eSports
IEM Cologne 2021: how major events increase the popularity of esports betting
IEM Cologne is one of 2021’s best Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournaments. This newsworthy event brings together 24 teams from all around the world, has a $1 million prize pool and three stages of play.
Counter-Strike is flourishing
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the fourth game in the Counter-Strike series of games. As with its forerunners, the game is a multiplayer first-person shooter in which two teams (Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists) compete against each other in various game modes.
Just imagine, the first release of Counter-Strike was published on November 9, 2000. This game has existed for more than 20 years. Even though the last game in the Counter-Strike series Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was released nearly 9 years ago, in August 2012, the game is still top-rated online and has millions of fans.
According to Statista, as of February 2020, Counter-Strike had 24 million monthly active users, more than double the figure from May 2016. In May 2021, CS:GO reached more than one million concurrent players on Steam.
More than just a game
And what’s interesting is, it’s not just a game for millions of gamers, but for watchers of esports content too, of course. ELEAGUE Major, which took place in January 2018, was the most-watched CS:GO tournament that year, reaching nearly 1.9 million viewers. With such a large number of supporters, it is par for the course that CS:GO competitions are worth big money.
The game’s annual cumulative tournament prize pool reached $21.77M in 2019. And in 2020, the estimated prize money for CS:GO tournaments stood at $15.85M, making it the online game with the highest cumulative prize pool in that year.
Gamers are not short of attention and cash rewards. For instance, the Danish gamer, a member of Astralis, Andreas Højsleth, known by his online alias, Xyp9x, has earned over $1.88M playing CS:GO competitively. Currently, he is in second place in the earnings table for players of CS:GO. Another Danish player, Peter Rasmussen, who goes by the alias dupreeh, occupies the first spot with around $1.91M.
CS:GO betting
Professional gaming quickly became a matter of interest to sportsbooks. Today, as reported by iGB, the most popular esports betting titles fall under two categories. The first includes the “Big Three”: League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. They’re also some of the most popular video games globally.
The growth of popularity of these games turned the attention of the majority of sportsbooks. Global betting operators are widening their portfolio with popular online PC games. Some of the most popular CS:GO events are commercial CS:GO tournaments with 24/7 schedules that allow sportsbooks to fill free airtime with engaging content.
Betting on commercial CS:GO events works the same way as betting on major CS:GO events. Bettors wager on various markets: the outcome of a match, top-performing players, final scores, etc.
One of the platforms that provide fast and dynamic 24/7 esports tournaments is ESportsBattle. It is worth noting that the organizers of ESportsBattle CS:GO tournaments have noticed the huge spike in bettors’ engagement rate in the run-up to big matches.
ESportsBattle & CS:GO
Because of increased global demand, ESportsBattle decided to expand its horizons and became the first platform to launch 1×1 CS:GO matches, guaranteeing beginner players an opportunity to have a shot at it. Earlier, ESportsBattle had only a 5×5 format and later became the first to offer 2×2 CS:GO matches.
This variety of formats and modes allows pro and amateur players to face off in EsportsBattle tournaments, develop their skills, and make money on it.
For bettors of EsportsBattle CS:GO tournaments, operators provide the following markets: match winner (2-way or 3-way), match handicap, total maps, correct map score, map winner (2-way and 3-way), total rounds.
During July 2021, when IEM Cologne 2021 took place, ESportsBattle CS:GO matches chalked up far more views, which, in turn, led to increased bettor engagement. The number of views of ESportsBattle tournaments has risen dramatically: from 120K in June to almost 200K in July.
Furthermore, the number of views increased by 73% from the beginning of 2021. Betting on CS:GO gives bettors a chance to feel even more engaged in the whole IEM Cologne 2021 experience, as though they are participating in the tournament.
Thanks to regular broadcasts of esports events that boosted the gaming, esports and betting markets began to enjoy particular popularity. Moreover, one of the betting operator stated that there was almost 40% uptake in the number of active bettors engaged with EsportsBattles’ CS:GO events between June and July. Since the beginning of 2021, the number of people betting on EsportsBattle CS:GO events has increased by 10,000%.
Today, Virtus.pro kick things off at Esports World Cup 2024 — the largest event in esports history.
EWC marks the first championship of this scale. Our club is represented by eight rosters that have already secured their spots, with two more currently competing in qualifying matches for the chance to face the world’s best teams. Virtus.pro have made a significant leap towards multi-gaming, catering to every fan with their preferred title.
For the tournament’s start, Virtus.pro has prepared a video, crafted with respect for the fans and their passion for the club. It features numerous references to the two-decade history of Virtus.pro.
With the main character, a polar bear, viewers will journey from the team’s inception to triumphant victories at global competitions, establishing themselves as one of the leaders in the industry. The video is rich with references to key moments in the club’s history and emotional events that have touched fans’ hearts, including the famous arrow at TI9. From the first frame to the last, this video is a love letter to our fans!
Virtus.pro’s new challenges in Riyadh will begin tomorrow. Cheer for the Bears and become a part of the history we are writing together right now!
The following Virtus.pro line-ups will compete at Esports World Cup 2024 in Riyadh:
Dota 2
Tournament dates: July 4-21, prize pool: $5,000,000
CS2
Tournament dates: July 17-21, prize pool: $1,000,000
Overwatch 2
Tournament dates: July 24-28, prize pool: $1,000,000
Apex Legends
Tournament dates: July 31 – August 4, prize pool: $2,000,000
Street Fighter 6
Tournament dates: August 8-11, prize pool: $1,000,000
StarCraft II
Tournament dates: August 14-18, prize pool: $1,000,000
PUBG
Tournament dates: August 21-25, prize pool: $2,000,000
Rennsport
Tournament dates: August 22-25, prize pool: $500,000
Additionally, two of our teams will soon compete in qualifying matches for EWC: Rainbow Six Siege and Honor of Kings.
The post Virtus.pro present an announcement video for the start of Esports World Cup 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Inaugural Esports World Cup is a global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom, with a record-breaking prize pool of over $60 million (500 Cr.)
Star Sports Network and the Esports World Cup Foundation (“EWCF”) today announced the acquisition of broadcasting rights for the Esports World Cup (“EWC”) 2024. The tournament, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 3rd to August 25th, will unite the global gaming communities and deliver premier competition in a unique format at an unprecedented scale. Over eight weeks, the EWC will feature the world’s top Esports clubs competing in 21 of the most popular game titles, making it the largest multi-game Esports tournament ever. As the official broadcaster, Star Sports is set to deliver comprehensive coverage of the tournament, offering viewers and fans an unparalleled Esports experience with in-depth commentary in English and Hindi. The Esports World Cup will be streamed on Star Sports’ YouTube channel and broadcast on linear TV via Star Sports First and Star Sports 2.
In 2022, BGMI Masters became the first Esports franchise to be broadcast in India by the Star Sports Network, drawing in millions of viewers over its linear television debut. Highlighting the immense popularity of the online multiplayer battle royale game, Star Sports has been instrumental in bringing esports to the mainstream Indian gaming audience.
Vikram Passi, Head Marketing – Sports, Disney Star, stated, “Esports is rapidly emerging as a significant force, fuelled by India’s burgeoning gaming culture and its recognition on the global stage. The BGMI Masters’ Series, in just a few seasons, has firmly established itself as a premier tournament in India, demonstrating the immense potential for world-class Esports competitions. With the upcoming Esports World Cup broadcast, we aim to expand our audience base, energize the gaming community, and foster greater acceptance of Esports among non-gamers. This event will not only captivate dedicated Esports enthusiasts but also engage a younger demographic across our platforms, driving a broader appreciation for the competitive gaming landscape.”
Ralf Reichert, CEO Esports World Cup Foundation, said “Our partnership with Star Sports brings the Esports World Cup to India’s massive and passionate gaming audience. Having witnessed this firsthand, I’m thrilled to nurture India’s growing esports scene and inspire future champions. With the world’s best competing in Riyadh, we hope to spark a new wave of esports fandom in India, and maybe even see an Indian team claim victory.”
The EWC will offer the largest prize pool in esports and feature the most popular esports titles across all major gaming genres. It will welcome a new cross-game competition format, awarding prizes for individual game titles and club performances. This will be a first ever Esports World Cup with a prize pool of more than $60 million (INR 500 crore)
The eight games to be broadcasted on Star Sports Network are Call of Duty: Warzone, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Fortnite, EA Sports FC 24, and PUBG Battlegrounds .
Specific highlights include:
- Opening Broadcast: Week 1 July 3rd at 10 PM on SS First and SS YT Channel with Call of Duty: Warzone in Hindi.
- Weekly Schedule: From Week 3, starting July 18, EWC will be broadcast at 9 PM on SS2 and SS First along with SS YT Channel
- Hindi Commentary: Call of Duty: Warzone (Week 1) and Counter-Strike 2 (Week 3) will be shown with Hindi commentary on SS First along with and SS YT Channel
The Esports World Cup broadcast on the Star Sports Network will further solidify esports as one of the fastest-growing sports in India, bringing the best of global esports action to India. The Esports World Cup Foundation is pleased to share Star Sports’ vision in bringing esports to a broader audience as they continue to pave the way for the future of competitive gaming in India
The post STAR SPORTS NETWORK ACQUIRES BROADCASTING RIGHTS FOR ESPORTS WORLD CUP 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Global energy brand extends relationship with one of the world’s largest gaming festivals
The Esports World Cup Foundation (“EWCF”) and Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, announced a strategic partnership that will see Aramco extend its sponsorship of the Esports World Cup, set to take place this summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
As the official title partner of the Aramco SIM Arena, Aramco will present a high-end simulator zone where racing enthusiasts can compete in community tournaments at the Esports World Cup Festival. The Aramco SIM Arena, offering hyper-realistic simulators that provide an experience akin to driving an F1 car, will be a premier destination for sim-racing fans. This partnership builds on Aramco’s previous successful sponsorships of Gamers Without Borders and Gamers8: The Land of Heroes festival.
Aramco’s involvement with the Esports World Cup is part of a broader ambition to promote economic development and diversification, provide new opportunities for young people in the country, deliver critical STEM skills, and help build a diverse and dynamic Saudi economy.
The partnership between Aramco and the Esports World Cup is set to create a lasting, positive impact on the world of esports. As the festival approaches, both parties look forward to showcasing Saudi talent on the global stage and inspiring today’s youth through the power of gaming and esports.
Starting July 3, 2024, the EWCF will transform Riyadh into the epicenter of esports fandom and gaming culture, with an eight-week festival. The event will feature gaming activations, community tournaments, pop culture celebrations, international experiences and more. Fans can watch their favorite athletes and clubs compete in 21-game championships for a share of more than $60 million in prize money, the largest in esports history.
The post Esports World Cup and Aramco Announce Strategic Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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