Seven Days' Sojourn in Bangkok
Firing up the Esports Scene: ESL and 1xBet's Asian Takeover
Asia, a powerhouse in the esports world, might seem self-sufficient at first glance, but it's a different story beneath the surface. With the exception of China and South Korea, other Asian nations often miss out on hosting major tournaments. This is where giants like ESL and 1xBet, with their strategic partnerships, come into play, playing a crucial role in powering up the esports scene across the continent.
ESL's Historic Roots
ESL's origins can be traced back to 1997 when it first emerged as the Deutsche Clanliga, organizing its own esports competition in Germany. Renamed Electronic Sports League (ESL) in 2000, the organization has been a trailblazer in the esports sphere, hosting tournaments, providing technical support, and even publishing an esports magazine.
ESL's visionary approach to media coverage was evident from its early days, as it began broadcasting esports matches online, featuring expert commentators and high-quality studios. This move attracted more gamers to the industry and kickstarted the esports streamers community. Initially focusing on Counter-Strike championships, ESL gradually expanded its portfolio to include Dota 2 and other esports disciplines like Rainbow Six, StarCraft II, and many more.
In 2020, ESL merged with DreamHack, another esports heavyweight, and in 2022, the Savvy Games Group (SGG), owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, acquired ESL and FACEIT for a staggering $1.5 billion. The combined entity, now known as ESL FACEIT GROUP, has become a dominant force in the global esports market, amassing a gigantic fanbase of approximately 225 million, broadcasting 522 million hours of live events, and generating over 3.8 billion interactions across various online platforms in 2023.
ESL and 1xBet: A Winning Combination
The tale of ESL and 1xBet's collaboration began in March 2021, when they announced their partnership. In November 2022, the world witnessed the first-ever collaboration at the Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major 2022, held by ESL and Intel. 1xBet, a global betting company, brought its extensive experience in organizing events and massive media support to the table.
The support didn't stop at financial backing - 1xBet aimed to captivate the gambling community, which had previously been predominantly focused on traditional sports like football. With their backing, the IEM Rio Major 2022 prize pool exceeded $1 million for the first time ever, and the stands at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro were packed to the brim. Online viewership also skyrocketed, setting new records.
Dota 2 Dominance in Asia
ESL's focus on major Dota 2 tournaments has shifted towards Asia thanks to 1xBet's backing. In 2023, the partnership yielded two successful Dota 2 tournaments – ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 and ESL One Birmingham 2024, with ESL One Bangkok 2024 lined up next. The Bangkok tournament will showcase 12 of the world's best Dota 2 teams, with one being from Asia.
The event, scheduled from December 9 to 15, will take place at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok, attracting enthusiastic fans and offering activities like a Cosplay Showcase to add to the esports festivities.
Boosting Esports in Asia Together
ESL and 1xBet's strategic partnership has had a positive impact, not just on ESL but also on ordinary esports enthusiasts. The former has seen an increase in commercial and media indicators, while the latter have been rewarded with the opportunity to attend major events.
If you're interested in becoming a part of this vibrant ecosystem, you can join the 1xBet Affiliate Program. With over 100,000 affiliates worldwide and more than three million passionate players visiting the 1xBet website and mobile apps monthly, the 1xBet Partners program offers a lifetime commission of up to 50 percent for each attracted client to the 1xBet platform.
With the success of ESL One Bangkok 2024, it's hoped that ESL and 1xBet will continue paving the way for more major esports tournaments in Asia, capitalizing on the immense and ever-growing esports audience in the region.
- ESL's strategic partnership with 1xBet is significantly enhancing the esports scene in Asia.
- Asian countries, except China and South Korea, often lack the opportunity to host major esports tournaments.
- ESL's roots trace back to 1997 in Germany, where it was first known as the Deutsche Clanliga.
- Since being renamed Electronic Sports League (ESL) in 2000, ESL has been a pioneer in the esports world.
- ESL's innovative approach to media coverage began with online streaming of esports matches in high-quality studios.
- This move attracted more gamers to the industry and laid the groundwork for the esports streamers community.
- Initially focusing on Counter-Strike championships, ESL later expanded to include various esports disciplines like Dota 2, Rainbow Six, and StarCraft II.
- In 2020, ESL merged with DreamHack and was acquired by the Savvy Games Group in 2022, becoming ESL FACEIT GROUP.
- ESL FACEIT GROUP now has a global fanbase of approximately 225 million.
- In the partnership with 1xBet, ESL focused on major Dota 2 tournaments, culminating in ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 and ESL One Birmingham 2024.
- ESL One Bangkok 2024, scheduled for December 9 to 15, will feature 12 world-class Dota 2 teams, one of which will be from Asia.
- The event will take place at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok, offering activities like a Cosplay Showcase.
- The 1xBet Affiliate Program allows individuals to join the vibrant esports ecosystem and earn up to 50 percent lifetime commission for each attracted client.
- With the success of ESL One Bangkok 2024, ESL and 1xBet aim to continue hosting major esports tournaments in Asia.
- The collaboration between ESL and 1xBet has positively impacted both parties, with ESL seeing increased commercial and media indicators.
- Attending major esports events is now possible due to 1xBet's extensive experience in organizing events and media support.
- The IEM Rio Major 2022, hosted by ESL and Intel, exceeded $1 million in prize pool thanks to 1xBet's backing, attracting record online viewership.
- Esports enthusiasts in Asia have been rewarded with the opportunity to attend major events due to the strategic partnership between ESL and 1xBet.
- The esports industry, along with casino-and-gambling, casino-games, lotteries, and sports-betting trends, plays a significant role in personal-finance, personal-growth, career-development, and financial-investing, requiring responsible-gambling practices and skills-training.
