Press Releases
LIVESCORE RELEASES EVOLUTION OF FAN REPORT: A REFLECTION ON 25 YEARS OF EVOLVING FOOTBALL FANDOM IN LINE WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The report marks LiveScore’s 25th anniversary and analyses insights from nearly 25,000 football fans, revealing the synonymous relationship between evolving fandom and technology
The report showcases how the advancements of technology have underpinned an increase in accessibility to information and looks forward to what the future holds
As part of its 25th anniversary, leading global sports media platform LiveScore has launched Evolution of Fan, a report reflecting on the past 25 years of football fandom within the ever-changing landscape of technological advancements.
Showcasing data from nearly 25,000 football fans, LiveScore’s new report reveals the shifts in the way fans interact with, and consume the sport, in tandem with technological innovation.
Over the past 25 years, LiveScore has evolved into one of the world’s leading real-time sports updates and streaming service providers, with 50 million monthly users. Founded in 1998, the brand is marking its 25th anniversary by publishing Evolution of Fan, which contains industry-leading commentary and forecasts what the future may hold for the industry.
The Evolution of Fan report explores how technology has enabled fans to feel more connected to the teams, players and goals which matter most to them over the last 25 years, the impact of social media and sentiment towards the fragmentation of content with the increased number of broadcasters and streaming service providers.
The report covers a timeframe from the emergence of the internet through to today’s world of real-time data, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. The ever-changing tapestry of fan culture, the matchday experience and iconic moments are documented alongside technological innovations which have defined the trends which have emerged over the last quarter-century.
The extensive data and insights show that the vast majority of fans (92%) engage with football news and content at least daily, while the same number believe the technology allowing them to keep up to date with football news and results in real-time has had a positive impact on their experience.
This technology, which encompasses real-time updates and access to historical match data and statistics, has enriched the understanding and appreciation of the game for 84% of fans, with the same number feeling more connected to their favourite teams since the emergence of instant score updates.
Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group said: “Thanks to LiveScore’s loyal users, we have been able to uncover some fascinating insights of how fans have enjoyed their favourite sport over the last quarter-century, and how technology has guided habits, accessibility and passion.
“The Evolution of Fan report is not only a nostalgic and future-facing read for fans in equal measure but also offers insights to advertisers, brands and industry peers on how they can leverage the fan experience to reach and connect with a huge audience of engaged football fans.”
LiveScore is a pioneering force in the fan match experience, shaping and defining how fans engage with the beautiful game, tracing their journey from the simplicity of Teletext updates to the cutting-edge era of instant updates and accessibility. Data and news from leagues around the world are accessible instantly for fans globally, keeping them updated and informed through their devices.
As well as casting an eye over the 25-year journey which has led football fans to the digital age of real-time updates and immersive experiences, the Evolution of Fan report also looks ahead to the next generation of fandom; from a new era of broadcast rights re-bundled into direct-to-consumer platforms, a highly personalised fan experience and virtual reality revolutionising the in-stadium experience, and artificial intelligence dynamically curating football content based on individuals’ data.
Africa
EGT Tanzania consolidates its status as a leader in Africa with a major installation at Grand Leone Casino in Sierra Leone
Euro Games Technology continues its fruitful collaboration with Gaming IQ in Africa. After the large-scale installation in Grand Palace Casino in Cameroon several months ago, the Bulgarian manufacturer of gaming equipment recently made another big delivery of more than 60 cabinets in the reputable Grand Leone Casino in Sierra Leone, the operator’s biggest establishment in Free Town. Thus, EGT became the main supplier of the casino, which currently has a total of 80 machines.
Its guests now have the chance to enjoy some of the most popular products in EGT’s portfolio. Among them are the top performers from Vega Vision Series, as well as the Premier Series bestsellers P 24-24 Up, P 27-27 St Slim and P 42V St Curved, which are among the most successful slot cabinets in the African markets. Super Premier also made its debut in the country, having demonstrated the same excellent performance as the other models. All machines are equipped with the well-known Collection Series multigames: Gold, Purple, Union, Orange, Green and Fruits Collection, featuring some of EGT’s most popular titles on a global level. The players’ experience is complemented by the opportunity to try their luck with the well-established in the local markets Lady’s Cards and Premium Link jackpots. At their disposal are also several S-line terminals connected to a live and an automated roulette wheel and offering the latest multiplayer software of the company: King 3 and 4, Multiplay and Royal multigame mixes.
EGT’s casino management system Spider has been installed in Sierra Leone for the first time. After the impressive results it showed at Grand Palace Casino in Cameroon, the operator decided to implement it here and it is already successfully assisting for the easy and efficient management of the daily activities in Grand Leone Casino as well.
“With this installation, EGT became the leader in Sierra Leone with 60% market share,” commented Lilia Georgieva, CEO of EGT Tanzania. “We would like to thank our valued partners from Gaming IQ, who once again chose to provide one of their top gaming locations with our products. I highly appreciate that they place their trust in us and I believe that we will fully meet the high expectations they have for us.”
Delcho Petrov from Gaming IQ also shared his positive feedback regarding the new collaboration with EGT: “We are extremely happy and grateful for achieving this project at the beautiful and reputable property of Grand Leone Casino. The property now offers two VIP Slot Areas and various gaming spaces to accommodate each type of customer and has the highest footprint of slot machines in Sierra Leone. Our Collaboration with EGT has proven again a successful product delivery. We continue to strive for delivering quality and modern products and to develop the African casino market. We look forward to our upcoming projects in different countries and expanding our footprint.”
The post EGT Tanzania consolidates its status as a leader in Africa with a major installation at Grand Leone Casino in Sierra Leone appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the leading esports and video game entertainment company, and DreamHack, a leading global gaming festival, have announced a full slate of esports programming for DreamHack Dallas, taking place the weekend of May 31-June 2, 2024, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
One of DreamHack’s longest-running North American gaming festivals, DreamHack Dallas features everything gaming under one roof. From the world-famous bring-your-own-computer (BYOC) LAN party, panels, and an expo, to art, cosplay, creator meet-and-greets, and much more, DreamHack Dallas offers attendees a great variety of activities for an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, the festival will host 13 unique esports competitions – including iconic titles like Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch, StarCraft® II, and more to come – with over $1 million in total prizing.
For the first time, several DreamHack Dallas esports events – including competitions in EA SPORTS FC 24, Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and more – will offer aspiring competitors the chance to qualify for this summer’s debut Esports World Cup. With new pipelines to a $60 million prize pool and a global audience in Riyadh, DreamHack is offering more opportunities than ever for grassroots talent to fight their way to the world stage.
“Esports has been part of the fabric of DreamHack Dallas since the festival’s inception, and we’re excited once again to welcome tens of thousands of fans this summer to celebrate their favorite competitive titles,” said Shahin Zarrabi, Vice President, Festivals, ESL FACEIT Group. “From the 100th IEM event to the first-ever OWCS live event and qualifiers for Esports World Cup, DreamHack is celebrating every type of gamer, from world-class competitors to the next breakout stars.”
Dallas Hosts 16 Top Counter-Strike 2 Squads for 100th IEM Event
The birthplace of North American Counter-Strike esports will invite 16 of the world’s best teams to clash in Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Dallas, the 100th IEM event. With an ESL Pro Tour (EPT) Masters trophy, $250,000 in prizing, and qualification to an EPT Championship up for grabs, fans will watch as hometown heroes challenge international hopefuls in the US’s biggest Counter-Strike event of the year.
Overwatch Luminaries Assemble for First-Ever International Live Event for OWCS
The first-ever in-person Major tournament of Blizzard Entertainment and EFG’s Overwatch Champions Series invites eight of our competitive region’s top teams for a three-day showcase of industry-class talent. Featuring a prize pool supported by crowdfunding, fans can watch the action unfold live – or at home with the official broadcast or partnered co-streams – as teams face off to be the first team to claim an international OWCS title and qualify to compete at Esports World Cup.
ESL Impact Returns to DreamHack Dallas with $123K Season Finale
ESL Impact, a global all-women Counter-Strike circuit, returns to DreamHack Dallas for the exciting conclusion of Season 5 of competition. Eight of the world’s best women’s Counter-Strike teams representing North America, Europe, South America, and Asia will face off to see who will claim the title and the lion’s share of the $123,000 prize pool.
ESL Pro Tour in StarCraft® II Makes Masters Stop at DreamHack Dallas
The EPT in StarCraft® II, the title’s premier global esports circuit, continues with the ESL SC2 Masters: Spring 2024 Finals at DreamHack Dallas. Not only will competitors battle for their share of the $100,000 prize pool, but the opportunity to qualify for StarCraft® II competition at this summer’s inaugural Esports World Cup.
EA SPORTS FC 24 at DreamHack Dallas Kicks off Esports World Cup Qualifications
Electronic Arts’ soccer title, EA SPORTS FC 24, comes to DreamHack Dallas for the first time this summer with a world-class tournament. With the top two players securing their spot at Esports World Cup this August, the competition offers up to 250 competitors their first opportunity to qualify for EWC, in addition to $100,000 USD in total prizing.
Fighting Games take Center Stage with New DreamHack Fighters, Esports World Cup Tournaments
DreamHack’s marquee fighting game hub, DreamHack Fighters, brings six open tournaments to Dallas, including a mix of modern mainstays and FGC classics. Open to all registered attendees, competitors can face off to claim a slice of the $16,000 total prize pool. Participating titles include:
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Singles ($5,000)
- UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes (UNI 2) ($2,500)
- Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising ($2,500)
- Guilty Gear Strive ($2,500)
- Mortal Kombat 1 ($2,500)
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Doubles ($1,000)
For the first time, DreamHack will also host competitions in Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, which include the chance to qualify for Esports World Cup. Both tournaments offer $50,000 in prizing each, as well as pipelines to compete on some of the titles’ biggest stages in Riyadh this summer.
Kambi has during the period 13 May to 17 May 2024 (the “Buyback Period”) repurchased a total of 92,000 ordinary B shares (ISIN: MT0000780107) at a volume-weighted average price of 104.89 SEK as part of the Programme. From the beginning of the Programme, which started on 18 March, until and including 17 May 2024, Kambi has repurchased a total of 479,086 ordinary B shares at a volume-weighted average price of 96.49 SEK per share.
The objective of the Programme was to achieve added value for Kambi´s shareholders and to give the Board increased flexibility with Kambi´s capital structure by reducing the capital. The Programme was carried out in accordance with the Maltese Companies Act, the EU Market Abuse Regulation No 596/2014 (“MAR”), Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052 (“Safe Harbour Regulation”) and other applicable rules.
During the Buyback Period, Kambi has repurchased shares as follows:
| Date | Aggregated daily volume (number of ordinary B shares) |
Weighted average share price per day (SEK) |
Total daily transaction value (SEK) |
| 13 May 2024 | 20,000 | 105.08 | 2,101,612 |
| 14 May 2024 | 25,000 | 107.22 | 2,680,383 |
| 15 May 2024 | 30,000 | 104.99 | 3,149,601 |
| 16 May 2024 | 15,000 | 101.23 | 1,518,519 |
| 17 May 2024 | 2,000 | 99.98 | 199,958 |
All acquisitions have been carried out on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Stockholm by Carnegie Investment Bank AB on behalf of Kambi. Following the acquisitions and as of 17 May 2024, Kambi’s holding of its own shares amounted to 1,374,678 and the total number of issued shares in Kambi is 31,278,297 ordinary B shares. Under the Programme Kambi was authorised to repurchase a maximum of 3,127,830 ordinary B shares, up to a maximum amount of €4.0 million.
The post Kambi Group plc completes share buyback programme initiated on 18 March 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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