

eSports
Inaugural Pan American Esports Championships unites worlds
Momentous partnership between Global Esports and Panam Sports marks historic integration of esports at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, 30k fans and visitors attend GEFesitval
In a groundbreaking moment, the Pan American Esports Championships (#PEC23) were officially integrated into the esteemed Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. This historic alliance between traditional sports and esports signifies the global rise of esports, thanks to the collaboration between the Global Esports Federation and Panam Sports.
At the official Welcome Ceremony, Paul J. Foster, CEO of Global Esports Federation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This historic integration of esports into the Pan American Games is a testament to the inclusive nature of our community. Esports is no longer just a pastime; it’s a movement, and today, we take a giant step forward in showcasing its cultural significance and the power of collaboration.”
Meanwhile, Neven Ilic, President of Panam Sports, shared, “The #PEC23 is a pioneering event that highlights the evolution of sports. Esports is now firmly rooted in the Pan American Games, and this integration strengthens the spirit of unity that is at the heart of Panam Sports.”
#PEC23 proudly champions diversity and inclusivity by uniting over 120 esports athletes from 25 countries. This event sets a pioneering example of gender equality, with Open and Women’s categories featured in eFootball 2024 and Dota 2. For the first time, esports athletes are sharing the Pan American Village with their athletic counterparts, fostering collaboration and understanding between these two worlds.
The GEF, in partnership with Panam Sports, upholds values of equality, fair play, diversity, and inclusion. This historic event showcases the GEF’s mission to promote the credibility and prestige of esports while engaging with a #worldconnected community. It brings together top athletes – traditional sports and esports – from across the Americas, competing in 39 traditional sports and two popular esports titles.
Dr. Melita N. Moore, GEF Vice President, emphasized, “We are proud to provide esports athletes with the platform they deserve. Their participation in this historic convergence is a testament to the powerful connection of two worlds.”
The esports competition begins on November 2 and runs until November 4 at the National Stadium Sports Park in Santiago. The #PEC23 athletes will also participate in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games Closing Ceremony on November 5, further cementing the connection between traditional sports and esports.
Concurrently, the GEFestival, a fusion of esports’ inclusive culture with games, music, dance, technology, and entertainment, welcomed nearly 30,000 fans and visitors during its first days.
For the first time, the #PEC23 will be streamed LIVE from November 3, in four languages – Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Chinese. Viewers can watch the action on GEF’s Twitch and YouTube, Panam Sports Channel, BTS Brasil, Epulze, Douyin, Douyu, and Huya.
CS2 Team SAW
LEON Esports announces partnership with Portuguese CS2 Team SAW

LEON Esports, the international esports division of Leon.bet, has officially become the international partner of SAW, one of the leading Counter-Strike 2 teams in Europe.
Based in Portugal, SAW is currently ranked #24 in the global CS2 rankings (HLTV) and maintains a strong position within the Top 30. The team is recognized for its competitive consistency, professional structure, and growing fanbase across Europe.
This partnership marks the second major esports collaboration for LEON Esports, following its ongoing cooperation with FlyQuest. The agreement with SAW reflects LEON’s continued commitment to the development of the global esports ecosystem and its support for high-performing international teams.
The cooperation will include a range of joint initiatives, such as exclusive content creation, community activations, and brand integrations designed to strengthen the connection between the team and its audience.
With this new partnership, LEON Esports continues to expand its presence in international esports and invest in teams that demonstrate both potential and performance on the world stage.
The post LEON Esports announces partnership with Portuguese CS2 Team SAW appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
eSports
LEON Esports announces partnership with Portuguese CS2 Team SAW

LEON Esports, the international esports division of Leon.bet, has officially become the international partner of SAW, one of the leading Counter-Strike 2 teams in Europe.
Based in Portugal, SAW is currently ranked #24 in the global CS2 rankings (HLTV) and maintains a strong position within the Top 30. The team is recognized for its competitive consistency, professional structure, and growing fanbase across Europe.
This partnership marks the second major esports collaboration for LEON Esports, following its ongoing cooperation with FlyQuest. The agreement with SAW reflects LEON’s continued commitment to the development of the global esports ecosystem and its support for high-performing international teams.
The cooperation will include a range of joint initiatives, such as exclusive content creation, community activations, and brand integrations designed to strengthen the connection between the team and its audience.
With this new partnership, LEON Esports continues to expand its presence in international esports and invest in teams that demonstrate both potential and performance on the world stage.
The post LEON Esports announces partnership with Portuguese CS2 Team SAW appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Esports Returns to Singapore with BLAST’s Dota 2 Arena Event After Sellout Counter-Strike World Final 2024
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BLAST Dota Slam Singapore to take place this November at Singapore Indoor Stadium in partnership with Singapore Tourism Board and AEG Presents Asia
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The world’s best Dota teams will meet in Singapore from 4th – 9th November 2025 to compete for a prize pool of $1,000,000 at the first ever BLAST Slam arena event
Esports entertainment company BLAST has announced the return of its world-class events to Singapore with the BLAST Dota Slam Singapore, set to take place in November 2025 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
This announcement follows the sellout success of the BLAST Premier World Final 2024, which marked BLAST’s Southeast Asia debut and saw more than ten-thousand fans pack out the Resorts World Convention Centre to witness the world’s top Counter-Strike teams compete for the $1 million prize pool.
Building on that momentum, Singapore will now host the BLAST Dota Slam arena event, teaming up with AEG Presents Asia again to bring together the world’s best Dota teams to battle it out for $1,000,000 in front of a live audience and millions of fans tuning in globally across 50+ territories and in 12 languages.
The BLAST Dota Slam Singapore is the latest milestone in BLAST’s global expansion into Dota 2, and reinforces Singapore’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sports and live entertainment. It marks the second consecutive year the city-state has hosted a BLAST arena tournament, following the successful Counter-Strike event in 2024.
James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said: “Singapore delivered one of the most passionate esports crowds we’ve ever seen during last year’s BLAST Premier World Final. We’re thrilled to be returning with our next major arena show – this time for Dota 2 – and to once again partner with the Singapore Tourism Board and AEG Presents Asia to help to further grow Southeast Asia’s esports ecosystem. The response to our events in Singapore has been incredible, and this November’s Dota Slam promises to be another landmark moment for fans and for the region. Singapore has an impressive history and pedigree for the biggest international sporting events, supported by STB, and BLAST is proud to be building on this with the biggest esports events.”
Ms Lilian Chee, Director, Sports, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome BLAST back to Singapore, this time with the Dota Slam. Building on the success of the BLAST Premier World Final, this event further reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a world-class destination for sports and live entertainment. We look forward to welcoming the passionate fans, players and partners once again to our vibrant city.”
BLAST’s return to Singapore is set to shine a global spotlight on the city while delivering significant economic benefits and meaningful destination marketing. With an estimated economic impact in the tens of millions, the tournament further demonstrates how esports events are evolving into major cultural and economic drivers for host cities – on par with large-scale traditional international sporting events.
With Singapore, Rio, London, Austin, and Lyon among the major destinations on BLAST’s global calendar this year, it is evident that governments, cities and tourism bodies are recognising the power of esports to attract young and engaged visitors, create jobs, and drive international visibility.
The post Esports Returns to Singapore with BLAST’s Dota 2 Arena Event After Sellout Counter-Strike World Final 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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