Riot Games has announced American telecommunications conglomerate Verizon as the official 5G wireless and network service partner of First Strike, the first VALORANT tournament organised by the publisher.
RELATED: Gambling on VALORANT: Key markets and important data
The deal builds on Verizon’s existing relationship with Riot Games. In June, the telecommunications company entered a three-year partnership with the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS).
In recent months, Verizon has also expanded its presence in esports. The firm has recently entered into deals with the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS), and North American organisations FaZe Clan and Dignitas.
[primis_video widget=”5183″]
RELATED: LCS connects with Verizon in three-year partnership
The First Strike main events, which includes a total of 11 regions, begin on December 3rd and concludes on December 6th where a champion for each of the regions will be crowned. Teams that qualified for the European and North American finals will have the opportunity to compete for a share of $100,000 (£73,776) in prize money.
In November, Riot Games unveiled details surrounding the VALORANT competitive structure for the 2021 season. The VALORANT Champions Tour will focus around three tiers of competition, culminating with the VALORANT Champions tournament that is scheduled to take place in November 2021.
Although the Champions Tour doesn’t get underway until next January, Riot Games has already unveiled energy drink brand Red Bull and gaming chair manufacturer Secretlab as founding partners.
Esports Insider says: With Verizon already collaborating with Riot Games as a partner of the LCS, it comes as no surprise to see the telecom company become a partner of VALORANT’s First Strike event, especially with the game continuing to grow.