The ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s largest esports and gaming company, has released “Making an Impact 2023” [available here], a documentary highlighting the work done via ESL Impact toward promoting women’s esports and levelling the playing field—revealing a powerful narrative that shatters barriers, defies stereotypes and fosters an environment that’s representative and inclusive for all.

The documentary follows teams of women competing at ESL Impact live events and Global Finals at DreamHack Dallas and DreamHack Valencia. The esports athletes featured discuss the ups and downs of competition, team dynamics and the pressure to win before a backdrop of toxicity and sexism endemic to esports, including Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski, Ksenia “vilga” Klyuenkova and Mounira “GooseBreeder” Dobie.

ESL Impact was launched at the beginning of 2022 as part of ESL FACEIT Group’s (EFG) #GGFORALL program. For over two years, it has set a standard for supporting DE&I in Counter-Strike esports by providing women teams, broadcast talent, and support staff additional opportunities to follow their dreams of being a part of the professional esports scene.

Over the past four seasons, the ecosystem has cemented itself as the hold for premier women’s Counter-Strike competition, and created critical pipelines for players and teams to grow – the league has increased participation in women’s esports by 25 percent and empowered women to break into the traditionally male-dominated industry.

Happy to connect you with a member of the ESL Impact team to learn more about what’s revealed in the documentary, the broader issues of toxicity within gaming and the powerful effect the circuit is having on women’s esports.

We at LEON.BET are thrilled to announce our partnership with 9INE, one of Europe’s top esports organizations known for their focus on Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). This partnership will take esports betting to a new level, offering fans exclusive content and exciting new ways to engage with their favorite games.

As a leading online betting platform, LEON.BET offers a wide range of betting options across sports, casino and esports. Our user-friendly interface, competitive odds, and commitment to fair play have made us a trusted name worldwide. We’re also dedicated to supporting young talents, believing it’s the key to a bright and promising future.

Through this partnership, we aim to combine 9INE’s expertise in competitive gaming with our innovative betting platform. This will create a more immersive experience for esports fans, providing new and exciting betting opportunities along with exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

“We are extremely happy to start our cooperation with 9INE. Recent changes to their roster show huge potential, and we at LEON.BET want to be part of that journey,” said our CGO.

“Together with 9INE, we will create a fantastic space for esports enthusiasts. Supporting young talents is at the core of LEON.BET’s development strategy, and we see great future and prospects in this path.”

CopyBet has today announced a partnership with TrueLayer, Europe’s leading open banking payments network, to enable instant deposits and withdrawal payments for UK customers.

Players can now select the Instant Bank Payment option to immediately pay into their accounts on the CopyBet app or website. They can also use the Instant Bank Payment option to transfer their winnings to their bank account within seconds.

Anton Ivanov, Business Development Director, CopyBet UK, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve our customer experience, and this is a crucial partnership to take the CopyBet Sportsbook to the next level. By using TrueLayer technology, we can offer customers a best-in-class payment solution that is reliable, protected, and user-friendly.”

Roberto Villani, VP of iGaming, TrueLayer, said: “Providing fast, frictionless pay-ins and payouts is key to winning and retaining players. We’re proud to partner with CopyBet to help provide the instant experience customers demand.”

Payments from TrueLayer are authenticated directly with a customer’s bank, ensuring PSD2 and SCA compliance and significantly reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorised transactions.

CopyBet recently announced a deal to become the official front of shirt partner of Queens Park Rangers Football Club for the next two seasons. It also boasts former Premier League football legend, Shay Given, and talented Irish jockey, Jonathan Burke, as brand ambassadors.