Latest News
Unraveling the Most Impressive Prize Pools in Esports History
The eSports world will have its collective eyes focused on Seattle starting on October 27th. This is because the Emerald City will once again be hosting The International. For those who don’t follow eSports, The International is the flagship event for Dota 2 and it has been an annual occurrence since 2011. That year, Ukraine’s Natus Vincere won the event earning a share of the $1.6 million prize pool.
While a $1.6 million prize pool is impressive, it is a mere drop in the bucket compared to some of the cash prizes that have been paid out in more recent eSports competitions. While bettors can earn a nice chunk of money betting on eSports at top Dota 2 betting sites or other top-tier bookmakers specialising on other eSports,, the big money remains in those massive prize pools.
Let’s examine a few of the most popular eSports and find out about the record-breaking prize pools they have offered.
PUBG – $4.13 Million
PUBG launched to much fanfare in 2018, and it didn’t take long to establish itself as a major eSport. By 2020, PUBG competitions were offering millions of dollars in prizes. The Peacekeeper Elite League 2020 season set a new record with its $3.1 million prize pool. New records would be set in 2021 and then again in 2022 when the prize pool for the Peacekeeper Elite League generated $4.1 million in cash prizes.
Just three months after that record-breaking prize pool was disbursed, the Peacekeeper Elite League once again broke records with $4.13 booty. It’s safe to say that this PUBG record will eventually fall, but it currently stands as the biggest prize pool for a PUBG event.
Call of Duty – $4.6 Million
In 2018, the Call of Duty World League Championship offered the biggest prize pool the eSport had ever seen. That record of $1.5 million quickly fell as the 2019 iteration of the CoD World League Championship saw $2 million in cash divided amongst the competitors.
While the 2022 and 2013 Call of Duty League Playoffs both broke the $2 million barrier, neither one really came close to the record-breaking $4.6 million prize pool offered at the 2020 CoD League Finals. That one still reigns supreme.
League of Legends – $5 Million
League of Legends is one of the most popular eSports on the planet. The game was released in 2009 and it quickly became popular among players and viewers. When the first LOL World Championship was held in 2011, the event boasted a prize pool of $100,000.
Things were a lot different at the 2016 World Championship when the prize pool eclipsed the $5 million mark. While the prize pool of the 2017 World Championship rang in at an impressive $4.95 million, subsequent events have seen prize pools average about $2.25 million. As such, that $5 million prize pool offered at the 2016 World Championship stands as the record in the realm of League of Legends.
Fortnite – $30 Million
Fortnite was released in 2017 making it one of the newer eSports to find success in a global market. Two of the earliest Fortnite competitions were the Fortnite Celebrity Pro-Ams in 2018 and 2019. Both had $3 million up for grabs. However, it was the $6 million prize pool at the Fortnite Fall Skirmish in 2018 that set the bar. Albeit temporarily.
The biggest prize pool in Fortnite history was offered less than a year after the record-breaking Fall Skirmish. The Fortnite World Cup Finals 2019 didn’t just break the record, but the $30 million prize pool obliterated the previous record. It wasn’t only a record prize pool for Fortnite, but it stands out as one of the most lucrative prize pools in eSports history.
Dota 2 – $40 Million
When it comes to offering massive prize pools, no eSport does it quite like Dota 2. And when it comes to Dota 2 competitions, the annual International is in a league of its own. The inaugural International was held in 2011 and boasted $1.6 million in cash prizes. The prize pools would exponentially grow over the next decade. The International 2019 had a staggering $34.3 million up for grabs which set an all-time eSports record.
Then came The International 2021. Eighteen of the world’s most talented Dota 2 players gathered in Bucharest with an eye-watering $40 in cash prizes at stake. This was and still is the largest chunk of cash ever awarded in any eSports competition.
Gaming
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.
The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.
“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.
PENN Entertainment Inc. has launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN’s proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.
Available on Android, iOS and desktop, customers in the Keystone State can access Hollywood Casino through either the ESPN BET app or through the new Hollywood Casino app using their same ESPN BET login credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms. PENN plans to launch Hollywood Casino in additional jurisdictions in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hollywood Casino features a variety of online slots, table games and live dealer content, including bespoke live dealer tables and a dedicated “Casino Floor” lobby that allows users to easily find virtual versions of their favorite slot games from PENN’s retail properties. Hollywood Casino also features original titles from PENN Game Studios, PENN’s in-house casino game development studio that has produced a number of popular online games, including Legendary LarryTM and Wuji MinesTM.
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer at PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino is also fully integrated with PENN Play, the Company’s omnichannel loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem rewards, including PENN Cash, exclusive tier benefits and personalized services.
-
Gambling in the USA4 days agoIndustry veteran joins North American operator as chief interactive gaming officer to drive growth in iCasino states and efficiencies in its online sportsbook
-
Canada6 days agoJackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier
-
awards6 days agoYaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel Named #1 Best Overall Casino Outside of Las Vegas and #1 Best Native American Casino in 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards
-
Latest News6 days agoSBC Summit Rio to welcome EDM legend Afrojack as INFINITY headliner, supported by Brazil’s Dubdogz
-
Latest News6 days agoSPGA Introduces Code of Conduct to Highlight Member Commitment to Compliance and Safety in Social and Promotional Gaming
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoTaDa Gaming Celebrates Further Brazilian Certification Across its Portfolio
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoDelasport Now GLI-Certified for Sports Betting in Brazil
-
Gaming2 days ago10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)