"Gianfranco Capozzi declare explicitly: Esports is significantly thriving"
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Esports, the competitive world of video gaming, is experiencing a rapid growth due to the emergence of younger generations and the evolution of technology. This growth is driven by several key technology trends that are reshaping the esports landscape.
Extended Reality (XR) and Immersive Gaming Experiences
Extended Reality (XR), a combination of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, is one such trend. With advancements in displays featuring 120Hz refresh rates, OLED screens, AI-powered personalization, immersive 3D audio, and wireless, multi-device compatibility, XR is creating highly immersive and responsive esports gaming experiences.
Artificial Intelligence and Hyper-Personalization
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another significant trend. AI is being used for hyper-personalization, adaptive NPC behavior, game environment customization, and enhancing the user experience. About one-third of game studios now employ generative AI for automating game asset creation and dynamic content generation, helping developers iterate faster and players enjoy tailored gameplay.
Cloud Gaming and Expanded Player Reach
Cloud Gaming is transforming esports by enabling hardware-free access to high-end games on any device with an internet connection. This expansion of player reach and lowering of the entry barrier is making esports more accessible to a wider audience.
Blockchain Technology and New Revenue Models
Blockchain technology is impacting esports by tokenizing virtual items, improving payment methods, and enabling new monetization and game mechanics opportunities. This transformation of the online gaming ecosystem is creating new revenue models for esports.
Mobile and Cross-Platform Growth
The growth of mobile and cross-platform gaming is also significant. Esports competitions are increasingly hosted on mobile platforms worldwide, broadening viewership and participation. Cross-compatibility between devices such as consoles, PCs, and smartphones enhances esports accessibility and convenience.
Esports Betting and the Role of AI
AI is also becoming more relevant in esports betting, as operators and service providers explore its potential to improve the users' experience. Esports blockchain startups are focusing on crypto betting and esports technologies, further expanding the esports betting market.
The esports landscape is constantly changing, with new games and leagues rising and falling in popularity. Popular games like CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, and the battle royale genre (Fortnite and PUBG) are currently dominating the esports betting market. The US is expected to be a top market for esports betting once state-by-state legislation allows it.
In the affiliate market, EsportsBets, a subsidiary of Catena Media, provides incremental value by offering more than just advertising banners or esports news. They focus on content that generates traffic and revenue. The esports betting affiliate market is still in a growing phase, with only a few esports sportsbook operators having their own affiliate portals or managing affiliate deals through third parties.
EsportsBets took off after gathering a diverse team of experts and becoming fully dedicated to esports. Gianfranco Capozzi, the Head of Esports at EsportsBets, joined the company through a start-up focused on marketing affiliations and esports. Capozzi, a passionate gamer, crypto enthusiast, and esports aficionado, is driving the growth of EsportsBets.
When working with esports operators, it's important to ensure that they have a clear understanding of esports betting and that the necessary technical standards are in place. Cryptocurrency is being used in the esports betting market, with a growing trend in the last couple of years.
The strongest markets for esports betting have historically been the UK, Canada, and Germany, but emerging markets such as LATAM (particularly Brazil) and certain Asian countries are showing positive outcomes. Creativity, a good understanding of esports, curiosity, and the ability to adapt quickly are essential qualities in an affiliate team or business.
The next SiGMA iGathering networking event will be held in Riga, Latvia, on the 26th of August at 19:00, at the Royal Casino. The event is expected to welcome guests from neighboring countries Estonia and Lithuania.
These technology trends collectively drive immersive gaming, broaden esports accessibility, improve player experiences, and create new revenue models, shaping the future of the esports industry in 2025 and beyond.
Sports betting technology is incorporating Artificial Intelligence to improve user experience in the esports betting market, providing personalized recommendations and enhancing betting strategies.
Sports-betting affiliate market participants, such as EsportsBets, are using Extended Reality (XR) to offer more engaging and interactive promotional content, further immersing users in the esports environment.
