Mind Sports South Africa’s President, Colin Webster, today confirmed that MSSA has entered International Esports Federation’s (IESF) 17th World Championships which is to be known as WEC25.MSSA has been a staunch, and loyal member, of IESF since 2009, and has participated in every single IESF World Championship since 2009.

MSSA has always advocated greater inclusion of events for females at such World Championships. With Colin Webster having served on IESF’s Board from 2013 to 2020, the number of events specifically for females has grown in number. It was in 2018 that South Africa fielded the first all female Counter-Strike team at IESF’s 10th World Championships – an act which many see as a forerunner of IESF implementing an all female Counter-Strike event at its 14th World Championships.

It is therefore not surprising that MSSA has thus entered all IESF esports titles on offer at IESF’s 17th World Championships – especially the female events.

The esports titles entered by MSSA are:

• Counter-Strike 2 (open)
• Counter-Strike 2 (female)
• DOTA 2 (open)
• eFootball (Open)
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (open)
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (female)
• PUBG mobile (open)0

Colin Webster stated, “This is the largest entry that South Africa has ever made, and MSSA is confident that the 2025 Protea Team will be the strongest team ever to represent South Africa as the Protea Team’.

Colin then added, “The teams that attended both AEC24 and WEC24 have left solid foundations on which to build. MSSA is thus excited to see the performance of the teams that will be selected in March 2025 to represent South Africa”.

2025 marks a major milestone for Groove as it prepares to celebrate its first decade of shaping platform and aggregation technology in the iGaming industry. With ICE Barcelona 2025 as the official start of this celebratory year, Groove is ready to showcase its journey of success, technological innovation, and unwavering commitment to empowering operators worldwide.

As the team gears up for ICE Barcelona next week, the excitement is palpable and Groove is gearing up for a second decade of success. Celebrate Groove’s decade of excellence at ICE Barcelona 2025 and witness the beginning of a new era in iGaming innovation.

Since its inception, Groove has revolutionised the iGaming space with its powerful aggregation platform, offering an unparalleled selection of over 15,000 titles and cutting-edge tools designed to drive operator success. From pioneering back-office software and service solutions to building partnerships with over 100 top-tier studios, Groove has consistently delivered on its promise to be a pioneering force in iGaming.

As the premier global gaming exhibition, ICE Barcelona serves as the perfect platform for Groove to launch its 10-year celebrations. Groove’s forward-thinking philosophy has been underpinned by a focus on service, adaptability, growth, and collaboration.

By anticipating industry trends and operator needs, Groove has enabled casino managers to stay ahead of the curve in a fiercely competitive market.

Groove’s newest innovations include AI-powered technology and features that enable operators to enter new markets with confidence, backed by Groove’s deep expertise in market-specific solutions.

Yahale Meltzer, COO and co-founder of Groove, shared his excitement: “Reaching our first decade is a significant milestone. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of the Groove team and our partners. ICE Barcelona 2025 is the perfect stage to reflect on our journey and set the tone for the rest of this seminal year.”

From its modest beginnings to becoming a global player, Groove’s achievements over the past decade include empowering over 100 operators, driving innovation in every area of platform technology and best-in-class B2B service.

The company’s consistent growth is a result of its focus on collaboration, whether through partnerships with emerging studios like Speedy Tomatoes or its engagement with established tier-1 industry leaders like Sisal.

Groove invites partners, operators, and innovators to join in the celebrations and explore the solutions that have defined its success. “Together, we’ve accomplished so much, but the best is yet to come,” added Meltzer.

This year has been an exciting journey for SmartSoft. Both internally and externally, the company has undergone significant transformation. SmartSoft continues to pursue ambitious goals driven by teamwork and unity. The company fosters a culture of collaboration, where team members and partners support one another, share objectives, and work towards common interests. This synergy is powered by a diverse group of individuals, united by a shared mission to redefine the iGaming industry.
As a result, the number of unique customers grew by an impressive 75%—a remarkable achievement.

So, how did SmartSoft achieve such success?

Team Expansion and User Growth

SmartSoft made great progress this year by adding 40 new team members, strengthening its skills and knowledge across different areas. This expansion helped create a more dynamic work environment and played a key role in improving the company’s overall performance. As a result, SmartSoft saw an impressive 75% growth in unique users compared to last year. This increase in users highlights the company’s growing global reach, its ability to attract a wide audience, and its commitment to offering exciting and innovative gaming experiences.

New Markets and Partnerships

This year, SmartSoft made remarkable strides by entering 25 new markets, significantly enhancing its global footprint. The company also established several strategic partnerships with leading operators and platforms, including Betfair, Betway, Stoiximan, Betnacional, LottoStar, Betmexico and Qtech. These collaborations are expected to unlock new opportunities and open doors to fresh audiences worldwide. SmartSoft is excited about the direction these partnerships will take, and more details about these ventures will be shared soon.

JetX’s Unstoppable Rise

Also, JetX as SmartSoft’s flagship and pioneer crash game proved that its actually top game not only for SmartSoft but in the whole iGaming industry – its users rose by 80% which is a great number to imagine.
If there’s anyone still unfamiliar with JetX, it was the pioneer crash game developed by SmartSoft. Since its launch, JetX achieved extraordinary success, becoming a favorite among players and partners alike. The game is always evolving with regular updates, as the SmartSoft team constantly works to make it even better. Its innovative gameplay, which challenges players to cash out at just the right moment, captivated audiences worldwide. Breaking records and redefining expectations. The continued rise of JetX signifies the company’s ongoing commitment to offering exciting, innovative, and highly engaging products to its users.

Performance of Top Games

SmartSoft’s portfolio of top games saw incredible engagement, with a great increase in user participation across its leading titles, including Balloon, Mine Island, HelicopterX, PlinkoX, and FootballX. This phenomenal growth demonstrates that the company’s gaming offerings are not just popular but are setting industry benchmarks for user interaction and satisfaction. It’s clear that SmartSoft’s games are playing a key role in redefining the entertainment experience for players worldwide.

Exciting New Games

This year, SmartSoft introduced a total of 18 new games, including three games and slot games, all designed to offer players a unique and immersive experience. Some of the most anticipated releases included:

• 4 Bonuses Bonanza – Plinko Spin
• Mad Slot
• Rodeo X
• Dracula’s Fortune
• Jungle Sisters Deluxe
• Samba da Deusa

These new games have attracted more than 2 million new users, underscoring their appeal and the growing demand for SmartSoft’s innovative approach to gaming. The diverse range of titles further strengthens SmartSoft’s position as a leader in the gaming industry, offering games tailored to every interest.

Partnerships and Sponsorships

SmartSoft strengthened its position in the global market by extending its partnership with the Argentine National Team. This collaboration now includes SmartSoft becoming the Official Crash Game Partner. Sponsoring the Argentine national team and being a member of the World Champions Family is proof of SmartSoft’s commitment. Through these initiatives, company aims to spread the spirit of football, which brings people together and fosters a sense of community. Through this renewal in 2024 with the Argentine Football Association and the Argentine National Team, SmartSoft continued on a journey that combined passion and excellence, where the worlds of business and gaming converged with the magic of Argentine football. The company expressed delight in continuing as the gaming partner in Europe for the Argentine National Team and voiced confidence that this collaboration would drive both the company and its games to new horizons. Additionally, plans were announced for new content and marketing actions featuring the stars of the national team.

Memorable Moments and Extraordinary Partnerships

2024 was a year of remarkable achievements and unforgettable experiences for SmartSoft. The company participated in 8 major industry exhibitions, earning prestigious nominations such as Best Innovator, Best Interactive Experience, and Best Crash Game. Beyond the awards, SmartSoft cemented its reputation for innovation and connection through extraordinary events and partnerships. The Legend Series brought partners face-to-face with football legends like Zanetti, Palacio, and Milito, while an exclusive Champions League experience in London with José Mourinho left lasting impressions. In Lisbon, partners enjoyed the privilege of meeting Javier Mascherano at the SmartSoft booth and engaging in personal conversations during a special dinner. The collaboration with the Argentine national football team reached new heights with an in-depth interview with Lionel Scaloni, offering an insightful glimpse into the team’s journey. Further strengthening its connection to the sports world, SmartSoft proudly partnered with Georgian football legend Shota Arveladze, strengthening its ties to the sports world and bringing people even closer together.

Additionally, the launch of the Partners’ Club during a three-day celebration in Georgia showcased the company’s commitment to fostering collaboration and shared success.

Licensing Achievements

SmartSoft reached several important licensing milestones in 2024, underscoring its commitment to expanding its global operations while adhering to regulatory standards. The company’s Greek license, originally obtained in 2023, became fully operational this year, allowing SmartSoft to expand its reach in the European market. The company also achieved authorizations in Peru and obtained compliance certification in South Africa, further strengthening its position in these growing markets.

Certifications

SmartSoft earned 79 new certifications in 2024, an impressive achievement that reflects the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the industry. These certifications cover a wide range of areas, reinforcing SmartSoft’s commitment to delivering top-tier products that meet international quality and regulatory standards.

Looking Forward

The year 2024 was one of remarkable growth, innovation, and unforgettable achievements for SmartSoft. As the company continues to build on this momentum, it remains committed to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences, expanding into new markets, and redefining the gaming landscape. SmartSoft is excited about what the future holds and is looking forward to further strengthening its position as an industry leader in the years to come.

As we step into the new year, SmartSoft continues to soar, staying true to its motto: Keep Flying Even Higher.