European Mobile Network Sponsors ESL’s Biggest Esports Events
Last week ESL announced that mobile network Vodafone would become its premium partner for its biggest esports events, including the Intel Extreme Masters, ESL One and the ESL Pro League. The deal will see Vodafone branding shown on broadcasts of these events and at the live events themselves.
Ralf Reichert, CEO at ESL said, “together with Vodafone we are looking forward to connect even more people and create diversity in esports by ensuring better technological conditions for professional players, fans and ESL employees, fostering corporate responsibility projects and creating awareness around the esports industry to a broader audience.”
As technology changes the way we work, play and consume content, it makes sense that telecommunications providers want to be involved with professional esports teams and competitions. Vodafone have previously sponsored German organization mousesports and the Giants organization (now “Vodafone Giants”). The new partnership further solidifies their commitment to the esports industry and its future.
Other telecommunications companies with esports sponsorship deals include T-Mobile, the wireless provider and title sponsor for Overwatch League’s MVP and Finals MVP awards, and mobilcom-debitel which sponsors League of Legends team Unicorns of Love and has released its own esports focused phone tariff.
An important aspect of the Vodafone-ESL partnership is a series of initiatives to promote diversity and female participation in esports. Vodafone will be a premium partner for the female esports challenge (CS:GO) at IEM Sydney 5–6 May. In a space which is roughly 70:30 male dominated, initiatives like this from large brands can play an important role in the growth and development of esports.
ESL Women’s Sydney Open Competitor, Jessica Majrouh said, “With the support of large brands entering the esports space, and a combined effort from tournament organisers like ESL, there is hope that we will have the backing to allow our community to develop and flourish for the future generation of women in esports.”
In 2018, esports is attracting massive audiences, but is still in its infancy. More and more mainstream brands are recognizing esports’ potential. They should also see the opportunity to bring something to the industry that is relevant to both players and viewers. Esports fans are generally media savvy and critical of marketing — it is vital that brands can connect with the audience and maybe even help shape the future of the industry.
Esports Interactive Platform (EIP) is creating a decentralized platform for direct interaction between brands, esports providers and the audience. We aim to simplify and increase understanding and relevance between the parties involved in esports for the mutual benefit of all.
Please find more information about EIP and our roadmap on the EIPlatform website
See also the EIPlatform Whitepaper
