Watchers triumphed at the SiGMA East Europe Startup Pitch Competition, clinching the top prize with our innovative SaaS solution.

SaaS Watchers which integrates community chats to content platforms triumphed at the SiGMA East Europe Startup Pitch Competition, clinching the top prize with an  innovative solution.

Watchers Wins Top Prize at SiGMA East Europe Startup Pitch Competition in Budapest

Chosen from numerous industry startups, we had the opportunity to showcase our solution in Budapest and connect with investors, experts, and leading industry players among the six finalists.<img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/3971a760-f354-4ac7-b058-30bb451376ac.png">On September 3rd, Alina Kuzo, Head of Content at Watchers, presented our company. The judging panel, consisting of Robert Duboff (Director at Velo Partners), Marianna Tavella (Chief Legal Officer at SiGMA Group), Harmen Brenninkmeijer (Managing Partner at NYCE International), Mariusz Gąsiewski (CEE Mobile Gaming &amp; Apps Lead at Google), Vinicius Moraes De Carvalho (Investment Partner at Ikigai Ventures), Vladimir Malakchi (CEO &amp; Managing Partner at Xanada Investments), and Jarek Bialek (CEO of Revenue Capital), selectedour pitch and solution as the best.<img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/dd6701bb-baac-41ac-8ff2-7c03c4bc18a2.png">The SiGMA East Europe Summit (September 2-4) brought together a vibrant community of providers, experts, operators, and investors. It is a significant platform for market leaders to network and explore the latest trends and technologies.

We've explored the main recent reports dedicated to the sports industry and found the most relevant insights, figures, and trends on viewership, communication, and fandom formation.

Discover the main digital trends in sports viewership, coverage and fandom engagement 2025 based on the most significant industrial reports. 

Main trends in sports coverage, viewership, and fandoms 2025: discovering the latest reports

If to avoid naming trends as “using AI, datafication, women sports growth” but find the particular changes and numbers, what we see:<h3>Rise of digital sports streaming and personalised fan engagement</h3><ul><li>27% of sports fans watch TV sports channels weekly, while 23% stream online</li><li>Millennials (57%) are the most likely to pay for a sports subscription service, followed by Gen Zers (53%) and Xers (40%).</li><li>Sports streaming on Amazon Prime has increased by 59% since 2021, signalling the growing importance of digital-first sports experiences.</li></ul><h3>New economics of streaming services</h3>While the shift to sports streaming services opens new revenue streams, sports media faces challenges, including subscription fatigue and a fragmented landscape. Churn rates among sports subscribers are high, prompting companies to explore bundling streaming services (e.g., Disney+ and Hulu Sports). Moreover, younger fans increasingly rely on algorithm-driven sports content for their sports news updates, raising questions about whether they will commit to paid sports streaming subscriptions.To counteract these challenges, sports leagues and sports teams are prioritizing data-driven fan engagement and personalized marketing to drive loyalty:<ul><li>The NFL fan database has centralized over 20 million sports fans to streamline outreach.</li><li>Major League Baseball (MLB fan engagement) uses fan data to enhance the stadium experience, offering personalized promotions and real-time notifications.</li><li>68% of consumers say sports personalization significantly increases their brand satisfaction.</li></ul>﻿﻿<img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/3b2b88cf-e9aa-4fca-93ce-38754bb1fcfa.png"><a href="https://www.pwc.co.uk/hospitality-leisure/documents/global-sports-survey-2024.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">PWC</a> formed the key insights from Women Super League fans and England women’s football fans:&nbsp;<ul><li>The most popular sports are football, boxing and cricket.&nbsp;</li><li>14% of the audience are gamers.&nbsp;</li><li>Greater affinity for premium brands such as John Lewis.&nbsp;</li><li>Betting and gambling are of high interest to both audiences.&nbsp;</li><li>Sizeable opportunity for rights holders, fans and brands.&nbsp;</li><li>65% of WSL club fans are male.&nbsp;</li><li>10% of the audience is interested in sustainability, human rights and climate.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>Fandom evolution: athlete-driven engagement</h3>Sports fandom is evolving beyond team loyalty, with younger audiences increasingly drawn to individual athletes and their personal brands. This is particularly pronounced in women’s sports, which continues to gain momentum:<ul><li>The 2025 Women’s Euros and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 are expected to drive record-breaking engagement.</li><li>Rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Leah Williamson are spearheading a surge in women’s sports viewership, attracting new fans.</li><li>Industry leaders identify women’s sports growth as the top sports investment opportunity.</li></ul><img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/04bcc551-c1b2-445f-8cd3-7b874fd28436.png">	<a href="https://sporsora.com/etudes/1451-2024-global-sports-survey/file" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">In Europe, only around two-thirds of followers</a> of top football leagues regularly watch live games, which presents both a threat and an opportunity to grow viewership and provides other ways to interact with favourite sports and teams.A fifth of fans,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mediaculture.com/insights/the-psychology-of-fandom-what-drives-sports-fans" target="_blank" style="font-size: 16px;">studied by Media Culture</a>, are fans because of the communities they want to be part of, but just because they support the team. The social aspect and necessary feeling of belonging is bonding fans and their passion, giving them more joy. That’s why when fans are gathering from different countries to support the same team, they crucially need to have a way to communicate with each other and perform their communicativeness. One of the best examples of this is La Liga, which gathers fans worldwide through its League community-building app.<h3>Fan Ownership Models and Blockchain in Sports</h3>Another emerging trend is the rise of fan-owned sports clubs, which give supporters a stake in their favourite teams. Actually, this highlights the importance of fan communities because nowadays they literally rule sports.This movement is part of a more significant sports decentralization trend:<ul><li>The German Bundesliga’s 50+1 rule ensures fan-majority ownership, fostering strong community-driven sports organizations.</li><li>Clubs like AFC Wimbledon and Real Oviedo allow fans to influence sports team decisions, from jersey designs to charity partnerships.</li><li>Blockchain-based fan tokens (e.g., Socios.com fan tokens) enable interactive fan engagement, provide financial support for clubs, and increase fan loyalty.</li></ul><img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/7fa63b74-5f4c-4226-bb13-07c77584faf9.png"><h3>The role of AI and data analytics in sports coverage</h3>Generative AI in sports and sports analytics are set to revolutionize sports media, impacting everything from sports content creation to fan engagement:<ul><li>AI-driven sports personalisation is helping sports leagues tailor sports recommendations, making sports coverage more immersive.</li><li>Predictive sports analytics enhance sports betting, player performance analysis, and fan behaviour insights.</li><li>AI-generated sports commentary and automated sports highlights make real-time sports coverage more dynamic and cost-effective.</li></ul>Looking ahead, the sports industry trends in 2025 will need to balance innovation with accessibility. As sports streaming services and digital-first sports content dominate, sports leagues must ensure that sports fans across generations can affordably engage with sports media. Meanwhile, emerging sports technologies and fan-driven sports innovations will continue to shape the future of sports consumption, making 2025 a defining year for watching sports online, interacting with, and supporting people's favourite teams and athletes.**If you want to grow engagement, build strong fan communities, or provide live streaming in your sports app with influencers and athletes as hosts, please&nbsp;contact us or fill out the form below. We will help you find the best strategy to grow fan engagement. Sources:<ul><li><a href="https://sporsora.com/etudes/1451-2024-global-sports-survey/file" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">sporsora.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-telecom-outlooks.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">deloitte.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gwi.com/blog/sports-viewership-trends" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">gwi.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/sporting-goods-industry-trends" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">mckinsey.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.mediaculture.com/insights/the-psychology-of-fandom-what-drives-sports-fans" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">mediaculture.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.pwc.co.uk/hospitality-leisure/documents/global-sports-survey-2024.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">pwc.co.uk</a></li><li><a href="https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/tech-innovation/comment-five-trends-that-will-drive-sport-content-in-2025/5200232.article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">broadcastnow.co.uk</a></li></ul>

Discover why gaming is better with a community. Explore features like in-app live streaming and real-time communication to improve engagement and keep customers coming back

Learn how to enhance engagement on your site through innovative features like in-app live streaming, chat widgets, and real-time communication. Integrate these tools into your platform to build a gaming community hub full of happy customers.

You Never Game Alone: Live Chats and In-app Live-Streaming to Make Gaming Brighter

Why Socialization is the Heart of GamingWhat’s the best thing about gaming online? Some might say the relaxation, the storylines, or the exciting unpredictability. However, experts are increasingly noticing that socialisation is the most enticing aspect for gamers.Players want space to discuss the games they play, sing their praises, and vent their frustrations to other players. They want camaraderie, fellowship, and community-building capabilities.This is evident in the success of platforms like Twitch, Kick, and Discord, as well as the continuous growth of all areas of the gaming industry. With Millennials and Gen Z driving demand, the need for in-app engagement tools as live chat for real-time messaging and live-streaming is more crucial than ever.Complex Camaraderie: The Evolving Social Needs of GamersThe traditional view of gamers is that they are unsociable creatures—recluses who prefer to spend evenings on their computers rather than in the real world. In fact, extensive research shows that gamers enjoy socialization as much as anyone, if not more. However, this long-standing misconception has led to many business leaders erroneously writing off the need for social features on their video gaming platforms and iGaming sites.As Bowman, Rieger, and Tammy Lin note in<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35313181/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35313181/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">their recent publication</a>, technological advancements have increased the desire for socialization among gamers. Players now have more ways to socialize, and they enjoy it. Gamers actively look for gaming community hubs with the following features:• Live Chats • Video Chatrooms • AI Chatbots • Online ForumsSince gamers seek socialization, if gaming sites and apps don’t provide space, they use Twitch, Kick, and Discord to socialise and get the gaming experience with soulmates.Cross-Platform Play TrendSimply put, this trend allows gamers to play together regardless of the device and hardware they use. This shift is driven by consumer demand for more<a href="https://techgraph.co/opinions/evolution-of-gaming-key-trends-shaping-industry-in-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://techgraph.co/opinions/evolution-of-gaming-key-trends-shaping-industry-in-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">interconnected gaming experiences</a> and is supported by technological advancements that facilitate seamless multiplayer interactions across various platforms. This trend also proves that social-building approaches are among the most critical aspects of the gaming experience. A sense of belonging and collective participation is a top priority for gamers.<img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/88d09ba1-499b-483f-8337-d2e4fd6f9b6c.png">Developers are increasingly implementing cross-platform play to foster better communal experiences and extend the longevity of games. This approach not only expands the player base but also enhances competitive environments, attracting a wider audience. The growing support for cross-platform play is evident, with many games now offering this feature, reflecting its normalization within industry standards. In 2020, <a href="https://venturebeat.com/business/epic-games-makes-epic-online-services-available-for-free-to-game-devs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Epic Games released Epic Online Services</a>, enabling developers to integrate cross-platform play into their games. This tool supports matchmaking, friends lists, achievements, and other features across platforms such as PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android, further promoting the trend of cross-platform gaming.Overall, the trend toward cross-platform play reflects a broader industry shift toward inclusivity and connectivity, enhancing the gaming experience for a diverse and widespread audience.Social Technology: Video Gaming Engagement Tools<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344081040_Do_Video_Games_Satisfy_Our_Social_Needs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Research by Punsalan, Dong, Lam</a><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344081040_Do_Video_Games_Satisfy_Our_Social_Needs" target="_blank">,&nbsp;</a>and<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344081040_Do_Video_Games_Satisfy_Our_Social_Needs" target="_blank">&nbsp;Akima</a>&nbsp;revealed a strong link between “the amount of time spent playing online video games and levels of socialization” a gamer experiences.This suggests that video gamers are more likely to play for longer if there are more diverse socialization features. Therefore, adding social features to a platform builds engagement and keeps video gamers active, demonstrating the potential benefits of integrated social tools like in-app live streaming and real-time communication.With this in mind, let’s explore what video gaming engagement tools exist and how they can benefit your business.In-App Live Chats: Build a Local CommunityAllowing gamers to chat while playing can build a loyal community. Players can get the socialization they desire without having to leave your platform for an external messaging service. This keeps them engaged with your brand at all times.Facilitating player-to-player interactions also increases sales, as users effectively “upsell” your services to their peers when they discuss games, live streams, and bonus content like in-app purchases. Gamers can find a welcoming and like-minded community in these discussions.Some business leaders may be hesitant about implementing in-app chats due to the content moderation needed to prevent users from spreading harmful or insensitive information. However, this potential roadblock to community safety can be easily mitigated.&nbsp;Built-in AI-powered content moderation tools let you automatically restrict certain content and phrases from being sent. This ensures you can build a safe and inclusive community app for your brand, free from discriminatory language. In turn, players feel safer using your platform and are more likely to choose your site or app as their preferred gaming community hub.Many successful gaming platforms have embraced social engagement tools to enhance player experience:Fortnite: Features built-in voice and text chat, allowing players to communicate seamlessly while playing in teams.Roblox: Offers extensive social features, including chat rooms and player interaction within virtual worlds.Valorant: Implements in-game voice chat and party-based matchmaking to foster team coordination and engagement.Call of Duty: Warzone: Integrates live chat and squad-based communication to create a more interactive battle royale experience.Minecraft: Provides multiplayer servers with chat features, enabling players to collaborate, strategize, and socialize.<img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/057a9f41-66ba-4406-a4b0-9ffe35f3efab.png">RobloxThese platforms have demonstrated how socialization tools drive engagement, encourage teamwork, and build loyal communities.Audio and Video Live Streaming: A Game-Changer for EngagementLive-streaming defines today’s video gaming experience, with Twitch becoming more of a gaming hub than any single platform. When players decide what to play next or assess a game’s value, they turn to Twitch. Why? Because they find a community there, get expert and peer opinions, exchange emotions and experiences, and get answers to their questions.Many huge brands partner with Twitch streamers, not just because of the platform but because of the experience followers of these streamers gain—real participation in gaming activities alongside their favorite streamers. RAID: Shadow Legends, Chess.com, Dislyte, Epic Games, GTA5RP, and League of Legends Partners are on the list of such brands. These are not just sponsorships but direct content collaborations with streamers.Benefits of integrating live streaming:·&nbsp; 	Platforms with live streaming see a 20-30% increase in engagement.·&nbsp; 	Gamers form deeper connections through shared experiences.·&nbsp; 	Stream chat encourages real-time participation, increasing user activity.<blockquote>• 28,410 games streamed weekly. • 3-5 thousand games streamed simultaneously.</blockquote>With Twitch generating $1.8 billion in 2024, the demand for gaming community hubs with interactive content is evident. Adding real-time chat and video streaming can significantly boost retention.<img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/29f15f30-3b16-41a7-a7aa-4cd25a92382d.avif">Fortnite chatChat Widgets for Cut-Scenes and DowntimeGame excitement naturally dips during cut-scenes, loading screens, or downtime. A dedicated chat widget ensures ongoing engagement by allowing players to interact even when they’re not actively gaming.Private chatrooms also give users a space to discuss strategies, vent frustrations, and share experiences—enhancing the overall sense of community.In response to this demand,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.polygon.com/gaming/488831/roblox-chat-party-discord-competitor?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" style="font-size: 16px;">Roblox introduced</a>&nbsp;'Party' in December 2024, a chat feature that allows up to six users to communicate in real time while playing. Initially supporting text-based messaging, voice chat integration is planned for future updates. This move directly addresses players' reliance on external apps for communication, creating a more immersive in-game social experience.Engagement Tools for iGamingMany iGaming companies have already realized the revenue potential of engagement tools. It’s now common to find live video streams at online casino sites or integrated chatrooms in sports betting apps. However, there’s still a substantial gap between what iGaming sites offer and what their audience truly wants. Evolving technology has shifted gamer expectations, yet many platforms fail to meet these new demands.Let’s explore the key engagement tools being used in the iGaming industry and identify the current communication gaps that many gamers face.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿<img src="https://watchersweb-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/f010197e-24a0-4fb6-ab2c-10813d064c46.png">Real-Time MessagingSome casinos and sportsbooks are rolling out live-streamed games with real dealers, yet many still lack real-time communication tools that drive engagement. In-app live chats help their players find a sense of community and get more pleasure from the gaming process. Chats help turn the app or website into a gaming community hub where people interact in a friendly and trusted space and advise each other if necessary.While this is highly innovative, gaps remain. What if a player wanted to bet but didn’t know where to start? What if you could take inspiration from how others bet? After all, two heads are better than one. Then there’s the Big Win widget, which shows other users where game wins are coming from, leading to an upturn in gameplay as others join the fun, or a share widget that helps users to show their expertise. TotoGaming sportsbook works like that: players and sports fans can share their ideas and predictions with a specific widget. For some platforms, it will be something like an internal social network when people with the same interests find insights from the community.Gamification: An Overlooked OpportunitуMany online casinos and sportsbooks forget their customers' fundamental needs and wants. Think about it: what do gamers want more than socialization? They want to play games. It sounds like an oversimplification, but we’ve seen companies neglect to consider this overarching desire to achieve more and game again. The solution is to integrate gamification features into the gaming platform to reward users for their loyalty, which is reasonable too. It’s a straightforward solution and one that actually helps users socialise: when you have a cool badge or funny stickers for some actions, you want to show it off. Integrating gamification alongside live streaming and community-building features ensures players a dynamic, engaging experience.Why Invest in In-App Engagement for, seems like, already the most engaging platforms?Even higher engagement: features like real-time chatrooms and live streaming keep users active for longer. It is called the stickiness effect, which occurs on social networks and with long TV shows.Stronger customer loyalty: a sense of community building fosters deeper brand attachment. Also, when users can share their opinion internally, it is always valuable for them.Enhanced consumer experience: a socially connected gaming environment improves overall player satisfaction.With these benefits, implementing in-app live streaming, chat widgets, and gamification is a no-brainer for gaming businesses looking to drive user engagement and revenue. Gaming is inherently social. To stay competitive, iGaming and video gaming platforms must prioritize community engagement tools that offer seamless player interactions and rewards.***If you're wondering how to provide your users in-app live chats, live streaming, and other features and increase engagement, fill in the form below. We’ll help you find the best solution.