The gaming and esports industry is experiencing significant momentum as we enter the final stretch of 2025. Over the past 48 hours, several major developments have shaped the competitive landscape.

Valorant continues to solidify its position as a premier esports title, with 1xBet becoming the first official betting partner within the Riot Games ecosystem, specifically partnering with MIBR's Valorant roster. This historic deal marks a significant milestone in esports monetization, as MIBR recently qualified for Valorant Champions 2025 after finishing in the top five worldwide. The partnership aims to strengthen the regional presence while delivering enhanced fan engagement experiences.

Counter-Strike 2 maintains its dominance with major tournaments like IEM Katowice 2025 drawing substantial global viewership. The game has already distributed over 4.83 million dollars in prize pools during the early months of 2025, demonstrating sustained competitive interest and publisher investment.

Mobile esports is expanding aggressively with strategic hardware partnerships. Infinix has been confirmed as the official gaming phone for the 2025 PUBG Mobile Global Championship, extending its third consecutive year of involvement with the title. The world finals are scheduled for Thailand, emphasizing the global nature of mobile competitive gaming.

League of Legends remains a cornerstone of the esports ecosystem with its franchised leagues and annual World Championship continuing to attract millions of viewers worldwide. The game's complex strategy and constant meta shifts ensure consistent engagement across its massive infrastructure.

The broader industry is witnessing important structural changes. Co-streaming has emerged as a significant viewership driver, with individual streamers now commanding audiences comparable to official broadcasts. This shift is forcing publishers and developers to view streamers as partnership opportunities rather than competitors.

New competition formats are emerging, including the inaugural Esports Nations Cup launching in November 2026 in Riyadh, with Chess.com, Moonton Games, and SNK joining as publishing partners. This represents a major expansion of national team competition on the global esports stage.

However, challenges persist. Riot Games recently terminated TALON Esports' partnerships in VCT Pacific and LCP leagues due to operational failures, highlighting the importance of governance and league compliance standards.

Overall, the industry shows resilience with diversifying revenue streams, expanding regional markets, and increasing legitimacy through structured partnerships and betting integration. Gaming and esports continue attracting institutional investment while maintaining core player engagement.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI