Asia
Mumbai Marshals crowned Esports Premier League 2021 Champions
Mumbai Marshals emerged as champions in the inaugural edition of the Esports Premier League (ESPL) 2021. The country’s first-ever franchise-based Esports league, which witnessed high-octane competition of Free Fire matches, concluded in a nail-biting finale. The mega prize distribution ceremony took place at a city hotel on Monday in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Mr. Manish Sisodia and Ms. Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson, India Today Group, as the champions and the runner-ups were handed over the trophies and the cash awards.
After two and a half months of virtual competition, two of the most impressive and skilled teams from the league stage, Bangalore Ballistics and Mumbai Marshals, locked horns in a thrilling grand finale. A neck to neck competition saw the Mumbai team getting past the opposition for the prestigious title. The ESPL season 1 champions, Mumbai Marshals have some top players in its roster including Sagar Patel, Indranil Saha, Jayesh Yadav, Naitik Khosto and Asjad Khateeb, who also grabbed the Most Valuable Player award. For his impressive show throughout the tournament, Jayesh Yadav aka Mr Jay from Mumbai Marshals, with 74 kills, was named as the player of the tournament along with an award of Rs. 30,000.
“It was like a festival of Esports, playing out in the last couple of months. There was an overwhelming response coming from all over the country. The gamers showcased their A-game and the competition was nothing short of top class. I hope these athletes will further utilise this experience and win medals for the country in the coming time,” said Mr. Vishwalok Nath, Director, ESPL.
“We, at ESPL, are committed to revolutionising the Indian Esports ecosystem and we are very proud to announce our next big Esports IP, World Esports Cup. We are thankful to Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Manish Sisodia who unveiled the logo of this upcoming championship. We believe this tournament will also help us to contribute in making India a global Esports powerhouse. We are also thankful to all our sponsors and stakeholders for their support and belief. This is just the beginning of a new era,” Nath further added.
With more than 100 million video views and one million-plus registrations for the ESPL 2021, eight teams, representing eight cities/states, were finally chosen for the finals at the end of the third round after a highly competitive final stage of the league. The group matches were followed by knockout rounds where 96 teams participated. The eight teams that made it through the knockout finals were assigned one Franchise team each. The list of franchise teams included Mumbai Marshals, Rajasthan Reapers, Bangalore Ballistics, Hyderabad Hydras, Chennai Celestials, Delhi Dukes, Punjab Paladins and Kolkata Kaijus. The tournament saw a massive prize pool of INR 25 lakh with a cash prize award to all the top-8 teams. The Mumbai team took home the major share of Rs 12 lakh from the prize money.
Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, while addressing the ESPL winners and players, said, “Esports now is growing very fast. I am convinced that this “E” sport deserves all the support and recognition. I promise that the Delhi government will encourage Esports in every possible manner. We will be happy to encourage all the initiatives that will help the industry and the sector to grow.”
ESPL 2021, which had Infinix smartphone as the presenting sponsor, was played under the aegis of gamer-centric campaign #ESPLGameSeFame with Tiger Shroff as the inimitable brand ambassador that encouraged players to showcase their top game and get recognised in the industry. The tournament also saw huge response and was streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar, Free Fire official streaming platform Booyah and Malayalam OTT platform Koode alongside official YouTube and Facebook channels of India Today and Aaj Tak and its websites.
Asia
Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform
In a move towards modernising India’s lottery sector, the state of Goa has introduced an entirely online lottery platform, sanctioned by the Directorate of Small Savings and Lotteries. This initiative, known as Great Goa Games, aims to bring transparency and convenience to an industry that has long grappled with allegations of mismanagement and fraud.
Ticket sales commenced Monday, with the inaugural draw set for Sunday. Rhiti Group, led by founder Arun Pandey, was granted the license to operate and market the platform. “Our mission is to democratize opportunities through technology,” Pandey stated, emphasizing the secure and user-friendly nature of the app-based system.
Goa government official Narayan Gad lauded the move as a step forward for the Indian lottery sector. “With our online lottery streamlining processes through technology, we are setting a new standard in the lottery industry,” Gad remarked. “The technology-based product will enhance transparency and ensure improved monitoring and regulation of operations.”
This development follows new rules governing online lotteries, introduced by the Goa directorate in February 2023. Currently, 13 states in India, including Goa, allow lottery games, though others have banned them due to concerns over gambling addiction and operational irregularities.
The post Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
DigiPlus Interactive Launches “Pusta de Peligro” Campaign
The DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, with its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, has launched the “Pusta de Peligro” campaign, pioneering a responsible gaming initiative to empower Filipino players with the knowledge and tools to make better choices in their gaming experiences. This campaign leverages the relatable term Petsa de Peligro—which reflects the need to be prudent before paydays in the Philippines as a metaphor for moments when players must exercise caution and discipline in their gaming.
The Pusta de Peligro campaign aligns DigiPlus Interactive with the efforts of PAGCOR in promoting responsible gaming and playing with a trusted operator, demonstrating a shared commitment to keeping gaming safe and enjoyable. A three-pronged approach to prevention, education and intervention anchors the campaign’s objective to teach Filipinos how to know the risks, set limits and get the right support.
Last November 14, DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation held the “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo! Wais Tips for Pusta de Peligro Moments” hybrid talk show in its headquarters in front of over 200 audiences on-site and online.
The show was split into two sessions with the first one being the “Tamang Laro” episode–Teresita Cambe-Castillo, licensed psychologist, chairperson of the board of Seagulls Flock Organisation and International Gambling Certification Board member, discussed how to spot the signs of excessive gaming and provide mental health support for oneself or others.
In the afternoon, proven financial guru Armand Bengco led the conversation in the “Tamang Panalo” episode, teaching the viewers how to continue winning by knowing how to handle money, build an entertainment fund and spend responsibly.
The “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo!” hybrid talk show is proof that DigiPlus, through BingoPlus Foundation, is committed to advancing an education campaign that goes beyond reminders on responsible gaming habits, but also gives actionable, practical tips to better manage their entertainment fund through financial literacy learning sessions, and spot the signs and provide psychological first aid for excessive gaming.
“We’re committed to more than just delivering exciting digital entertainment. With Pusta de Peligro, we’re taking responsibility to help players be mindful, enjoy responsibly, and stay financially aware,” said Rafael Jasper Vicencio, Director of DigiPlus Interactive and President of AB Leisure Exponent and Total GameZone Xtreme, the operator of BingoPlus Stores and developer of its beloved games.
Celeste Jovenir, COO of BingoPlus Foundation and Vice President of DigiPlus Interactive, said: “Pusta de Peligro is just the beginning. We are committed to setting the bar as a responsible industry leader, helping Filipinos navigate gaming wisely, for truly enjoyable and rewarding experiences with us.”
The post DigiPlus Interactive Launches “Pusta de Peligro” Campaign appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
MelBet Appoints Bollywood Actress Sherlyn Chopra as its New Brand Ambassador
International iGaming company MelBet has appointed Sherlyn Chopra, one of India’s famous and glamorous actresses, as its new brand ambassador.
As a brand ambassador, Sherlyn would be involved in creating exclusive content and promoting MelBet in international markets.
Sherlyn Chopra is known for her significant success in the film and television industry. Her work, including her role in the psychological thriller, Red Swastik, made her popular in India. Sherlyn is actively involved in showbiz and continues to expand her horizons by doing popular web-series, music albums, short films, launching glamour and style apps and other creative projects.
“I am incredibly excited to become a part of the MelBet family. Sports are more than just games or competitions as they unequivocally bring people together. I am proud to contribute to its popularisation with such a reliable partner. MelBet is not just about gaming, casinos, or sports. It is about team spirit towards involvement in the games, followed by highs and lows which are inevitable in the pursuit of success and victory. MelBet is an experience that brings us closer as a community and in setting our goals and achieving them. I am looking forward to starting our collaborative journey and the opportunities that we can create and explore for our growing game lovers,” Sherlyn Chopra said.
With this appointment, Sheryln joins other leading names, who represent MelBet in India and globally. MelBet believes that with her fearless approach to pushing boundaries, she embodies the innovative spirit that MelBet values – which led to her appointment. This partnership is expected to strengthen MelBet’s connection with sports enthusiasts, gamers and those passionate about the game, opening up new opportunities for clients and helping to further expand the brand’s reach across South Asia.
The post MelBet Appoints Bollywood Actress Sherlyn Chopra as its New Brand Ambassador appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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