ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) has signed a deal with online gambling platform CHEXX as the official betting partner for its Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Dota 2 esports tournaments throughout 2026.
EFG said the partnership will “elevate the esports fan experience” and bring CHEXX’s “innovative, emotionally-driven betting experience to a global community of fans.”
The ‘elevated’ experiences include several interactive features integrated into EFG broadcasts, including giveaways and bonuses. CHEXX said it will offer fans limited merchandise, digital collectibles, and other high-value rewards.
Injecting Emotion With Relentless Generosity
The CHEXX team stated, “Partnering with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is a major statement for CHEXX. We’re not just placing a logo; we’re injecting emotion into the arena.”
The Curacao-licensed crypto gambling platform emphasized how it will focus on improving the fan experience.
The team added, “Our goal is to enhance how fans live esports—the collective gasps, the shocking upsets, the pure joy. With our ‘GO NEXXT’ mentality, we want to supercharge that passion with relentless generosity, unexpected moments, and a brand that truly gets it.”
GO NEXXT is described as “an endless flow of bold ideas and engagement.” Concrete details of what exactly it involves were not given, but the press release continued to stress that the gambling company “will turn every tournament into an unforgettable experience for EFG fans.”
Gambling Sponsors Increasing In Esports
The partnership follows several other deals between esports organizations and betting partners recently. League of Legends team G2 Esports signed a deal with French betting platform Winamax, following 1xBet agreeing a deal to sponsor Valorant team MIBR.
Riot Games approved betting sponsors for Valorant and League of Legends teams last year. Valve, meanwhile, also allows gambling companies to sponsor teams, but has restricted teams and tournament organizers from promoting skin gambling and case opening sites.
Critics argue that increased exposure to gambling in esports comes with risks to sporting integrity. CHEXX is also unlicensed in many markets, including the US, UK, and Europe. Although users may find ways around this by using VPNs.
Fan Experience Above All Else
Daniel Mauritz, SVP Brand Partnerships at EFG, focused on CHEXX’s ability to enhance the fan experience.
He stated, “At ESL FACEIT Group, we are looking for partners who prioritise the fan experience above all else.”
Mauritz went on to emphasize the platform’s ‘GO NEXXT’ philosophy, which he said “aligns with our mission to push the boundaries of esports entertainment.”
He added, “By integrating their innovative platform into our Counter-Strike and Dota 2 circuits, we’re offering our global community a more immersive and rewarding way to engage with the world’s most elite competition.”