awards
ESPORTS AWARDS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN ESPORTS CLASS OF 2023 ANNOUNCED
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The Esports Awards presented by Lexus, the most prestigious night in the esports calendar, is excited to present the inductees for this year’s Lifetime Achievement in Esports award, which celebrates those that have dedicated their professional life to improving the industry. This year’s Lifetime Achievement inductees include Michael “Odee” O’Dell co-founder of Dignitas, 38x COD Champion Ian “Crimsix” Porter and esports host and Vice President of Programming for MLG .tv Chris Puckett.
The Lifetime Achievement inductees are carefully chosen by the esteemed Esports Awards panel, with each member nominating an individual they deem deserving of the accolade. This year’s selection will join the likes of Dennis ‘Thresh’ Fong, the first professional gamer in history, Stephanie “missharvey” Harvey, Chief Culture Officer at Fly Quest and retired CS:GO player who achieved a staggering 5 World Championships, and Ralf Reichert, Co-CEO, Founder, and Chairman at ESL FACEIT Group.
To merit this distinction, candidates must fulfil three essential criteria: a substantial and enduring impact on the advancement of esports throughout their professional journey, a significant and sustained dedication to the industry’s progress, and a distinguished status as a longstanding advocate who has achieved widespread recognition through their contributions. To celebrate the arrival of the 2023 inductees, the Esports Awards will host them at the Lifetime Achievement Mixer, a unique event in the industry that allows all classes of the Lifetime Achievement Award to meet and network.
The full list of lifetime achievement inductees are:
- Chris Puckett – Former professional Halo player, long-standing esports host who made his name in MLG -Call of Duty but has been a mainstay from 2004 to the present day.
- Michael “Odee” O’Dell – One of the founders of Dignitas, who has been a part of the esports industry since 1999.
- Victor “Nazgul” Goossens – Retired professional StarCraft: Brood War Player who founded Team Liquid at 17 years old.
- Shane “rapha” Hendrixson – Considered the greatest Quake player of all time, with his esports career spanning from 2002 to the present day.
- Manuel “Grubby” Schenkhuizen – One of the most successful real-time strategy players of all time, playing Warcraft III, Age of Empires and Starcraft II.
- Lee “Flash” Young Ho – Began his career in 2007 as a Starcraft professional player and quickly became one of the best players of all time.
- Marc Merrill – Co-Founder, Co-Chairman, and President of Games for Riot Games.
- Ian “Crimsix” Porter – Currently, the ESL R1 Driver for FaZeClan, who retired from professional Call of Duty after becoming 38x COD Champion and winning 3 COD World Championships.
“I am elated to share the Lifetime Achievement Class of 2023 inductees. All of these individuals have laid the foundation for the current generation of esports. Through their hard work, dedication, and perseverance, they have been instrumental in shaping the esports industry into what it has become today. We are proud to welcome eight of the most influential inductees into the Lifetime Achievement Awards” said Michael Ashford, CEO, Esports Awards.
The Esports Awards 2023 campaign key dates:
- 13th – 20th November: Turbo voting period–votes are worth double
- 20th November: Voting closes on all categories but 3
- 25th November: Voting closes for Esports PC Player, Esports Organisation and Esports Team of the Year
- 27th & 28th November: Inaugural Scholars
- 29th November: Lifetime Achievement Mixer
- 0th November: Esports Awards 2023 presented by Lexus
The 2023 Esports Awards is brought to you in partnership with Lexus, Xfinity, Oakley, and 5GRV.
awards
Registration Open for BiS Awards 2025: Recognizing Excellence in the iGaming and Betting Industry
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The most traditional and recognized awards in the Gaming and Betting sector in Brazil will have its 5th edition as an integral part of the official agenda of the BiS SiGMA Americas 2025 event.
The long-awaited BiS Awards 2025 is open for application submissions. Companies and professionals in the iGaming and betting sector can now register their success stories to compete for the most prestigious industry award in Latin America. The deadline for submission ends on March 7th, and public voting begins on March 10th. Registration can be made directly on the official BiS Awards website: brazilianigamingawards.com.
The BiS Awards 2025 will feature a total of 25 categories, rewarding professionals and companies that have stood out in the iGaming and betting sector over the last year. Among the awards for professionals in the sector, the Executive Woman of the Year category, which rewards the woman in an executive position who stood out most in the iGaming sector, and C-Level in Highlight, which recognizes the C-level executive who had the greatest impact on the industry. In addition to these, there are categories aimed at companies, such as Sponsor of the Year, which recognizes the sponsor that contributed most to the iGaming sector in the last year; Best Marketing Campaign, which highlights the most impactful and successful marketing campaign of the year; Best Platform, which rewards the most efficient and innovative technological platform for iGaming; and Best Game Producer, which recognizes the game developer who has released the most outstanding and successful titles.
New Categories Reflect the Regulated Scenario
The 2025 edition brings significant new features, including categories that follow the new regulations for the sector in Brazil. Among them, the following stand out:
- Better Customer Service – Recognizing companies that offer the best experience and support to their users.
- Best Responsible Gaming Initiative – Valuing practices that promote a safe and responsible gaming environment.
- Best Action to Combat Gambling Disorder – Rewarding programs and strategies aimed at preventing problem gambling.
Another new category, Best B2C Media, was created to recognize and value the press specializing in sports betting and sports, highlighting their essential role in disseminating information to consumers, bettors and sports enthusiasts. In addition to rewarding the quality of journalism in the sports sector, this initiative reinforces the partnership between the industry and communication vehicles aimed at the betting public, while the Best B2B Media in the Sector category remains, recognizing the B2B communication vehicle that best covered the market over the last year.
The Gala Night: April 8th at Tokio Marine Hall
The winners will be announced at a glamorous gala dinner on April 8th, at the Tokio Marine Hall, in São Paulo. The awards ceremony, which takes place during BiS SiGMA Americas 2025, will be a unique opportunity to celebrate the main names and initiatives that drive the iGaming and betting market.
“The BiS Awards has an essential role in recognizing and encouraging the best practices in the sector. With the new categories, we want to highlight market transformations and value the professionals and companies that are shaping the future of the industry in Brazil and Latin America”, says Alessandro Valente, co-founder of the event.
“For five years, the BiS Awards have celebrated the best in our field in Brazil, recognizing talents and initiatives that drive the evolution of the sector. With each edition, we reinforce our commitment to highlighting those who make a difference in the iGaming and betting industry”, adds Carlos Cardama, co-founder of BiS.
Anyone interested in competing for the industry’s greatest recognition must register through the official website. For more information and to submit applications, access the website brazilianigamingawards.com.
About BiS Awards
The BiS Awards is an annual award that recognizes and celebrates the highlights of the iGaming and betting industry in Latin America. Created to value professionals and companies that contribute to the growth and innovation of the sector, the event has established itself as one of the most prestigious in the segment, bringing together leaders, executives and experts in a ceremony that reflects the evolution of the market. The 2025 edition will take place on April 8th, at the Tokio Marine Hall, in São Paulo, being an exclusive event for the final nominees, guests and holders of the BiS SiGMA Americas Platinum badge.
awards
GLI Honored as Services Provider of the Year at Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025
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Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named Services Provider of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA Edition 2025. The award ceremony, held during ICE Barcelona, recognizes organizations that are shaping the future of the gaming industry with innovative solutions and exceptional service.
The Services Provider of the Year award celebrates excellence among companies offering indispensable services to the gaming sector, including hosting, cybersecurity, legal expertise, and more. Winners were selected by an independent panel of industry leaders.
At ICE Barcelona, GLI’s global teams, including representatives from GLI, Bulletproof, SIQ Gaming Laboratories, and iTech Labs, showcased the company’s unparalleled, fully integrated compliance and cybersecurity services speaking with companies of all sizes and jurisdictions. From land-based gaming to iGaming, sports betting, ISS, and lottery, GLI empowers suppliers, operators, and regulators to innovate safely and confidently in more than 710 jurisdictions worldwide. This recognition highlights GLI’s innovative approach to addressing the industry’s most complex challenges by continuously monitoring new technologies, legislation, and regulations.
“We are thrilled and humbled that the industry recognized us for our industrious efforts to keep the industry moving forward safely, securely, and compliantly in every global gaming jurisdiction. This is a huge compliment to our teams who work tirelessly for our clients, and we thank each of our clients for their ongoing support and partnership,” said GLI President & CEO James Maida.
awards
Yaamava’ 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
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Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel has announced that it has earned top honors in the prestigious 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, securing the titles of Best Overall Casino Outside of Las Vegas and Best Native American Casino. These dual awards mark the resort’s first-ever #1 ranking in the annual readers’ poll, further solidifying its position as a premier destination for gaming, entertainment and hospitality.
“We are delighted to add Newsweek to Yaamava’s growing list of national recognitions for 2024. These awards are a testament to our best-in-class service and to the leadership of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians who make this all possible. The Tribe’s commitment to hospitality is truly unmatched,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.
Thousands of voters participated in the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, and their votes placed Yaamava’ at the forefront of the highly competitive casino and hospitality categories.
Earlier this year, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino was also named 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas and the Best Casino Restaurant for its acclaimed Pines Modern Steakhouse. Additionally, Yaamava’s sister property, Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, was named Best Casino in Las Vegas for the second consecutive year.
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino has consistently set the gold standard for gaming, dining, entertainment, and hospitality since opening in 2021. Known for its luxurious facilities, diverse gaming options, and commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences, the resort is a must-visit destination in Southern California. The gaming floor now features over 7400 slot machines, the most of any casino in the West.
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