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 including the International Olympic Committee partnering with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games.
IOC leverages Saudi expertise for Olympic Esports Games
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has partnered with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games.
Over the course of a 12-year partnership, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025. Details regarding the host city, venue, timing, included titles and qualification process will be decided following an IOC Session.
The IOC has highlighted that it will prioritise partnering with International Federations already engaged in esports versions of their sports, as well as with NOCs that have incorporated esports into their programmes.
Furthermore, the IOC plans to set up a specialised structure within its organisation, separate from the traditional framework used for the Olympic Games. This new structure will cater specifically to the unique requirements of the Olympic Esports Games, outlining a distinct approach to both financing and the organisation of these games.
Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, commented: “We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games, because it has great – if not unique – expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience.
“By partnering with the Saudi NOC we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, in particular, with regard to the game titles on the programme, the promotion of gender equality and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”
Currently, the country is hosting the inaugural Esports World Cup (3 July-25 August), which has generated partnerships with some of the biggest brands across the world. Earlier this month, DAZN announced it would be showing coverage of the event.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said: “Saudi Arabia is hugely excited by the prospect of partnering with the IOC and helping to welcome a completely new era for international sport.
“We believe that to take part in the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honours any athlete can achieve. We are proud to support the writing of a new chapter in Olympic history that has the potential to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world.”
Dafabet eyes up skyrocketing esports industry with Oddin.gg
Oddin.gg has partnered with online betting company Dafabet to enhance the bookmakers’ offering with esports-only markets.
The agreement will leverage Oddin.gg’s comprehensive suite of esports products, with the Dafabet site set to feature the provider’s fast betting content, including eFootball, eBasketball and eCricket.
Additionally, the partnership will see Dafabet introduce a unique Counter Strike 2, one-on-one format, and both male and female versions of a table tennis betting product.
James Barnfather, Head of Sports at Dafabet, commented: “With the esports industry skyrocketing, a trend we’ve already observed in our sportsbook, we recognised the need to supercharge our offerings to match market demand. Choosing Oddin.gg was an easy choice due to their unparalleled expertise and ideal product suite for our needs.
“This new alliance with Oddin.gg empowers us to intensify our commitment to esports betting globally. We have been eagerly anticipating the launch of these enhanced features for our players. On top of it, we see great potential in a 24/7 eCricket solution in line with growing appetite for cricket betting, yet lacking enough content such as football. The product is a perfect solution to fill the gaps.
“On the integration side, we have collaborated with various partners, and the feedback on Oddin’s integration has been overwhelmingly positive. Our team rates it as one of the best experiences, noting the prompt and precise responses.”
Marek Suchar, Managing Director and Co-founder at Oddin.gg, said: “We are really excited about this partnership with such a strong and well-known traditional brand. We admire the top expertise of Dafabet’s team combined with the massive community impact they have with their sponsorships.
“We feel honoured to bring the most engaging esports betting experience to all Dafabet’s clients globally. Dafabet is also renowned for their commitment to responsible gaming and integrity which is in line with our long-term vision for the esports industry.”
Nicklas Bendtner launches Legendary Gaming Group in esports venture
Former Arsenal footballer Nicklas Bendtner has unveiled his new esports investment and management company, Legendary Gaming Group.
The new company has quickly taken majority stakes in multiple esports enterprises, such as New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an unnamed esports and gaming brand.
Additionally, Esports Insider has reported that Legendary Gaming Group has fully acquired the Danish esports organisation Team Singularity.
Bendtner and his team have been developing the new investment venture since early 2024. The company also plans to raise seed capital to kickstart its initiatives for the next three years.
The former footballer is known for his time at Arsenal, where he picked up the nickname ‘Lord Bendtner’. The player has long been a fan of esports and even represented Team Denmark at the BLAST Premier Fall showmatch in 2022. That year, Bendtner launched an esports organisation called Prosapia Esports, though the team has been dormant since 2023.
On the latest venture, Bendtner commented: “I am really pleased with the team we have assembled at Legendary and look forward to being part of something bigger in an industry I am fascinated by. My own role in the company will be an active one, but what the exact title will be is not 100% decided yet, as it also depends on what roles the other sports profiles coming in will have.”
the*gamehers and Thunderpick partner to inspire future women gamers
The women-centric gaming and esports community platform the*gamehers has renewed its partnership with Thunderpick, an esports cryptocurrency betting company.
Under the agreement, the two parties will continue collaborating on various projects that highlight women in esports and gaming into 2025. This extended partnership encompasses brand features, Twitch streams featuring platform ambassadors, and the hosting of a bi-annual esports tournament.
Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy at Thunderpick, spoke on the extension with the*gamehers: “Thunderpick is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the esports community.
“We believe that in collaboration with the*gamehers we can not only better highlight the incredible talent of women in gaming but also inspire the next generation of gamers to pursue their passions without boundaries.”
