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Unikrn sets up cryptocurrency esports betting platform with acquisition of ChallengeMe.gg

“This is a big deal for me, for Unikrn and, honestly, for the entire gaming ecosystem,” says Unikrn CEO

Esports betting start-up Unikrn has closed a deal for the acquisition of gaming tournament platform ChallengeMe.gg.

The deal is reportedly worth millions though the exact figure has not been disclosed.

Unikrn now aims to build the world's first cryptocurrency gaming platform where players can bet against each other using UnikoinGold.

"This is a big deal for me, for Unikrn and, honestly, for the entire gaming ecosystem," wrote Unikrn CEO Rahul Sood in an article for Hacker Noon.

Unikrn set the process in motion late last year after the two companies partnered to launch the first-ever community Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament with a cryptocurrency prize pool.

Using UnikoinGold, the ChallengeMe.gg platform facilitates competitive and quick play matchmaking, open lobbies, direct challenges, fully automated tournaments, and ladders for CS:GO.

However, Unikrn plans to expand these services to include Dota 2 with long-term consideration offered to PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds and Rocket League.

"Back when games were played in person, you could challenge that shittalker to 1v1 and put something on the line," said Sood. "You could have an in-house poker game with a few dollars on the table. You could go to the bar and shoot pool for drinks.

"Now you'll be able to do the digital equivalent, but with full stat tracking, community interface, and access to the entire network of CME users. Fully powered by our internal blockchain, fully secure, with anti-cheat protections and the best possible equipment to give a fair experience."

Following an initial coin offering for UnikoinGold in October last year, Unikrn raised $31 million. Coupled with recent acquisitions of DotaProHub, Vision IP, and Leet, the latest deal has bolstered the company's staff to 55 people.

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Ivy Taylor

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Ivy joined GamesIndustry.biz in 2017 having previously worked as a regional journalist, and a political campaigns manager before that. They are also one of the UK's foremost Sonic the Hedgehog apologists.