Rivalry, a prominent esports betting company, has unveiled plans for FragFest, the inaugural Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) LAN tournament set to take place in Toronto, Canada. The event, hosted in collaboration with renowned Counter-Strike commentator Mohan ‘Launders’ Govindasamy, is scheduled for January 6th, 2024, at the Red Bull Gaming Studio within the headquarters of Canadian esports holding company OverActive Media.
Fragfest prize pool and teams
FragFest will feature 16 elite teams vying for a piece of the $2,500 CAD prize pool, marking a significant milestone in the Canadian esports landscape. While the participating teams remain undisclosed at this stage, the competition is poised to showcase top-tier talent and elevate the local esports scene.
Expansion of rivalry’s collaboration with launders
The FragFest tournament is an extension of Rivalry’s collaboration with Counter-Strike commentator Launders, which commenced in April 2023. The partnership is designed to foster engagement with Toronto-based esports enthusiasts through various activations and online content. Rivalry’s commitment to expanding its presence in Canada is evident, with the FragFest event positioned as a key element in connecting with the local gaming community.
Throughout 2023, Rivalry has been actively augmenting its esports offerings across Canada. In June, the company successfully launched an esports betting app in Ontario, providing markets for popular titles such as Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Call of Duty. The strategic move aligns with the company’s vision to cater to the evolving interests of Canadian gamers and solidify its position in the burgeoning esports betting industry.
Bookmakers in the esports Arena
Rivalry’s decision to organize FragFest reflects a broader trend among bookmakers, who are increasingly taking the initiative to organize and host esports events. This approach allows companies to engage directly with their fan base and bettors, creating a symbiotic relationship between the gaming community and the betting industry. Notable examples include the Pinnacle Cup series, GG.BET’s ‘Match of LeGGends,’ the BetBoom Dacha, Thunderpick CS:GO World Championship, and the Roobet Cup.
In November, Rivalry released its financial results for the third quarter of 2023. Despite reporting a net loss, the company experienced notable increases in both its betting handle and total revenue. The financial performance underscores Rivalry’s resilience and continued growth in the dynamic esports betting landscape.
Insights from rivalry’s Canada marketing director
Britt Doll, Rivalry’s Canada Marketing Director, expressed enthusiasm about the FragFest event, emphasizing Launders’ unique personality and alignment with Rivalry’s vision for meaningful activations within the local esports community. Doll stated, “With Counter-Strike 2 coming into focus and its first major event on the horizon, we couldn’t have asked for a better partner and activation to kick off this next era of Counter-Strike esports.”
Rivalry’s announcement of FragFest marks a significant milestone in the Canadian esports scene, bringing the first-ever Counter-Strike 2 LAN tournament to Toronto. The collaboration with Counter-Strike commentator Launders, the expansion of offerings across Canada, and the company’s financial resilience underscore Rivalry’s commitment to the esports community. FragFest not only promises intense gaming competition but also serves as a testament to the growing synergy between the esports and betting industries in engaging and entertaining audiences worldwide.
