The ICE Esports Arena at ICE Barcelona 2025 played a crucial role in eSports education and integration of this growing market, according to Emerging Technology and eSports leader Clarion Gaming.
“Part of the role of Esports Arena and The Esports and Games Conference was to explain exactly what eSports is,” said Will Harding.
“There is still work to be done to help regulators better understand eSports. That’s why showcasing eSports here at ICE is so important – we are empowering people who are at the forefront of shaping regulatory policy.”
ICE Esports Arena grows every year
The ICE Esports Arena grows every year, with four professional Counter-Strike 2 teams competing at ICE 2025 for a prize pool of $25,000. Thus, this year’s winners were 500, from Bulgaria, with world ranking 47.
“In terms of attendees, we had a whole spectrum of people here, from those who are still shocked that computer games have anything to do with sports betting to those who have built incredible businesses around eSports,” continued Harding.
“There have been a number of visitors who realize that eSports is significant to their business in terms of revenue. But they don’t necessarily know how to access this market. We are here to guide them to unlock their full potential.”
“But one thing is absolutely certain: eSports betting is here to stay and will continue to grow.”
He also praised key partners, eSports betting specialists Oddin.gg, for their contribution in helping to explain why esports is such a commercially important sector for operators.
Partnership with Oddin.gg: an educational journey
“Oddin.gg has been an excellent partner in running the Esports Arena. Running a professional eSports tournament is a huge endeavor. So, as our title sponsor, Oddin.gg played a key role in demonstrating how data and odds work In other words, they helped complete the educational journey,” he said.
Commenting on ICE’s move to Barcelona, Harding highlighted that both the city and the event’s new venue, Fira Barcelona Gran Via, have extensive experience with eSports. This provided a perfect location for the continued expansion of the ICE Esports Arena.
“It’s very established here. You can walk around Barcelona and see great internet cafes catering to eSports fans. This represents an ideal base for the continued growth of Esports Arena and The Esports and Games Conference in the coming years,” he concluded.