Discover the what, why, and how of esports sponsorship at the ESI Forum

11 October 2017

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The Esports Insider Forum Series returns for a fourth consecutive month, bringing together an eclectic mixture of the brightest minds in and around the esports industry at Fnatic’s Bunkr on October 26th. The topic for discussion this month surrounds all things esports sponsorship. From endemic, to non-endemic, the hardships and just how it should work.

The last year has been a busy one for esports and the sponsorship world. Whereas previously, the endemic side has dominated the esports landscape, with the likes of HyperX, Razer, Monster and Red Bull tending to dominate, the industry has started to shift. Just across the last couple of months, League of Legends has partnered with T-Mobile and BMW. ESL One Hamburg has partnered with Mercedes-Benz, whilst Astralis has added CocoFuzion to a growing list of non-endemic backers.

With big-hitting data companies such as Nielsen launching into esports as well, the opportunity will continue to exist and arguably grow. But what’s the right way to do it, and what are the benefits?  

Thus far the ESI Forum has welcomed an array of experts to sit on panels dissecting why football clubs are entering esports, the apparel and merch opportunity and the challenges the gambling industry faces with regards to esports. ESI has hosted the likes of Fnatic CEO Wouter Sleijffers, Sky Sports commentator Gary Taphouse as well as Head of Esports at Sportradar James Watson, CEO of Blinkpool Suraj Gosai, Digital Fuel CEO Toby Oddy and exceL Esports co-owner Kieran Holmes-Darby.

This month, the ESI team has lured plenty of fantastic names to speak on what’s sure to be another fantastic panel.The panel will feature:

  • Róisín O’Shea, Head of Partnerships, Fnatic;
  • Duncan McMonagle; SVP Strategy & Partnerships, DBLTAP (Minute Media); 
  • Shane Herrington; Brand Marketing Manager EMEA, HyperX.
Róisín O’Shea, Fnatic

Róisín O’Shea, Head of Partnerships, Fnatic commented: “As Head of Partnerships at Fnatic, I lead our global efforts in the sponsorship space. We’re delighted to see more and more non-endemic brands invest in esports, and in Fnatic, and we expect to see a lot more of this as we educate more people about the opportunities and ensure our offering is equipped to reach a mainstream audience. 

“I’m looking forward to joining the other panellists at this next esports insider at Fnatic Bunkr, where I’m looking forward to discussing the ever-changing commercial landscape of esports.”

Once the panel has shared invaluable insight, we will again whisk away the chairs, usher in the pizza-man and reopen the bar for a night of frivolity and, what one would assume will be some poor quality Rocket League. Sixteen fierce competitors will be invited to battle it out on the Fnatic stage for their chance to win a great prize and become the latest champion of the ESI Forum Series.

There will, of course, be plenty of opportunity to get around and speak to anyone and everyone. Whether it’s putting faces to familiar email names, or meeting someone new, there’s a very good chance that if they’re involved in esports and they reside in the UK, they’ll be in attendance.

There’s plenty of time to grab your ticket for the event, priced at just £15. You can get your ticket here.

For speaker or sponsorship opportunities, email sam@esportsinsider and [email protected]