eSports
Entain extends responsible gaming partnerships Into video-gaming and esports
Entain Teaming with Counter-Strike Professional Players Association, EPIC Risk Management, Kindbridge and Rise Above the Disorder to Provide Support and Resources
Entain, the global sports betting and gaming entertainment provider, today announces that in line with its commitment to raise both the quality of entertainment and protections to customers worldwide it has extended its initiatives in responsible gambling to new areas including video-gaming and esports.
The new partners include the Counter-Strike Professional Players Association, Kindbridge, Rise Above the Disorder, and an expanded partnership with EPIC Risk Management. These four organizations will provide mental health support services and education for players potentially at risk and will work internationally with Entain and the Entain Foundation, the company’s non-profit charity dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity, and corporate compliance.
Each organization seeks to bridge the gap between demand and availability of affordable professional, individual therapy and care. The Entain partners include:
- Counter-Strike Professional Players Association – The CSPPA is the worldwide association for professional players of the largely popular Counter-Strike videogame, which regularly features in esports events.
- EPIC Risk Management – An international consultancy specializing in prevention of gambling-related harm, EPIC already works with Entain both internationally and the U.S. and will now be extending its activity further, also to address videogaming and esports.
- Rise Above the Disorder – A non-profit universal mental health care system, RAD covers the cost of mental health care for tens of thousands of people around the world. Once a video game group selling in-game items to crowd fund therapy, RAD is now celebrated by the United Nations for having helped over 36,000 people receive free support.
- Kindbridge – The world’s first teletherapy company focused specifically on the successful treatment of gamblers and gamers struggling with their mental health, Kindbridge is a U.S.-based mental health services organization that provides access to online professional mental health counselors and specialized support services.
Entain’s strategy for sustainability and growth underscores its commitment to delivering the highest possible levels of player safety and protection across all its markets. As part of its safer gambling strategy, the Entain Foundation supports customer protection through a mix of education and support projects, as well as research and data analysis, using Entain technology to pioneer new and higher standards of online player protection.
Martin Lycka, Entain Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and Trustee of the Entain Foundation US, explains, “We are committed to supporting initiatives that encourage responsible gambling and gaming in every way we can. The vast majority of people enjoy playing for fun have no problems whatsoever, and we want to leverage our capabilities to offer them additional experiences whilst keeping all our customers safe. These new partnerships are initial steps in this and other new directions as we both expand our offer to customers and the protections we put in place to protect the very small number who may be at risk.”
Today’s announcement supports Entain’s planned expansion into video-gaming and esports alongside furthering its commitment to responsible gaming. Entain recently unveiled its Advanced Responsibility and Care (ARC) initiative, pioneering use of data science, behavioral analysis, and technology to develop protective and preventative measures that work in real time.
Late last year Entain appointed Dr. Mark Griffiths as Distinguished Professor of Behavioral Addiction and Psychology, a title he also holds at Nottingham Trent University. Professor Griffiths is advising Entain on triggers for problems with online play and addiction, which is supporting the ongoing development of ARC. Professor Griffiths was previously involved in work with the World Health Organization around online addictions, resulting in the first official recognition of gaming disorder as a psychological problem among video-gamers.
PARTNERS HOLD UNIQUE EXPERTISE
The Entain Foundation US is a first-of-its-kind non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity and corporate compliance in the U.S. The Foundation was launched last year by the Entain Global Foundation and the Entain Group.
Trustees of the Entain Foundation US include Entain’s Martin Lycka, former New York Giants wide receiver and Super Bowl Champion Amani Toomer and international gambling regulatory expert Bill Pascrell III, a partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group. The Entain Foundation US already sponsors a variety of information and education programs on problem gambling for college and university athletes and coaches, professional athletes, teams and leagues. Globally, the Entain Foundation has committed more than $100 million to responsible gambling programs over the next five years.
Rise Above the Disorder (RAD) A non-profit universal mental health care system, RAD covers the cost of mental health care for tens of thousands of people around the world. Once a video game group selling in-game items to crowd fund therapy, now celebrated by the United Nations for having helped over 36,000 people receive free support.
Kindbridge Kindbridge is the world’s first teletherapy company with a focus on the successful treatment of gambling and gaming addictions. Launched in 2020 Kindbridge is dedicated to a centralized, value-based approach to delivering timely, efficient, and effective care on-demand across the US. Diagnosing and treating qualified mental health, gambling & gaming disorders, and any related co-morbidities in a teletherapy setting allows their clients access to a treatment plan from the comfort of their own homes.
CSPPA Counter-Strike Professional Players’ Association (CSPPA), is the worldwide representative association for professional Counter-Strike (CS:GO) players. The CSPPA aims to safeguard, protect, and promote professional Counter-Strike players’ interests both during and after their active career. The CSPPA will work to secure the best possible working conditions for the players, while taking into account the special nature of the industry. Any player who is contracted or actively seeking a contract as a professional Counter-Strike player and who competes at an elite level is eligible to be an active member of the CSPPA.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is the multiplayer first-person shooter video game developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment. It was released in 2012.
EPIC Risk Management is a globally leading independent gambling harm minimization consultancy. Working across the highest risk sectors for gambling-related harm, EPIC has worked in 21 countries on ground-breaking harm-minimization programs, sector leading gambling operator training, and class-leading advisory. EPIC draws on lived experience to help individuals and organizations across financial services, elite sport, the military, criminal justice, education, and the gambling industry to minimize the risks posed by gambling harm.
eSports
OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2025 Split 2 set to kick off on May 16 with a prize pool of INR 29 lakhs
The top 8 teams battle for a spot at the Split 2 LAN finals on May 31 and June 1
The stage is set for the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2025 Split 2 (OMEN VCSA Split 2) as eight of the region’s finest VALORANT teams prepare to clash for glory and a prize pool of INR 29 lakhs. Organised by NODWIN Gaming, a leader in the global esports and gaming ecosystem, in collaboration with Riot Games, makers of the globally acclaimed title, VALORANT, Split 2 of the OMEN VCSA will feature three weeks of high-octane action.
Following a highly competitive Split 1 that amassed over 10 million views across platforms, the tournament enters a critical phase with heightened stakes. Of the eight remaining teams, only the top three will secure a place at the LAN Finals, where they will compete not only for the championship title and prize pool but also for essential Challenger Points that play a decisive role in their qualification journey toward VCT Ascension Pacific 2025.
From the Organizers
Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder & Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming: “The OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia is part of a growing ecosystem that’s being shaped by the passion of our players, the energy of the community, and the support of our partners. Split 1 has already shown just how strong that foundation is, with great viewership and fan engagement. As we move ahead, the focus is on creating more opportunities for players and putting South Asia firmly on the global VALORANT map. The potential here is massive—and we’re just getting started.”
Sukamal Pegu, Esports Lead, South Asia, Riot Games: “Split 1 of the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2025 laid a strong foundation, elevating the competitive bar and uncovering standout talent from across the region. As we move into Split 2, we expect the intensity to rise even further. At Riot Games, our vision is to build a sustainable esports ecosystem in South Asia, one that empowers players, engages fans, and creates a clear pathway to bigger stages in the VCT (VALORANT Champions Tour) Circuits like the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia are central to that vision, and Split 2 represents another key milestone in shaping the future of competitive VALORANT in the region.”
Prize Pool Distribution:
- Split 2 Winner: ₹12,15,000
- Runner-up: ₹6,48,000
- 3rd Place: ₹4,45,500
- 4th Place: ₹2,43,000
- 5th Place: ₹1,21,500
- 6th Place: ₹1,21,500
- 7th Place: ₹81,000
- 8th Place: ₹81,000
Opening Matches:
- May 16, 2025 | 3:00 PM: Velocity Gaming vs Asterisk
- May 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM: Reckoning Esports vs GE Academy
- May 17, 2025 | 3:00 PM: Revenant x Spark vs XO IND
- May 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM: DotExe Esports vs S8UL Esports (BO3)
An Invitation to the Community
NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games welcome fans, players, and esports enthusiasts from across the region to be a part of the OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2025. With three high-stakes splits offering a shot at VCT Ascension Pacific 2025, the tournament marks a major step forward for VALORANT esports in the region.
Together, NODWIN Gaming and Riot Games continue to strengthen the esports ecosystem in South Asia, amplifying player stories, uncovering new talent, and uniting fans in celebration of esports brilliance.
Check out the thrilling broadcast of the OMEN VCSA 2025 on the following links :-
Hindi and English broadcast on NODWIN Gaming’s Official YouTube Channel
Hindi Broadcast on NODWIN Gaming’s Official Facebook Page
___________________________________________________________________________
OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2025 Split 2 – Teams & Rosters
| Team Name | Players |
| Velocity Gaming | Russ |
| Lightningf | |
| SkRossi | |
| damaraa | |
| Madelyn | |
| SynX | |
| Coach – GodspeedxD | |
| Revenant XSpark | Antidote |
| Rawfiul | |
| DEATHMAKER | |
| Azys | |
| Georgyy | |
| venka | |
| Coach – Gobz | |
| Reckoning Esports | Paradox |
| Deadly10 | |
| Trickyy | |
| Bgg | |
| moner | |
| Garv | |
| Mojo | |
| Coach – Inthra | |
| GE Academy | kibojn |
| r1seN | |
| Envy2k | |
| LilBOii | |
| Yuvi | |
| SmokeA | |
| Coach – aRubyz | |
| S8UL | Hellff |
| k1ngkappa | |
| miz | |
| techno | |
| HYBR1DD | |
| Hoax | |
| Coach – HellrangeR | |
| DotExe Esports | RvK |
| Makaveli | |
| Trinity | |
| deecee | |
| Kohli | |
| TERMI | |
| Sanak | |
| Coach -AYAN | |
| Asterisk | Bullet |
| YasH | |
| haeart | |
| rinsat | |
| Enzyy | |
| Homeboy | |
| PRIME | |
| Coach -Sieh | |
| XO IND | ShivamVLR |
| DOXZ3RRR | |
| tryst | |
| ScaR | |
| Marcai | |
| RozsteR | |
| GauRanG | |
| Coach -darksoul |
—————————————————-
The post OMEN VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2025 Split 2 set to kick off on May 16 with a prize pool of INR 29 lakhs appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Esports Returns to Singapore with BLAST’s Dota 2 Arena Event After Sellout Counter-Strike World Final 2024
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BLAST Dota Slam Singapore to take place this November at Singapore Indoor Stadium in partnership with Singapore Tourism Board and AEG Presents Asia
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The world’s best Dota teams will meet in Singapore from 4th – 9th November 2025 to compete for a prize pool of $1,000,000 at the first ever BLAST Slam arena event
Esports entertainment company BLAST has announced the return of its world-class events to Singapore with the BLAST Dota Slam Singapore, set to take place in November 2025 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
This announcement follows the sellout success of the BLAST Premier World Final 2024, which marked BLAST’s Southeast Asia debut and saw more than ten-thousand fans pack out the Resorts World Convention Centre to witness the world’s top Counter-Strike teams compete for the $1 million prize pool.
Building on that momentum, Singapore will now host the BLAST Dota Slam arena event, teaming up with AEG Presents Asia again to bring together the world’s best Dota teams to battle it out for $1,000,000 in front of a live audience and millions of fans tuning in globally across 50+ territories and in 12 languages.
The BLAST Dota Slam Singapore is the latest milestone in BLAST’s global expansion into Dota 2, and reinforces Singapore’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sports and live entertainment. It marks the second consecutive year the city-state has hosted a BLAST arena tournament, following the successful Counter-Strike event in 2024.
James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said: “Singapore delivered one of the most passionate esports crowds we’ve ever seen during last year’s BLAST Premier World Final. We’re thrilled to be returning with our next major arena show – this time for Dota 2 – and to once again partner with the Singapore Tourism Board and AEG Presents Asia to help to further grow Southeast Asia’s esports ecosystem. The response to our events in Singapore has been incredible, and this November’s Dota Slam promises to be another landmark moment for fans and for the region. Singapore has an impressive history and pedigree for the biggest international sporting events, supported by STB, and BLAST is proud to be building on this with the biggest esports events.”
Ms Lilian Chee, Director, Sports, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome BLAST back to Singapore, this time with the Dota Slam. Building on the success of the BLAST Premier World Final, this event further reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a world-class destination for sports and live entertainment. We look forward to welcoming the passionate fans, players and partners once again to our vibrant city.”
BLAST’s return to Singapore is set to shine a global spotlight on the city while delivering significant economic benefits and meaningful destination marketing. With an estimated economic impact in the tens of millions, the tournament further demonstrates how esports events are evolving into major cultural and economic drivers for host cities – on par with large-scale traditional international sporting events.
With Singapore, Rio, London, Austin, and Lyon among the major destinations on BLAST’s global calendar this year, it is evident that governments, cities and tourism bodies are recognising the power of esports to attract young and engaged visitors, create jobs, and drive international visibility.
The post Esports Returns to Singapore with BLAST’s Dota 2 Arena Event After Sellout Counter-Strike World Final 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Seasoned esports professional joins fast-betting content provider, bringing over 20 years of trading and product experience to elevate its offering
BETER, an award-winning provider of fast-betting content, data, and live streaming for esports and sports, has appointed former SIS senior executive Adam Conway as its new General Manager of Esports Business Division, significantly strengthening the company’s position in the market.
Conway is a highly accomplished manager in the betting industry, with more than 20 years of experience in overseeing and launching successful product portfolios.
Adam joins BETER following a ten-year tenure at SIS, where he held various positions—from Head of Trading to Global Head of Esports and Competitive Gaming. Before SIS, he held roles at several companies, including Head of Trading at betting powerhouse Ladbrokes.
As Esports General Manager at BETER, Adam will be responsible for strengthening the provider’s leadership in the fast-betting domain, as well as developing and expanding the number of in-house events for the company’s flagship ESportsBattle tournaments, which currently feature disciplines such as eFootball, eBasketball, and eHockey.
Conway will spearhead the development of new disciplines—eCricket and eTennis are set to launch soon—and focus on enhancing relationships with existing clients while establishing new partnerships.
Adam will lead a team of over 200 specialists and 500 professional athletes, delivering more than 500,000 esports events annually across four countries. He will also work closely with key industry bodies, including the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).
Gal Ehrlich, CEO at BETER, said: “Adam’s background in esports is unmatched, and we are thrilled to have him on board as we continue to enhance our esports offering, especially our flagship ESportsBattle tournaments.
“We’re already the go-to provider for fast-betting content, data, and live streaming in esports and sports. With Adam as our Esports General Manager, we’re confident we’ll strengthen that leadership and further distance ourselves from the competition.
“We’re excited to welcome Adam and look forward to the significant value his expertise will bring to our partners worldwide.”
Adam Conway, Esports General Manager at BETER, added: “It’s an honour to join BETER and contribute my extensive experience in trading and product development to such a pioneering company.
“BETER is the undisputed market leader, and I’m excited to help ensure it remains at the forefront—delivering exceptional products to operator partners and bettors alike.”
The post BETER Names Adam Conway as General Manager of Esports Business Division appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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