EXPEDIA MAKES ESPORTS DEBUT AS SPONSOR OF THE ESPORTS AWARDS

Expedia is making its debut in the world of esports as Official Travel Companion of the 2021 Esports Awards. 

The partnership will see Expedia work closely with the Esports Awards on creating a number of “epic moments” for attendees, viewers and fans showcasing the globality of the awards. Expedia says it will be organizing several co-streams for the night of the awards, featuring creators in different regions and dialects to create an “encompassing awards platform and an ultimate global celebration.”

This year will be the sixth edition of the Esports Awards, and will see the event make a return to the Esports Stadium Arlington, Texas on 20 November 2021. Over 37 awards will be presented throughout the evening, honouring all aspects of the esports industry. Expedia will be sponsoring the Esports Coach of the Year award.

Michael Ashford, CEO, Esports Awards, commented: “The travel industry has a natural synergy with esports like no other. Our audiences are happy to travel around the world for key gaming moments. The engagement potential for travel is second to none, from check in to check out you are able to connect with fans. That’s why we are extremely happy to be the first esports event to partner with a travel brand as prestigious and world-renowned as Expedia.” 

Mike Wolfe from Expedia Group, added: “We’re excited to announce this collaboration with the Esports Awards, an event as global as our travellers. We know the travel audience is a big part of the gaming family and we look forward to helping them, fans and followers unleash their travel greatness through the epic, in real life trips we all can’t wait to take again. As presenting sponsor of the Esports Coach of the Year Award, we’ll help celebrate the role a coach plays as their team’s ultimate companion and our partnership will feature one of the most celebrated coaches in the world on the big night on November 20th.”

Last year the Esports Awards were forced to go virtual due to the pandemic, but were still a great success, notching up a record-breaking 15.6 million viewers across the campaign, and seeing 5.1 million votes counted. 

Nominees for this year’s awards include some of the biggest names in the esports industry and beyond including FaZe Clan, League of Legends, 100 Thieves, CAA, BMW, and State Farm.