Key points:
- The league hosts over 10,000 eSoccer matches per month
- Every player in eAdriatic League signs a professional contract with their club
- Kuzmić believes esports betting could rival betting on traditional sports
Could you tell us all about eAdriatic League?
eAdriatic League is much more than an eSoccer league; it’s a professional esports league, established with the backing of Esports Federations from Southeastern European countries. Our players have professional contracts with registered esports clubs, operating under the same legal frameworks as traditional sports organisations. We are committed to building esports as a respected profession, and our players – over 80 of whom are under professional contracts – see it as their primary occupation, earning a livelihood and supporting their families through this career.
Currently, our league hosts over 10,000 eSoccer matches monthly, while globally, there are over a million eSoccer matches organised each year. Our approach differentiates us from other eSoccer leagues in the betting market, which often operate under various degrees of control by providers who also offer virtual games, dog races, slots, and similar options. We firmly believe that esports leagues should be clearly regulated to distinguish them from these other offerings, reflecting the unique nature of esports. We support regulatory practices that reinforce the integrity of esports, placing it on par with traditional sports.
Our goal is to promote esports as a viable career path, counteracting the stereotype that gaming is just a pastime
Integrity is one of our core values. eAdriatic League operates under the strict oversight of ESIC (Esports Integrity Commission), which monitors all our matches to ensure fair play. Additionally, we conduct regular checks through the Anti-Doping Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, not only to enforce bans on prohibited substances but also to promote fair play and uphold the highest standards of transparency within the league. This oversight strengthens our commitment to professionalism and integrity.
In the past two years, we’ve organised numerous international tournaments across various countries, including a recent event on Mount Jahorina, held under the auspices of the European Esports Federation. This tournament brought together 15 national teams from across Europe, highlighting our league’s growing reputation. Our goal is to promote esports as a viable career path, counteracting the stereotype that gaming is just a pastime. We are expanding our portfolio to incorporate more sports disciplines, and we look forward to the upcoming Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia next year, where we’re confident that some of our players will represent eAdriatic League.
eAdriatic League offers professional contracts to esports players. Can you tell us more about this?
Every player in eAdriatic League signs a professional contract with their club, providing them with a stable income equivalent to up to four average salaries in our region. This financial security enables our players to fully commit to their careers, elevating the league’s level of professionalism. We are dedicated to breaking stereotypes around gaming – that it’s not just “wasting time,” but a viable, respected profession. In the past, gamers were often criticised for their career choice, but with the strong earnings and structured support now available, perceptions are shifting, and many are beginning to recognise the value and potential in esports as a legitimate career path. To maintain the integrity of competition, we conduct regular polygraph tests to ensure a fair and transparent environment for all.
Good to know: In the recent issue of Gambling Insider, Bayes Esports CEO Amir Mirzaee spoke about the expanding esports market and the opportunity it presents to modern-day sportsbooks
eSoccer appears to be your most popular offering. How does it fare in the live betting space?
eSoccer has rapidly grown in popularity and is now the third most popular live betting sport, right behind football and tennis. The appeal lies in the format – matches are fast-paced, available 24/7, and packed with action, making them highly engaging for betting audiences. Many young people today struggle to maintain focus through a full 90-minute football match; in contrast, an eSoccer match wraps up in just 10 minutes, and a new game quickly follows, providing constant opportunities for betting and fresh excitement. This quick-play format delivers high-intensity moments in a short time, capturing the attention of viewers who crave fast-paced thrills. While some question the presence of esports in the betting market, we see it as a legitimate reference point. Betting is common in traditional sports, and it can equally serve as a measure of legitimacy and appeal for esports. This popularity drives us to continue enhancing our league and delivering high-quality, fair competition.
Esports betting has been growing in recent years. Do you think it can compete with traditional betting?
Absolutely. Esports betting is a strong contender within the betting industry and is carving out a significant space. With esports continuing to grow in viewership and fan engagement, betting on esports may soon rival some traditional sports. By adhering to high standards, eAdriatic League demonstrates that esports betting is trustworthy and engaging, adding value to the broader sports betting landscape.
How important is marketing for the growth of eAdriatic League?
Marketing is essential. Beyond increasing our visibility, it helps solidify our identity and build connections with fans. Through targeted marketing strategies, partnerships, and reputable sponsorships, we convey our commitment to professionalism and emphasise eAdriatic League’s unique position in the esports world. Our focus is on attracting a broad audience while nurturing a loyal fan base that shares our vision of esports as a respected career path.
With esports continuing to grow in viewership and fan engagement, betting on esports may soon rival some traditional sports
Could you tell us about the partnership with Sportradar and the benefits it brings to eAdriatic League?
Our partnership with Sportradar has been invaluable for elevating our league's profile and ensuring wide distribution within the betting market. Sportradar’s analytics and monitoring tools help us maintain high standards of integrity and fair play, essential to our operations. With their support, we offer a well-regulated, credible product, crucial for building audience trust.
What’s next for eAdriatic League?
Our next major goal is to launch a European league, bringing together top players across the continent for even more competitive events. We also plan to expand into other disciplines, including UFC, CS:GO, tennis, and beyond, aiming to appeal to a broader audience. This expansion aligns with our ambition to become a global leader in esports, offering a comprehensive portfolio of games. Supported by IESF and EEF, we will continue to push for esports to be recognised as a respected, professional discipline.
With the support of our fans, players, and partners, we are excited to lead innovation and growth in esports – not only in eSoccer but across a diverse range of esports disciplines.
