Wondr Gaming acquires esports AI specialist Rival.ai

Wondr Gaming, an esports acquisition fund founded by media executives Mike Cotton and Jon Dwyer, has acquired esports artificial intelligence integration specialist Rival.ai.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it was confirmed that Rival.ai will operate under the Wondr Gaming banner. James Mifsud will continue in his role as chief executive of Rival.ai, while Bryan Yale will remain its chief operating officer.

Rival.ai provides both esports data and algorithms for betting lines to gaming platforms, in addition to insights and toolsets for esports broadcasters and streamers. 

“We’re thrilled to have completed our first transaction and are actively in discussions with multiple companies for our next acquisition,” Cotton said.

“Wondr Gaming does not compete with multi-title platforms; instead, we are a resource for multi-team businesses and offer products and services that complement and improve their offerings. By developing assets like Rival.ai and fostering the growth businesses we acquire, we have the ability to work with any team or betting entity in esports.”

Mifsud added: “This acquisition gives us the resources to support an industry we truly love. With this, we will become a leading data provider supporting betting platforms and further developing our core services. We are excited to take our technology to the next level.”

Yale, meanwhile, described gambling as one of the most exciting and underdeveloped elements of the esports industry.

“We look forward to being the premier source of data analytics in support of the emerging esports betting landscape,” he said.