From sponsorships to industry-wide announcements, Insider Sport has you covered when it comes to the world of esports.
This week’s edition highlights the latest developments in the esports sector, including the Russian Esports Federation (RESF) refusing the International Esports Federation’s (IESF) decision to make its representatives compete under a neutral flag for the upcoming World Championships.
Russian Esports Federation and IESF both stand firm on flag issue
The RESF has made a statement refusing the IESF decision to make its representatives compete under a neutral flag for the upcoming World Championships.
Following the IESF’s decision to not allow Russian symbols at its competitions, the RESF has stated that it wants to remain in the competition, “but will not abandon its flag and anthem”.
In April 2022, the IESF banned Russian athletes from participating in any of its events, but these restrictions were lifted last year. The pair have participated in a back and forth, developing into a stalemate.
In a statement sent to Esports Insider, the ISEF asserted that the RESF’s establishment of branch offices and acceptance of associations in territories recognised as part of Ukraine had violated the IESF Statutes.
In a statement sent to Esports Insider, the IESF wrote: “The IESF Membership Committee conducted a detailed investigation following the allegations made by the Ukraine Esports Federation (UESF).
The statement continued: “However, recognising the importance of inclusivity in Esports, the Board has made a provision allowing Russian players to compete under a neutral flag.
“Nonetheless, we firmly believe in the principles of fairness and respect for national sovereignty, as enshrined in our Statutes. RESF has the right to appeal this decision at the General Meeting, and we encourage taking this route if there are further grievances.”
ESIC welcomes Kambi and Abios as anti-corruption supporters
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has announced Kambi and its esports data subsidiary Abios as new ESIC anti-corruption supporters.
In a significant development for esports integrity, Kambi and Abios have joined ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Supporter programme. As part of this initiative, Kambi and Abios will collaborate with ESIC to identify and address suspicious betting activities, reinforcing the integrity of esports.
By leveraging the programme’s expertise and resources, Kambi and its subsidiary will contribute to ESIC’s mission to prevent, investigate and prosecute any attempts to compromise esports’ integrity.
Anton Janér, Managing Director and Founder of Abios, said: “Our mission at Abios has always been to enable the sustainable growth of esports. As such, we’re incredibly excited to join ESIC in their mission to future-proof esports through combatting match-fixing and other integrity-related malpractices.
“Fair play is a crucial component in ensuring the viability of esports as a long-term community and investment and we hope to be able to support the industry together with ESIC going forward.”
ESIC has launched several initiatives. In 2021, the organisation announced the launch of a new ‘transparency initiative’ to aid the operations of its integrity unit. More recently, it introduced an advisory board to help emphasise integrity and ethical practices in the industry.
Stephen Hanna, ESIC’s CEO, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Kambi and Abios as Anti-Corruption Supporters. Kambi and Abios are well trusted and recognised operators in their respective industries, and their entrance into the Anti-Corruption Supporter class of ESIC membership emphasises their shared commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fair play within the esports industry.”
Team Vitality welcomes Bigetron Era as its second women’s team
Team Vitality has acquired Bigetron Era, a competitive division of Indonesian esports organisation Bigetron Esports, to enter Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).
The team will represent Team Vitality at the 2024 MLBB Women’s Invitational, taking place at the Esports World Cup in June. The event is the only women’s scene represented at the competition and is often regarded as the biggest women’s-only tournaments in esports.
In addition, Team Vitality will also participate in the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) ecosystem through its tier-two competition.
This acquisition marks the introduction of the team’s second women’s team, with the first being Rising Bees in League of Legends.
Fabien ‘Neo’ Devide, Co-Founder and Chairman of Team Vitality, commented: “We are thrilled to announce the integration of Bigetron Era into Team Vitality, marking a significant strategic move for us. It’s an immense honour to welcome one of the world’s premier teams, regardless of gender, into our family.
“This partnership primes us for success at the Esports World Cup, and also presents a golden opportunity to make waves in key markets like Indonesia and mobile gaming. Team Vitality is committed to promoting women’s esports, and we’re honoured to support and collaborate with such a talented team.”
British Esports unveils six new Women in Esports committee members
Women In Esports, an initiative by esports body British Esports, has announced the names of six new members for its committee.
The new members include Tracy Luseno (Partnerships Manager at ESL FACEIT Group), Leila Gregory (Creator and Founder of Tech Her Out), Kylie Kendrick (Technical Specialist: Esports at Durham University), Savannah Ross (Gaming, Esports, and Cultural Strategist at Ear to the Ground), Vladyslava ‘Vlady’ Zakhliebina (Team Manager of OG, Esports Talent and Content Creator) and Keltoum ‘Giniro’ Baddaje (Esports Host).
Joining an existing committee of 11 members, these representatives will aim to support Women In Esports in developing an inclusive esports landscape.
Established in 2019, Women In Esports has attempted to improve diversity, equity and inclusivity in esports through events, tournaments, community activations and educational content.
The initiative was created by British Esports Development Lead, Billie Purdie, Head of Operations, Alice Whorley and Committee Chair Sue Lavasani, who is an Account Manager at Tundra Esports.
Following these six additions the organisation has also confirmed that Morgan Ashurst, Bryony-Hope Green, Milly Clay, Freya Spiers, Giulia Zecchini, Tasha Jones and Dominika Szot have left the committee.
