Thunderpick: "We're a platform built by gamers, for gamers, with a focus on delivering a lightning-fast experience"

Worldwide, almost half of all gamers are women. However, a lack of representation in esports teams and opportunities looms, with barriers still in place surrounding the term "gamer." For this reason, in a bid to drive inclusion and visibility in the gaming community, online esports betting platform Thunderpick has expanded its partnership with the*gameHERS, a women-focused community gaming platform.

"Partnering with the*gameHERS was an easy decision for us, as their mission aligns perfectly with our core values," Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy for Thunderpick, tells Yogonet. "We believe they represent the positive shift the gaming industry needs."

Elsewhere in the conversation, Sanders reflects on how the esports landscape is evolving, the ongoing Thunderpick World Championship, and why the demand for esports betting is increasing.

Thunderpick has extended its partnership with the*gamehers in a bid to empower the gaming community, specifically focusing on women and femme-identifying gamers and content creators. What does this partnership mean for the female gaming community, and what are some of its major highlights?

We believe that talent knows no gender, which is why we're proud to extend our partnership with the*gameHERS. Our mission is to build on the incredible initiatives we've already launched, uplifting femme gamers and content creators by fostering a more inclusive, safe, and empowering space in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

To drive this vision forward, we're focusing on empowerment and visibility. We'll be sponsoring a series of the*gameHERS ambassadors, celebrating the incredible content they're already creating through fireside chats, behind-the-scenes features, exclusive content drops, and a monthly spotlight.

In true Thunderpick fashion, we're also planning two biannual tournaments, similar to the WildCard Tournament in May. The talent we saw there was extraordinary, and this kind of representation is exactly what inspires other femme gamers to grab their controllers and join the competition.

What makes the*gamehers a suitable partner for Thunderpick, and what can you tell us about the results of this relationship thus far?

Partnering with the*gameHERS was an easy decision for us, as their mission aligns perfectly with our core values. Seeing the incredible work they do resonate so deeply with the community has been truly rewarding. We believe they represent the positive shift the gaming industry needs.

From the start, our goal has been to empower women in esports by elevating femme-led creators and audiences, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as their male counterparts. We've been thrilled with the success of initiatives like the Wildcard Tournament and Pink Picks Series, and we're excited to see where this partnership extension takes us next.

Worldwide, almost half of all gamers are women. However, there is typically a lack of representation and opportunities in esports teams. Do you see this picture changing with time? Is the esports community embracing diversity?

We need to move away from defining what qualifies as a game or who counts as a gamer. Whether someone enjoys farming simulations or narrative-driven experiences, they are just as much a part of the gaming community. It's time to break down the barriers and stop gatekeeping the term "gamer," ensuring we embrace those who may prefer less competitive genres. Gaming is for everyone, and our definition of it should reflect that inclusivity. 

The landscape is evolving, and we're seeing clear signs of progress as major esports teams expand their female rosters. NaVi has introduced their Javelins in CS2, and our partners HEROIC recently announced an all-women VALORANT team and a non-binary coach. These shifts are proof that the industry is moving toward becoming more inclusive, and it's this kind of progress that we love to see.

Thunderpick offers crypto betting on esports across a wide variety of competitive games, via high-quality live streams. What sets it apart from other betting platforms in the esports space? What are some major plans ahead for Thunderpick in the next few months?

We're a platform built by gamers, for gamers, with a focus on delivering a lightning-fast experience. From sign-up to withdrawals, we prioritize getting things done right and with speed. But it's not just about performance—it's about community. We see ourselves as part of that community and we want to make it better, which is why we partner with orgs like the*gameHers to drive positive change in the gaming industry.

It's also why we created the Thunderpick World Championship, designed to give lower-tier teams the opportunity to rise through the ranks and not only compete against the best in the world but also have a chance to take a slice of the $1 million prize pool. 

We're constantly pushing the boundaries to bring fresh features to our players, whether it's through the launch of our exclusive Thunderpick Originals for our casino or refining our esports platform to enhance the player experience. Looking ahead, we're developing a gamified loyalty program that's been exciting to work on. Plus, we're about to roll out a highly requested betslip feature that our players have been eagerly anticipating. Stay tuned—there's more to come.

The Thunderpick World Championship 2024 this year unfolds between April and October, with a prize pool of $1,000,000 – the highest ever announced by a sportsbook for an esports event. How is the event progressing and what are your key takeaways from it thus far?

The Thunderpick World Championship has been electrifying, and the inclusion of two South American qualifiers (with Imperial and Bestia being proclaimed winners) has highlighted the global demand for these types of events.

The enthusiasm is clear: the appetite for high-stakes qualifiers is huge across the world. This year marks a pivotal moment as we witness the final games being battled on LAN, thanks to our incredible hosts, GRID. It's an exciting development for us, and we're eager to see how this new chapter unfolds.

Esports is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the betting industry, but it is often seen with apprehension by investors, facing the stereotype that it appeals to a young fan base with lower levels of disposable income. Is there any truth to this? Where do you see the esports betting market headed?

The betting industry often faces outdated stereotypes, but the reality is that betting trends are evolving. For many, betting is now seen as a form of entertainment and a way to demonstrate skill, be it in traditional sports or esports. Winning is simply a bonus.

As times change, we're witnessing a growing interest in esports betting, driven by millennials and older Gen Zs who are deeply engaged with these games. The landscape is shifting, and the demand for esports betting is only increasing.