From sponsorships to industry-wide announcements, Insider Sport has you covered when it comes to the world of esports.
This week’s edition highlights the latest developments within the sector, including BLAST Premier and DLSM, a leading global trading platform, partnering ahead of the Counter-Strike World Final 2024.
As part of the agreement, the trading brand will be integrated across the BLAST Premier World Final broadcast online and in-person, with physical and digital branding as well as dedicated broadcast segments.
This deal also sees DLSM become the exclusive trading partner of the 2024 final, aiming to offer fans and players a mix of esports action and trading opportunities.
Alexander Lewin, SVP of Commercial Revenue for BLAST, said: “We are thrilled to welcome DLSM as our Official Trading Partner for the 2024 World Final. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, and together, we aim to elevate the fan experience by integrating DLSM’s cutting-edge trading platform into the excitement of the tournament.
“The World Final in Singapore promises to be one of the biggest esports events to ever take place in Singapore, and we are excited to see DLSM be a part of this landmark event.”
The event will take place at the Resorts World Convention Centre from 30 October to 3 November and BLAST expects millions of fans to watch globally from 150+ territories in 28 languages, as well as the thousands anticipated to attend live at the venue in Singapore.
As the biggest event in the Counter-Strike calendar, teams will compete against each other for a share of a share of the $1m prize.
Cici Jiang, DLSM Sales Manager, commented: “Partnering with BLAST Premier is an exciting step for DLSM, bringing together two dynamic and like-minded communities that thrive on skill and strategy – trading and esports.
“Similar to Counter-Strike, trading is all about patience, reading signals, and seizing the right moment. We are excited to mix the high-energy world of esports with the sharp focus of trading, paving the way for an exciting future. Together, we can’t wait to see traders and gamers grow, learn, and reach new heights.”
Rivalry looks to bridge esports and betting with SIS’ products
Sports Information Services (SIS) Group has partnered with sportsbook Rivalry to launch its H2H Global Gaming League (H2HGGL) eBasketball and eSoccer games.
Launching in multiple international markets, Rivalry will offer the SIS’ esports products, with the operator hoping to build on its progress of appealing to Gen Z.
Michele Fischer, VP of SIS Content Services, said: “We are pleased to partner with Rivalry, whose platform appeals to a global, digitally native audience. Our short-form esports content, which has already proven to bridge the gap between live sports and its counterpart esports game, should enhance Rivalry’s current offering.”
SIS has said that its H2HGGL is currently adding around 10% in value to operators, with professional gamers taking part in all eBasketball and eSoccer games which are produced entirely in-house.
Jake Nowry, Sales and Business Development Manager at SIS Content Services, said: “We are thrilled to launch our complete esports portfolio with Rivalry and expand the reach of our sport sims solution. Partnering with a leading industry brand is another landmark deal for SIS as we showcase the versatility of our esports offering internationally.”
This product has been recognised for its quality, being the only one on the market to have been awarded the Esports Integrity Commission’s (ESIC) Gold Standards, the highest possible accreditation created.
Evan Van Luven, Director of Sportsbook Operations at Rivalry, said: “Our partnership with SIS expands Rivalry’s product offering with new, around-the-clock betting content for our customers. These products are a great bridge and cross-selling point between our audience of sports and esports bettors looking for more interactive content.”
NSE names UNiDAYS as head sponsor of BUEC
UK university esports body National Student Esports (NSE) has renewed its deal with UNiDAYS, a student discount platform.
At the heart of the renewal, UNiDAYS LVL UP became the new headline sponsor of the body and the British University Esports Championship (BUEC).
Additionally, the discount platform will aim to increase its presence during the 2024/25 championships through regular-season tournaments, which are set to take place throughout October.
The pair first partnered in 2023 to support gamers representing their universities. Since then, the university scene has continued to grow, with 113 universities competing during the 2023/24 academic year, making it one of the largest grassroots esports initiatives in the UK.
Alex Coulson, Managing Director at NSE, remarked: “We are incredibly excited to see UNiDAYS step up as the headline partner for NSE.
“UNiDAYS’ dedication to supporting student communities aligns perfectly with NSE values, and together, we are poised to create a more engaging and impactful environment for student gamers across the UK. We look forward to a brilliant future and the many opportunities this deeper partnership will bring for the NSE community.”
In August, SteelSeries announced its plans to boost BUEC with premium gaming gear, providing Arctis Nova Series gaming headsets for use by participants at the BUEC 2025 finals.
