Riot Games Approves Partnership Between 1xBet and VALORANT Esports Team
Summary
Riot Games has granted approval for a partnership between online betting operator 1xBet and Brazilian esports organisation MIBR’s VALORANT team — the first such tie-up inside the Riot ecosystem. The approval follows Riot’s recent policy changes that allow regulated betting partnerships in the Americas and EMEA for League of Legends and VALORANT. MIBR and 1xBet say the deal will focus on fan engagement and visibility while adhering to Riot’s integrity and advertising rules.
Key Points
- Riot Games approved a partnership between 1xBet and MIBR’s VALORANT team — the first betting-operator sponsorship authorised within Riot’s ecosystem.
- The approval follows Riot’s policy change permitting regulated betting partnerships in the Americas and EMEA for League of Legends and VALORANT.
- MIBR highlights its governance and integrity measures as key reasons Riot approved the sponsorship.
- Restrictions apply: MIBR cannot display 1xBet branding on jerseys at Riot events, and Riot prohibits betting ads on official broadcasts and social channels.
- Vetting, use of official data, and team integrity programmes are required for any approved betting partner.
- 1xBet previously partnered with MIBR’s Counter-Strike team in 2022; streamer Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi will act as ambassador under the new deal.
- MIBR’s VALORANT roster includes players from the US and Brazil; they qualified for VALORANT Masters Toronto and placed fifth at VALORANT Champions 2025.
Context and relevance
This development is notable because Riot had long restricted gambling-related partnerships. The policy shift to permit regulated, vetted betting partners in key regions opens a new commercial stream for teams and players. For the esports and betting industries, it marks a cautious but material move toward closer commercial ties — with strict guardrails to protect competitive integrity and to prevent betting promotion in Riot-controlled media and events.
Why should I read this?
Short version: it’s a first. Riot has loosened the rulebook and a major betting brand has just scored a green light — which could mean more sponsorship cash for teams, but also more scrutiny and strict limits. If you follow esports business, team funding or betting regulation, this is the kind of change that shapes deals and broadcasts going forward. Worth a quick read to know what’s allowed, what isn’t, and why MIBR got the nod.
Author style
Punchy: this isn’t just another sponsorship — it’s a policy pivot with commercial and regulatory ramifications. Read the detail if you care about how esports monetisation and integrity rules are evolving.
