The second iteration of Esports BAR Cannes goes off with a bang

19 February 2018

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This year’s Cannes edition of the Esports BAR was a serious step up from 2017.

This is not to say that 2017 was a poor event, far from it in fact; it was a strong start to REED Midem’s entrance into esports business conferences. Last week’s edition though, which took place at the Palais des Festivals between 12th and 14th February, was a 5* few days. 

As a content partner, Esports Insider put together two of the numerous panels. One of these looked at ‘Why football clubs are entering esports?’, and other focused on the esports and betting space.

The football clubs panel saw Esports Insider in the moderator’s chair, with Sergio Benet, GM of Valencia CF, North CEO Christian Sorensen, and Pedro Honório da Silva, Co-Founder and CEO of Qwatti eSports Agency on the panel. The verdict here was that football clubs have been in the game for some time, and so esports organisations stand to learn a lot from them when it comes to being professional and well-organised entities. Likewise, football clubs stand to learn something too; when it comes to the creation of content many esports orgs do this very well indeed. 

Over at the betting panel on Valentine’s days no less, Betway’s Head of Esports Adam Savinson took to the stage alongside Sportradar Head of Esports James Watson and Suraj Gosai, Founder of BlinkPool. ESIC Commissioner Ian Smith, who lost out by the skin of his teeth to Disney at the Game Shakers Dinner the previous night, was in the moderator’s chair. 

With three days of content, panels, workshops and meetings it was a busy 72 hours for all Esports BAR attendees. One major reveal at the show saw Team Vitality announce a partnership with Renault Sports. Renault will start with a Rocket League team, to be known as Renault Sport Team Vitality, but have plans for far more; and Vitality will be right there alongside them making sure it all goes to plan. Renault Sport are in discussions with Formula One who have sizable esports plans. 

Players across Team Vitality’s other rosters will also gain access to, and benefit from, Renault Sports management and facilities. In another cool addition to the agreement, the Team Vitality logo will appear on Renault’s Formula One cars.

The rather magnificent backdrop of the Cannes harbour was mirrored by the delivery of the event by Reed MIDEM. Following the second day, the inaugural Game Shakers Dinner took place nearby at the Intercontinental Cannes. Here, an array of companies and personalities were rewarded for their hard work and what they have brought, are bringing or are expected to bring to the esports industry.

The likes of Disney won Shaker to Watch, whilst Nate Nanzer won Shaker of the Year, Twitch and Valve won Media Shaker, the IOC won Sport Shaker and BMW and Riot won Brand Shaker. You can read more about this Esports BAR partner event right here

Next up for the team behind the Esports BAR is the second coming of the event in Miami. This is taking place in September 24-26th. 

Disclaimer: Esports Insider is an official content partner of the Esports BAR