GRID, an esports data supplier, signed an exclusive multi-year partnership with ESL FACEIT Group. EFG operates esports events globally.
The partnership began with IEM Cologne, which features a $1.25 million prize pool. GRID customers can access live data feeds from the event starting immediately.
Through this agreement, GRID will manage over 90% of games and events that account for 85% of global esports betting volume. The covered games include Counter-Strike, Dota, League of Legends, and Valorant.
GRID estimates esports betting handle reached $14 billion in 2024. The company projects 15% annual growth for the sector.
The deal represents one of the most significant official data rights agreements in esports. Esports rights holders are taking more active roles in managing their data and betting segments that support their intellectual property.
IEM Cologne drew over one million concurrent viewers in 2024. The tournament generated 25.5 million hours of watch time throughout the event.
GRID will use its technology infrastructure to manage live data capture and distribution for EFG events. The company converts in-game data into real-time feeds for fans, media, sportsbooks, and other partners.
The partnership includes official live data, audio-video feeds, and data-powered visualisations for betting and media organisations. GRID and EFG plan to develop EFG’s data feeds to provide partners with statistics and content.
“GRID’s technology, track record, and experience pioneering this category made them a clear choice as our data partner,” said Georg Brandes, Senior Director Media Rights & Distribution at ESL FACEIT Group.
Moritz Maurer, CEO and Founder of GRID, said the companies share commitments to excellence and innovation. He stated that GRID and EFG, alongside existing rights holders on the GRID platform, aim to establish data standards for esports and gaming.
The exclusive arrangement positions GRID as an infrastructure and integrity partner for many watched competitive gaming events. The company already works with rights holders including Riot Games, Ubisoft, KRAFTON, Montoon, and BLAST.
Brandes noted that GRID’s integrity-driven approach resonated with EFG. He said the partnership represents a significant step forward for the company and should improve experiences for fans, players, and partners.
The deal creates new revenue opportunities and supports what EFG calls “a more sustainable future for esports.” Both companies indicated plans to drive continued innovation in data feeds and fan engagement methods.
In March 2025, GRID Esports expanded its data partnership deal with Genius Sports, bringing its data to the Genius platform.
