eSports
eSports in the CIS region , Q&A w/ Viktor Block, Senior Sales Manager/PandaScore
Esports has long been popular in the CIS region, with various top-tier teams and players all calling it home. How has the landscape evolved over the last few years? Have any particular trends emerged that have surprised you at all?
Esports boomed in the CIS region in 2008 when Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games became really popular. While esports had been a thing as far back as 2003, the rise of games such as Counter-Strike and DOTA2 was a major catalyst for the upward trajectory the sector has been riding ever since. In recent years, the infrastructure needed to support esports has improved drastically across the CIS region, including the construction of the Pixel Esports Arena in Minks, Belarus, and the Cyberspace Arena in Almaty, Kazakhstan, both of which hold top-flight contests. Internet connectivity has also improved, while support from local and international sponsors such as Monster Energy, Red Bull and War Gaming have provided funds for further investment while also driving awareness. Ultimately, this has seen the landscape evolve into a thriving industry with lots of opportunities for further growth.
In terms of trends, and especially relating to esports betting, I’ve been surprised by the high demand for betting on console games – we call them eBattles and they include disciplines such as eSoccer and eBasketball. I think this is just a natural development that has occurred off the back of strong demand for video game content, which is often the bridge between traditional sports and esports.
What factors have contributed to esports’ growth in the CIS over the past few years?
One of the biggest factors for me is that teams have become more professional and are now training and playing in well-run clubs. This takes place in dedicated buildings and rooms, set up with high-speed internet and the absolute best gaming equipment. Player salaries have also gone up, which has increased the calibre of players taking part in contests across the region, taking competitiveness to the next level. Today, many CIS players now play for high-ranked teams such as Virtus.pro, Team Spirit, Betboom or Na`Vi which compete on the international stage. This in turn is helping esports grow across the CIS region.
Given how many countries are in the CIS region, can you walk us through some of the biggest regulatory differences when it comes to betting on esports? And how does PandaScore navigate these changes?
The legality of betting and esports betting differs from country to country within the CIS region. Some are super strict or even prohibit gambling, while others take a more liberal approach, regulating the activity and licensing operators. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest markets and their approach.
In Ukraine, esports has been recognised as a sport since 2018 and in 2020 the country regulated and licensed gambling for the first time. The law focuses mostly on standard betting – sports and casino – but is likely to also include esports betting given that esports is a recognised sport in the country with tier-one Ukraine sportsbooks like Favbet and Parimatch offering it to their players.
Kazakhstan has a growing gambling industry with betting shops and casinos operating in major cities such as Almaty and Nur-Sultan. Gambling is regulated by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and while the regulatory framework is somewhat restrictive, sports betting – which is likely to include esports betting – is permitted.
Navigating the constant changes in betting regulation across the CIS region can be challenging, so we make sure to keep up to speed with the latest developments by monitoring legislative updates and amendments to regulatory guidelines. We also track industry trends and best practices to anticipate regulatory changes ahead of time, allowing us to adapt quickly if needed. This can involve benchmarking against competitors, attending conferences and networking with key stakeholders.
In your view, are there any unique opportunities for the expansion of esports and esports betting within the CIS region? And how does this differ to other regions?
It’s important to understand that CIS, especially Ukraine and Kazakhstan, play by their own rules. By that I mean they are very different to other esports markets, so don’t think what works in Italy will work in Ukraine. For example, while League of Legends is very popular in Europe, in CIS, it’s Dota 2 that takes the top spot. But for those who can understand the region and each market, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.
Let me elaborate. Dota 2 is thriving in the broader CIS, with regular tournaments and events attracting large audiences both offline and online. teams like Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), Virtus.pro and Team Spirit have achieved significant success in Dota 2 competitions, contributing to the game’s popularity in the region. While Dota 2 is big, other video games also enjoy significant popularity, including CS2, World of Tanks and Fortnite among others.
Operators need to consider this when deciding their markets and odds, marketing strategies and plans for player engagement.
What would you say is the key to creating a successful esports product for a CIS audience?
Understanding layer preferences in each market and delivering an experience that exceeds their expectations. For the CIS region, this means focusing on Dota 2 – this is a game that offers deep and strategic gameplay requiring teamwork, communication and skilful execution of plans and strategies. Its competitive nature appeals to gamers as they enjoy the challenge of multiplayer experiences – this goes back to the original MOBAs back in 2008. These factors must be present in the esports betting experience offered to players – at PandaScore, this means a comprehensive Dota 2 offering that covers markets such as Kills, Towers, Roshans and Barracks, with players able to challenge themselves in a betting competition against others.
Support is also key to delivering a quality player experience. We offer round-the-clock assistance and are regularly rolling out updates to improve the experience players receive when betting on esports at sportsbooks using our data, odds and betting tools such as our Bet Builder. We are always working hard to expand our offering to cover the most in-demand games including CS2, Valorant, Call of Duty and many more.
What trends or developments do you anticipate shaping the future growth of esports in the CIS region over the next few years?
The industry will continue to grow and become more professional. Esports is different to traditional sports and it still lacks recognition in some markets, even though it is considered an official sport in a growing number of countries across the CIS region. I think as it evolves, more governments will provide more support for esports as it brings tremendous economic, cultural and social benefits. This could include funding for esports initiatives, rolling out regulatory frameworks, helping to foster partnerships with esports organisations or simply recognising it as a sport.
The continued proliferation of smartphones across the region will be a further catalyst for esports growth. Titles such as PUGB Mobile, Free Fire and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will attract large audiences and provide new opportunities for teams, players, sponsors and other stakeholders to explore. This is a really exciting time for esports and esports betting in the CIS region, and PandaScore is thrilled to be part of it.
The post eSports in the CIS region , Q&A w/ Viktor Block, Senior Sales Manager/PandaScore appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Aquisitions/Mergers
S8UL acquires North America’s leading Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster ahead of Esports World Cup 2025
S8UL Esports, a global powerhouse in esports and gaming content, has officially acquired the renowned North American Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) team formerly known as BloodThirstyKings (BTK). With this move, S8UL makes a historic entry into the MLBB competitive circuit, becoming the first Indian organisation to sign a top-tier international MLBB roster ahead of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 and other major tournaments.
The roster joining S8UL comprises:
– Michael “MobaZane” Cosgun
– Ian “FwydChickn” Hohl
– Jang “Hoon” Seong-hun
– Ziameth-Jei “ZIA” Caluya
– Vo “Shark” Trung
– Carlos “Bestplayer1” Ortega Vega
Founded in 2020, BTK rose to international prominence after their third-place finish at the MLBB M3 World Championship, where they notably defeated the Filipino powerhouse Blacklist International, taking home $80,000 (INR 68.4 lakh). Since then, the team has been a consistent force in North America’s MLBB ecosystem, with multiple regional championship wins and strong global performances to their name.
The roster officially qualified for the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) at the upcoming EWC 2025 following a dominant run in the recently concluded North America Challenger Tournament (NACT) Spring Season, where they defeated Area 77 in the Grand Finals with a 4-2 scoreline.
With players who have competed across multiple MLBB world championships, S8UL’s newest roster brings immense experience and proven ability to perform under pressure. This acquisition marks a milestone moment for Indian esports, positioning S8UL at the forefront of global competition in one of the world’s most watched mobile esports titles.
Animesh Agarwal, aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, commented, “We’re committing to MLBB in a big way — becoming a partnered organization and aligning closely with the S8UL vision, with the legendary Michael ‘MobaZane’ Cosgun leading the charge. As a mobile-first org, MLBB holds a special place for us — it’s the only mobile title among the eight games we’re part of. The game’s growth in India is promising, and we’re excited to contribute to its rise by working closely with key Indian stakeholders. This is just the beginning of what we aim to build with MLBB”
The team’s previous accolades include a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Gaimin Gladiators in the NACT Spring Finals and an unforgettable reverse sweep against Cloud9 in the NACT Fall 2024 Grand Finals, turning a 0-3 deficit into a thrilling 4-3 win. That comeback secured their place at the M6 World Championship, where they went on to finish in the top 10. Collectively, the roster has earned close to $150,000 (approx. INR 1.2 crore) in prize winnings, establishing themselves as one of the most accomplished MLBB teams in North America.
“We’ve been on a long journey together, from grassroots tournaments to the world stage, and every chapter has shaped who we are as a team. Joining S8UL feels like the beginning of something bigger than just competition. It’s about aligning with an organisation that understands not just the game, but the grind, the setbacks, and the stories that build champions. We’re not here just to play, we’re here to evolve, to represent, and to create a legacy that goes beyond titles and trophies. With S8UL behind us, we now have the platform to take that next big leap.” said team captain Michael Cosgun aka MobaZane.
According to data from Esports Charts, MLBB is the world’s most popular esports game in 2025, with a peak viewership of 2.7 million. The M6 World Championship held last year recorded an impressive peak viewership of 4.13 million and maintained an average viewership of 709,000 across its 120-hour broadcast, making it one of the largest and most-watched esports tournaments of 2024.
At EWC 2025, 16 of the world’s top MLBB teams will compete in double elimination group stages and best-of-5 knockout rounds which will culminate in a best-of-7 grand final. With a $3,000,000 (approx. INR 25.6 crore) prize pool on the line, this year’s MSC is set to be one of the biggest mobile esports events in history.
S8UL’s MLBB roster brings a balanced mix of experience and synergy across all roles. MobaZane leads as the Jungler, with FwydChickn in the EXP Lane and Hoon anchoring the Mid Lane. ZIA handles the Gold Lane, while Shark plays Roamer, driving team engagements. Bestplayer1 adds depth as a second Jungler, offering strategic flexibility for different matchups.
With this announcement, S8UL has now unveiled rosters across seven different titles for EWC 2025. The lineups are as follows:
Apex Legends: Rick Wirth (Sharky), Benjamin Spaseski (Jesko) and Tom Canty (Legacy)
Call of Duty: Warzone: Colin Bowers-Wilson (Trikempathy), Braxton Trice (Braxtvn), and Ryder Skarzinski (Ryda)
Chess: Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram
EAFC25: Jonas Wirth (Jonny) and Aaron Rivera (Happy)
Mobile Legends Bang Bang: Michael Cosgun (MobaZane), Ian Hohl (FwydChickn), Jang Seong-hun (Hoon), Ziameth-Jei Caluya (ZIA), Vo Trung (Shark), and Carlos Ortega Vega (Bestplayer1)
Starcraft II: Pyung Jae Koh (GuMiho)
Tekken 8: Arja Gamoori (Sephiblack) and Nino Schwarz (Nino)
The post S8UL acquires North America’s leading Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster ahead of Esports World Cup 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
LEON Esports, the international esports division of Leon.bet, has officially become the international partner of SAW, one of the leading Counter-Strike 2 teams in Europe.
Based in Portugal, SAW is currently ranked #24 in the global CS2 rankings (HLTV) and maintains a strong position within the Top 30. The team is recognized for its competitive consistency, professional structure, and growing fanbase across Europe.
This partnership marks the second major esports collaboration for LEON Esports, following its ongoing cooperation with FlyQuest. The agreement with SAW reflects LEON’s continued commitment to the development of the global esports ecosystem and its support for high-performing international teams.
The cooperation will include a range of joint initiatives, such as exclusive content creation, community activations, and brand integrations designed to strengthen the connection between the team and its audience.
With this new partnership, LEON Esports continues to expand its presence in international esports and invest in teams that demonstrate both potential and performance on the world stage.
The post LEON Esports announces partnership with Portuguese CS2 Team SAW appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The acquisition will see Team Vitality continue to forge its path to becoming one of the only truly international esports organisations, by entering the mobile gaming market in new regions and markets
Leading esports club, Team Vitality, is proud to announce the acquisition of Indonesian esports organisation, Bigetron Esports, following a deal with one of the most powerful mobile gaming esports brands globally. The move will strengthen Team Vitality’s presence in the mobile gaming market as well as extend the brand’s reach further into the Southeast Asian region, continuing to forge its path to become a truly global, multifaceted presence across all elements of esports.
Bigetron by Vitality: A strategic move into Southeast Asia and mobile gaming
The acquisition places Team Vitality in a strategically important gaming market – Southeast Asia. With a population of over 270 million, and more than 30% of whom are under 30, Indonesia represents a vibrant and highly engaged audience for esports. The country is home to over 100 million gamers, making it the fourth-largest gaming market in the world. Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, is also one of the fastest-growing regions for mobile gaming, with a remarkable 20% year-over-year revenue growth.
As part of the move, Bigetron Esports’ brand identity will change to ‘Bigetron by Vitality’, to show respect to the club’s local legacy while allowing Team Vitality to integrate the brand authentically and exclusively into all future mobile gaming activities. Bigetron Esports CEO, Edwin Chia, alongside Team Vitality’s Co-Founder CEO, Nicolas Maurer and Corporate Director of Global Operations, Danny Engels, will work together as the respective leads for Vitality’s mobile gaming entity.
This acquisition marks a significant step in Team Vitality’s expansion into mobile gaming, following the 2024 acquisition of Bigetron’s Women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang roster. Prompting a deeper exploration of the mobile esports space, Bigetron represents a fantastic addition to help introduce and grow the Vitality brand within this fast-growing and dynamic segment of the industry.
Bigetron Esports has built a formidable reputation in the mobile gaming world, with an impressive social media presence across multiple platforms, totaling over 6.8 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. As part of this acquisition, all Bigetron social media channels will be rebranded to align with Team Vitality as ‘ Bigetron by Vitality’, integrating seamlessly into the broader Team Vitality network.
Bigetron is one of the few Southeast Asian organisations with an established footprint in four key mobile gaming titles, a strong competitive track record, and existing partnerships with gaming industry leaders Moonton and Tencent. Following the deal, Team Vitality will be represented by the organisation’s existing key rosters and talent including:
- Men’s Mobile Legends Bang Bang Team: Competing in the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League Indonesia (MPL ID), the organization recently secured 3rd place in the highly competitive league operated by game publisher Moonton, with a notable peak viewership of an astonishing 4 million.
- PUBG Mobile Team: With total prize winnings exceeding $1.2 million, Bigetron has made multiple World Championship appearances, including the 2024 World Championship, and holds World Championship titles from 2019 and 2020.
- Free Fire Team: Champions of the Free Fire World Series (FFWS) Indonesian Fall 2024. The team also earned a spot in the Free Fire World Series Grand Finals 2024.
- Honor of Kings Team: The Honor of Kings team recently triumphed in the Indonesian Qualifier for the HoK Invitational Season 3 and became a partner team in the newly established Professional Honor of Kings League in Indonesia.
- Women’s Mobile Legends Bang Bang team: Following acquiring the team in 2024, Bigetron will offer additional support, resources and infrastructure to further support the roster ahead of the Esports World Cup in 2025.
- Additionally, Bigetron has assembled a lineup of Southeast Asian brand ambassadors with a combined social media following of over 27 million, all of whom will further amplify the clubs partnership with Team Vitality throughout the region
All of the above teams that qualify for the Esports World Cup will represent Team Vitality and compete under the Team Vitality banner and team name. Following this, teams competing in Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings, and Free Fire tournaments will do so as Bigetron by Vitality, marking the full integration of Bigetron into the Team Vitality network.
| TEAM VITALITY IN FIGURES
After Bigetron Esports acquisition
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Ambitious international plans for 2025
With ambitious plans for international expansion, Team Vitality is setting its sights on reaching new heights in esports throughout 2025. This year, the organisation is focused on securing victories, strengthening its legacy, and pioneering the esports industry into the new generation. This commitment not only supports Team Vitality as one of the world’s leading esports powerhouses but also contributes towards the broader success of the organisation on a global scale.
“We are thrilled to announce our acquisition of Bigetron Esports.” said Nicolas Maurer, CEO of Team Vitality “As the popularity of mobile gaming continues to soar, particularly with younger generations growing up on mobile games, Team Vitality is proud to support shaping the long-term future of mobile gaming esports together with the Bigetron leadership team. This acquisition marks an important step in our internationalisation as well as becoming the best gaming organization in the world.”
“The merger was driven by our shared vision with Team Vitality to inspire and empower gamers to achieve greatness through innovation, collaboration, and relentless dedication to excellence. We believe alongside Team Vitality, we can continue achieving greatness and showcasing the stellar Indonesian esports talent on an expansive international stage.” commented the CEO of Bigetron Esports, Edwin Chia.
The post Team Vitality accelerates global growth with acquisition of Bigetron Esports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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