The Largest Skin-Betting Site in the World Allegedly Owned by ESForce Holdings
ESForce Holdings, the company that acquired Virtus Pro and owns media rights to Na’Vi, reportedly owns 90 percent of the world’s largest skin-betting site for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). However, the company has not made this relationship public yet.
Ownership Documents Reveal ESForce Holdings as Majority Owners
Ownership documents obtained by the Esports Observer show that ESForce Holding, a sub-company of Alisher Usmanov’s USM Holding, owns the majority of the betting site. ESForce Holding also owns most broadcasting studios, 180 websites, and a major tournament in the Eastern European region.
Potential Impact on Virtus Pro’s Reputation
These revelations may affect the reputation of the Virtus Pro brand with the game’s developer. Valve has issued guidelines that prohibit professional players and organizations from gambling on CS:GO matches, associating with high volume gamblers, or sharing information that could influence bets.
Alisher Usmanov’s Entry into Esports
Alisher Usmanov, who co-owns Arsenal soccer team, invested $100 million into the Virtus Pro brand at the end of 2015, marking his entry into the esports industry.