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Exclusive Q&A/Widget with Nicolas Marlier, CTO at PandaScore

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What motivated you to upgrade your Widget product?

Our revamped Widget 2.0 product builds on the huge success of the original solution we launched several years ago. The upgrade forms part of wider efforts to deliver the best products and player experiences to the esports ecosystem, driven by the power of data. Operators using Widget 2.0 can better attract and engage esports fans, particularly during live, with highly customisable esports widgets that provide game-specific, real-time data. This means that players can enjoy in-depth esports information on their favourite games, delivered via undelayed data so that they know they are getting a real-time viewing and betting experience.

With Widget 2.0 we can offer a more customised integration through a block system that allows each bookmaker to adjust what kind of information they want to make available on specific sections of their website or app. We have also improved the data visualisation so that players can more easily understand complex datasets at a glance while providing even greater data granularity for expert players that really want to deep dive into specific games.

 

What titles does Widget 2.0 cover in live? And to what depth?

So we offer a dedicated Widget for each of the 11 esports titles we cover including three live widgets for CS:GO, Dota 2 and League of Legends (LoL). Take LoL, for example. We have a radar chart designed by League of Legends experts so that bettors can quickly and easily see the strengths and weaknesses of each team. For CS:GO, that information is presented on a map-by-map basis and depending on team sides. This is to take into account the differences between each game and to make the player experience as intuitive and seamless as possible.

 

Why was customisation so important to your revamped Widget product?

Each bookmaker wants to deliver an experience that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its players. It also wants to do this while standing out from its rivals. As a data provider, it is important for us to give operators the tools they need to do both of these things. Our block system adapts to the different experiences offered by each bookmaker, as well as the wide range of devices used by players. In addition, operators have complete freedom to customise the front end with their own branding colours to maintain a consistent user experience at all times.

 

What are the player engagement benefits of Widget and how can operators leverage the product in innovative ways?

Esports fans want a seamless stream but also access to stats and data points about their team and/or their opponents. Bringing that insight directly onto the operator’s platform via our Widget 2.0 product provides this and allows sportsbooks to drive greater engagement among existing players and esports bettors, but also attract new customers that are not necessarily bettors yet but are looking for access to this data via an easy-to-use interface. That makes our Widget product innovative in itself as it allows operators to connect with esports fans and bettors in an entirely new way.

 

What’s next for PandaScore?

Our product roadmap has been busy, that’s for sure. Recently, we’ve added Starcraft 1 and 2 to the long list of games we offer coverage on, extended our cutting-edge BetBuilder product to cover all three major games, will be offering micro betting markets for the first time, launch community engagement tools to let operators to better engage with their users on Discord and Twitch. More exotic betting markets, such as player specials for LoL and Dota 2 are also underway, and this is not the full list of innovative products to come. We are committed to designing and developing the tools and features operators need to unlock the true potential of esports and esports betting, and our product roadmap over the next 12 months will allow them to do just that.

It is still very early days for esports betting, but more and more sportsbook operators understand the opportunities on the table and are making moves in the space for the first time. PandaScore is here to guide them through the sector and deliver the best possible experience to both new and existing esports fans and bettors.

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eSports

Esports World Cup 2025 Press Conference Kicks Off in Riyadh

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The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has launched the opening press conference for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, officially marking the start of the world’s largest esports and gaming festival. Running until August 24, the event features more than 2000 elite players, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles and a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million, cementing its status as the biggest and most significant esports event ever.

EWC 2025 brings together the world’s top 200 Clubs to compete in a first-of-its-kind cross-title format. At the heart of the competition is the Club Championship, where teams accumulate points across multiple games to become the EWC Club Champion, claim a $7 million grand prize and hoist the coveted EWC Club Championship trophy. The $70+ million prize pool also includes $38+ million for individual Game Championships, $5 million in global qualifier rewards and $450,000 in MVP bonuses.

Speaking at the opening press conference, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman, Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Guided by the ambitious vision and leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz AlSaud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is cementing its position as a global leader in gaming and esports. The Esports World Cup is a clear reflection of that progress. We are immensely proud to welcome back the world in Riyadh for the Esports World Cup. This event stands as a global milestone for esports by showcasing the scale, ambition, and future of competitive gaming. It is a moment that will shape the direction of the industry for years to come.”

He continued: “Hosting this event reflects our deep commitment to building a world-class, sustainable esports ecosystem. It demonstrates the Kingdom’s belief in the power of gaming to connect, inspire, and create meaningful opportunities for future generations. It also supports our broader ambition to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global hub for sports, gaming, and entertainment in line with Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. Esports is no longer niche. It is a global sport, a cultural movement, and the Esports World Cup is its most powerful and unifying stage. We are honoured to lead this transformation and shape the future of the industry from here in Saudi Arabia.”

“EWC 2025 is about bringing the gaming world together – iconic games, elite players, and millions of fans around a shared celebration. Through new ways of global broadcasts, original shows, and documentary storytelling, we’re opening doors, creating opportunities, and sharing esports in new and exciting ways. With record-breaking competition, this summer is special—not just for gamers, but for everyone who joins us,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.

Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “The Esports World Cup is redefining what’s possible in esports. It brings together the world’s top teams to compete in the most iconic and advanced arenas, delivering a level of excitement that is unmatched across the industry. Through EWC, the world has witnessed inspiring stories of triumph, heartbreak and glory, for players, teams and communities across the world.”

He continued: “The event is also a powerful platform for leading publishers, brands and creators to connect with global audiences and shape the future of esports. As we look ahead to EWC 2025, we invite the world to be part of what comes next. Together, we are setting new standards, creating new opportunities and driving the industry forward.”

The post Esports World Cup 2025 Press Conference Kicks Off in Riyadh appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

ESIC Issues Lifetime Ban to StarCraft II Player Xue “Firefly” Tao Following Match-Fixing Investigation

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The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) announced the outcome of its investigation into serious integrity breaches involving professional StarCraft II competitors Xue “Firefly” Tao and Jinhui “Jim” Cao. Mr. Xue has been banned from ESIC Member events and competitions for life, while Mr. Jinhui has been provisionally suspended pending further sanction.

Following a detailed inquiry spanning April to July 2024, ESIC uncovered evidence of a coordinated match-fixing and profit-sharing scheme. The investigation found that Mr. Xue deliberately manipulated match outcomes to benefit illicit betting activity orchestrated by Mr. Jinhui, with whom he had a long-standing association.

Key findings include:

• Pre-match wagers placed by Mr. Jinhui predicting Firefly’s losses — often by precise scorelines.

• Consistent match losses by Firefly aligning with those wagers across seven tournaments.

• Large Alipay transfers from Jim to Firefly immediately following these matches.

• A WeChat exchange on 21 August 2024 directly referencing prior payments and an effort to conceal evidence.

ESIC has concluded that Xue “Firefly” Tao committed 21 breaches of the ESIC Integrity Programme, spanning both the Anti-Corruption Code and Code of Conduct. As a result, he has been handed a lifetime ban from all ESIC member events and competitions in any capacity.

Mr. Jinhui has been provisionally suspended and served with a Notice of Charge. He has until 14 July 2025 to respond before ESIC issues a formal sanction.

The post ESIC Issues Lifetime Ban to StarCraft II Player Xue “Firefly” Tao Following Match-Fixing Investigation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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BETER Wins Esports Betting Supplier Award at the EGR B2B Awards 2025

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BETER, the in-demand provider of fast-betting content, data, and odds for esports and sports, has been awarded Esports Betting Supplier at the prestigious EGR B2B Awards 2025.

It is the first time BETER has received this award, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey and reflecting the growing demand for its fast-paced esports products.

The EGR B2B Awards celebrate the companies powering the global iGaming industry, recognizing excellence and rewarding those leading in innovation, reliability, and client service.

BETER’s esports offering features the fan-favorite ESportsBattle tournaments, providing non-stop betting action across popular disciplines such as eFootball, eBasketball, and eHockey, with eTennis set to become available to all partners soon. It means bettors can wager on approximately 500,000 matches annually, with up to 50 markets per event, while operators benefit from an average margin of 7.5%.

In addition, BETER provides a comprehensive Esports Odds Feed, delivering market-leading odds for over 40,000 pre-match and live events per year. These odds are calculated using official data and compiled by a team of expert traders.

With a team of over 130 esports traders, BETER ensures that players across all partner operators can place bets on the provider’s events with more than 90% uptime.

All ESportsBattle`s matches come with 24/7 live streaming, real-time data and odds, and are closely monitored by BETER’s in-house Integrity team to ensure strict adherence to fair play standards. As a result, only 0.01% of matches have been flagged as suspicious in the past 12 months.

Gal Ehrlich, CEO of BETER, said: “We are incredibly proud of the entire BETER team for the hard work that led to this achievement.

“Their tireless efforts to deliver best-in-class esports products for the next generation of bettors have paid off—not just in winning this award, but in delivering a top-tier product and experience to our partners and their players, consistently exceeding expectations.

“This award rounds off an incredible six months for BETER, and we head into the second half of the year with strong momentum behind us.”

Adam Conway, General Manager of Esports Business Division at BETER, added: “Our esports betting products are unmatched—led, of course, by our ESportsBattle tournaments.

“These tournaments truly set the standard for what a fast-betting esports experience should be, and we’re thrilled to see that recognized by the EGR B2B Awards judges.

“Our Esports Odds Feed is equally impressive and has become an essential tool for operators looking to offer the best accurate odds in the industry.

“I’d like to thank the entire BETER team for their dedication and to EGR for this recognition. We couldn’t be happier to add our first EGR B2B Award to the trophy shelf.”

The post BETER Wins Esports Betting Supplier Award at the EGR B2B Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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