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Interview with Timur Zapiyev – Media Sales Manager at 1ST Partners
In a recent interview with AffPapa, Timur Zapiyev, Media Sales Manager at 1ST Partners, spoke on the strategies behind their strong global presence, the smart use of technology and AI, and the trends in affiliate and media sales for 2026.
Yeva: Timur, can you describe your daily routine as Media Sales Manager at 1ST Partners? What areas of your work have the largest influence on the overall performance?
We usually start our day with the team call, and after that I handle most of the communication with my partners and search for a new ones. In terms of media advertising sometimes banners, odds and other positions like that may be performing pretty good. Should know resources with active players.
Yeva: Can you tell us some of the most common challenges of doing media sales in the iGaming markets, and what solutions have you applied to solve those?
It is mostly the communication issues, sometimes it takes a couple of months to launch, sometimes even half a year. Because some sales managers are not easy to get a response from. I usually solve it by contacting as many of them as possible. Have to be persistent.
Yeva: With the program operating in more than 45 markets and collaborating with over 750 partners, 1ST Partners has a substantial presence in the affiliate market. What factors do you believe to be the primary contributor of such a large presence?
We have a big team of hard-working affiliates who love to connect with others. We also have a big base and good reputation, so our affiliates bring other affiliates in. Also, our products are great as well. As simple as that.
Yeva: Building and maintaining trust and strong relationships with partners is a major requirement in this industry. What are some effective methods you have found work best?
You just have to be honest with the partner. You have to provide correct information and assist. Of course, if you have close personal connection that is great, but being respectful, professional and helpful is a must, it is a minimum requirement.
Yeva: 1ST Partners positions transparency, data-driven acquisition, and clear KPIs as its foundation. In what ways are these values beneficial to your partners’ daily operations?
The only way for a great cooperation is knowing what we can provide and what partner can provide. That’s why we share all the info on performance of our brands to the partner, we can tailor something custom for our affiliates, like adding payment solutions or launching a new GEO. Of course, that gives our partners trust and more information based upon which they can make decisions.
Yeva: What ‘s your take on the main trends in the iGaming affiliate and media sales industry for 2026? Is there anything specific that both operators as well as affiliates should pay attention to?
There is a big wave of streamers, influencers, AI solutions. Some of them might be working very well but it is not always like that unfortunately. Sometimes it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack, but that’s how it is usually.
Yeva: The role of technology and automation in affiliate management is growing. How is 1ST Partners utilizing them to get better results for partners?
It is a great tool to use for analysis and prediction, sales and communication. But you have to use the right solutions. Market is overflowed at the moment with the all kinds of AI solutions, and it’s not always the performance that developers have, but marketing.
Yeva: How has media sales changed over the years, and what’s the one key piece of advice you’d give to affiliates or operators who want to improve performance today?
You have to network, look for feedback, find different sources, experiment. The more the advertising costs is not always how well it performs. So, you have to know your goals before advertising. Just be transparent and don’t be scared to ask partner for results that they have.
Company: 1ST Partners
Interviewee: Timur Zapiyev
Date: 22.12.2025
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