Luxury automaker Lexus is returning as sponsor of Esports Awards for the second year in a row. 

Widely regarded as the most prestigious night in the esports calendar, and often called “the Oscars of esports”, this year’s event will also feature superstar DJ Steve Aoki and WWE legend Xavier Woods as award presenters. 

A 100% virtual affair, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, this years’ Esports Awards is being billed as “a unique and immersive virtual event going beyond what has been seen in the space,” and will see Lexus and event organisers work together on exclusive content pieces which will be shown during the main ceremony. 

Last year pre-COVID physical event saw Lexus provide a selection of supercars from the likes of the Black Panther and Men in Black International movies, as well as the GS F 10th Anniversary Edition – which took centre stage at the main ceremony at Esports Stadium Arlington.

Looking forward to the event, vice president of Lexus marketing, Lisa Materazzo, said:

“As competitive gaming continues to grow in popularity, Lexus is proud to return to the Esports Awards and go all-in as title sponsor. This year’s virtual Esports Awards will be an extraordinary opportunity to come together and create memorable moments while celebrating the industry’s best.”

While Managing Director, Esports Awards, Michael Ashford, added:

“2020 has been a challenging year for a number of businesses and events in particular. While we would have loved to produce a physical event to showcase the industry’s talent and celebrate a milestone year, we now have the opportunity to create something completely unique in the digital space in which we thrive. 

“Our team has embraced the unique challenge and working with Live CGI, created a truly ground breaking show in the Unreal Engine. It’s great to have Lexus supporting the space and recognising the potential and significance of a digital event that can reach millions globally. 

It also speaks volumes to double down on esports after a successful 2019 activation at the Esports Awards 2019, at the Esports Stadium, in Arlington, Texas. The awards celebrate excellence and to us, Lexus represents excellence in luxury cars making them the perfect fit as a title sponsor.”

The 2020 Esports Awards officially kicks off on live on Twitch on Friday 20 November with the Esports Awards Prelude at 9:00pm GMT / 10:00pm CET / 13:00pm PT and will culminate with the glamorous main event on Saturday 21 November at 9:00pm GMT / 10:00pm CET / 13:00pm PT.

AYO.NEWS says:

While organisers of the Esports Awards, like so many others, have been faced with unprecedented challenges this year, it’s fantastic to see previous sponsors like Lexus return, and the event looks set to be a real treat. 

The success of some digital events makes you wonder if, even in the post-pandemic world, events will actually be hybrid digital-physical productions, rather than reverting to the pre-pandemic norm. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

DRIVE by Draftkings has announced an undisclosed investment in Boston-based esports organisation Warriors International. 

DRIVE by Draftkings is a multi-stage SportsTech and Entertainment venture capital firm founded by DraftKings, General Catalyst, Accomplice, and Boston Seed Capital. Along with its first esports investment, the firm also announced the appointment of Meredith McPherron as CEO and managing partner.

In a release, McPherron commented:

“The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has expedited technological advancements out of sheer necessity, especially in sports, gaming and media sectors where fan engagement and interaction are the lifeblood.

“Each of these investments fits into the areas we’ve identified as major drivers across those sectors not only today, but tomorrow as well.”

While CEO of DraftKings, Jason Robins, added:

“As DRIVE embarks on a new chapter and direction, the company could not be in better hands than with Meredith McPherron taking the reins. The sports tech and entertainment communities have a true strategic resource in DRIVE, which will empower portfolio companies to accelerate growth and realize their full potential.”

Warriors International fields teams in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Rocket League, and has also received investment from Massachusetts-based VC firm Stage 1 Ventures.

In addition to Warriors International (WIN), the firm’s portfolio already includes branded credit card company Cardless, fishing platform Guidesly, and fan engagement platform Pickup. 

DraftKings now offers online sports betting, fantasy betting, and casino products, in regulated markets across the United States, including in Colorado, New Jersey, and West Virginia.  

AYO.NEWS says:

Like most major betting operators, DraftKings has been dabbling in esports for a while now, but the investment directly into an esports organisation, via its new co-owned VC firm, could signal that the company’s leadership now realise they have to take esports and video gaming much more seriously. 

DRIVE by DraftKings is only just getting off the ground, so we expect there’ll be many more esports and video game sector investments announced over the coming months.

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

Guild Esports has released its first apparel collection, PATCH 0.0.1, featuring graphics by streetwear designer Fergus Purcell.

The limited edition monochrome collection features the Guild logo, designed by Purcell – the creator of iconic streetwear label Palace – and includes hoodies, t-shirts, a cap, and keyring, all crafted from sustainable materials. The first 300 orders will also be delivered with exclusive drawstring kit bags.

UK-based Guild Esports is co-owned by footballing legend David Beckham, who unveiled the merch drop to his 65 million Instagram followers yesterday, with a video featuring an exclusive track ‘Run This Ting (Guild)’ by the UK’s Prince of Grime, Yizzy.

Commenting on the launch, Beckham said:

“I have followed Fergus’ work for a while now, and I love the Guild logo and graphics he has created for us. At Guild, we’re on a mission to build a culture of excellence in everything we do, so as one of London’s most iconic streetwear designers, Fergus was the perfect fit as our creative partner.”

Last month, Guild Esports completed a £41.2M GBP listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) – the first esports franchise to do so. And, last week, the organisation hired Duncan ‘Thorin’ Shields to help put together a CS:GO roster to join its Rocket League, FIFA, and VALORANT line-ups. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Like XSET in the United States, Guild Esports is one of the new breed of esports and gaming organisations that, from the very outset, has been launched as a complete lifestyle and cultural business, with fashion and merchandise very much at the heart of the brand. 

With Beckham bringing the brand plenty of high-profile publicity, and Purcell giving it instant credibility in many quarters, the pressure is really on Guild’s teams now to live up to the hype.

Staying with the UK esports and gaming scene, just yesterday Excel Esports unveiled a major brand update and ambitious manifesto, as it seeks to get one up on the ‘over used’ lifestyle orientated organisations. 

PATCH 0.0.1 is now unlocked 🎉

Our first ever limited run apparel line is now available to buy! Fancy a Guild hoodie? Are you more of a cap person? Be a part of our movement with a piece of Guild.

Check out PATCH 0.0.1 👉 https://t.co/vG60RTJMzX pic.twitter.com/1KvFn1xmh1

— Guild (@guildesports) November 12, 2020

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

UK-based competitive gaming culture brand EXCEL ESPORTS has revealed a new visual identity and manifesto.

According to the organisation, which fields teams in Fortnite and League of Legends, its bold new identity will see it evolve into a professional team that adds purpose to its passion for gaming.

Furthermore, signifying the next stage of EXCEL’s expansion, its vision of ‘The Power of Better’ is a commitment to improve in everything it does, and use its platform to have a positive impact on the wider gaming and esports community, steering it “beyond the over-used “lifestyle” esports brand.” 

Discussing EXCEL’s new identity, Co-founder and Chief Gaming Officer, Kieran Holmes-Darby, said:

“Over the last six years, EXCEL ESPORTS has seen immense growth, transforming from a bedroom hobby into a professional competitive gaming brand with players competing in the world’s biggest esports. 

“When EXCEL was founded we wanted our identity to be motivational, competitive, and allow people to easily support us in-game with the XL tag. As we head into this next phase of our journey, it’s great to be able to showcase our roots and initial passion, whilst developing our brand so that it is fit for our future ambitions.”

While CEO at EXCEL ESPORTS, Wouter Sleijffers, added:

“At EXCEL we have unlimited ambitions in the games we compete in, what we want to become as a team and as a brand. It’s now time for us to take our next step to grow as a globally recognised, respected and loved competitive gaming brand from Britain. 

“This step is more than just a visual update, it’s our belief in our vision for ourselves, our talent, our community and our culture. We believe that too many try to copy each other, vying to be competitive or lifestyle without further meaning. 

“Today, we will start our journey of The Power of Better with passion, professionalism, performance and purpose. This is more than just a brand update, it is EXCEL’s promise to be better every day and make our contribution to the future of competitive gaming.”

AYO.NEWS says:

The emergence of new generation esports-lifestyle-culture brands, like XSET for example, is clearly pushing existing organisations to try and metamorphosize into more holistic movements, complete with political and life philosophies. But, there is the danger of pushing things too far and becoming more than a little cringeworthy. Has EXCEL got it right? Time will tell… 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

Global esports company ReKTGlobal has announced Vikram “Vikkstar” Singh Barn is now co-owner of the London Royal Ravens.

A native Londoner, Vikkstar is co-founder of the Sidemen, one of Britain’s most popular YouTube collectives with over 9.7M subscribers and three channels, and is a well-known Call of Duty: Warzone streamer with more than 12.2M followers.

Now, as co-owner of London Royal Ravens, ReKTGlobal’s Call of Duty League franchise, Vikkstar will launch new content formats, merchandise, and promotional activations, in addition to hosting esports competitions including independently operated ReKTGlobal tournaments, as well as top Call of Duty: Warzone events. 

Commenting on the news Vikkstar said:

“Evolving from fan to co-owner is not something I thought I would ever accomplish. When I started streaming, I set out to be competitive, produce fun content and create a community. 10 years later, I’ll now apply that same passion in support of my local team, The Royal Ravens. Can’t wait to see how fans respond to all the exciting plans we have ahead.”

While co-founder of ReKTGlobal, Amish Shah, added:

“When we searched the UK to see who could be the face of the London Royal Ravens, Vikkstar was the unanimous choice for what we are building with the brand going into the 2021 season and beyond.

“Our fans love him, and this is a big win for the entire ReKTGlobal organisation. We are thrilled to welcome him to the family as a co-owner and trusted partner.”

For the upcoming London Royal Ravens 2021 season, Vikkstar will be co-streaming matches, participating in Call of Duty League Warzone events, holding meet & greets with fans, and generally catalyse and evangelize the brand globally. 

Vikkstar’s arrival follows October’s news that ReKTGlobal had secured $35M in funding from Summit Partners, allowing it to continue growing and taking things to new levels. 

Staying with ReKTGlobal, last week the organisation announced the appointment of Hannah Reid as its first ever Chief People Officer. 

AYO.NEWS says:

With his deep connection to the UK’s capital city, vast online following, and incredible enthusiasm for Call of Duty, Vikkstar may well be just the personality and talent needed to really make Londoners connect with the Royal Ravens.

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

Vindex has become the first gaming company to join the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Innovators Community. 

The esports infrastructure provider, which was co-founded in 2019 by former Major League Gaming (MLG) founders Mike Sepso and Sundance DiGiovanni, is the first company in the industry join what the WEF describes as “an invitation-only group of the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups that are at the forefront of technological and business-model innovation.” 

Discussing the news Vindex Co-Founder and CEO, Mike Sepso, said:

“We are honoured to be the first company exclusively in the videogame industry to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Innovators Community. Esports is a global phenomenon, and the videogame industry is expected to hit $175 billion this year—more than movies, music, and many other sectors in entertainment.

“Vindex will work with the World Economic Forum to broaden global understanding of esports and work with private and public member organisations to promote the role of esports and gaming as a worldwide economic driver.”

While Head of Shaping the Future of Media, Entertainment and Sport platform, World Economic Forum, Kirstine Stewart, added:

“We’re thrilled to have Vindex join the Global Innovators Community because the company will be instrumental in helping to showcase the potential of gaming within the larger picture of entertainment and media.

“Vindex is the first company exclusively in the videogame industry to join the World Economic Forum and will be working with us on projects exploring new business models in our sector. This work paves the way for greater knowledge and adoption of esports and gaming worldwide, which will directly influence the growth of other key industries.”

Shortly after launching last year, with $80M in capital, Vindex acquired Next Generation Esports, and in July 2020 the company acquired Belong and all associated IP from Fraser Group’s Game Digital. The company has also partnered with IMAX to create esports events and content exclusive to the immersive cinema chain. 

AYO.NEWS says:

The combination of Sepso and DiGiovanni’s deep industry knowledge and connections, coupled with substantial start-up funding, assured the rapid success of Vindex, and getting an invite to join such an exclusive WEF community just underscores this. Hopefully, Vindex’s inclusion in the group will help catalyse development across the industry. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.