eSports
GRID Esports announces GRID Open Platform and provides free access to official gaming data
GRID Esports, the official esports and gaming data platform, is pleased to launch its GRID Open Platform which will provide access to high-quality esports and gaming data for free. As the first of its kind, the GRID Open Platform has been created from a vision to enable community-driven innovation. Developers and fans looking to build data-driven products will be able to sign up to the platform and access data from 70+ esports data rights holders including BLAST, Epic Events, and WePlay Holding.
GRID Open Platform is the next step toward achieving GRID’s vision of sustainable growth across the ecosystem, facilitating the relationship between official rights holders and their communities. With access to accurate, only official data across esports and gaming, otherwise inaccessible for independent developers, GRID has identified the need for the Open Platform and now aims to inspire ground-breaking innovation that translates into the long term growth of the entire industry.
The Open platform is now live and accepting applications for Early Access till March 14th via grid.gg/open-platform. Early Access participants will receive first-hand support from the GRID team and their feedback will have a direct influence on the final shape of the Open Platform.
“GRID’s mission is to accelerate the growth of the data-driven esports ecosystem powered by community-led innovation. GRID Open Platform is designed for a passionate and talented community that built esports as the phenomenon it is today, from its grassroots.” – says Moritz Maurer, CEO of GRID Esports. “Our goal is to allow players and fans to feel empowered and drive innovation. By providing access to the resources, we expect to see the development of new products in the market. We aim to enrich the experience of interacting with esports content and to facilitate future esports developers’ careers. We believe that by granting free access to the GRID Data Platform, GRID can kickstart a new esports and data revolution.”
“We encourage developers and esports aficionados to leverage this opportunity and apply for Early Access. Early Access allows for additional benefits outside of data including a great networking opportunity with other like-minded creators and professionals. Participants’ feedback will have a direct influence on the final shape of the Open Platform as we commit to creating a mutually beneficial relationship with them. GRID will offer support from the GRID team, provide further PR visibility, and facilitate potential business opportunities for the most promising projects.” added Chris King, CTO of GRID Esports.
eSports
IESF and ITTI Open Applications for Scholarships in Esports Management
The International Esports Federation (IESF) and the International Institute of Technology and Innovation (ITTI) are thrilled to announce the launch of the IESF x ITTI Scholarships, an initiative designed to empower the next generation of Esports leaders. This scholarship program brings together the industryâs best resources to select young talent ready to make their mark in Esports management and gaming.
Four scholarships are available for promising students who will join ITTIâs Masterâs in Esports Management and Gaming program. This scholarship opportunity opens on November 4, 2024, and closes on November 20, 2024. The project is also part of IESF and Busan Cityâs World Esports R&D Center Program, supporting education and development in the Esports industry.
Scholarship Allocation:
-
One student who is a Resident of Busan, aged 18 – 24.
-
Three international students, aged 18-24.
How to Apply:
Open to applicants aged 18 to 24, the program invites candidates to submit a completed application form and an introduction video addressing specific questions about their goals, interests, and vision for Esports. With support from NASEF, IESFâs educational partner, the selection committee will evaluate each applicantâs creativity, dedication to Esports, and unique ideas to shape the industry.
Applicants can access the Application Form and should complete both the form and video submission by the deadline.Â
The IESF x ITTI Scholarships offer a great path into Esports management, and recipients will gain access to ITTIâs advanced curriculum designed to equip students for impactful roles in Esports. We invite all eligible young enthusiasts to apply and join this exciting journey with us. Letâs help shape the future of Esports!
eSports
SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Doubles Esports Turnover in Q3 2024
1 November 2024 â Esports has experienced explosive growth in Q3 2024, doubling turnover compared to the previous quarter. The average bet on cybersports increased by 17.6% quarter-on-quarter. SOFTSWISS, a global tech expert with over 15 years of experience providing innovative iGaming solutions, shares the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Q3 2024 report.
The top five sports by Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) remain consistent: Football, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, and eFootball. For the second consecutive quarter, eFootball has outperformed Counter-Strike 2, indicating a shifting interest within the esports sector. Nevertheless, football continues to dominate, contributing nearly half of the total GGR.
The average live bet grew by 10% quarter-on-quarter, a positive development for operators as live bets hold 78.6% of turnover. The SOFTSWISS Sportsbook team is actively enhancing the live betting experience, aiming to capitalise on this trend and provide operators with even greater revenue opportunities.
The average bet grew by 9.7% quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2024, and the number of bets increased by 18.7%. GGR saw a modest growth of 1.5% quarter-on-quarter.
Despite the large number of projects launched for the UEFA Euro 2024, month-on-month statistics show that with the right promotional strategies, projects continue to operate successfully even after such massive events.Â
Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, adds: âAligning a launch with a major sporting event can be a successful strategy, but football is not the only sport that can be leveraged in this way. The growth of cybersports presents new opportunities; for specialised projects targeting specific audiences, esports events can also serve as an effective starting point.Â
We continuously focus on product growth and development, enhancing features and user experience to drive further engagement and profitability for our partners.â
The SOFTSWISS Sportsbook is expanding its global presence. The product team is on track to secure certification in Brazil, conducted by an authorised testing laboratory. Furthermore, for the South African market, the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook has recently integrated a Horse Racing Module. This addition offers operators new business opportunities by covering over 2,400 international and local races monthly. The solution engages players with race cards, silks, and multiple bet types while providing operators unique skins and configurations to align with various brand identities.
The SOFTSWISS team is working on The iGaming Trends Report 2025, which offers a deep dive into key industry developments based on over 50,000 media headlines and insights from industry experts. Covering areas like regulation, marketing, technology, and business growth, this report provides a data-driven perspective on the trends shaping the upcoming year. The SOFTSWISS team shares the possibility of joining the waiting list.
All SOFTSWISS products will be showcased at the final major industry event, SiGMA Europe, at stand 2145.
eSports
Procedure to be followed by school clubs affiliating for the 2025 season
Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), founded in 1984, is the national federation for Board games, Card games, Esports, and Wargames.
MSSA promotes all the different disciplines equally, although each school may pick-and-choose which discipline it wishes to promote at its school. Some schools will promote the whole gambit, while others will concentrate on only one discipline, and/or even just concentrate on one specific title.
The choice is ultimately up to the school.
MSSA has sent teams with full Protea Colours to international events since 1991 for wargames, 1996 for Morabaraba, 1997 for Checkers, and 2005 for Esports. Many members of the national teams have been scholars, and all have benefited from their involvement in the national Protea Team.Â
There is still the option open for a school to start a full-blown sub-club on its premises, but bearing in mind the tight regulatory conditions under which accredited schools have to operate in the Republic, the MSSA no longer deems it necessary for a school to start a sub-club.
As long as the school club has the approval of the school, and has an Educator-in-Charge, a school may affiliate by merely completing the Application for Affiliation Form and submitting such to MSSA.
Advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club: There are many advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club, such as:
-
Being part of a community where your club has a real say in how things are done
-
Being able to apply for National Lottery Funding â MSSA member clubs can apply for up to R800,000.00 in funding
-
Being able to get assistance from your local government
-
Experience increased media exposure of your events and your gamers
-
Become part of the international community through the MSSA Registered players are able to become internationally recognised umpires, etc.
-
Enable your gamers to take part in MSSA events, which may qualify them for Regional, Provincial, and National colours, overseas trips, and even sports bursaries at university.
- Private clubs:Â one vote per every five registered players, and
- School clubs: one vote per every ten registered players.
MSSAâs General Regulations  Â
The General Regulations comprises of decisions made by both Council and Executive Committee Meetings. The General Regulations deals with how sub-committees operate as well as to how teams are selected and development funding is distributed. Â Please refer to Schedule 10.12 in regard to the rights of clubs in hosting events.
MSSAâs Discipline Specific Regulations  Â
The Discipline Specific Regulations deal with rules concerning the different disciplines. The Disciplines that the MSSA caters for are; Board Gaming, Card gaming, Esports, and Figure Gaming.
When a club applies for membership, the applicant club must complete such form and return the same to the MSSA.Fee note for 2025
The fee note details the Affiliation Fees and Registration fees that are payable.
Player Registration Form  Â
The Player Registration Form needs to be completed by every player that is a member of a club and intends to participate in MSSA affairs.
MSSAâs Letter of Undertaking  Â
The Letter of Undertaking is for all registered players who sit on any MSSA committee.
-
Asia6 days ago
NODWIN Gaming partners with Japanese gaming company KONAMI for âeFootball Diwali Showdownâ
-
Asia7 days ago
Red Bull M.E.O. returns in 2024 to India: BGMI qualifiers lead to thrilling LAN National Finals in Chennai
-
Asia7 days ago
GG.BET is inviting BLAST Premier: World Final attendees to the GG.BOOTH to take part in some fun activities
-
Australia7 days ago
ALLIANCE PARTNERS TABCORP AND 1/ST CONTENT COMPLETE DEAL WITH THE JOCKEY CLUB OF TURKIYE TO DELIVER TURKISH RACING TO AUSTRALIA VIA SKY RACING
-
Africa7 days ago
Tekkorp Launches Strategic Initiative To Capitalize On African Market
-
Eastern Europe7 days ago
ICONIC21 makes Romania debut with Princess Casino
-
Industry News7 days ago
Swedish Gaming Group Cherry Weighs Sale of ComeOn
-
Asia7 days ago
PAGCOR Q3 REVENUES UP 42% TO PHP79.43 BILLION