Automobili Lamborghini is entering esports with the inaugural one-make series The Real Race, in partnership with Assetto Corsa Competizione by Kunos Simulazioni.

A new sim racing championship “blending the real and virtual worlds of racing”, The Real Race marks Lamborghini’s first official entry into esports. The tournament starts on 29 May with five qualifier weekends, before culminating with a live final at Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.

The top three players from the live finals will get to enjoy a three-day experience in Italy, having a chance to train alongside Lamborghini Squadra Corse drivers and to drive a real Lamborghini race car at an internationally- renowned racetrack.

Discussing the series Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini, Stefano Domenicali, said:

“Sim racing is one of the fastest growing sectors in esports, with esports increasingly important to younger generations. I also follow it closely! 

“This is an opportunity for us to combine the excitement of virtual racing with the appeal of Lamborghini cars and our motorsports program. Esports creates an environment where race heroes and top drivers can be challenged by anyone. This encourages wider engagement with real-life racing, reflected by Lamborghini’s investment in this new sports platform.”

While David Coulthard MBE, former Formula One racing driver, who will be the studio-based commentator for the live event, added:

“I’ve paid close attention to the rise of esports. Seeing the realism of racing games and how drivers are using racing simulators to practice, or professional esports players going from simulation to the real thing, is just incredible.

“The Real Race is designed to portray realism and professionalism. Skills in sim racing are so transferable, which is why Lamborghini wants to give players an opportunity to test drive the real thing as part of the prize. There’s nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of a Lamborghini.”

Assetto Corsa Competizione was developed alongside car manufacturers and provides a dynamic platform for Lamborghini’s latest racing series. The game is also used by official Lamborghini Squadra Corse test and race drivers in their real-world preparations. 

The luxury super sports car brand will fuel the sim racing community by creating an immersive esports competition at the wheel of the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO: the three-times winning car of the Daytona 24 Hours. 

Lamborghini’s Centro Stile, its in-house design department, has created 12 exclusive race liveries for competitors, with each car displaying the trademark logos of long-standing Lamborghini Squadra Corse partners, Pertamina, Pirelli and Roger Dubuis.

AYO.NEWS says:

Sim racing really is going through a revolution right now, with the COVID-19 crisis leading millions of people to discover just how exciting it is to watch, and many real-world drivers getting involved with esports organisations. 

It’s not just about four wheels either – just yesterday we reported the Isle of Man TT is going virtual for 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

Online bookmaker Betway has added the BLAST: Bounty Hunt tournament to its growing portfolio of esports events. 

The four-day Dota 2 tournament will see Europe’s best compete for the coveted Bounty Hunt title, with teams battling for a share of the USD $145,000 prize pool. 

Betway-sponsored Ninjas in Pyjamas will join top sides including Alliance, Team Secret, Team Nigma, OG, and Team Liquid, with the first game scheduled for 9 June. 

Commenting on the news Head of Esports at Betway, Adam Savinson, said:

“We have had an incredibly successful 2020 working with BLAST across their Counter Strike tournaments, making it a very easy decision to support their entry into DOTA 2.  We are excited to see BLAST bring their innovative and exciting approach to a new game, and are proud to help them on that journey.”

While Commercial Director for BLAST, Leo Matlock, added:

“The expansion of this deal is testament to the impressive collaboration between BLAST and Betway over the last 18 months as we both strive to be industry leaders in esports and entertain fans the best we can.

“We look forward to continuing this innovative partnership as we expand into one of the world’s most played and loved games in the shape of DoTa 2. We can’t wait to deliver the world class DOTA 2 tournament that fans have been asking for, and are delighted that Betway are supporting and working with us to ensure we achieve this.”

Dota 2 remains one of the world’s most viewed esports, with 2019’s The International, peaking at a concurrent viewership of almost 2 million. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Betway was one of the first mainstream online gambling operators to take esports seriously, and the COVID-19 crisis has very much justified its investment in the vertical. It is now one of the few major bookies that can really command the respect of dedicated esports fans and gamers. 

Earlier this month Betway announced it had further expanded its esports portfolio, sponsoring CS:GO tournament DreamHack Masters Spring. 

‘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. 

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German Formula E driver Daniel Abt has lost his seat with Audi’s official factory team after cheating in the Formula E Race at Home Challenge. 

In a clear illustration of the dangers of traditional sportspeople not taking esports seriously, two-time Formula E race winner Daniel Abt has lost his seat with Audi’s official team after organising a “prank” that backfired. 

Launched in response to the suspension of the 2019-2020 Formula E season due to the COVID-19 crisis, the rFactor 2-based Formula E Race at Home Challenge, is part of a fundraising partnership with UNICEF. 

Abt is a well-known driver in Formula E, having started all 62 races since its 2014 Beijing launch. He initially drove for his family’s racing team, Abt Sportsline, but entered a partnership with German car manufacturer Audi in July 2017, joining its official factory team. 

The controversy involved the fifth stint of the Race at Home Challenge, when Abt came up with the idea of getting a top sim driver to race in his place, to “prank” the other drivers, and then create content around the drama. 

In the event, Austrian sim racer Lorenz “Lozbert” Hörzing masqueraded as Abt, and drove well, before crashing with Stoffel Vandoorne while fighting for the lead, eventually finishing third. The high standard of driving and good finishing position caused other drivers to suspect foul play, and organisers soon found “Abt” had used a different IP address than usual. 

Abt released a video statement explaining and apologising for his actions, 

“This is a game, a simulation, but it has nothing to do with motor racing, with what I usually do. Of course, they attempted to make it realistic, but it definitely is anything but what a real Formula E car is – how it drives, how it feels. Also, races are unrealistic. That became evident for everyone in the first [race at home challenge] race by what happened on track. Accidents happened en masse, everybody drove as they pleased, and the game had bugs.

“To be honest, I believe from an outside perspective it was not what constitutes a real Formula E race, the essence of professional racing. Our intention going into the races was primarily to entertain the fans at home rather than racing for results.”

“I can understand that we took it too far with our idea. In retrospect, we did not think about the seriousness and consequences of this and made an enormous mistake. I stand by my mistake and accept the consequences for what I’ve done and want to emphasize that I’m relieved that the sim racings guys haven’t been dragged into the scandal too much. It’s my responsibility and I’ll bear it.”

Although the series is for entertainment purposes only, with no points or prize money being awarded, and Abt admitted the “prank” immediately, Audi has taken a dim view of Abt’s shenanigans, and kicked him off the team. 

In a statement Audi explained:

“Daniel Abt, after six years and 63 races, will no longer drive for Audi in Formula E. He has been part of our Formula E team since the debut of the racing series in September 2014, and our official factory driver since the autumn of 2017. In Mexico and at our home round in Berlin, Abt took two fantastic Formula E victories and scored a total of ten podium results. With Daniel, we celebrated great success and made enormous strides with Formula E. We are thankful for our time together and look back on it proudly.

“However, integrity, transparency, and consistent compliance with applicable rules, especially with regards to the past, are top priorities for us at Audi. We stand by our culture of tolerating mistakes. However, the incidents that took place during the ‘Race at Home Challenge’ sim racing series were not a mistake, but a conscious decision to go against the rules.

“That is what makes the big difference for us. Therefore, unfortunately, we had no other alternative than suspending Daniel Abt.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Though it’s very likely that Abt didn’t intend anything nefarious in this incident, his statement makes it clear that he doesn’t take esports seriously, so Audi’s decisive actions should be applauded.  With the esports industry growing rapidly, it’s critical to protect the integrity of all competitive play, whether there’s prize money or betting involved or not. 

‘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 organisation Excel Esports has extended its partnership with PC manufacturer Chillblast. 

Chillblast, the UK’s most awarded PC manufacturer, will continue as Excel’s official PC supplier, and will keep collaborating with the organisation in the gaming and esports space, creating a range of branded Excel equipment. The new Excel-branded hardware covers beginner, player, and creator specifications, and branded towers are already available.

Excel, which competes in the League of Legends European Championship (LEC), and the new Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC), will continue to use Chillblast’s PC’s across the organisation. 

Commenting on the news Chief Commercial Officer of Excel Esports, Robin McCammon, said:

“In Chillblast we have a dedicated and true supporter of Excel. The quality and speed of the Chillblast PCs allow us to compete at the highest level and prove ourselves amongst the world elite in professional gaming and Esports. We look forward to gaming together with this key partner.”

While Director at Chillblast, Ben Miles, added:

“Chillblast is extremely proud to be working with Excel Esports. This team’s vision, passion and trajectory is exactly what’s needed to take British esports to the next level. With an exceptional training facility at Twickenham Stadium and a talented executive board, Chillblast is incredibly excited to be taking this journey with Excel.”

AYO.NEWS says:

It’s always good to see a partnership extended like this, and the new range of branded hardware is sure to be a hit with Excel fans. In April Excel also extended its peripherals partnership with HyperX – they must be getting good results! 

‘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

Brooklyn Nets-affiliated NBA 2K League team Nets Gaming Crew has partnered with optical provider Zenni. 

The deal makes Zenni the team’s first jersey sponsor, and as its official eyewear partner, the company will provide players with blue light eyewear. Collaborative content, including a “Film Room Content Series” focusing on previous matches, and a social media promotion will also be produced. 

Commenting on the news Brand Communications Officer for Zenni, Sean Pate, said:

“We’re looking forward to adding another member of our Zenni Gaming family and doing that with the NBA 2K League and NetsGC. We’re excited to connect with another new audience and creating engaging content for NetsGC and NBA 2K League fans alike. 

“As with all our esports partnerships, we’ll focus on introducing our Blokz blue light blocking lens technology to emphasize the importance of eye health for gamers of all skill levels.”

While Head of NetsGC Business Operations and Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships for BSE Global, Josh Pruss, added:

“NetsGC is proud to be the first NBA 2K League team to partner with Zenni. In competitive gaming, players are always looking for a competitive edge, and reducing eye strain is an important aspect in improving overall gaming performance.

“We’re excited to have Zenni as NetsGC’s Official Eyewear Partner and work alongside them to elevate the importance of eye protection and eye health within the gaming community. I’d also like to thank Pat Anhut and Jeff Fischer from BSE Global who led the way in negotiating and securing this key partnership on behalf of NetsGC.”

AYO.NEWS says:

With partnerships already in place with Golden Guardians, Houston Outlaws, Pittsburgh Knights, Lux Gaming, and now NetsGC, it’s clear that Zenni see gaming and esports as a major market for its optical products going forward, and we think that’s pretty smart given the way the world seems to be turning virtual faster than anyone could have predicted! 

‘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

Following a successful 6-week trial, ROKiT Group has extended its sponsorship of Torque Esports’ The Race All-Star Series through to 2021. 

ROKiT will continue to be presenting sponsor of the event, which will now be known as The Race All-Star Series powered by ROKiT Phones. 

Torque Esports launched the series, which takes place in racing sim rFactor 2, in response to the COVID-19 induced cancellation of real-world motorsports. The current season, which is the second, will conclude at the weekend, with a third scheduled to start on 6 June. 

It has attracted well-known real-world drivers including double world champion and Indy 500 and Formula 1 stars Mario Andrettii and Emerson Fittipaldi; F1 world champions Jenson Button, Sebastian Vetterl and Jacques Villeneuve; Indycar stars Dario Franchitti, Helio Castroneves, and Tony Kanaan; Le Mans winners Emanuele Pirro, David Brabham and Jan Magnussen; touring car greats Jason Plato and Andy Priaulx, plus world rally champion Petter Solberg.

The series comprises of three separate championships – the Legends Trophy, the Pro Cup, and the Sim Masters. There is also a team’s championship, with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Hyundai, Williams Esports, and Formula E team ROKiT Venturi Racing, battling it out for the title. 

According to Torque, the series now reaches more than 6 million viewers weekly via ESPN, Eurosport, CNBC, YouTube and other channels. 

Discussing the partnership Co-founder and Chairman of the ROKiT Group, Jonathan Kendrick, said:

“The Race All-Star Series has kept motorsport in the spotlight during a time when no other racing could take place. By bringing together some of the leading car manufacturers, the top sim racing drivers, and world-famous legends it has created a loyal audience of passionate fans and generated fantastic exposure for the ROKiT Group brands.”

While Co-CEO of Engine Media, Torque Esports’ parent company, Darren Cox, added:

“Having a brand like the ROKiT Group, which has established a strong links with real-world motorsport through its association with Williams, Venturi, and W Series, committing to a long-term arrangement with the All-Star Series is testament to the growing popularity and power of virtual racing. We are delighted to have them onboard through to 2021 and to work with them on the many exciting developments we have in the pipeline.”

ROKiT brands include ABK Beer, Bandero Tequila, Bogart’s Spirits, and ROKiT Phones.

AYO.NEWS says:

Sim racing has positively exploded during the COVID-19 lockdowns, driven by the ease with which real-world drivers and teams can transition to the virtual environment, and the exciting viewing experience broadcasters have been able to deliver to fans. 

Earlier today we reported that the Isle of Man TT, one of the world’s most famous motorcycle racing events, has also announced it is going virtual for 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