“I saw the potential”: Esports data insights from GRID CEO Moritz Maurer

In a recent interview with SiGMA, GRID CEO Moritz Maurer provided detailed insights into how official data is reshaping the esports betting landscape and driving integrity across the industry.

As a pioneer in the field, Maurer told Esports Insider about his journey from creating the first regulated esports bookmaker over a decade ago to refining the integration of exclusive data rights and partnerships that now form the foundation of GRID’s operations.

Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Maurer noted: “Thirteen years ago, I set out to create the first regulated esports bookmaker but back then, esports wasn’t mainstream, so I had to actually explain to regulators what it was: people watching others play video games.”

He emphasised that this early work involved defining new standards and regulatory frameworks, a process that essentially laid the groundwork for the modern esports betting sector.

Maurer explained that esports is distinctly data-rich compared to traditional sports. He said: “Esports is incredibly data-rich, and I saw the potential for technological solutions to transform the space.”

After selling his first company to Genius Sports, Maurer focused his attention on the collection and commercialization of official data, forging exclusive rights partnerships that are critical for accurate modeling and market integrity.

According to Maurer, wager volumes in the esports betting space continue to grow rapidly.

“Last year, we saw about €12 billion in wager volume for esports betting, with 85% of bets placed on just four titles: VALORANT, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. From 2021 to 2024, wager volume grew at an exact CAGR of 15.7%,” he said.

This growth underlines the rising demand for robust, official data to ensure responsible and sustainable participation within the sector.

Throughout the interview, SiGMA highlighted that GRID’s strategy revolves around official data, which not only enables fair betting practices but also enhances transparency, security, and fan engagement in esports events.

Maurer credits these factors with positioning GRID at the center of a dynamic, rapidly expanding market, and stresses the industry’s increasing need for comprehensive, high-integrity data solutions.

Maurer’s statements offer clear evidence that the future of esports betting relies heavily on trusted, official data to unlock the market’s full potential and to maintain the highest standards of integrity and innovation.