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

Activision Blizzard has announced TeamSpeak as its Official Broadcast Communications supplier for the Call of Duty League (CDL). 

TeamSpeak’s technology is already used for all Call of Duty League’s production communications, and its platform will now be integrated to be used for matches through to the end of the 2023 season.

The partnership will also see Activision Blizzard and TeamSpeak collaborate on a global digital marketing campaign, incorporating social and online brand sponsorships and community initiatives. In-venue activations and sweepstakes are also planned for when live homestand events return after the COVID-19 crisis has passed. 

Discussing the partnership VP of Global Partnership Development at Activision Blizzard Esports, Jack Harari, said:

“TeamSpeak offers best-in-class broadcast communications capabilities that we rely on to empower and optimize our teams and players. We have an obvious advantage entrusting TeamSpeak to provide this critical part of our operations in highly competitive environments where seamless voice communications are critical to successful broadcasts of live competition.”

While CEO of TeamSpeak, Ian Bamford, added:

“Working with the Call of Duty League is a strong indicator of the continued adoption of our technology as the solution of choice among the leading competitive leagues and teams worldwide. Our technology ensures seamless in-game communications for every scenario, whether all-virtual, or for live, in-person events.”

AYO.NEWS says:

In professional matches clear low latency communication with teammates can make the difference between victory and defeat, so choosing the right communications platform is critical. 

TeamSpeak’s Tournament Edition (TST) has already been adopted by Overwatch League and iRacing, and proven itself more than capable of meeting the demanding requirements of high intensity pro play, so we expect it will be successful in Call of Duty League too. 

Staying with TeamSpeak, in April we reported the company had appointed Kent Wakeford, Vice Chairman and Co-founder of esports organisation Gen.G, to its board of advisors. 

‘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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The Isle of Man TT Races, one of the world’s most famous motorcycle events, is the latest motorsport to transition to the virtual world in the face of COVID-19. 

According to the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise, which promotes the races, the ‘TT Lock-In’ will include a virtual race between elite real-world riders and international gamers. 

With the physical TT Races cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the digital event will give fans the opportunity to enjoy fast-paced racing action online in the ‘Virtual TT powered by Motul.’ 

Eight TT stars will take on the familiar course remotely via the newly released game ‘Isle of Man TT: Ride on the Edge 2.’ The riders will be paired with experienced gamers from around the world, and attempt to achieve the best aggregate time to see who will be crowned the ‘Virtual TT 2020 Champions.’

Discussing the event CEO of Digital Isle of Man, Lyle Wraxall, said:

“The ‘Virtual TT powered by Motul’ is an exciting project that provides us with the chance to engage with new and different fans around the world. It will open doors to explore digital channels and opportunities for the island such as our new esports initiative.

“Thanks to our network, our technical excellence, collaboration with gamers, motorsport and developers, and world-leading infrastructure, we have been able to produce an event that I’m sure will cement our position as a forward-thinking and adaptable home for digital  innovations and businesses.”

Regular TT riders, including Isle of Man local Conor Cummins, Peter Hickman, and Davey Todd will be taking part, with their teammates being international gamers from Russia, the USA, and the UK, plus racing legend Steve Hislop’s son Aaron. 

The eight-day event will be broadcast on the Official TT website iomttraces.com, its Facebook page, and its YouTube channel. 

AYO.NEWS says:

With Formula 1, NASCAR, the British Rally Championship, and many other motorsports switching to a virtual format to keep fans entertained during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s no surprise that the Isle of Man TT has joined them. One thing is for sure, it will be a lot safer than the notoriously lethal real-world event! 

‘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

South Korean esports organisation T1 Entertainment & Sports has confirmed Samsung Electronics as its official display partner. 

The partnership will see Samsung equip T1’s Seoul headquarters with a range of products, including the latest Odyssey G9 and G7 monitors for the rebranded Samsung Player Lounge.  Promotional activities, including meet-and-greets, are also planned but dates will depend on the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Discussing the partnership Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung, Hyesung Ha, said:

“We are proud to partner with T1, the leader in professional esports, helping them in their continued success and global growth as official display partner. 

“Our line-up of Odyssey monitors provides the latest in gaming monitor technology with lightning-fast speed, comfortable curvature and a sleek design, offering professional esports gamers the competitive edge they need to make every split second count.”

While CEO of T1, Hoe Marsh, added:

“At the highest level of professional esports, the right technology and equipment mark the difference between winning and losing.

“We are thrilled to partner with Samsung to equip our players with the leading gaming monitor technology. By using the world’s first 1000R curvature Odyssey monitor with rapid response time and refresh rates, we are confident our players have the tools they need to perform at their best.”

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. 

Interestingly, T1 and Samsung do have something of a competitive history – with Samsung’s works esports team, Samsung Galaxy, defeating T1 (which was named SK Telecom T1 at the time) in the 2017 League of Legends World Championship Finals. 

T1 also has commercial partnerships in place with BMW, Logitech G, Nike, Secretlab, and Twitch, and competes in Apex Legends, Dota 2, FIFA Online 4, Fortnite, Hearthstone, League of Legends, Overwatch, PUBG, Super Smash Bros, and VALORANT. 

AYO.NEWS says:

T1 has again demonstrated its ability to secure a partnership with a huge global brand, and we’re looking forward to seeing what activities they have planned when South Korea finally emerges from the COVID-19 crisis. 

Stayig with T1 Entertainment & Sports, last week we reported the company had invested in Los Angeles-based esports analytics startup Mobalytics. 

‘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

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has approved wagering on yet another major esports event; the currently underway ESL One Birmingham. 

A major event on the Dota 2 calendar, ESL One Birmingham got underway on 21 May, in a completely online format due to the COVID-19 crisis, and will run through to 7 June. 

Nevada licensees have been authorised to accept three wager types: head to head, match winner, and overall winner. 

As usual in the state, operators wanting to accept bets on ESL One Birmingham will need to disclose their intent to the Enforcement Division via a notification of terms, and official rules from the organiser or sanctioning body’s site must be displayed before wagers are accepted. Operators are free to determine odds, but in-play bets are prohibited. 

ESL One Birmingham is the second Dota 2 event to be authorised by the NGCB, following April’s ESL One Los Angeles. The regulator has given the green light for betting on 12 esports events since March, covering Call of Duty, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, iRacing, League of Legends, and Overwatch, 

AYO.NEWS says:

With traditional sports events still severely disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and esports enjoying an explosion in popularity, thanks in large part to the significant expansion of coverage by mainstream broadcasters, the Nevada Gaming Control Board should be applauded for helping operators offer customers alternative betting options. Hopefully the success of esports betting in Nevada will inspire other states to follow suit. 

‘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

Berlin-based G2 Esports has partnered with Brandgenuity as it works to expand its global licensing program.  

G2 Esports currently has a partnership in place with US-based esports merchandising company We Are Nations and, like other esports organisations, is investing heavily in developing apparel and lifestyle collections for its fans around the world. 

Brandgenuity has offices in New York, London, Munich, and Hong Kong, and an impressive list of major clients including Arm & Hammer, BMW, Budweiser, Corona, Covergirl, Hawaiian Tropic, and White Castle. 

Discussing the news Founder and CEO of G2 Esports,Carlos ‘ocelote’ Rodriguez, said:

“G2 is building a lifestyle and entertainment empire. We have designed and developed streetwear-inspired collections and merchandise that sell out almost instantly thanks to the #G2ARMY and we want to continue to bring our fans merchandise that makes them proud to rep G2. 

“The Brandgenuity team demonstrated that they understood both our brand and our dedication to entertain at all costs, and we know they will propel us forward in our global licensing efforts.”

While Managing Director of Brandgenuity Europe, Teri Niadna, added:

“We are thrilled to be working with G2 Esports, who are one of the most dominant teams in the world, and the undisputed leaders in fan engagement and world-class entertainment. This brand has everything we look for to build a great licensing programme; double-digit growth trajectory, a distinctive personality and truly passionate fans.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Merchandising and licensing is turning into a major revenue stream for esports organisations, capitalising on the fact that esports and gaming are complete lifestyles rather than merely interests. 

Of course, the fact that, unlike most traditional sports teams, esports organisations aren’t usually subject to league-imposed commercial restrictions, means opportunities are only limited by the imagination. 

Staying with G2 Esports, last week we reported the organisation had partnered with Mastercard to raise funds for the COVID-19 fight, by launching a range of branded face masks. 

‘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