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Silviu Hotoi talks about eSports and competitions
EEG: Hope you are having a great day! Knowing that one of the big influences in your life are video games, let me start by asking: how does a day in the life of a gamer like you looks like? How do you use your time, since the moment you wake up, till the moment you fall asleep?
Silviu Hotoi: Hey! That’s a bit hard to answer, really depends. Mostly I get up at 7:30 AM, take a shower and go to work (I work as a workforce/ data analyst at a multinational company). I get off at 6 PM and sometimes go for a drink (I laid off beers and coffee lately, so mostly tea), sometimes go for a walk and shooting some pictures (beginner photograph) or straight home. When I get home, I usually eat and take a shower and then I play until getting sleepy or tired. I don’t play League exclusively, I also play CSGO, OSU! and other MMOs like Lineage. When there’s a tournament coming up, I dedicate myself to League for a couple of weeks in advance.
EEG: Gaming is also a big responsibility. Especially when you’re in a competition and you also have other players that rely on you. Tell us about how you started to train in a professional manner?
Silviu Hotoi: I consider I started training myself in a professional manner when I took time to look at replays and analyze my mistakes. It’s different looking to the game without having to focus all the time at the map, CS-ing or micro play. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so even when I finish a game with a perfect KDA I take the time to look at the replay because I’m sure I made some mistakes that went through unpunished by the opponents. Oh, and as a note: I don’t consider myself a pro-player and not even semi-pro, but I do consider that I have the ethics and mindset.
EEG: It took something before video-games were actually considered “sports”, but nowadays we have real eSports competitions! I’m sure you’re very familiar with this kind of events. Tell us about your experience with them, your performances and share a few thoughts and insights.
Silviu Hotoi: My first contact with LAN tournaments were about 10 years ago when I started playing Counter-Strike 1.6 . I wasn’t in the top then, was merely a high skilled player running with the pros, but nothing fancy. I’m an extremely competitive player (all my friends can back that up, even the non gamer ones) so I liked the feeling. After the first season of League of Legends (I didn’t watch the championship series at all, didn’t even know that existed), the EU server split into EUW and EUNE, and there was a massive upcoming tournament. I gathered some local friends and we created a team. We didn’t practice or anything, we just checked-in at the event (hosted by ESL if I recall correctly) and started playing. We went to the only Internet Café in town and played for 12 hours straight. That was the first time I thought of myself “Hey, I can really do this”. Unfortunately, that was not the day. We lost in the quarter finals against Zombilau’s team (probably the most known player in Romania), but I was proud of myself. We got ranked top 8 of over 120 teams and it felt great. When season 2 started, I had some problems and wanted to focus on my studies so I quit League, only to get back in the middle of season 3, when I treated everything more serious. I started attending LANs when I got into college and even won a few, teaming up with my brother but lately playing with better ranked players. When I moved to Bucharest 2 years ago, I started going to bigger events and looking for better teams. Got first place on two events in Bucharest: Nexus tournament at Eastern European Comic-Con (teaming up with Trel, Vrow, Speedy and DeadliestHit, all known players in Romania) and LSE League of Legends tournament (Hosted by Polytechnic University of Bucharest, where I played for team Nexus Gamers Pub, teaming up with Alddy, Vrow, Xellos and CrazyBannana, again, all known players in Romania).
Regarding the atmosphere, and general feeling on LAN tournaments, it’s great. The fact that you’re friends with everybody from every team, but as soon as you enter champion select you’re enemies is great. Nobody takes it personally and that’s awesome.
EEG: Let’s imagine for a moment, that you’ve just been promoted to CEO at one of the biggest eSports Events in the World. What would you change, regarding the way these competitions work, or how would you organize it, having the free will to do so?
Silviu Hotoi: I don’t think I’d change much at all. The big companies are already hiring ex-esports pro players to manage big events or being esports directors and stuff like that. Esports events are organized by people of our kind, esports people.
EEG: Are there any people that inspired you? Or maybe any fictional characters from video games/comics?
Silviu Hotoi: I think I got mostly inspired by me, especially when I was failing. I always wanted to prove to myself that I can get to the top. Of course, I also get inspired by pro-player stories and quotes and all that.
EEG: A side question: what can you tell us about the so called “skin-industry” regarding the sums of money that can be made by selling skins? (ex CS:GO)
Silviu Hotoi: I think it’s great. Everything is as valuable as much as somebody is willing to pay for it. For example, if you just spent $500K on a Porsche, but nobody is willing to pay more than $10, that Porsche has $10 net value. It may worth more for you, but you can’t get your money back, can you? It’s the same with skins in CS:GO. If you have an unique Dragon Lore AWP skin and you put on sale for $10K, it’s worth absolutely $0 until somebody pays that up. And sometimes they do.
EEG: Is there any country in this world where you would like to participate in a eSports competition?
Silviu Hotoi: That’s debatable. Depending on what I would want at that time(I’m referring to regions, not countries in particular):
If I wanted the biggest competition, that would be Asia, there’s no secret that Korean and Chinese players are most skilled and practice the most.
If I wanted the “show”, that’s clearly North America, they have the best production.
If I wanted to play with the biggest blend of playstyles and mentalities, I’d choose Europe.
But if I wanted to play for the best crowd, I’d choose the Brazilian League, that’s the most energetic public I’ve ever seen.
EEG: One last question. Let’s imagine again. If you could move to any place in this world and stay there forever, what would that place be and what are the 4 things you would take with you?
Silviu Hotoi: I adapt really easy to any gear, so there’s nothing fancy, so I’d take my motivation, will and self esteem. No, leaving the deep talk aside, I’d take my computer, my internet connection (assuming there’s none) and my tea cup.

Latest News
Nexus International, Led by Gurhan Kiziloz, Secures Gaming License with $1.45 Billion Target for 2025
Gurhan Kiziloz, the key figure behind Nexus International, is strengthening his foothold in the online gaming industry, driving the company’s aggressive expansion strategy. Under his leadership, Nexus International manages Megaposta and Lanistar, two platforms that have significantly contributed to revenue growth. In 2024, the company recorded $400 million in revenue, and with Kiziloz’s expansion efforts, forecasts indicate that this figure could surge to $1.45 billion in 2025.
A crucial step in this trajectory is securing a Brazilian gaming license, granting Nexus International entry into one of the most regulated betting markets worldwide. Obtaining this license required compliance with strict financial and operational standards set by Brazilian regulators—an undertaking Kiziloz personally oversaw as part of his broader goal to establish the company in regulated spaces. With this authorization, Nexus International can legally operate and scale within Brazil, a market now focused on restricting unlicensed operators.
Kiziloz’s Influence on Nexus International’s Growth
Kiziloz has engaged in various industries, with his transition into online gaming reflecting a strategic response to shifting regulatory landscapes. Before stepping into the online gaming sector, he developed Lanistar as a fintech company, but under his leadership, it has since evolved into the gaming space. This shift aligns with his broader approach to restructuring and scaling business models in response to market demands.
His direct involvement has fueled the company’s expansion across Latin America. Megaposta has already established a presence in multiple countries, and with the newly acquired Brazilian license, Kiziloz has positioned Nexus International for further market penetration. His role has been instrumental in securing partnerships, ensuring compliance, and crafting strategies to compete with dominant players in the gaming industry.
However, this approach is not without its challenges. Brazil enforces stringent regulations covering advertising, taxation, and consumer protection. Any compliance violations could result in financial penalties or even the revocation of the company’s license. Kiziloz now faces the responsibility of maintaining Nexus International’s legal standing while navigating an increasingly competitive and tightly regulated market.
Strategies for Expanding Nexus International
Under Kiziloz’s leadership, Nexus International is targeting regions where legal online gaming is gaining traction. Megaposta has already gained significant market share in Latin America, and the newly obtained Brazilian license enables the company to operate openly, unlike unlicensed competitors who face restrictions.
Lanistar’s transformation from a fintech venture into an online gaming platform was a calculated step, allowing Nexus International to solidify its presence in sports betting and casino gaming. While Lanistar has shifted focus, it continues to operate as a fintech platform under Lanistar.app, maintaining its presence in the financial sector. By managing two platforms under the same corporate umbrella, Kiziloz diversifies revenue streams and expands market reach.
Brazil’s updated gaming regulations have created a landscape where only licensed operators can legally provide betting services. By securing Nexus International’s position within this regulatory framework, Kiziloz ensures the company can advertise, form local partnerships, and expand its customer base without the legal uncertainties of unlicensed operations. However, this also means facing higher operational costs and stricter regulatory constraints.
The Financial Targets & Hurdles Facing Kiziloz
Kiziloz aims to push Nexus International’s revenue to $1.45 billion through a combination of geographic expansion and increased user engagement. His strategy hinges on drawing more users to the company’s platforms and enhancing participation in sports betting and casino games, two of the most lucrative segments in the online gaming sector.
Yet, the industry presents several hurdles. Regulatory environments remain fluid, with governments frequently revising tax structures, imposing new restrictions, or introducing additional compliance measures. Any legislative changes in Brazil could directly impact Nexus International’s profit margins.
Additionally, competition remains fierce, with well-established gaming brands boasting stronger customer loyalty and larger marketing budgets. To compete effectively, Nexus International must prioritize user retention, offer exclusive features, and implement strategic marketing efforts—while still adhering to regulatory limitations.
Cybersecurity also poses a significant challenge. Online gaming platforms are frequent targets for fraud and cyberattacks. To protect user data and maintain trust, Kiziloz must ensure substantial investment in security measures. Any failure in this area could lead to financial losses and reputational damage.
Future Expansion Plans for Nexus International
Beyond Brazil, Kiziloz is exploring opportunities to extend Nexus International’s presence into additional regulated markets. Several countries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia are refining their online gaming laws, and Kiziloz is actively evaluating the most viable regions for legal expansion.
Securing new licenses is a complex, time-intensive process requiring adherence to different tax regimes, advertising regulations, and consumer protection standards. Kiziloz must oversee negotiations, obtain legal approvals, and implement regional marketing strategies to ensure seamless entry into new markets.
While the Brazilian license has paved the way for growth, Nexus International’s success will ultimately depend on Kiziloz’s ability to navigate industry challenges. Maintaining compliance, mitigating risks, and competing against larger players will be crucial for sustaining momentum. His approach to regulatory adherence, strategic marketing, and technological investment will shape the company’s trajectory in the years ahead.
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SOFTSWISS Joins Pink October Movement
SOFTSWISS, a global tech company with over 15 years of expertise in iGaming, supports the global Pink October initiative to attract attention to preventing breast cancer.
This year’s Pink October campaign at SOFTSWISS is themed “A Minute Today, a Future Ahead” and emphasises the importance of early detection and preventative care. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, and early diagnosis is key in the fight against the disease. When it is noticed early, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
Early detection involves doing monthly breast self-exams and planning regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Half of the 2,000 SOFTSWISS employees are women, and the company will refund each of them for ultrasounds and mammograms in October and November.
Pink October at SOFTSWISS offers a wide range of activities throughout the month. In addition to reimbursing for medical examinations, an online webinar on mental health will provide valuable insights for those who face the disease. To support the international charity movement “Butterfly Support Mission”, women from SOFTSWISS will take part in a themed race.
The company’s employees also personally support the initiative. To further raise awareness, prominent female influencers from the SOFTSWISS community share information about the campaign across social media, amplifying the message of self-care and vigilance.
“Health is a crucial value beyond everything. Here, at SOFTSWISS, we aim to help and support our employees’ well-being and health every day. By promoting the Pink October initiative, we want to stress the importance of well-timed self-care and make this issue visible both within the iGaming industry and beyond,” shares Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, Valentina Bagniya.
Notably, the iGaming industry recognised SOFTSWISS’ strong dedication to ensuring the best working conditions for its employees. A few weeks ago, SOFTSWISS received the esteemed accolade “Employer of the Year” at the SBC Awards.
Supporting the Pink October initiative for the second year in a row, SOFTSWISS continues to lead by example, emphasising the importance of preventive health measures and community support. Through this initiative, the company hopes to inspire its employees and society to take action today for a healthier tomorrow.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
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THE EVOLUTION OF GAMBLING IN SWITZERLAND – FROM PROHIBITION TO A DIGITAL BOOM
Switzerland, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, exquisite chocolates, and financial prowess, is also home to a turbulent gambling landscape that has undergone significant changes throughout its history. Once considered immoral and prohibited on religious and social grounds, gambling in Switzerland is now steadily embracing change and adapting to modern times.
THE HISTORY OF SWISS BETTING
Over the centuries, the Swiss have dabbled in various forms of betting. The first Swiss casino opened in the 19th century, quickly establishing itself as a vital social and cultural hub. However, this golden era was short-lived, as just a month after the opulent Interlaken Casino’s debut in 1859, the Cantonal Government imposed a blanket ban on all forms of gambling.
Despite this prohibition, the Swiss ingeniously continued their gambling activities by wagering on a game known as “petits-chevaux”, involving miniature metal horses racing on a small circular track.
It wasn’t until the early 1990s that Switzerland began to slightly relax its gambling prohibitions, signaling a shift away from the long-standing moral stigma attached to gambling. Nonetheless, even with new legislation in place, the ban wasn’t fully overturned, allowing only limited-stakes casino gambling.
THE CURRENT SITUATION
As time progressed, the digital age brought forth online forms of betting, including sports betting, which led Swiss punters to spend substantial amounts abroad.
Motivated by both economic considerations and the rising number of gambling addicts, Swiss politicians decided it was time to modernize their outdated gambling regulations.
In January 2019, the Swiss government introduced a new Gaming Act that legalized online betting for the first time while blocking all foreign operators. The primary goals of the new gambling law were to enhance protection against gambling addiction and ensure a portion of gambling revenue was allocated for public welfare, all while adapting to the challenges of the digital era.
Consequently, Switzerland now boasts one of Europe’s strictest gambling regulatory frameworks, allowing only two public operators, Swisslos and Loterie Romande, to provide sports betting services. Similarly, online casino services are exclusively offered by licensed brick-and-mortar casinos.
To date, nearly 400 domains have been added to the official list of blacklisted sports betting operators, and Swiss telecommunication service providers automatically block these domains using DNS blocks.
While domain blocking is a deterrent measure, it has its limitations. Technologically adept punters can easily bypass these blocks using VPN clients. At the same time, blacklisted operators persistently seek ways to provide their services to Swiss customers, often resorting to frequent domain name changes.
With the surge of unregulated online betting in Switzerland, the need for reliable resources such as BookiesBonuses, which help Swiss punters navigate the complex betting landscape and discover the best betting options has never been more critical.
THE FUTURE OF GAMBLING IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland’s gambling future remains uncertain due to stringent regulations that raise questions about their effectiveness and the pressing need for regulatory reforms that balance player protection with fostering a competitive and vibrant betting landscape.
While the intent behind these measures is to safeguard citizens, they have inadvertently limited options for Swiss punters. Consequently, a growing number of individuals have turned to international bookmakers known for providing a broader range of betting options, more competitive odds, and attractive bonuses.
In this ever-evolving industry, staying well informed about the latest developments, regulations, and the most reputable offshore bookmakers is crucial for those seeking the best sports betting experience. This knowledge empowers bettors to navigate the shifting Swiss betting scene and make well-informed decisions.
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