From sponsorships to industry-wide announcements, Insider Sport has you covered when it comes to the world of esports.
This edition takes a look at 100 Thieves’ new training facility, League of Legends’ European Finals locations and a bookmaker extending its agreement with a CS:GO player.
100 Thieves reveals new Cash App Compound training facility
North American organisation 100 Thieves has opened its 15,000 square foot headquarters and training facility, the 100 Thieves Cash App Compound.
The facility, located in Los Angeles, has areas for training, streaming, content production, fashion design, and retail.
Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag, Founder & CEO of 100 Thieves stated: “The 100 Thieves Cash App Compound is the product of our vision to build a new category of company – a lifestyle brand born from gaming.
“Los Angeles is the epicenter of esports, entertainment, and fashion, which are the three pillars we founded the company upon, so this is the perfect home for innovating on what an esports organization and lifestyle brand can be. I can’t wait for our fans to experience the Compound.”
League of Legends European Finals lands in Budapest and Malmö
The League of Legends European Championship (LEC) heads to Hungary for the 2020 spring finals and Sweden for the 2020 summer finals.
The LEC spring finals will be held on April 25-26th at an unannounced venue in Budapest, while the summer finals will be held on August 29-30th at the Malmö Arena, the second largest indoor arena in Sweden and home of ice hockey’s Malmö Redhawks .
Ann Nyström, Destination Manager for City of Malmö, spoke regarding the LEC’s decision: “Malmö is a young and vibrant city and gaming is quickly becoming rooted in the backbone of our city. We are excited to host the LEC 2020 Summer [Finals] together with Riot Games. It is an important step for us in becoming the best gaming city in Europe.”
United States Air Force partners with Call of Duty League’s inaugural season
Activision Blizzard has announced the list of brand partners that will sponsor the new Call of Duty League, with United States Air Force among them.
MTN DEW AMP GAME FUEL, PlayStation, SCUF Gaming, and ASTRO Gaming are all returning sponsors to CoD’s esports scene.
The U.S. Air Force will be featured in broadcasts and participate at events with flight simulator stations for fans to try out.
Brandon Snow, Chief Revenue Officer for Activision Blizzard Esports League, stated: “We couldn’t be prouder to have these incredible brands as partners for the inaugural Call of Duty League season.
“Our partners not only support the players on their mission to win the first Call of Duty League Championship, they provide our fans around the world a better experience while attending Home Series matches or streaming at home.”
Polish bookmaker STS continues partnership with Pawel “innocent” Mocek
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) player Paweł “innocent” Mocek has further extended his partnership with Polish bookmaker STS.
The sponsorship deal, which has been extended for another year, comes as the esports market continues to attract punters across the world.
Mateusz Juroszek, CEO of STS discussed the decision to extend the sponsorship: “Esports entered the top ten of the most frequent bets made by our punters, and it is still growing in popularity.
“This is the reason why we invest in increasing our recognition among esports fans – we are constantly developing our offer to meet the expectations of our punters, i.e. by sponsoring popular teams, players and events.”
STS also sponsors x-kom AGO, a Polish CS:GO team, and provides support for Damian “Nervarien” Ziaja, a League of Legends personality.
Benfica sign FIFA player Zezhino
Benfica has announced Henrique “Zezhino” Lempke will represent the Portuguese side in the FIFA 20 Golbal Series.
The Brazilian travels to the Estádio da Luz this February where fans can meet the team’s first ever esports representative.
The FIFA 20 player has already represented his new club this month having battled through the FUT Champions Cup third stage to qualify for stage four.
Benfica’s Commercial and Marketing Director, Miguel Bento, stated: “Innovation is part of our DNA. Sport Lisboa e Benfica could not be indifferent to the growth of this virtual industry, and specifically esports.
Lempke concluded: “I’m very happy to represent the biggest club in Portugal and one of the biggest in Europe. I can’t wait to wear the colours of Benfica and I’ll do my best to win even more trophies for the club!”
