In a groundbreaking development, 1xBet has partnered with MIBR’s VALORANT Esports team, marking a significant milestone as one of the first collaborations within the Riot Games ecosystem between a betting company and an esports team. This partnership comes after Riot Games revised its policies earlier this year, allowing regulated betting operators to form alliances with its League of Legends and VALORANT leagues across the Americas and EMEA regions. This policy change has opened a new revenue stream for professional players and teams, potentially altering the financial landscape of esports.
The partnership between 1xBet and MIBR is particularly noteworthy as it symbolizes a shift in the esports industry towards integrating betting partnerships, a move that could redefine sponsorship models in the competitive gaming sector. This collaboration is not only a first for Riot Games’ ecosystem but also serves as a testament to MIBR’s robust governance and commitment to maintaining competitive integrity. Raphael Castanheira, MIBR’s Director of Marketing and Partnerships, emphasized that their approval by Riot was a reflection of MIBR’s structured approach and dedication to upholding rigorous standards. “Being the first organization in the entire Riot ecosystem to obtain approval for a betting sponsorship shows our commitment to competitive integrity and governance,” Castanheira noted.
The alliance aims to build a more immersive fan experience and expand the reach of both MIBR and the Riot Games FPS. By leveraging 1xBet’s extensive audience, MIBR hopes to attract more attention to its team, enhancing fan engagement and participation. Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor for 1xBet, described this partnership as a historic step, noting the significance of being the first official betting partner of an esports team within the Riot Games framework. “This partnership marks a new era for 1xBet and esports, showcasing our commitment to the growing industry,” Westbury remarked.
The collaboration between 1xBet and MIBR is not entirely unprecedented, as the two organizations have been working together since 2022, with 1xBet sponsoring MIBR’s Counter-Strike team. This prior relationship laid the groundwork for this new venture within the VALORANT scene, demonstrating a successful model of partnership that others in the industry might look to emulate. In aligning with esports, 1xBet is tapping into a rapidly growing sector, reflective of broader market trends where betting companies are increasingly targeting younger, digitally savvy audiences.
The partnership includes appointing streamer Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi as an ambassador, a role that underscores the importance of influencer marketing in the gaming world. Sacy’s involvement is expected to bolster MIBR’s visibility, drawing in his fanbase and further solidifying the team’s status in the competitive arena.
MIBR’s VALORANT team, comprised of players from the United States and Brazil, has already demonstrated impressive performance this year. They were the only Latin American team to qualify for the prestigious VALORANT Masters in Toronto and secured a commendable fifth place in the VALORANT Champions 2025. These achievements underscore the team’s competitive prowess and potential for further success, making them an attractive partner for a company like 1xBet.
However, the partnership is not without its limitations. Riot Games has imposed specific conditions to maintain the integrity of its competitions. Notably, MIBR’s jerseys cannot feature 1xBet branding during official Riot events, and there is a strict prohibition on advertising betting on Riot’s official broadcasts and social media platforms. These restrictions highlight Riot’s cautious approach to integrating betting into its ecosystem, ensuring that it does not compromise the competitive spirit of its games.
Despite these constraints, the potential benefits of such partnerships are significant. By aligning with a betting company, esports teams can access new financial resources, which can be reinvested into player development, infrastructure, and fan engagement initiatives. This, in turn, can lead to improved team performance and a more vibrant esports community.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the ethical implications of integrating betting into esports, particularly given the young demographic that forms a significant portion of the esports audience. There are worries that such partnerships could normalize gambling among young fans, potentially leading to an increase in gambling-related issues. As esports continues to evolve, the industry must carefully navigate these challenges, balancing commercial interests with the responsibility to protect its audience.
Overall, the partnership between 1xBet and MIBR represents a significant development in the esports landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of sponsorship in competitive gaming. As the industry continues to grow, similar collaborations are likely to emerge, each bringing its own set of opportunities and challenges. For now, MIBR and 1xBet are poised to lead the way, setting a precedent for how esports teams and betting companies can work together responsibly within the framework established by publishers like Riot Games.
