E-Sports

A new arena: Pitt County Schools planning to launch esports

On Friday after school, Ja’tavion Newkirk and his teammates change into their jerseys to get ready for game time and then head to the media center to take a seat in front of a screen. They are not here to scout their opponents or analyze video footage to prepare for competition. For members of D.H. […]

Published

1 month ago

May 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

On Friday after school, Ja’tavion Newkirk and his teammates change into their jerseys to get ready for game time and then head to the media center to take a seat in front of a screen.

They are not here to scout their opponents or analyze video footage to prepare for competition. For members of D.H. Conley Esports, what is happening on screen is the competition as team members vie for video game victory.

Since when is playing video games after school a sport?

While the answer to that question is somewhat dependent on the source, 1972 is widely considered the year of the first video game competition. That is the year the “Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics” was held at Stanford University, although the term esports (for electronic sports) wasn’t coined until more than a quarter century later. Today, according to Esports Insider, an independent news publication that covers the industry, esports is a $1.6 billion industry with more than 220 million players.

“The last I looked, it’s the No. 2 most watched sport by viewership under the NFL in the U.S.,” Pitt County Schools Director of Technology Cory Rankin said. “It’s hidden to some of us because it’s not viewed from the same media that traditional sports are.”

But in recent years, esports has moved more and more into the mainstream, with coverage on ESPN and a growing number of programs on college and high school campuses.

As early as next school year, esports is set to make its official debut in Pitt County Schools, with exhibition matches planned for the fall and competition scheduled to begin in the spring of 2026. Although a site for piloting the program has not yet been named, Pitt County Schools has set aside about $65,000 to purchase equipment for the launch.

That’s good news to George Leach, graduation coach at Conley, who this year has led a group of about a dozen students who meet after school for gaming competition.

“I think esports would be a great thing for Pitt County Schools,” said Leach, who participated in competitive video gaming in college. “Right now the (Conley) students just compete against each other. We would love to expand to playing online or playing other students in the county or the district.”

Unlike the more broadly defined “gaming,” esports is an organized competition of games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Fortnite, Call of Duty or Super Smash Brothers. In some cases, games are competitions between professional players with money on the line.

“I can go to the park with four friends and we can throw a football around. That is far different than being paid as an NFL player to play on TV,” Rankin explained. “I can play video games at home with people from around the world for fun or in the case of esports, I could be sponsored.”

At the high school level, the anticipated payoff is different. Participating in esports is said to offer some of the same benefits as taking part in traditional sports, helping students hone skills including problem-solving, leadership and collaboration. But unlike traditional sports, Rankin said, esports have the potential to engage students who might not have the interest or ability to participate in other sports.

While health experts are exploring potential long-term risks of competitive gaming, including repetitive motion injuries, eye strain, stress and sleep disruption, Leach has seen positive effects for participants at Conley, especially in terms of socialization.

“That was the main thing for me was just giving the kids who are less social in a traditional sense a place that they feel they can belong and they want to come and participate and make new friends,” he said.

Conley sophomore Ja’tavion Newkirk has been playing games like Super Smash Brothers since childhood. When he joined the after-school club, he was more familiar with the video game titles than the names of his teammates. But he has since found a friend group, and he sees expanding esports in Pitt County Schools as a way to help others do the same.

“I think it would bring people who are quiet and like to be self-contained out more because those are the type of people who game and love to do that kind of stuff,” he said. “It’s growing them in a way, bringing them in bigger groups of people so they won’t feel as small.”

Fellow sophomore Hailey Clem enjoys getting to hang out with other teens who share her love of games like Zelda and Pokemon. She doesn’t mind the fact that she is one of few girls in the group.

“Gaming doesn’t require anything a girl can’t do as well as a guy,” she said.

Beyond socialization, Rankin said, esports can lead to opportunities for scholarships at schools like the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, which offers an esports management concentration within the hospitality and tourism management program. The university is home to a 3,300-square-foot esports arena that opened in 2022.

The following year, Varsity Esports League, the first ever public school esports league in North Carolina, began competition. Today, some 300 schools across the state are involved. VESL was created by Charlotte-based Stiegler EdTech, an organization that seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment through technology, providing STEM, esports and other nontraditional alternative education programs.

While esports can be played anywhere, Rankin said PCS is aiming for a format in which two teams of five or six players compete in person.

“We want to do this in person so that we can have coaches there to help students navigate the online world,” he said. “We can coach, we can learn teamwork. We can model how the industry operates.”

Rankin said skills utilized in esports lend themselves to a number of careers both inside and outside the gaming industry, including game analysis, broadcasting, IT support, equipment maintenance and content creation.

Pitt County Board of Education member Jennifer Hodgson said the local school district’s plan to launch esports demonstrates the kind of “out-of-the box” thinking that is seen in its robotics programs.

“Our kids need to figure out ways to apply the learning,” she said. “The way that we’re going to get our science scores up, our math scores up and our reading is we teach them that these things can be fun.”

According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, overall, 85% of teens nationwide say they play video games. Four in 10 identify as gamers.

“The younger generation, it’s been here for them perhaps their entire lives in some cases. It’s just everyone else not being aware of it, understanding it,” Rankin said. “School districts move slower than most things for good reason. We have to see the data. We have to see the research, and we have to be able to connect it to our mission.

“Our instructional leaders will often talk about meeting the students where they are,” he said. “That’s what this is, too.”

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E-Sports

Bragg Gaming Partners with Hard Rock Digital to Launch Exclusive Casino Titles

Photo by Shutterstock/YES Market Media Bragg Gaming Group has announced a content development agreement with Hard Rock Digital, signaling a major step in its goal for U.S. market expansion. The deal enables the creation of exclusive online casino titles for Hard Rock Bet Casino, adding to the brand’s catalog of proprietary content that also includes […]

Published

7 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Photo by Shutterstock/YES Market Media

Bragg Gaming Group has announced a content development agreement with Hard Rock Digital, signaling a major step in its goal for U.S. market expansion. The deal enables the creation of exclusive online casino titles for Hard Rock Bet Casino, adding to the brand’s catalog of proprietary content that also includes games from developers such as Playtech, Red Tiger, and Games Global.

Exclusive Content Strategy Aims to Differentiate Hard Rock Bet

Hard Rock Bet will launch these Bragg’s exclusive titles in New Jersey and continue to add them to other legal iGaming states as they expand their footprint. Bragg’s SVP Commercial for U.S. & Canada, Garrick Morris, noted that the partnership reflects Bragg’s strategic focus on the U.S., calling it “our fastest-growing market this year.”

With a game catalog already boasting over 2,900 titles, Hard Rock Bet is doubling down on differentiation. The new exclusive titles from Bragg will be developed specifically to cut through the noise and provide players with engaging, premium experiences that they can’t find anywhere else. Rich Criado, VP of Casino at Hard Rock Digital, emphasized this vision:

“These upcoming games are designed to stand out among the over 2,900 titles already available… and we can’t wait to bring them to our players.”

Bragg’s role in this initiative includes leveraging its deep game development expertise, fueled by internal studios such as Atomic Slot Lab, Wild Streak Gaming, and Indigo Magic. The exclusive titles will be delivered via Bragg’s HUB content platform and remote game server (RGS) technology. This seamless integration means that Hard Rock Bet can manage its content through a unified back-office system, maximizing operational efficiency while elevating the player experience with unique offerings.

Bragg is best known for developing and distributing high-performing slot titles, which include both modern video slots and traditional classic slots.

Bragg’s U.S. Growth Trajectory and Strategic Vision

This partnership aligns with Bragg’s broader strategic goals of becoming a leading content and technology provider in regulated online casino markets, particularly in North America. The company has steadily built a reputation through its modular PAM technology, award-winning player engagement tools like Fuze™, and a growing footprint across more than 30 regulated markets worldwide.

While the initial phase of the agreement targets New Jersey, Bragg sees broader potential for expansion as Hard Rock Bet enters additional markets. The deal also underscores the importance of exclusive partnerships in a crowded online gaming environment, where differentiation is essential for sustained user engagement and revenue growth.

Looking ahead, the companies anticipate that this initiative will drive significant revenue growth for both parties, while showcasing Bragg’s capabilities in creating bespoke content that aligns with operator goals. As competition in the U.S. iGaming space intensifies, strategic partnerships like this one between Bragg and Hard Rock Digital are setting the tone for what’s next in online casino innovation.

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E-Sports

Photo: Tenino Middle School students win Washington state esports championship

The Tenino Middle School “Rocket League” esports team defeated Mason Middle School three games to one in a best-of-five grand finals series to win the 2025 middle school Washington State Scholastic Esports Association state championship. The Knights join the Tenino High School “Rocket League” squad that won the state championship on May 18. Tenino School […]

Published

10 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Tenino Middle School “Rocket League” esports team defeated Mason Middle School three games to one in a best-of-five grand finals series to win the 2025 middle school Washington State Scholastic Esports Association state championship. The Knights join the Tenino High School “Rocket League” squad that won the state championship on May 18.

Tenino School District

Posted

Friday,
June 13, 2025
5:12 pm

Read more about the high school team’s championship here.

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E-Sports

Chicago Sports Network & Aquimo Bring Mobile Gaming to Live Baseball in RSN First

Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), home to the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox, has partnered with Aquimo Inc., a leader in mobile gaming technology for sports broadcasts and live events, to introduce a new interactive mobile gaming experience designed and tailored specifically for CHSN viewers. The custom-built Chicago Sports Network-branded baseball game, The CHSN Home Run […]

Published

15 hours ago

June 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The custom-built Chicago Sports Network-branded baseball game, The CHSN Home Run Challenge, will debut on June 12 during White Sox Countdown Live, CHSN’s pregame show, and will be featured throughout the broadcast of the White Sox game that night against the Houston Astros.

This innovative partnership features a second-screen mobile game experience that allows fans to engage in real-time interactive contests tied to CHSN’s White Sox programming. Viewers can participate by scanning a QR code displayed on-screen during the pregame, in-game, or postgame broadcasts, unlocking a fully interactive game experience and the chance to win exclusive White Sox prizes and memorabilia.

“This partnership provides another exciting step forward in our mission to deliver innovative, interactive viewing experiences to our audience,” says Jason Coyle, President of Chicago Sports Network. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with CHSN’s commitment to fan engagement, helping us build deeper connections among our fans, our brand partners, and the broadcast experience.”

Powered by Aquimo’s advanced mobile gaming platform, the experience will feature structured timed events and challenges throughout the CHSN broadcast window. Prizes include autographed items from current and past White Sox stars as well as unique experiences like game used memorabilia and commemorative apparel celebrating the White Sox’s storied history.

“This exciting new activation with CHSN represents the next frontier of fan engagement for regional sports networks,” says Mark Jeffery, founder and CEO of Aquimo. “We’re proud to collaborate with CHSN to enhance their White Sox broadcasts with an engaging second-screen experience that delivers measurable value for broadcasters and sponsors while creating memorable interactions for fans.”

The promotional schedule officially kicks off June 12 during Sox Countdown Live at 6:00 p.m. CT, with continued activations throughout the MLB season. Fans can expect dynamic integrations such as live reads from talent, in-studio demonstrations, interactive on-screen graphics, and promotional spots throughout each game day broadcast window.

For more details and to join the interactive game, fans can tune into CHSN’s White Sox broadcasts or visit CHSN.com.

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E-Sports

GenCyber camp – GCU News

More than 30 high school students from as far away as Chicago and Atlanta participated in GCU’s GenCyber Camp this week at the Cyber Center of Excellence. They did everything from program robots to compete in games of Capture the Flag to simulating how emails get from one person to another. From left, Kyle Vo […]

Published

18 hours ago

June 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

From left, Kyle Vo and Aarav Shandilya of Paradise Valley High School participate in a cup-stacking team challenge during the GenCyber Camp at the GCU Cyber Center of Excellence on June 10, 2025.

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E-Sports

B2B iGaming marketing overview: Timeless Tech and Amigo Gaming discuss core industry drivers

See the full article on our website: Learn more The role of industry events in B2B marketing Exhibitions and conferences such as SiGMA, SBC, and ICE remain essential in B2B iGaming marketing. These events provide invaluable opportunities for face-to-face interaction, allowing companies to showcase their products and build lasting relationships. In-person meetings continue to play […]

Published

19 hours ago

June 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

See the full article on our website: Learn more

The role of industry events in B2B marketing

Exhibitions and conferences such as SiGMA, SBC, and ICE remain essential in B2B iGaming marketing. These events provide invaluable opportunities for face-to-face interaction, allowing companies to showcase their products and build lasting relationships.

In-person meetings continue to play a crucial role in building trust, even as digital transformation accelerates. Mitja highlighted: “Being present at events like SiGMA is about more than showing up; it’s about building trust and lasting relationships.”

See our full event list and upcoming opportunities: Timeless Tech Exhibitions

Optimizing websites for lead generation:

Today, websites are crucial to lead generation. iGaming companies must optimize their sites to attract and engage the right audience.

Website content needs to be clear, compelling, and easy to navigate. Strong calls to action guide visitors to take the next step, whether it’s contacting the company, requesting a demo, or signing up.

Content marketing: Building authority and trust

Content marketing allows companies to demonstrate expertise, share game releases, and showcase industry insights.

For game providers, this approach builds trust and positions them as industry leaders. Rodrigo emphasized: “Content marketing shows we understand player engagement and market needs, which is key to long-term success.”

Public relations and social media

PR helps raise brand visibility and credibility. It’s also important for SEO and backlink generation. As for social media, LinkedIn remains the top platform for B2B marketing in iGaming.

Sharing product news, engaging with decision-makers, and showing the human side of the company helps build deeper connections. “LinkedIn is our most effective platform for relationship-building and lead generation,” Rodrigo noted.

The growing influence of AI in marketing

AI is transforming iGaming marketing by automating tasks, analyzing customer data, and optimizing campaigns.

While AI offers valuable insights, human creativity is still essential for strategic decisions. Mitja concluded, “AI assists with data, but human insight remains key to creating authentic marketing strategies.”

Conclusion

B2B marketing in iGaming requires a blend of digital innovation, trust-building, and strategic partnerships. Industry events, optimized websites, and content marketing play a key role in success.

Leveraging AI while maintaining human creativity will help iGaming companies stay competitive in this dynamic space.

Contact us to explore collaboration

Source: GMB

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E-Sports

nubia partners with Twitch Rivals at TwitchCon Europe 2025, igniting competitive passion around “Born to Win”

Published

21 hours ago

June 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — nubia, a highly personalized and lifestyle smartphone brand, announced its role as the Official Marketing Partner for Twitch Rivals at TwitchCon Europe 2025 held from May 31 to June 1, 2025 in Rotterdam. This partnership, coinciding with TwitchCon’s 10th anniversary celebration, showcased the gaming excellence of nubia Neo 3 series, built on its “Born to Win” spirit, to tens of thousands of in-person attendees and millions of livestream viewers, engaging directly with fans, gamers, streamers, and media on this special stage. The nubia brand was prominently featured throughout the Twitch Rivals Arena, where top streamers competed in live tournaments.

nubia was showcased to tens of thousands of attendees at TwitchCon Europe 2025

“Partnering with Twitch Rivals at TwitchCon Europe 2025 is another exciting milestone for nubia,” said Li Wei, Vice President of ZTE “The ‘Born to Win’ spirit drives everything we do at nubia, inspiring gamers to strive for victory not just in gaming, but in every life moment. Following our successful collaborations with hit mobile games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Garena Free Fire, we are thrilled to present nubia Neo 3 series directly to the global vibrant gaming community. TwitchCon provides a perfect stage to demonstrate how our innovative gaming smartphone can elevate the gaming experience for both enthusiasts and professional players. Through our collaboration with Twitch, we aim to build authentic connections with passionate players and expand our gaming presence in Europe and beyond.”

nubia Neo 3 GT, High-Performance AI Gaming Smartphone Built around “Born to Win“

At the heart of the partnership is nubia Neo 3 GT, a high-performance gaming smartphone built around its “Born to Win” spirit — a belief in confident self-expression, fearless competition, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Powered by a cutting-edge 6nm octa-core chipset running at 2.7GHz, and paired with up to 24GB dynamic RAM and 256GB storage, the device handles demanding games with ease.

The standout Dual Gaming Shoulder Triggers offer console-like controls with high sampling rate and fast response, a unique feature in its segment. Users can customize button mapping, trigger Game Space instantly with both shoulders, and activate one-touch combos for quick skill execution. The triggers reduce screen interference, enhance accuracy in FPS and MOBA games, and provide vibration feedback for a console-like feel. The integrated Z-axis linear motor adds immersive haptic response to every movement.

An exceptional gaming experience is delivered through a 6.8-inch FHD+ OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1300 nits peak brightness, while a large 4083mm² VC cooling system with a multi-layer structure ensures stable performance during intense gaming sessions.

The gaming excellence extends to its innovative AI features, with the NeoTurbo AI engine and AI Game Space 3.0 working together to optimize performance through real-time scene recognition and behavioral learning. The AI Virtual Companion Demi provides smart gaming assistance with features like Demi Care, Demi Live, and Demi Alarm for enhanced focus and scheduling. For extended gaming sessions, the large battery with Bypass Charging technology enables direct power delivery without overheating. More than a gaming powerhouse, the nubia Neo 3 GT serves as an everyday companion for the young generation, seamlessly integrating professional gaming capabilities with practical features covering AI Photography, AI Translate and more for diverse user needs.

Immersive Experience Zone Takes Center Stage at TwitchCon Europe 2025

At TwitchCon Europe, nubia hosted an extensive program of activities designed to maximize brand exposure and community engagement. Attendees can visit the nubia interactive zone in the Twitch Rivals Arena featuring state-of-the-art gaming stations to get hands-on with nubia Neo 3 GT, experiencing the smartphone’s extraordinary gaming performance with its unique Dual Gaming Shoulder Triggers and AI Game Space. Featured streamers led intense battles, showcasing the exceptional power of nubia Neo 3 GT. Daily competitions let attendees compete using nubia Neo 3 GT for exclusive prizes and merchandise.

nubia Neo 3 series launched in March 2025 globally, with the Free Fire Co-Branded Edition following in May 2025 across Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and other global markets.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
ZTE Corporation
Communications
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ZTE Corporation

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