UPDATE: UPAD has just launched “Rakija Gate,” a groundbreaking anti-bot protocol, during the highest-attended concert ticket sale in Balkan history. This innovative system was activated for the first time on November 16, 2025, as fans scrambled for tickets to see Aleksandra Prijović perform on New Year’s Eve, organized by Extra FM in Zagreb, Croatia.
The ticketing startup faced an unprecedented surge of automated traffic, but quickly deployed its unique “Rakija Pit” filter to combat the onslaught. UPAD’s advanced technology identified suspicious, machine-generated purchase patterns within minutes, ensuring that real fans could secure their tickets instead of competing with bots.
By routing automated traffic into a designated quarantine lane—dubbed the Rakija Pit—UPAD ensures that these bots can “dance” as long as they like, but never reach the checkout. This humorous yet effective strategy reflects a deep understanding of the regional culture, highlighting that only real fans can survive in the ticketing arena.
“We are setting a new standard for transparency in ticket sales,” stated UPAD’s representative, M.M. “What artists, organizers, and fans deserve is clarity—not mystery or speculation.” UPAD plans to publish a public Event Digest, featuring anonymized metrics that will include queue composition, purchase success rates, and integrity scores.
With the launch of Rakija Gate, UPAD is not just addressing the bot traffic challenge but is also redefining how live events are accessed in the Balkans. The company aims to establish infrastructural fairness as Balkan markets mirror global demand, prioritizing a fair experience for all ticket buyers.
As the ticketing landscape evolves, UPAD’s innovative approach positions it at the forefront of the industry, combining fintech principles with cultural relevance. This urgent update signifies a pivotal moment in live event ticketing, promising a more equitable and transparent experience for fans across the region.
Stay tuned for further developments as UPAD continues to lead the charge against automated ticket purchasing practices, ensuring that every fan has a fair chance to attend their favorite events.
