South Korean esports organisation T1 Entertainment & Sports has invested in Los Angeles-based esports analytics startup Mobalytics. 

Mobalytics currently offers analytics for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Fortnite, and Dota 2. 

The partnership between T1 and Mobalytics will see the startup initially support T1’s League of Legends and VALORANT teams, with expansion planned to cover all Riot Games’ titles, including Legends of Runeterra and Teamfight Tactics. 

Financial details of the investment have not been disclosed. 

Discussing the investment CEO of T1, Joe Marsh, said:

“All of our players, coaches, and teams across the T1 portfolio rely on in-game analytics, which is why we thought it was so important to invest in Mobalytics. We are especially excited to collaborate with the Mobalytics team to help build out new training programs for VALORANT so we can continue to see talent develop and grow within Riot’s new title.”

T1’s League of Legends team is the world’s most successful, with three world championship titles, and the organisation has taken an early interest in VALORANT. The organisation has commercial partnerships with major companies including BMW, Nike, Douyu, and Twitch. 

AYO.NEWS says:

With esports now big business, the smallest detail can make a big difference, so effective analytics are getting ever more important. The investment also seems to make it clear that T1 is serious about dominating VALORANT from the get-go! 

Staying with VALORANT, yesterday we reported that DIG Fe, Dignitas’ womens CS:GO team, has announced it will compete in the new title. 

‘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 sports betting operator Betway is sponsoring CS:GO tournament DreamHack Masters Spring, starting from today. 

The deal runs through to 14 June, and marks yet another expansion of Betway’s esports sponsorship portfolio, which includes ESL and BLAST.

Several of the 32 teams competing in the DreamHack Masters Spring, including BIG, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and MIBR, are sponsored by Betway. 

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

“At Betway we are thrilled to be adding DreamHack Masters Spring to our portfolio of top tier esports events. It reinforces our strong commitment to the scene and we look forward to being part of such a legendary tournament.”

While Co-CEO of DreamHack, Roger Lodewick, added:

““We are excited to expand our list of strong partners for DreamHack Masters Spring by entering into a partnership with Betway. This is a strong commitment not only to DreamHack, but also to the CS:GO community during these challenging times in our world.”.”

Staying with DreamHack, at the end of last month the company, together with ESL, announced a major 3-year broadcast rights deal with Twitch. A week prior to that announcement, DreamHack and Riot Games announced the new Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC). 

AYO.NEWS says:

Betway were already one of the most pro-esport traditional bookies out there, and with the COVID-19 lockdown-induced explosion in esports betting, it’s no surprise to see them investing more in supporting esports. 

‘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

Malta-based esports Entertainment Group (EEG) has begun onboarding new affiliate marketing partners for its relaunched VIE.gg esports betting platform. 

Affiliates will include esports teams, leagues, streamers, influencers, and super affiliates, from across Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. 

Commenting on the move CEO of Esports Entertainment Group, Grant Johnson, said:

“Our Affiliate partners are a very important part of our organic growth strategy in 2020 and beyond, so it has been a high priority of ours to provide the comfort and security they need to partner with us and drive their valuable global audiences to VIE.gg.

“We believe that with the combination of our NASDAQ listing, capital raise and Malta license over the last 30 days we have a formidable competitive advantage to attract, support and grow with affiliate partners that we believe will lead to rapid organic growth for our newly relaunched VIE.gg esports wagering platform.”

While Esports Affiliate Manager, Christian Heinrichs, added:

“Affiliate marketing is a proven growth model for online gambling. Our affiliate streamers broadcast to massive, global esports audiences. Combined with the credibility and support of the many teams and leagues we continue to sign as affiliates, we believe our VIE.gg platform can quickly become the industry standard for safe, secure esports betting.”

AYO.NEWS says:

With esports betting experiencing explosive growth due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, the sky seems to be the limit for EEG’s VIE.gg, so it will be fascinating to watch their progress as the wheels of its affiliate marketing machine start turning. 

‘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 International Esports Federation (IESF) and the World Esports Consortium (WESCO) have agreed to work together to promote unity within the sector. 

The new memorandum of understanding follows a similar agreement between the IESF and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, signed in March, and is part of the federation’s wider strategy to build a sustainable and united esports ecosystem. 

It is also the first agreement entered into under the IESF’s new president, Vlad Marinescu. As we reported last week Marinescu took over the role previously held by Colin Webster, who was forced to abdicate due to circumstances relating to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. 

Discussing the new agreement with WESCO, President of the International Esports Federation, Vlad Marinescu, said:

“This MOU marks an important moment in the unification of Esports. Our target at the IESF is unification, collaboration, and recognition. This agreement achieves the three objectives, all at the same time. I’d like to congratulate and thank Mr. Cossi for his contribution to Esports thus far. WESCO and the IESF will work together on various programs around the world that’ll achieve positive benefits for all stakeholders.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with more entities that have the same objectives as IESF which are to protect Esports athletes, ensure mental health and promote physical health as well, and also the recognition of Esports as a sport globally via the international federation and nationally via the national associations through a partnership with each country’s sports authority.”

AYO.NEWS says:

It appears that the struggle between the Singapore-based Tencent-backed Global Esports Federation (GEF) and the IESF is hotting up! Both claim to be looking to build a sustainable, unified global esports ecosystem, and both seem to be getting plenty of support. 

For example, a couple of weeks ago we reported the GEF had partnered with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), and it has certainly attracted some top talent from the world of traditional sports and business. But, is it too corporate for many in the esports community? 

‘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

Kansas-based Midwest Esports has become Unified Esports Association (UEA), after the esports holding company rebranded. 

UEA’s portfolio includes the Unified Collegiate Esports Association, Upsurge Esports, Community Esports League, Local Legends Gaming, and the Midwest Esport Conference. The company also organises esports festivals and offers event services.

According to the company, its strategic consolidation will ultimately include a brand refresh across all of UEA’s digital, social and traditional channels. 

Explaining the reasoning behind the rebrand, CEO and Founder of the Unified Esports Association, Ramsey Jamoul, said:

“Midwest Esports has made tremendous business strides, especially with recent acquisitions and leadership, and needed to establish an overarching company that reflected our elevated services, competitive offerings and thought leadership under a unified strategic vision. 

“In addition to our products, we’ll be announcing several key executive initiatives in the near future. We are fully committed to being a coveted partner among gamers, spectators, communities and sponsors, alike.”   

While COO at Unified Esports Association, Ben Redington,  added:

“We have been successful in our goal at Midwest Esports by creating a pipeline for amateur players, giving them the opportunities and experiences to showcase their skills in front of a live audience.

“Now we are completing the ecosystem with strategic acquisitions that will help the Unified Esports Association continue to grow our products and services. From our youth leagues, hobbyists and casual players to our amateur, collegiate, and semi-professional players, we have a product to align to their skill level.”

AYO.NEWS says:

This seems like a smart move given the once Kansas-focused company now has a more nationwide-focused offering. As the company scales-up through acquisitions and organic growth, the trick will be maintaining the close camaraderie and community that has made it such a success so far. 

‘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

Dignitas has announced its women’s CS:GO team will compete in VALORANT, making it the first major pro female team to compete in multiple titles. 

DIG Fe’s roster of female gamers includes Team Captain Emmalee “EMUHLEET” Garrido, Amanda “rain” Smith, Kiara “milk” Makua and Melisa “theia” Mundorff. 

Its entry into VALORANT marks the sixth gaming title in which Dignitas, the competitive gaming arm of New Meta Entertainment (NME), competes. Teams are fielded in League of Legends (LCS and Academy Teams), CS:GO (Men’s and Women’s), Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers, and Clash Royale. 

DIG Fe made their VALORANT debut over the weekend, competing in the ANEW VALORANT Women’s 1K Open on Saturday, and the Elite Esports Rivalry Bowl International on Sunday. 

Discussing the news NME and Dignitas CEO, Michael Prindiville, said:

“Dignitas is a longstanding champion of women in esports. Since their recruitment in 2017, DIG Fe has raised four international trophies under the Dignitas banner; their expansion into VALORANT is the first step in a larger women’s empowerment initiative the organization has planned for the coming months. Our goal is to become esports most empowering and educational organization for professional and aspiring female gamers, content creators and fans.”

While DIG Fe Team Captain and two-time World Champion Player, Emmalee ‘EMUHLEET’ Garrido, added:

“As both a competitive team and female pioneers in the esports space, we’re constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to better connect with our fanbase while also feeding our competitive edge.

“When presented with the opportunity to expand to VALORANT, we quickly recognized the game as a sweet spot between a high skill esports title and a game that appealed to a broader gaming audience. DIG Fe and I look forward to the challenge of taking on an additional competitive title and hope to raise a trophy or two in VALORANT.”

DIG Fe’s women’s pro CS:GO team is the only to achieve back-to-back World Championship titles, and has strong commercial appeal, having attracted sponsorships from HyperX, Champion, Raynor Gaming, Vie and more.

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