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The evolution of pro-gaming is adding new standards to the whole industry
The iGaming industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, evolving from a niche market to a mainstream entertainment force. This evolution has not only reshaped the gaming landscape but has also created new opportunities for professional players and related professions. But does the igaming industry shape the pro-gaming scenario or is it happening the other way around?
The global iGaming industry has experienced exponential growth, driven by advancements in technology, increased internet accessibility, and changing consumer preferences. According to industry reports, the global online gambling market is expected to reach over $127 billion by 2027. This rapid expansion is fueled by the legalization of online gambling in several countries, the proliferation of mobile gaming, and the rise of new gaming formats such as crash games and virtual sports betting.
Gaming as a profession
For professional players, the trends have closely followed the growth driven by these evolving scenarios. According to data from Statista, the United States leads with the highest number of active professional players, followed by China and Brazil. This ranking mirrors the list of countries with the most gamers overall, highlighting the correlation between a large gaming population and the development of professional gaming talent. The increasing number of professional players in these countries underscores the expanding opportunities within the iGaming industry, driven by technological advancements, increased accessibility, and a growing acceptance of gaming as a legitimate career path.
However, striking the right balance between work and life can be tricky. Players like Larsen from the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) often work 14-hour days, making it one of the longest workweeks of any job in the United States. This intense schedule includes more than 12 hours of daily practice, with usually one day off per week. In addition to practice, players have obligations such as being available to sponsors and the media, and streaming their gameplay online for a contractually stipulated number of hours, which can be around 30 hours per month for teams like Team Liquid.
Financial rewards and recognition
The rewards for top players are substantial. Average salaries for LCS players are in the low- to mid-six figures, with Overwatch players earning an average bordering on six figures. These earnings are in addition to any prize money from competitions, with pools sometimes reaching into the tens of millions of dollars.
In addition to salary and advertisement, major leagues also receive great payments from tournaments. In 2023, the greatest tournament prize pool was Dota 2, worth $30.82 million. This level of financial reward and recognition is transforming professional gaming into a lucrative career path.
The new standard in iGaming
Technological innovations are at the forefront of the iGaming industry’s evolution. The introduction of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is creating immersive gaming experiences that were previously unimaginable. These technologies allow players to engage in realistic environments, enhancing gaming experience. It improved the overall experience and love for traditional titles such as Resident Evil, Skyrim, Phasmofobia, and the VR-only title Beat Saber.
As per legalization and regulation of iGaming, it has played a crucial role in the industry’s growth in various regions. Countries that have embraced legal iGaming frameworks, such as the United Kingdom, Brazil, and several states in the U.S., have seen significant economic benefits. These regulations ensure fair play, protect consumers, and provide a secure environment for both players and operators. According to research by KTO, an online casino based in Brazil, the future of online gaming is being shaped by the expectations and behaviors of the players themselves. As the market progresses, there is an anticipation of games that not only offer quality entertainment but also reflect the cultural nuances and individual preferences of gamers. The iGaming community in countries like Brazil seeks to influence and see their ideas and preferences reflected in the games they consume.
The evolution of pro gaming is fundamentally reshaping the iGaming industry by setting new standards for professionalism and performance. Professional gamers, now regarded as athletes, adhere to rigorous training schedules, dedicating upwards of 14 hours a day to practice, strategy development, and physical conditioning. This level of commitment has introduced a new standard of discipline and excellence within the industry, comparable to traditional sports. The structured environment, complete with coaches, analysts, and support staff, mirrors that of professional sports teams, elevating the prestige and legitimacy of competitive gaming. As a result, the industry has attracted significant investments and sponsorships, further professionalizing the ecosystem and setting a high bar for aspiring gamers.
Moreover, the financial rewards and recognition associated with pro gaming are driving the industry towards unprecedented growth and innovation. This influx of skilled players is fostering intense competition and pushing developers to create more sophisticated and engaging games. The integration of streaming platforms and social media has also amplified the reach and influence of pro gamers, turning them into global influencers. This symbiotic relationship between pro gaming and the iGaming industry is propelling both sectors forward, establishing new standards for entertainment, engagement, and economic potential.
As the industry continues to evolve, it will likely become an even more integral part of the global entertainment landscape. For professional players and those aspiring to enter the field, the future looks promising, with the potential for substantial rewards and the chance to be at the forefront of a dynamic and rapidly growing industry.
Affiliate Industry
N1 Partners X-Mas Giveaway: The Ultimate Reward for High-Achieving Affiliates!
N1 Partners is bringing excitement this holiday season with the X-Mas Giveaway! High-achieving affiliates can get rewarded with exclusive prizes, including a dream trip to the Maldives, premium gifts, and more. Join the giveaway and celebrate your success with us!
This December, N1 Partners is launching the X-Mas Giveaway to reward our valued partners. This giveaway offers prizes for our high-achieving partners.
From December 1 to December 31, all registered partners who generate 50+ FTDs within December enter the draw to win one of five AirPods Max. But that’s not all—participants with the top three deposit sums get rewarded with premium prizes:
- 1st Place: A luxurious trip for two to the Maldives
- 2nd Place: An exclusive Louis Vuitton Travel Kit
- 3rd Place: An iPad Pro 13″ (1TB)
N1 Partners is committed to creating opportunities for all partners to succeed. New partners are invited to join our network to become eligible for this giveaway. Sign up here and get started today.
“At N1 Partners, we are always striving to surprise and delight our affiliates. We don’t view each affiliate as just another account, but as a valued partner with whom we build long-lasting business relationships. Promotions like these give our partners the opportunity to see that firsthand and earn well-deserved rewards for their achievements.” — Alexa Bond, Head of Affiliates, N1 Partners
For full terms, visit our website. Winners will be announced in early January 2025.
This holiday season, let N1 Partners be your gateway to exciting rewards and opportunities!
About N1 Partners
N1 Partners is a company with expertise in online entertainment. Today, N1 Partners unites over ten high-converting online casinos, betting brands, and the N1 Partners affiliate program.
Latest News
GR8 Tech Announces Leadership Changes for 2025
GR8 Tech will see a leadership transition on January 1, 2025, as Oleksandr Feshchenko, currently the Deputy CEO and CRO, will take over as the new CEO. Sergey Ghazaryan, formerly the Head of the Casino Business Unit, takes over as the CRO from December 1 of the current year. In the meantime, Evgen Belousov will be stepping away from GR8 Tech.
During his two-year tenure, Evgen Belousov has established GR8 Tech as a trusted provider of high-performance iGaming solutions. Over the past year alone, GR8 Tech achieved remarkable growth, expanding its client base eightfold and significantly increasing revenue.
GR8 Tech’s solutions support over 25 newly launched clients and nearly 50 live operator brands. The company’s continued success stems from its unique strategy of providing tailored, geo-specific solutions that directly address market demands. Unlike other platforms that offer one-size-fits-all approaches, GR8 Tech focuses on customizing its features specifically to meet the needs of each region and client.
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Belousov shared: “Leading GR8 Tech has been nothing short of transformative. We’ve redefined what success looks like in our industry, achieving remarkable milestones in only two years’ time. We’ve laid down a strong foundation, and now, it’s time for a bold new chapter. With our high-performance platform and a vision to dominate as the world’s #1 sportsbook-driven solution, I’m confident the new leadership will amplify this momentum and take GR8 Tech to unprecedented heights.” As Belousov shifts to being an independent iGaming advisor, he plans to focus on the strategic development of B2B iGaming projects.
The leadership transition aligns with the company’s two-year anniversary in January 2025 – a milestone GR8 Tech plans to celebrate with exciting future announcements.
Asia
Revenant XSpark Partners With iQOO In Landmark Esports Deal
Revenant XSpark, one of India’s leading Esports organization is excited to announce a ground-breaking partnership with iQOO, the high-performance smartphone brand. Leveraging the growing appeal of Esports, Revenant XSparks & iQOO have partnered together, with iQOO securing the naming rights for India’s top-performing Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) roster under the Revenant XSpark brand. The team will now compete under the name iQOO RNTX, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian esports. This collaboration stands as one of the biggest deals in Indian Esports history.
A collaboration between Revenant Esports and Team XSpark; The vision & goal behind the creation of ‘Revenant XSpark’ was to redefine the Esports landscape in India and neighbouring regions.
Having been unveiled at the recent collaboration, Revenant XSpark’s (BGMI) roster competes across regional and international competitions. With an unmatched track record of securing two back-to-back titles at major Krafton events, the team is led by coach Osmium as one of the premier teams in the country. Dominating competition across the board, the team of Sarang (Sarangajyoti Deka), Spraygod (Harsh Malik), Joker (Khush Singh), and Shadow (Tenzin Kelsang), have been able to carve a name for themselves in the Esports landscape as a force to be reckoned with in both global and local platforms.
Champions at the BGMI Pro Series and BGMI India Series, the team already has a firm foothold in the India market and is aiming to build and expand its narrative globally. Alongside iQOO’s innovation driven mindset, the collaboration will leverage expertise from both sides for mutual beneficial outcomes.
Rohit Jagasia, Founder and CEO of Revenant Esports, said, “We’re incredibly proud to announce our groundbreaking partnership with iQOO. This is a monumental moment for Indian Esports – marking one of the largest deals in the industry. iQOO’s commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with our vision at Revenant XSpark. By joining forces, we’re creating a powerful synergy that will elevate the Indian Esports scene to new heights. Together, we aim to redefine the landscape of competitive gaming and inspire the next generation of gamers.”
Nipun Marya, CEO, iQOO said, “We’re thrilled to be part of this moment in Indian esports. Partnering with Revenant XSpark goes beyond supporting an exceptional team it’s an investment in the future of competitive gaming. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of gamers, drive meaningful innovation, and shape the future of esports in India. This collaboration is a step towards achieving long-term synergies that align with our broader vision to elevate the gaming experience.”
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