional Olympic Games model, to address the unique aspects of esports financing and organization.
The post First-ever Olympic Esports Games to take place in 2025; massive opportunity for Indian esports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Endorphina Unleashes Bear Spirit to Double Winnings
In the misty forest at dawn, a mysterious howl pierces the silence. What mysteries does the seemingly ordinary forest hide? And what is the source of that howl?
Big Brown is an online slot from the provider Endorphina featuring 6 reels, 4 rows, and 4096 fixed pay ways. The slot takes players through the beaten forest pathways, introducing them to different woodland creatures. By befriending the animals players will summon the strength and wisdom to track down this mysterious creature and uncover secrets deep in its lair.
As a mix of mystic and animal slots, Big Brown provides an unparalleled gaming experience that immerses players in an entirely secluded world. Big Brown features Scatters and two different Expanding Wild symbols – the Brown Bear and the Raging Bear. In this slot, the Raging Bear can double winnings and multiply multipliers! Furthermore, Big Brown also features Free Spins where an Expanding Wild symbol is guaranteed to appear.
Dedicated to innovation and unparalleled gaming experiences, Endorphina provides players with award-winning slots that instantly grab attention. At Endorphina, we supply player favorites and best-in-class games, constantly raising the bar in game development. Take a sneak peek at our multi-product portfolio and explore the endless possibilities with Endorphina slots!
The post Endorphina Unleashes Bear Spirit to Double Winnings appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Marina Nahhas Celebrates 8 Years of Growth With ProgressPlay
As ProgressPlay marks its 12th anniversary, the company reflects on a journey defined by resilience, innovation, and remarkable leadership. At the heart of this transformation is Marina Nahhas, whose inspiring career trajectory exemplifies ProgressPlay’s core values of excellence and customer focus.
Marina Nahhas joined ProgressPlay in 2016, stepping into the dynamic iGaming industry with a passion for building relationships and driving results. Her expertise in customer service, team building, and strategy quickly became apparent, earning her recognition and steady promotions within the company.
By 2019, Marina took on a pivotal role in the B2B division, a move that not only marked a milestone in her career but also set the stage for ProgressPlay’s rapid growth. Her transition into B2B sales and account management brought a fresh vision to the company, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for online gaming operators.
Marina’s tenure in B2B has been marked by outstanding achievements. Between 2019 and 2023 as Head of Sales, she led the addition of over 90 new brands to ProgressPlay’s platform, a testament to her ability to identify opportunities, onboard new partners, and foster long-term loyalty.
Her strategic initiatives underpinned several groundbreaking innovations that solidified ProgressPlay’s industry leadership:
Standalone Platform Services: Offering unparalleled flexibility for clients to customise their offerings.
Compliance Leadership: Navigating the complexities of regulatory landscapes to ensure safe and legal operations globally.
Enhanced Gamification Features: Boosting player engagement with innovative tools such as points, badges, and rewards.
In 2024, Marina stepped into the role of Head of B2B Sales & Marketing, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the iGaming industry. Her responsibilities now extend to managing a global sales pipeline, negotiating partnerships, and representing ProgressPlay at flagship events such as ICE London, SiGMA Asia, and SiGMA Europe.
With Marina’s guidance, ProgressPlay has not only expanded its portfolio to include thousands of games but also refined its reputation for delivering tailored solutions that empower its clients to succeed.
Marina’s journey from a VIP Account Manager to a pivotal leadership role showcases her resilience and dedication. Her Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology from Queen Mary University of London has equipped her with a sharp analytical mindset, further enhancing her ability to strategise and lead.
Marina’s philosophy centres around empowering ProgressPlay’s partners, fostering trust, and ensuring operational excellence. Her unwavering commitment has made her a linchpin in ProgressPlay’s continued success and a source of inspiration for colleagues and industry peers alike.
As ProgressPlay celebrates this milestone, the company looks to the future with optimism. With Marina Nahhas at the helm of its B2B division, the company is poised to maintain its upward trajectory, staying ahead of industry trends and driving innovation.
“Innovation, integrity, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do,” Marina says. “ProgressPlay’s journey is only just beginning, and I’m excited to continue driving our growth alongside our amazing team and partners.”
As ProgressPlay celebrates its anniversary, it does so with gratitude for the visionary leaders who have shaped its story and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Reflecting on Marina’s contributions, Itai Loewenstein, ProgressPlay’s CEO, shared, “With Marina Nahhas steering ProgressPlay’s B2B future, the company is well-positioned to remain a dominant force in the ever-evolving iGaming industry.”
The post Marina Nahhas Celebrates 8 Years of Growth With ProgressPlay appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
EGT’s “Bell Link 2” made its debut in Germany as a special wide-area installation
EGT’s “Bell Link 2” linked-progressive multigame made its German debut in all four sites of the Casino SH Group. The latest addition of the bestseller “Bell Link” series went live on October 1, 2024 as a very special wide-area linked-progressive edition, called the “Schleswig-Holstein Jackpot”.
A total of 16 premium G 50 J2 St cabinets located in Casino Schenefeld, Casino Kiel, Casino Lübeck and Casino Flensburg, are offering a first ever globally-linked GRAND level progressive jackpot with a guaranteed starting value of 100.000,00 EUR, which can be won in any casino, at any time and with any bet.
Additionally, the concept offers a locally-linked MAJOR level progressive jackpot and two bonus prizes in each individual casino, which also can be won at any time and any bet.
Emilia Tomachinska, Managing Director of the E-Systems GmbH, EGT’s distributor in the German speaking regions of Europe, commented: “I am very proud that Casino SH once again trusted us and we were able to launch this captivating product, which will hopefully be a great addition to their gaming floors. After 13 years, in which a number of EGT products have been constantly demonstrating a rock-solid performance, the time was finally right for a very special product like the “Schleswig-Holstein Jackpot”. I believe that this installation will further strengthen our fruitful partnership and I hope that it will open the door for even more interesting and high-potential collaborations like this in the future.”
Rainer Schepull, CEO of the Casino SH Group, shared: “We are very glad to have realized this idea together with our long-term partners E-Systems and EGT. Our cooperation with them has always been on the highest level, and with this project – from start to finish – they both proved their professionalism once again. The new ‘Schleswig-Holstein Jackpot’ immediately caught the attention of our visitors and now we can’t wait for our first 6-digits GRAND JACKPOT WINNER! We all here at the Casino SH Group are very excited to find out when, in which casino location and who will hit it!”
The post EGT’s “Bell Link 2” made its debut in Germany as a special wide-area installation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News2 months ago
BlueOcean Gaming Wins Best Aggregator 2024 Award at SiGMA East Europe Awards
-
Latest News2 months ago
EGT’s bestseller Bell Link with another great success: Its bells are now ringing in the Czech market
-
Latest News2 months ago
BOS/The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling commissions Advisense to strengthen efforts against money laundering
-
Latest News2 months ago
MIRACL partners with Continent 8 to offer its single-step passwordless MFA solution to simplify the login experience
-
Latest News2 months ago
Applications invited to become safer gambling charity for 2025 editions of ICE, iGB Affiliate and iGB L!VE
-
Latest News2 months ago
ACR Poker’s OSS XL Exceeds Guarantee With Over $46 Million In Prize Pools
-
Latest News2 months ago
Match of LeGGends: Double Down. Highlights of the show match between NAVI and Team Vitality
-
Latest News2 months ago
FBMDS and FBM Foundation host solidarity keepy-uppy initiative at G2E Las Vegas 2024
You must be logged in to post a comment Login