Crypto sponsorships vanish from IEM Cologne Major as esports pivots to traditional betting money

Crypto sponsorships have vanished from the IEM Cologne Major as esports pivots toward traditional betting money. This transition signals a move toward funding stability and reduced reputational risk amid increasing regulatory pressures. While 9z eliminated The MongolZ to secure a spot in the IEM Cologne playoffs, the broader market dynamics show a strategic shift in how teams secure financial backing, moving away from volatile crypto assets toward more established traditional sponsorship models.