Yet again, this week in esports was a big one – it saw ESL & Intel bolster their impressive partnership, Topgolf getting involved in the industry, the Pittsburgh Steelers investing in a local esports organisation, and Riot Games making a change to the NA LCS.
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ESL and Intel expand partnership through to 2021
ESL and Intel have announced that they will build on their 18-year partnership for at least another three years.
As part of the new deal, the two parties will launch new esports events in the Asia-Pacific region and have pledged to invest over $100 million (£79 million) from now until 2021.
Read the full article here.
TCL and Topgolf partner to create six esports lounges
Sports entertainment company is embracing esports by launching esports lounges in six of its establishments, in partnership with television manufacturer TCL.
Topgolf venues in Austin, Charlotte, Houston-Katy, Minneapolis, and Scottsdale will all have their very own lounges from 2019, equipped with TCL televisions that will show esports action on a daily basis.
Read the full article here.
Pittsburgh Knights receives investment from Pittsburgh Steelers
Esports organisation Pittsburgh Knights has received investment from, and partnered with, NFL team Pittsburgh Steelers.
Financial details of the investment were not disclosed, but the Steelers will support the Knights by utilising its “seasoned experience and unique skill sets”.
Read the full article here.
Riot Games rebrands NA LCS following EU LCS changes
Following the EU LCS becoming the LEC as franchising is implemented, Riot Games has rebranded the NA LCS to the LCS.
Returning on January 26th, 2019, the North American competition has ran since 2013 and introduced 10 franchise partners at the beginning of the 2018 season. The logo for the league has also been altered slightly to reflect the change of name.
Read the full article here.