eSports
Exclusive Spanish Market Q&A w/ João Carvalho, Sales Manager at PandaScore
How has PandaScore served the Spanish market thus far?
Spain is a hotbed of activity when it comes to esports, with countless players, teams and tournaments held across the biggest esports titles taking place across the country. But when it comes to betting on esports, the market is still very much in its infancy. That’s not to say there isn’t a significant opportunity for operators to explore, because there is. Not only is esports hugely popular, but so too is betting on traditional sports. The challenge has been to bring the two together, and that’s exactly why PandaScore delivers its esports betting solutions to operators in the market.
Our odds, markets and betting products are second to none and are used by some of the largest operators in the world to capitalise on the esports wagering opportunity. We sit at the cutting edge of esports and betting and have delivered many innovations to the esports market. Today, we cover 308 unique markets across all major esports titles from League of Legends and Valorant to CS:GO, Call of Duty, Dota2 and more. Our markets include Player Props as well as Winner 2-way, Winner 3-way, Maps handicap, Total maps over/under, Correct score, First map/Match result, Most kills 2-way and Most kills 3-way.
We’ve also been hard at work on creating esports dedicated micro markets and will be going big on this throughout the year. We will also continue to push our powerful esports Bet Builder tool, allowing players to curate their own bet slips for next-level engagement.
What are the company goals for Spain over the next 12 months?
Ultimately, we want to help operators unlock the full potential that esports betting has to offer, while also playing our part in educating esports fans that they can wager on players, teams and tournaments with operators that are fair, transparent and reputable. To do this, we will continue to enhance our suite of solutions over the next 12 months and, as mentioned above, will be rolling out new markets on new games – most importantly Valorant, expand out BetBuilder tool, and introduce esports Microbetting. We will also be driving awareness of our recently re-vamped Widgets product which allows Spanish operators to seamlessly integrate our Odds solution into their environment and customise the front end to meet their individual branding and player experience goals. State-of-the-art solutions such as these make it easy for operators to expand into the esports betting space, and this in turn will enable us to engage more operators in Spain throughout the year.
What does the Spanish market need to ramp up its esports betting activity?
Spain is no different to other nascent esports betting markets with tremendous untapped potential. All it takes to fully open the doors is a little education among operators and players, and one or two tier-one brands rolling out esportsbooks for the first time. This is something we have seen in the UK market where we have recently joined forces with William Hill to power its first proper move into esports wagering. Once the big boys are on board, it’s not long before everyone else looks to follow. But this provides a huge opportunity for smaller brands to seize the first mover advantage and push ahead with rolling out an esportsbook now – especially in Spain where there is a strong appetite for this among players but where the competition remains limited (for now). Those that do will be able to build large and loyal player bases before the power players enter the market.
What does PandaScore specifically bring to the Spanish market that will promote esports betting growth?
Esports fans have high expectations from the entertainment options they engage with. This includes intuitive user interfaces optimised for mobile, fast-paced action, a quality product and an experience that provides a sense of community. Our products and solutions have been designed to provide all of these things and more so that operators can deliver esports betting experiences that not only meet but exceed player expectations in Spain and beyond.
What’s more, the team behind PandaScore are first and foremost fans of esports and are incredibly passionate about bringing esports betting to the widest possible audience. We plan to be on the ground at major esports and betting events throughout the year, including FIJIMA, Madrid. This is a key part of our strategy to drive awareness of the world of esports, the potential of esports betting and how all stakeholders can maximise the huge potential of bringing the two together in the Spanish market and others around the world.
eSports
THE ESPORTS AWARDS CROWNS THE BEST IN ESPORTS FROM THE PAST DECADE, INCLUDING NADESHOT, SJOKZ AND FAKER

The Decade Awards ceremony, held alongside the Esports World Cup as part of the ‘Summer of Celebration’, saw an incredible 9.8 million votes cast by fans, celebrating esports and gaming’s most legendary figures in a landmark tribute to a decade of excellence.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, August 24th, 2025: The most prestigious night in the esports calendar returned this evening, as the Esports Awards hosted their one-off special, the “Decade Awards”. Presented by Trevor “Quickshot” Henry, Jessica “JessGOAT” Bolden and Barney Banks, this year’s Decade Awards marked the Esports Awards’ 10th anniversary and honoured a decade of industry-defining achievements and trailblazers in esports across 14 different categories.
Among the evening’s standout honours was League of Legends superstar Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, who was named Esports PC Player of the Decade, alongside his team T1, who were crowned Esports Team of the Decade, and their coach Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun, recognised as Esports Coach of the Decade. Riot Games were also at the forefront, receiving multiple accolades including Esports Publisher of the Decade, Esports Game of the Decade for League of Legends, and Esports Live Event of the Decade for the unforgettable League of Legends Worlds 2017 Championship.
Marking the grand finale of the Summer of Celebration, the Esports Awards delivered yet another iconic evening, with a star-studded roster of presenters taking to the stage to announce the winners. Highlights included legendary professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, Twitch sensation Tyler1, renowned content creator and Sidemen member Vikkstar, and multiple-time EVO champion Justin Wong.
Over the past decade, the esports scene has grown exponentially, with countless players, teams and creators contributing to its growth into the global phenomenon it is today. Tonight, the Decade Awards celebrated those who have defined the last ten years in esports, honouring the individuals, teams and organisations whose achievements have left a monumental mark on the industry. The complete list of Decade Awards winners is as follows:
- Esports Game of the Decade – League of Legends
- Esports Personality of the Decade – Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag
- Streamer of the Decade – Félix “xQc” Lengyel
- Esports Commercial Partner of the Decade – Intel
- Esports Content and Coverage Platform of the Decade – Liquipedia
- Esports Publisher of the Decade – Riot Games
- Esports Live Event of the Decade – League of Legends Worlds 2017
- Esports PC Player of the Decade – Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok
- Esports Breakthrough Player of the Decade – Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
- Esports Controller Player of the Decade – Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro
- Esports Coach of the Decade – Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun
- Esports Team of the Decade – T1 – League of Legends
- Esports Organisation of the Decade – Team Liquid
- Esports On-Air Talent of the Decade – Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere
“Over the past ten years, the growth in the esports industry has been incredible to see, and it’s been a great honour to recognise the icons who have contributed to its rise in popularity,” says Mike Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards, “Tonight, we showed the world just how global and impactful esports has become, and celebrated the individuals and companies that have consistently driven its success. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to the esports community for your ongoing dedication and support.”
The Decade Awards is brought to you by the Esports World Cup, Oakley and Media Partner Hitmarker. The full stream can be found here: twitch.tv/esportsawards.
The post THE ESPORTS AWARDS CROWNS THE BEST IN ESPORTS FROM THE PAST DECADE, INCLUDING NADESHOT, SJOKZ AND FAKER appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience

With four spots, one stage and R60 000 on the line, South Africa’s sharpest squads are gearing up for a Call of Duty clash like no other.
The 2025 Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience is about to get louder, faster and more intense. Hyprop, in collaboration with MTN, is introducing SHIFT COD – a Call of Duty tournament designed to test South Africa’s sharpest squads in a no-excuses, high-pressure arena. Four online qualifiers. One LAN finale. R60,000 in prize money. Only the best survive.
The format stays sharp and unforgiving: each qualifier is a single-elimination best-of-five series. Teams will battle across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. Only the top squad from each of the four qualifier events will earn a shot at the LAN finale, taking place at Canal Walk on 12 and 13 September. Finalists will cover their own travel and accommodation, but the stage – and the spotlight – will be waiting.
“The Shift Gaming Experience is about putting real competition at the centre of public spaces and connecting people through the power of play,” said Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “Adding Call of Duty to the lineup takes the intensity up a notch. We’re giving gamers a serious platform to show what they can do – live, on stage and in front of a crowd.”
The four qualifiers took place online, where teams signed up for free:
All qualifier finals were broadcast, giving fans full access to the action and allowing players to gain exposure beyond the scoreboard.
Four teams qualify for the LAN finale, where they’ll compete in a double-elimination bracket for a prize pool structured as follows:
- 1st place: R30,000
- 2nd place: R15,000
- 3rd place: R10,000
- 4th place: R5,000
Now in its third year, the Hyprop MTN Shift Gaming Experience has become one of the country’s most visible platforms for esports and casual gaming. Hosted at Hyprop-owned malls including Canal Walk, Clearwater and The Glen, the experience blends competitive tournaments with public engagement to bring gaming into the mainstream.
“MTN SHIFT isn’t about gimmicks. It’s built for players, whether you’re grinding in ranked or showing up to prove a point on LAN,” said Stanbridge. “We’ve seen how gaming can energise our spaces and create new communities. SHIFT COD builds on that energy.”
With only four LAN spots available, the window to make your mark is narrow, and the competition will be ruthless. Visit acgl.gg/mtnshift.
Remaining Tournament Dates & Venues:
SHIFT COD is part of the MTN Shift Gaming Experience which takes place at:
Capegate – Online Qualifier: 31 Aug | In-Centre Event: 5 – 7 Sep
Canal Walk – Online Qualifier: 7 Sep | In-Centre Event: 17 – 21 Sep
The post Hyprop and MTN Launch SHIFT COD Tournament as Part of 2025 Shift Gaming Experience appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
eSports
Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon Fights off the Competition to Reign as TEKKEN 8 at 2025 Esports World Cup Champion, Securing Back-to-Back EWC Titles

Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon has claimed the TEKKEN 8 at EWC 25 crown having beaten Yoon “LowHigh” Sun-woong in a 5-2 grand final finish. His victory secures DN Freecs their first win at EWC 25 as he takes home $250,000 of the $1,000,000 prize pool.
Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon had a strong run at EWC 25, losing just one series against Kim “Kkokkoma” Mu-jong in the first match of the second phase. From that point on, however, he went unbeaten on his way to the grand final, even taking down Kim “Kkokkoma” Mu-jong for revenge on his way back from the lower bracket.
In the semifinals, Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon booked his place in the grand final with a 5-3 finish over Kim “CherryBerryMango” Jae-hyun, securing his second EWC TEKKEN 8 grand final in a row. Ulsan showcased his mastery of Dragunov throughout the grand final, setting the scene with a decisive victory in the first set, before taking the title in the seventh set with a 5-2 win.
His grand final opponent, Yoon “LowHigh” Sun-woong, took down Team Vitality’s Jeon “JeonDDing” Sang-hyun in a 5-2 finish to lock his place in the grand final. The former EVO champion displayed his Bryan skills throughout the final against Ulsan, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the overall winner.
“I never expected this. I cannot imagine I would win again. I mean, this year I had a rough start; there was a nerf to Dragunov, I had a lot of difficulties – I wanted to prove myself on this stage, and I have done it,” said Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon. “It’s been like a dream to be here. Thank you to those who support me from everywhere, my team, my friends, all my partners, and especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for making this the biggest tournament in the world.”
“I’m still hungry. I just want to make myself a legend,” said Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon.
Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon secured 1000 Club Championship points for DN Freecs, who, as a result, jumped up to joint-eleventh place in the Club Championship standings, with 1200 points. Despite having three players in the top eight, DN Freecs will only receive one lot of points.
It was a disappointing showing from Team Falcons in TEKKEN 8, as all three representatives were eliminated before earning any points. With only a few games left to earn points, Team Falcons had high hopes for TEKKEN 8. Elsewhere, Twisted Minds, who secured victory earlier in the day in PUBG, failed to make it two for two on Saturday, also failing to score points in TEKKEN 8 as Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique was eliminated by overall winner, Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon.
The post Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon Fights off the Competition to Reign as TEKKEN 8 at 2025 Esports World Cup Champion, Securing Back-to-Back EWC Titles appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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