Elite Counter-Strike teams to compete for $25,000 prize pool in ICE Barcelona Esports Invitational

The ICE Esports Arena continues to grow in status with confirmation that three world-ranked professional Counter-Strike 2 teams have entered the inaugural ICE 2025 Invitational (January 20th and 21st ). The teams competing for the US$25,000 prize pool are M80 (Germany: World ranking: 22), Sashi (Danish: World ranking: 43), 500 (Bulgaria: World ranking: 47) and Nexus (Romania: World ranking: 53).

Announcing the high profile addition to the ICE Esports experience William Harding Clarion Gaming’s Head of Emerging Technology and Esports said: “We are thrilled to announce that some of the world’s elite Counter-Strike teams will be competing live at ICE 2025. These exceptional teams will face-off on the iconic ICE Esports Arena stage, battling for an electrifying $25,000 prize pool.”

He added: “However, ICE is more than just a showcase competition. As a facilitator of new business opportunities our role is to provide gambling industry professionals from throughout the world with a gateway to the heart of the esports industry. We’ve invited executive members from these top-tier organizations, to deliver an exclusive opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain invaluable insights, and provide the connections to form strategic partnerships with the most influential teams in the game.

“As the only B2B gaming show to feature a professional-level esports tournament, ICE offers operators a unique and unparalleled show experience. In practical terms this means appreciating the theatre and appeal of intense gameplay while benefiting from expert educational presentations that not only analyse the matches but also explore their connections to betting and gaming innovation.

“Our headline partners Oddin.gg, who are the leaders in esports betting will supply the odds and help explain the content and why esports is such a commercially important vertical for operators. The Arena will be even more impressive in our new venue, and I’m confident it will remain the most visited feature on the ICE show floor. With the feature going into its third year, we look forward to welcoming an influential audience of operators, and representatives from throughout the esports betting ecosystem.”

Looking ahead to his team’s appearance at the ICE Esports Arena, M80 CEO & Founder, Marco Mereu, said: “M80 is honoured to be part of the inaugural ICE 2025 Invitational, marking an exciting milestone for esports on the global stage. We’re thrilled to not only compete in this ground-breaking tournament but also connect with ICE attendees to explore the evolving landscape and opportunity of esports partnerships as well as share our expertise at the onsite ICE Esports and Games Conference. 2025 will be a breakout year for viewership in the biggest esports in the world and M80 is excited to compete on the global stage.”