1xBet raises the stakes with Bestia partnership

Cyprus-based online gambling company 1xBet has announced a partnership with Argentinian esports organisation Bestia.

The deal will focus on Bestia’s Counter-Strike 2 team and its qualification run towards the Shanghai Major. 1xBet has noted that the deal includes additional funds for Bestia and the Argentine Counter-Strike scene if certain criteria are met.

If Bestia reaches the Elimination Stage of this year’s Shanghai Major, 1xBet will invest $500,000 (~£377,082) in grassroots esports tournaments alongside supporting other teams from Argentina.

There is also a personal incentive for Bestia with 1xBet noting that if the team reaches this stage, the company will provide $500,000 to the organisation, in addition to its existing sponsorship contract.

1xBet has announced that its logo will feature on the jerseys of Bestia’s Counter-Strike team and the company plans to create a range of content featuring the organisation’s players.

1xBet is no stranger to the esports industry. In May 2024, it partnered with OG Esports to launch a documentary series covering the lives of the organisation’s players. The company has supported various Counter-Strike events in recent years, including the Champion of Champions Tour (CCT) and India’s Skyesports Masters.

Founded in 2023 by rapper Alejandro ‘Papo MC’ Lococo, Bestia also fields a team in battle royale title PUBG. The organisation is one of the strongest Counter-Strike teams in Argentina, earning $147,824 (~£111,471) in prize money since its formation. In November, the organisation will aim to qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 via the American RMR.