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FTDx Wins Xanada Startup Contest: Unlocking Untapped iGaming Traffic with Innovative Monetization Solutions
Recently, Xanada Investments announced FTDx as the winner of this year’s Xanada Startup Contest, an investment initiative of the fund. FTDx has demonstrated outstanding innovation in traffic monetization within the gambling industry, earning them the top spot.
In the interview below, Vladimir Malakchi, the CEO and Managing Partner of Xanada Investments, and Björn Nilsson, CEO and co-founder of FTDx, share their perspectives on this achievement and what lies ahead.
Vladimir Malakchi, CEO and Managing partner at Xanada Investments:
What were your overall impressions of this year’s Xanada Startup Contest participants, and why did you choose FTDX as the winner? What key factors stood out about their solution that aligned with Xanada Investments’ vision?”
VM: This year’s Xanada Startup Contest had nearly 250 applications from all over the world. The range of ideas was incredible, everything from gamification to AI-driven user engagement. What made FTDx stand out was how practical and impactful their solution is. They’ve tackled a big issue in iGaming, what to do with traffic that doesn’t convert because it’s from regions operators usually ignore. Their system turns that missed opportunity into real revenue while also encouraging first-time deposits.
We loved how FTDx backed up their idea with real numbers and a solid strategy. They’re not just solving a problem; they’re doing it in a way that scales and adds value for operators. That’s exactly the kind of project we look for at Xanada Investments-solutions that deliver results and create meaningful change in the industry.
Xanada Investments has a history of backing scalable solutions. How do you assess the scalability of FTDX’s technology, and what competitive advantage do you believe this gives them over other monetization platforms in the market?
VM: At Xanada Investments, scalability is a key factor in evaluating projects, and FTDx has shown a strong foundation for growth with its lightweight, adaptable platform. Its seamless integration with operators’ systems and focus on real-time revenue generation make it ideal for scaling across regions, especially in today’s fast-moving digital landscape.
FTDx’s major advantage is efficiency,it captures value from active users during live sessions, reducing the need for costly re-engagement strategies. This cost-effective approach works well in markets with varying tech infrastructure, including those with high mobile traffic but limited resources, enabling FTDx to tap into a wider audience.
The platform’s data-driven design supports continual optimization, allowing operators to refine strategies based on real-time insights. This adaptability keeps FTDx competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Overall, FTDx’s scalable and proactive monetization tools provide operators with a reliable solution for driving revenue in diverse global markets.
Looking ahead, how do you envision FTDX evolving with the support of Xanada Investments? What role does their team’s expertise play in ensuring the successful execution of these growth plans?
VM: With Xanada’s support, FTDx is well-positioned to expand its reach and develop its platform to meet the growing demands of the iGaming sector. Our resources and strategic network will provide FTDx with the connections and insights needed to enter new markets, particularly in regions like Europe and Latin America, where demand for gamified, real-time engagement solutions is on the rise. Xanada’s role will not only be financial but also advisory-we’ll work closely with FTDx to refine their approach and scale their operations effectively.
The expertise within the FTDx team is a major asset in executing these growth plans. Their background in data analytics and monetization strategies means they have a clear understanding of the market’s demands and a precise approach to addressing them. This technical and strategic expertise allows them to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also grounded in practical applications. Their ability to anticipate and adapt to industry trends is a valuable strength, ensuring they can keep up with evolving customer expectations and continue delivering results as they scale.
FTDX’s ambitions to provide measurable outcomes, whether through immediate revenue generation or long-term user retention aligns closely with Xanada’s vision for sustainable growth. By leveraging our network and expertise, FTDx will have the support needed to continually innovate while expanding into new markets. Together, we envision FTDx not only as a leader in iGaming monetization but also as a standard-setter for efficiency and effectiveness in player engagement solutions.
Björn Nilsson commenting on the win of FTDx in the Xanada Startup Contest:
Congratulations on your victory! What was your strategic motivation for participating in the Xanada Startup Contest, and what advantages do you see from this win in terms of your future development?
BN: Thank you very much! I’ve had experience participating in startup contests before, including one with Triggy. While we didn’t win that time, we made it to the top 10 finalists, which was an invaluable experience for the company’s growth. As I mentioned during my podcast with Vladimir Malakchi, contests like these sharpen your game. As a former athlete, I know firsthand that nothing improves you more than competing. Whether you win or not, participating forces you to refine your pitch, clarify your message, and solidify your business plan.
Beyond this, I genuinely enjoy the thrill of competition.
Your product offers a unique approach to monetizing global visits. What inspired you to develop FTDx? What market challenges did you identify that led you to create this solution?
BN: My co-founder, Fredrik Selin, and I were active in several areas, primarily on the affiliate side, when we had a conversation with Jon Bowden, the CMO of New Jersey-regulated casino PlayStar. Jon mentioned that they were receiving a significant amount of traffic from states other than New Jersey and asked if we had any ideas about how to utilize that traffic. Intrigued, we promised to explore the issue further.
Using tools like Similarweb and Ahrefs, we analyzed traffic data from various brands, both large and small. What we discovered was staggering-there’s an immense amount of “lost” traffic out there. Millions of visits end up on 403/404 blocked pages every month, representing a massive untapped resource.
Ten years ago, this issue wouldn’t have existed. At that time, being online inherently meant being “global.” However, with increasing regulation and rising competition, operators must now specialize and dominate local markets to remain relevant. This focus inevitably results in excess traffic from markets where they aren’t operational. That’s where FTDx comes in-to unlock the value hidden within this overlooked traffic and turn it into a new revenue stream.
How do you see the success of the FTDx solution based on your clients’ experiences? How does their traffic volume change, and what positive side effects have you noticed from implementing your solution?
BN: Though we’re still early in our journey with live clients, the results so far have been extremely promising. For example, blocked traffic from our largest client has generated over 8,000 new accounts with other brands in just the past three months. This is traffic that would have otherwise gone unnoticed and unrealized.
When we enable traffic exchanges—allowing clients to receive blocked traffic from other operators—the volume of relevant traffic in their target markets grows significantly. One of the most notable positive side effects, and a point we’ve emphasized from the start, is how operators begin to see the extended value of brand marketing. They realize that their efforts reach far beyond their primary focus markets and, thanks to FTDx, can now monetize that extended reach.
The post FTDx Wins Xanada Startup Contest: Unlocking Untapped iGaming Traffic with Innovative Monetization Solutions appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Kaizen Gaming Displays the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League Trophies in Bulgaria, Portugal and Romania
Trophy exhibitions in Romania, Portugal, and Bulgaria give fans unforgettable moments. Legendary goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon, joins the celebrations in Sofia.
Kaizen Gaming, one of the world’s biggest GameTech companies and owner of the Betano online sports betting and gaming brand, has joined forces with UEFA to bring the UEFA Europa League and Conference League trophies closer to European fans. Namely, the trophies were displayed in Romania, Portugal and for the first time in Bulgaria. The events are part of Betano’s 3-year global sponsorship of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League from the 2024/25 to the 2026/27 season.
The exclusive presentation of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League trophies took place at the Sofia Event Center in the Paradise Center mall on April 29th, with special guest UEFA Ambassador and legendary Italian footballer Gianluigi Buffon. Recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in football history, Buffon attracted intense media interest and was surrounded by fans during the event.
“I am truly honored to join the Betano Trophy Event as a UEFA Ambassador,” said Gianluigi Buffon. “It is a great opportunity to visit Sofia for the first time and engage with such a passionate football community. I’m excited to share this experience with Bulgarian fans and celebrate the spirit of the game together.”
Also in attendance at the event were Bulgarian football legend Krasimir Balakov and one of the favourite names of Bulgarian pop-folk – Galena.
Ιn January, the trophies were displayed to football fans in Romania in an unforgettable event at Park Lake Shopping Center, in Bucharest. The event drew big crowds of enthusiastic football fans who got to see the trophies in person while also enjoying a meet and greet with players from Fotbal Club FCSB, Romania’s current league champions, sponsored by Betano.
The trophies were also displayed in Porto, Portugal, where over 1,700 fans got up close with them. In addition to seeing the trophies in person, fans were also welcomed by former FC Porto captain and 2011 UEFA Europa League winner, Helton. During the event, the renowned goalkeeper reminisced about the all-Portuguese Europa League final in Dublin in 2011 and the fantastic moment of lifting the trophy in front of FC Porto’s fans.
Betano will look to host further UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League events in new locations during the next season.
The post Kaizen Gaming Displays the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League Trophies in Bulgaria, Portugal and Romania appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
FBMDS proudly unveils its latest online slot game, Sea of Fortune, a thrilling addition to its acclaimed Sublime Series. Set to chart new waters in the online casino landscape, Sea of Fortune delivers an immersive, high-impact experience that promises to captivate slot fans across multiple markets.
Set against the backdrop of the seven seas, Sea of Fortune invites players aboard the ship of the fearless Captain Golden Beard. With vibrant 3×3 reels, five paylines, and seamless gameplay across Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile, this game masterfully blends simplicity with excitement — offering smooth animations, detailed graphics, and a nautical soundtrack that completes the maritime adventure.
“Sea of Fortune enhances the Sublime Series legacy by combining stunning visuals and rewarding mechanics into a compelling adventure,” said Renato Almeida, Director at FBM. “It’s not just about spinning reels, it’s about diving into an epic treasure hunt that keeps players coming back.”
Key Features:
• Wild Symbol substitutes all others and can deliver up to 250x the bet when filling the grid.
• Spin Bonus mode, where only one paying symbol and Wilds appear on the reels, granting three re-spins and multipliers of up to x20.
• Wild Injection feature, adding Wilds at random moments for enhanced chances of winning.
The game also features thematic elements such as parrots, rum, anchors, swords, and cannon bombs — reinforcing the game’s swashbuckling spirit. Designed to boost player engagement, loyalty, and betting volume, Sea of Fortune is tailored for operators seeking content that performs.
With its release, FBMDS continues to support its 2025 growth strategy by delivering customized, regionally adapted content with optimized math models and rewarding bonus structures. Get ready to hoist the sails and set course for treasure — Sea of Fortune is here to make waves!
The post FBMDS launches Sea of Fortune, the newest slot title in the Sublime Series appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Vasista Esports Crowned Champions of the iQOO Neo 10 Skyesports Championship 2025 – BGMI
Vasista Esports rolled to a spectacular finish after a nail-biting grand finals of the iQOO Neo 10 Skyesports Championship 2025 – BGMI. The team secured the title by taking down India’s top 16 teams in the Sky Surge and Grand Finals, which took place from May 15 to 18. The Skyesports Championship is India’s longest-running homegrown esports IP, and the 2025 BGMI edition saw hundreds of teams participate in the open qualifiers for a shot at the title and a share of the INR 17.5 lakhs prize pool.
With its exciting format, long legacy, and top teams competing, the iQOO Neo 10 Skyesports Championship 2025, powered by AMD with associate partners WD_BLACK and GIGABYTE accumulated 30 million views from broadcast and 40 million through VOD views for a total 70 million viewership.
Vasista Esports have been in red-hot form throughout the tournament. After emerging on top in the Upper Bracket, the team entered the Grand Finals as one of the favorites – and they didn’t disappoint. With a dominant performance, they accumulated 169 points, 32 ahead of second-placed Autobotz Esports.
The iQOO Neo 10 Skyesports Championship 2025 featured a unique format in the Grand Finals with the introduction of the Sky Champ format—a first in the history of BGMI esports.
As part of this, May 15 featured the Sky Surge, based on which teams received bonus points for the 3-day Grand Finals from May 16 to 18. Vasista placed 14th in the Sky Surge, earning no bonus points and needing to climb the rankings from scratch.
In the Grand Finals, teams needed to reach 125 points to become Sky Champ point eligible. Once eligible, a team had to secure a WWCD (Winner Winner Chicken Dinner) to be crowned champions. This format ensured every match remained crucial, even as Vasista built a strong lead in the points table.
Ultimately, no team was able to secure a WWCD after becoming Sky Champ point eligible. As a result, Vasista Esports were crowned champions after 18 matches, based on their overall points as they remained consistent and aggressive.
A visibly emotional Sohail “Hector” Shaikh from Vasista Esports, who is also credited with building the winning lineup, said in a post-tournament interview, “A lot of people doubted me. A lot has happened in my life over the past 10 months, but I finally got the opportunity to prove myself. I’m grateful to my team. Our next target: winning the official BMPS 2025.”
The iQOO Neo 10 Skyesports Championship 2025 recorded over 100,000 peak concurrent viewers and more than 30 million total livestream views—highlighting the excitement around India’s premier homegrown esports IP.
Commenting on the tournament, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO, Skyesports, said, “First of all – congratulations to Hector and Vasista Esports for their dominant performance, not just in the Grand Finals, but throughout the tournament. Their resilience and high-tier performance kept us on the edge of our seats. With more than 30 million livestream views so far, it showcases the growth and attention of our premium esports property. Lastly, thanks to our partners in iQOO, AMD, Western Digital, GIGABYTE, and Red Bull for making this tournament possible.”
With its thrilling format, record-breaking numbers, and fresh champions, the iQOO Neo 10 Skyesports Championship 2025 has once again cemented itself as a landmark event in Indian esports.
The overall standings is as follows:
1. Vasista Esports – 169 points
2. Autobotz Esports – 137 points
3. Learn From Past – 135 points
4. Wyld Fangs – 125 points
5. Team iQOOSoul – 114 points
6. Blitz Esports – 112 points
7. RivalryxRNRi – 110 points
8. Team iQOO 8Bit – 97 points
9. 4Merical Esports – 97 points
10. Money Makerz – 96 points
11. True Rippers – 95 points
12. Team Versatile – 92 points
13. OnePlus Cincinnati Kids – 91 points
14. Rising Inferno Esports – 77 points
15. OnePlus Gods Reign – 62 points
16. Alibaba Raiders – 57 points
The post Vasista Esports Crowned Champions of the iQOO Neo 10 Skyesports Championship 2025 – BGMI appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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