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Boost your business at the 2024 Cyprus Gaming Show. Connect with top speakers and industry experts at the 5th edition, held at Hilton Nicosia. Enhance your business prospects at the Cyprus Gaming Show 2024. Engage with top speakers and industry experts during the 5th edition of this event to be held at the Hilton Nicosia. This year, from 23 – 24 October 2024, attendees can expect high ROI as this event continues to be the leading and most engaging gaming conference in the region. Cyprus has a rich, thriving iGaming market that continues to flourish, as it is a jurisdiction known for its favourable regulatory environment, strategic location, tax advantages, skilled workforce, and growing ecosystem – promising meaningful and valuable connections between industry leaders, suppliers, regulators and the like. Prestigious speakers are ready to impart knowledge and expertise that can only be found at this event attendees can look forward to hearing from leaders such as: Alexis Wicen, CEO and Founder of Unibo Dr Branka van der Linden, Founder of Meaningful Synergies Ltd Anastasios Belesis, Senior Lotteries Consultant Aristeidis Ilias, Compliance Manager at SkillOnNet Atvandil Kutchava, Co-Founder at Crypto Bazari Cordelia Morgan-Cooper, Founder at CMC Consulting & Hands On Recruitment Daniel Lux, CEO and SEO Consultant at Linxact Nicc Lewis, CEO at Expozive Marketing & Marcom Ninia Chkheidze, COO at Crosscreators Thodoris Tasellari, COO at Bespot Viktoria Soltesz, CEO at PSP Angels Tasos Vasios, Co-Founder and Head of Compliance at Kivon Topics to be discussed at the event include: Blockchain in iGaming: Disrupting the Industry, Maximising Value, Minimising Risk: Exploring Cross-Industry Collaboration for a Sustainable iGaming Future The Ethical Edge: Balancing AI and Human Touch in Affiliate Marketing iGaming in 2025: Navigating the Future of SEO and Affiliate Marketing Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Navigating the Regulatory Grey Area with Taxation, Licensing and Cybersecurity How Localisation and Multilingual SEO Can Elevate Your iGaming Brand. Registration can be completed at the following link: https://www.eventus-international.com/cgs-card-rego .

SAGSE Latam 2025 will take place at Buenos Aires, Argentina from March 19-20, 2025. The SAGSE authorities have announced significant updates for its 33rd edition in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which will take place on March 19-20, 2025, under the theme “SAGSE Latam 2025: Your Bridge to Connect with Latin America”. Alan Burak , Vice President of Monografie, the event’s organizer, emphasized that SAGSE has established itself as the leading event in the gaming industry in Latin America, serving as a key platform for connecting global companies with the regional market. The 2024 edition attracted 3,000 executives, with significant participation from operators, and saw a notable presence of visitors from Brazil (24%), Argentina (22%), and other countries in the region. For 2025, SAGSE anticipates growth in participation, expecting 4,000 quality attendees. Additionally, the event will address crucial topics such as the prevention of pathological gambling, child cyber-gambling, and the fight against illegal gambling  and money laundering. Registration for exhibitors is already open, offering companies a unique opportunity to explore the Latin American market and expand their network. For more information, you can contact the organizers through their website sagselatam.com  or reach Alan Burak at +54 911 6245-5985.

Vamerdino Magsakay secures his fifth Asia Poker Tour title at the APT Manila Poker Classic 2025, winning P2.6M in the Single Day High Roller - Mystery Bounty event at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Vamerdino Magsakay from the Philippines claimed his fifth Asia Poker Tour title, after top-billing one of the events in the APT Manila Poker Classic 2025 held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.  Magsakay led 77 other contestants to bring home P2.6 million (US$45,441) in earnings at the Single Day High Roller - Mystery Bounty  event, according to a release by APT published Feb. 9. This includes P1.73 ($USD28,951) in prize money and P970,000 ($USD16,490) in bounties collected. Mike Takayama, also from the Philippines, finished as 2nd place with P2.5 million (US$43,724) in total earnings. This includes  P1.2 million (US$20,944) in prize money and P1.3 (US$22,780) in bounties. Steven Louis Chew from Australia secured a third-place finish, earning P1.65 million (US$28,118), which included P794,000 (US$13,498) in prize money and P860,000 (US$14,620) in bounties. The list of winners for the event went as followed:  1st Vamerdino Magsakay (Philippines) P1,703,040 + P970,000* 2nd Mike Takayama (Philippines)  P1,212,000 + P1,360,000* 3rd Steven Louis Chew (Australia) P794,000 + P860,000* 4th Yoon Koo Kang (Australia) P611,000 + P180,000* 5th Daniel Smiljkovic  (Germany) P484,000 + P180,000* 6th Tobias Schwecht (Germany) P378,000 + P1,600,000* 7th Edward Chun Ho Yam (Hong Kong) P298,000 8th Abraham Abdulla Ceesvin (Singapore) P233,000 + P180,000* 9th Pattarapol Wannarat (Thailand) P177,000 APT Manila Poker Classic 2025 will run until February 16, of which includes the conclusion of the main event which has a P60 million (USD$1 million) prize pool. Read related article:   SBC Summit Americas To Be Held From May 13-15, 2025

The Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) 2025 unveiled events in Cambodia (May 2-13) at NagaWorld and Manila (July 23-Aug 4 & Oct 16-27) at Okada Manila.   The Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) has revealed its highly anticipated schedule for 2025, featuring thrilling events in Cambodia and the Philippines. APPT’s Manila hosting is the second this major hosting to happen in the Philippine capital in after Asia Poker Tour announced it was hosting its tournament in the country from February 7-16, 2025. APPT Cambodia: A Royal Flush at NagaWorld Kicking off the APPT action is the Cambodia stop, taking place from May 2nd to 13th, 2025, at the luxurious NagaWorld Integrated Resort.  Players aged 18 and above are welcome to participate, but remember to bring a valid photo ID card.  To streamline your experience, pre-register for NagaWorld Rewards membership by clicking [here](insert link here).  Alternatively, you can sign up at the hotel lobby or the registration counter at the venue. APPT Manila: A Poker Paradise at Okada Manila Following the Cambodian leg, the APPT heads to Manila for an action-packed series at Cove Manila, located within the iconic Okada Manila.  From July 23rd to August 4th, 2025, players will have the chance to compete for a share of over ₱140 Million Guaranteed (GTD)  (approximately $2.4 Million).  The schedule boasts a diverse range of tournaments, catering to players of all levels: Okada Kickoff: July 23-24 - (buy-in: ₱16,500) (₱3 million GTD) APPT National: July 24-26 - (buy-in: ₱35,000) (₱10 million GTD) APPT Open: July 26-28 - (buy-in: ₱55,000) (₱15 million GTD) PokerStars Red Dragon: July 28-30 - (buy-in: ₱65,000) (₱20 million GTD) APPT Super High Roller: July 30-31 - (buy-in: ₱500,000) (₱10 million GTD) APPT One Million Challenge Championship: July 30-August 1 - ₱1,000,000 APPT Main Event: July 31-August 4 - (buy-in: ₱80,000) (₱55 million GTD) APPT Single Day High Roller: August 1 -(buy-in:  ₱200,000) APPT Mystery Bounty: August 3-4 - (buy-in: ₱40,000) (₱5 million GTD) APPT High Roller: August 3-4 - (buy-in: ₱250,000) (₱10 million GTD) APPT Manila Championship: Return to Okada Manila The APPT action returns to Okada Manila later in the year for the Manila Championship, scheduled for October 16th to 27th, 2025, at the Coral Wing (subject to regulatory approval). Read related article:   Okada Manila Operator Named IGSA Member

Asian Poker Tou r 2025 features the debut of the APT Championship (APTC) with a record TWD 165M (~USD 5M) guaranteed prize pool. The Asian Poker Tour (APT) has revealed its 2025 schedule, highlighted by the debut of the APT Championship (APTC), a season-ending tournament with a record-breaking TWD 165 million (~USD 5 million) guaranteed prize pool.  This groundbreaking event will take place from November 14-30 at the Red Point Business Center in Taipei, Taiwan, in partnership with the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Club (CTP).  The APTC Main Event, with a USD 10,700 (~PHP 628,000) buy-in, headlines the festival and offers a record-breaking USD 5 million (~PHP 293 million) guaranteed prize pool. This freezeout tournament emphasizes skill and competition, giving players a single entry to compete for the title and substantial winnings. The 2025 season kicks off with the APT Manila Classic, running from February 7-16 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in partnership with Metro Card Club. This 10-day series boasts a USD 2 million (~PHP 120 million) total prize pool guarantee, with the Main Event alone guaranteeing USD 1 million (~PHP 60 million).  The Manila Classic offers the first opportunity to win a seat to the APTC Main Event. Winners of any 2025 APT Main Event, Super High Roller, or High Roller will automatically qualify for the APTC. The APT Manila Classic schedule includes 100 tournaments, featuring 18 high-roller events, 14 mixed games, and 16 Omaha tournaments. Following the Manila Classic, the APT will visit Taiwan (April 25-May 4), return to Manila (pending regulatory approval), and then travel to South Korea for stops in Incheon and Jeju before culminating in the APTC in Taiwan. Read related article: What Will Online Casino, Sportsbook Players Want in 2025?

European organization FNATIC and Southeast Asian esports titan Onic will end their partnership amid new rules issued by the Esports World Cup body. European esports organization FNATIC will be ending its partnership with Southeast Asian organization Onic, which has teams in both Indonesia and the Philippines. This decision comes after the Esports World Cup (EWC) implemented new rules that affect joint ventures. FNATIC and Onic Philippines' MLBB team had a successful run together, culminating in a world championship title in December 2024. Their collaboration was a shining example of what joint ventures in esports could achieve. However, the new EWC rules prevent joint ventures from accumulating points for the larger organization if they qualify for an EWC event. "Collaboration between two distinct esports orgainzations to field a game roster will not contribute to the collection of club championship points in 2025," the announcement read.  The Esports World Cup has stipulated that participating organizations must maintain consistent club names across all game titles and within the Club Championship itself. According to a statement by Onic, "It's been an honor to collaborate with one of the top esports organizations in the world. We would like to thank FNATIC for the opportunity and wish them nothing but the best for the future." The new EWC rules aim to create a more level playing field for individual organizations. However, this decision also disrupts established collaborations and adds uncertainty to the future of joint ventures in esports. While FNATIC and Onic are going their separate ways, both organizations have expressed their excitement for new adventures. It will be interesting to see how they navigate the esports landscape under the new EWC rules. Read related article:   FNATIC Onic PH Wins Mobile Legends (MLBB) World Championship

Esports will join traditional Olympic disciplines in the  3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), which will be held in Bahrain from October 22-31, 2025.  The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has announced the dates and sports program for the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), set to take place in Bahrain from October 22-31, 2025. Among the 21 sports featured, esports has secured a prominent position, highlighting its growing influence and popularity among young people in Asia. The inclusion of esports in the AYG is a significant milestone, reflecting the OCA's recognition of its mainstream appeal. The full list of sports includes traditional Olympic disciplines like athletics, swimming, and basketball, alongside other popular sports such as badminton, football (futsal), and cycling. The presence of esports alongside these established sports underscores its legitimacy as a competitive and engaging activity for youth. The sports included are the following: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3x3), Equestrian (Show Jumping + Endurance), Esports, Futsal, Golf, Handball, Judo, Jujitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Cycling (Road), Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Kabaddi, Volleyball, and Teqball. Esports has witnessed explosive growth in Asia, becoming a cultural phenomenon embraced by millions of young people. Several factors contribute to this surge in popularity: This popularity has translated into official recognition at major sporting events. Esports has been included as a medal sport in both the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Asian Games, demonstrating its growing acceptance within the broader sporting landscape. Esports debuted as a medal event at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines and has been a recurring feature in subsequent editions. This inclusion has provided a platform for Southeast Asian esports athletes to showcase their talent on a regional stage. Esports made its debut as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. It returned as a medal sport at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, further solidifying its place in the Asian sporting arena. The inclusion of esports in the 3rd AYG builds upon this momentum, offering young esports athletes from across Asia a chance to compete at a prestigious multi-sport event. This provides not only a platform for competition but also the opportunity for cultural exchange and the development of esports within the region. The OCA's announcement signals a significant step forward for esports in Asia. By including it in the AYG, the OCA is not only acknowledging its current popularity but also investing in its future. The 3rd AYG in Bahrain promises to be a showcase of young talent across a diverse range of sports, with esports taking a prominent position in this celebration of athleticism and skill. The detailed competition schedule and list of events under the 21 sports will be forwarded to the NOCs “shortly.” Read related article: PH National Team Eyes MLBB “Avengers” for Olympic Esports

Asian teams reigned among the most-watched esports teams of 2024, with South Korean League of Legends squad T1 leading the pack.  Esports continues to take the world by storm, with millions tuning in to watch their favorite professional gamers compete. A recent report by Esports Charts revealed some interesting trends, particularly the rise of Asian teams among the most-watched esports teams of 2024. T1, the reigning League of Legends World Champions, reigns supreme as the most-watched esports team, generating a staggering 195 million hours watched this season. Notably, half of these views came from their triumphant run at the 2024 World Championship. This dominance is a testament to the legendary team led by Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, who has cemented his place as an esports icon. Their performance not only broke viewership records but also solidified T1's position at the pinnacle of the esports world. “T1's dominance is undeniable. Thanks to the legendary team led by Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok, several historic records were set this year, including the most-popular match and the most-viewed tournament. These incredible achievements at Worlds didn’t go unnoticed by The Game Awards 2024 as T1 took home the Best Esports Team award, while Faker claimed Best Esports Athlete for the second year in a row and third time overall. There’s no need for more words here: a legendary team, a legendary player, and a legendary achievement,” read the   report  that was published on December 27, 2024.  Beyond T1, other Asian teams claimed a significant presence on the list. Powerhouse organizations like RRQ, Gen.G, Bilibili Gaming, and Team Liquid Indonesia all found themselves among the most-watched. This strong showing reflects the passionate esports fanbases across Asia and the continent's dedication to fostering a thriving competitive gaming scene. The viewership numbers highlight the immense popularity of League of Legends, the esport T1 and several other top teams compete in. However, the data also suggests that regional rivalries and the passionate support for homegrown teams play a major role in driving viewership. This bodes well for the future of esports, indicating a potential shift towards a more globalized and multifaceted viewership landscape. Esports is a rapidly growing industry, and the viewership numbers for 2024 suggest that Asian teams are at the forefront of this phenomenon. With powerhouse organizations and dedicated fanbases, Asia is well-positioned to continue shaping the esports landscape in the years to come. Read related article: Faker, T1 headline Pt.2 of Esports Awards; MLBB wins MOBIES

Banking on its success in the 2024 Summer Olympics, the Philippines will be sending 20 athletes to the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. Fresh off a successful run at the Summer Olympics, the Philippines is now setting its sights on a new challenge: winning its first-ever medal at the Asian Winter Games in 2025.  This ambition follows the nation's recent triumphs, including three consecutive gold medals in the Summer Games. “We’ve already accomplished the dream in the Summer Olympics – three gold medals in consecutive games. And that dream, we want to also achieve in the Winter Olympics,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, as cited by the Philippine News Agency.  While precise historical records are unavailable, Tolentino believes this will be the largest Filipino delegation to ever compete in the AsianWinter Games. The athletes will compete in six of the 11 sports featured in the Harbin program. A significant portion of the team will participate in curling, a popular winter sport. The curling team includes Marc Angelo Pfister, Enrico Gabriel Pfister, Christian Patrick Haller, Alan Beat Frei, Jessica Pfister, Benjo Delarmente, Kathleen Dubberstein, Leilani Dubberstein, Sheila Mariano, and Anne Marie Bonache. The Curling Winter Sports of the Philippines, established late last year, has recently joined the POC roster alongside the Philippine Skating Union and the Philippine Ski and Snowboarding Association. Other athletes representing the Philippines, managed by chef de mission Richard Lim, include competitors in figure skating (Paolo Borromeo, Aleksandr Korovin, Cathryn Limketkai, Isabella Marie Gamez, and Sofia Lexi Jacqueline Frank), Alpine skiing (Francis Ceccarelli and Talullah Proulx), freestyle skiing (Laetaz Amihan Rabe), short track speed skating (Peter Joseph Groseclose), and snowboarding (Adrian Tongco). The Asian Winter Games in Harbin will feature a total of 64 events. Harbin previously hosted the Games in 1996, and China also hosted the 3rd edition in Changchun in 2007. Historically, Japan has dominated the Asian Winter Games, followed by China and Kazakhstan. Looking ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22, Tolentino acknowledged the immense challenge but expressed confidence based on the nation's recent Summer Olympics success. He cited weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo's historic first gold medal in Tokyo (2020) and gymnast Carlos Yulo's two gold medals in Paris (2024) as evidence of the Philippines' ability to achieve great things on the world stage. Read related article: PH National Team Eyes MLBB “Avengers” for Olympic Esports

Heading into 2025, here is a list of titles set for next year’s edition of the Esports World Cup The Esports World Cup (EWC) is gearing up for another exciting summer in 2025, and they've revealed a large selection of titles that will be battling it out for glory! Here's a look at what's confirmed so far: Returning Champions: PUBG Mobile:  After a thrilling victory over Petrichor Road, FaZe Clan, and TSM in 2024, SONIQS will be back to defend their crown in the $2 million prize pool competition. PUBG: Battlegrounds:  Champions SONIQS return for another shot at the $700,000 slice of the total $2 million prize pool, after dominating against Petrichor Road, FaZe Clan, and TSM in 2024. RENNSPORT:  Team Redline will try to repeat their 2024 win where they outperformed Team Vitality, MOUZ, and Williams Esports to claim the $500,000 prize pool. Returning Titles: Rocket League: The Esports World Cup 2024 featured a $550,000 Rocket League tournament in Riyadh from August 22nd-25th, which saw Team BDS crowned champions. However, the event struggled with viewership, peaking at only 99.8K viewers, likely due to the absence of fan-favorite team Karmine Corp and the early elimination of Gentle Mates. Overwatch 2:  The Overwatch League (OWL) concluded its final season in 2023, with the Florida Mayhem taking the championship. Though the OWL is no more, Overwatch 2 esports continued in 2024 with the launch of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), which saw teams competing across different regions for a spot at the Finals. EA FC 25:  The EWC 2024 featured an EA FC tournament with a $1 million prize pool, utilizing the Ultimate Team mode. João 'jafonsogv' Afonso Vasconcelos emerged victorious under the Luna Galaxy banner after competing against 15 other players in a group stage and playoff format. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang:  MOONTON Games held its mid-season cup concurrently with EWC, with Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants getting the “life-changing” lion’s share of the prize pool.   Apex Legends:  Alliance emerged victorious in a thrilling, record-breaking 13-game grand final at the Apex Legends Esports World Cup 2024. This win marked their first LAN victory from the EMEA region and solidified their position as a top contender in Apex Legends esports. Despite a mixed performance throughout the series, Alliance secured the final victory when it mattered most, edging out teams like Team Falcons and Luminosity Gaming to claim the championship. Rainbow Six Siege:  Team BDS reigned supreme in the Rainbow Six Siege competition of EWC, taking home $750,000.  Dota 2:  Gaimin Gladiators dominated the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters at the Esports World Cup 2024, securing a clean 3-0 sweep against Team Liquid in the grand finals. This victory marked Gaimin Gladiators' first Tier 1 championship of 2024 and a return to the top of Dota 2 esports after a successful 2023 season. Their superior teamplay and individual performances proved too much for Team Liquid, who were unable to find an answer to Gaimin Gladiators' strategies. Street Fighter 6:  The Street Fighter 6 tournament at the EWC 2024 was a significant event in the game's competitive calendar, especially as it was a relatively new title at the time. The tournament featured a $1 million prize pool and attracted top players from around the globe. Ultimately, it was Chinese player "xiaohai" who emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional skill and strategy in the new game. The event highlighted the early meta of Street Fighter 6 and set the stage for future competitions. Free Fire:  The Free Fire World Series (FFWS) was the highlight of the Free Fire esports calendar in 2024. While the provided text doesn't have EWC-specific results, the FFWS remains the top international competition for Free Fire. Honor of Kings:  The Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason 2024, held in Riyadh as part of the Esports World Cup, was a landmark event featuring a $3 million prize pool and 12 competing teams. This tournament showcased increased international participation and significantly surpassed previous Honor of Kings events in viewership. Ultimately, it was Chinese team KPL Dream Team who claimed the championship title, solidifying their position as a top contender in the Honor of Kings competitive scene. Counter-Strike 2:  2024 saw the transition from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to Counter-Strike 2. Natus Vincere reigned supreme in the EWC 2024 contingent.  Newcomers to the Arena: Chess.com:  This is a first for EWC! Chess.com joins the fray. Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will be a global ambassador and the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) will be the official qualification path for players. Crossfire:  Get ready for a new battle royale experience! Thanks to a three-year partnership with South Korean publisher Smilegate, Crossfire makes its debut. Titles Missing in Action (For Now): The list is still missing some big names, particularly Riot Games' popular titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics. While not confirmed yet, there's a chance these might be included as exhibition matches outside of the official leagues. Read related article: Chess Joins Esports World Cup 2025

Counter Strike 2 has taken a commanding lead in esports betting activity throughout 2024, capturing a staggering 57% of the market. The esports betting landscape has a new king, and its name is Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). According to a recent report by Abios, a leading provider of esports data and analytics, CS2 has taken a commanding lead in betting activity throughout 2024, capturing a staggering 57% of the market. This surge in popularity underscores the game's successful transition from its predecessor and its establishment as a premier competitive title. Counter-Strike 2's rise to prominence is a relatively recent phenomenon. The game officially launched in late 2023, succeeding the long-reigning Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).  The transition wasn't just a simple graphical update; CS2 brought significant gameplay changes, including the highly anticipated "sub-tick" system for more precise movement and shooting, along with visual overhauls to maps and weapon models. This fresh take on a classic formula revitalized the competitive scene, drawing in both veteran players and new audiences. Abios, which provides data solutions for over 40 esports betting operators through its parent company Kambi, analyzed betting trends throughout 2024 and found CS2 to be the undisputed leader.  The report highlights key statistics from the past year of CS2 betting:   Peak Viewers:  1,853,954 (PGL Major Copenhagen 2024) Total Prize Pool:  $20,514,054 Tournaments:  595 These figures demonstrate the robust and thriving ecosystem surrounding CS2. With nearly 600 tournaments held throughout the year and a substantial prize pool, the game has provided ample opportunities for both players and bettors. The impressive peak viewership number for the PGL Major Copenhagen further solidifies CS2's position as a top-tier esports spectacle. The report also suggests that with the move to a more open format next season, the number of tournaments and betting odds are likely to increase, further cementing CS2's dominance. While CS2 leads the pack, other established esports titles continue to hold significant positions in the betting market. League of Legends (LoL) secured second place with 26% of betting activity, significantly outperforming Dota 2, which captured only 10%. This disparity highlights the differing approaches taken by Riot Games (LoL's developer) and Valve (Dota 2's developer) in managing their respective esports scenes. Riot's focus on regional leagues provides more consistent betting opportunities compared to Dota 2's more concentrated tournament schedule. VALORANT and Call of Duty also made their presence felt, though with smaller market shares of 5% and 2%, respectively. VALORANT, despite being a relatively young title, has quickly established a thriving competitive scene with innovative formats and a growing fanbase, suggesting a bright future for its betting market. Call of Duty, a long-standing franchise, continues to maintain a dedicated following within the esports betting community. The Abios report paints a clear picture: Counter-Strike 2 has not only successfully transitioned from its predecessor but has also become the dominant force in esports betting. Its robust competitive scene, frequent tournaments, and large viewership numbers have made it a prime target for bettors. As the game continues to evolve and its esports ecosystem expands, CS2 is poised to maintain its leading position in the years to come. Read related article:   Counter-Strike Dominates Esports Betting as Wagers Increase: Report

When chess debuts in the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), the world’s best players will compete for a share of the $1.5 million prize pool. Chess is now an esport as the 1,500 year-old game is added to the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). EWC, the world’s largest esports and gaming festival, will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next summer.  On December 1, 2024, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Chess.com announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership that will elevate competitive online chess to new heights. This move marks a significant milestone for chess, a game with over 600 million players worldwide, and for Chess.com, the leading online platform for chess enthusiasts, boasting nearly 200 million members. A key highlight of this partnership is the integration of Chess.com’s Champions Chess Tour (CCT) as the primary qualifying path for top players to compete at the EWC championship event. The 2025 CCT will feature two online tournaments, scheduled for February and May, with a combined prize pool of $300,000. These events will provide a platform for the world’s best chess players to secure their spots on esports’ grandest stage. “Bringing chess, a game that has been played for 1,500 years, to the Esports World Cup is a truly exciting moment,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.  “It’s the perfect example of how games evolve: from boards to screens, the core competition stays the same. Chess’s rich history, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene make it a perfect fit for our mission to unite the world’s most popular games and their passionate communities under one competitive umbrella.”  The EWC chess tournament is scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, in Riyadh. The top 12 players from the CCT will earn invitations to compete, with four additional spots determined through a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). The LCQ, held in Riyadh, will be open to both amateur and professional players, offering them a shot at the $1.5 million prize pool and valuable EWC Club Championship points. Reichert also emphasized the importance of partnering with Chess.com and appointing Magnus Carlsen as a global ambassador. He described Carlsen as a “true GOAT of the sport” and highlighted the potential for this collaboration to drive growth and innovation within chess’s vibrant ecosystem. Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, will serve as the game’s ambassador at the EWC. Known for his legendary career and ability to captivate audiences, Carlsen has played a pivotal role in transforming chess into a modern global phenomenon. His involvement in the EWC is expected to further connect chess with the broader esports community and inspire a new generation of players and fans. “I’m thrilled to see chess join some of the biggest games in the world at the Esports World Cup,” said Carlsen. “This partnership is an incredible opportunity to grow the game by introducing chess to new audiences and inspiring the next generation of players. Being part of the esports family is an amazing opportunity for chess to broaden its reach to a massive group of esports fans.” The competition format has been designed to appeal to a new esports audience while preserving the strategic depth of chess. Matches will follow a rapid 10+0 chess format, ensuring a fast-paced yet intellectually engaging experience for players and viewers alike. In the event of a tie, an Armageddon game will serve as the tiebreaker, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition. Chess’s inclusion in the EWC aligns it with a lineup of over 20 of the world’s most popular gaming titles, bringing together top players, clubs, and fans under one banner. The unique cross-game competition format, which rewards clubs based on their performance across different titles, aims to foster growth and innovation within the esports and gaming ecosystem. The EWC represents the ultimate celebration of gaming as a global sport, and chess’s addition further solidifies its status as a key player in the modern competitive gaming landscape. The Champions Chess Tour (CCT) has been at the forefront of online chess innovation since its launch in 2020. The Tour’s rapid-format tournaments have redefined the chess experience, offering a fully digital and viewer-friendly approach with live commentary and interactive features. The 2024 season is set to conclude this week in Oslo, Norway, where eight finalists will compete for the remaining $500,000 of the season’s $1.7 million prize pool. The top 12 players from the CCT will secure invitations to the prestigious EWC Chess Tournament, scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) will be hosted in Riyadh, offering both amateur and professional players the opportunity to claim the final four spots in the tournament lineup. Competitors will battle for a slice of the $1.5 million prize pool, along with valuable points in the Esports World Cup Club Championship rankings.   The tournament format aims to captivate a fresh esports audience by presenting Chess in an exciting new way. Matches will be played in the rapid 10+0 format, delivering fast-paced action while highlighting the players' strategic mastery. In the event of a tie, the outcome will be decided by a single Armageddon game, adding an extra layer of tension and drama to the competition. As chess takes its place among the world’s most celebrated esports titles, the partnership between EWCF and Chess.com promises to usher in a new era for the game. With Magnus Carlsen as its ambassador and a global stage at the Esports World Cup, chess is poised to captivate a new generation of players and fans, showcasing its timeless brilliance and competitive spirit to the world. Read related article: Dota 2 Returns to the Esports World Cup 2025