ESL launches mobile gaming ecosystem

25 March 2021

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Esports organiser and production company ESL Gaming has announced a new mobile esports ecosystem covering North America, Europe/MENA, and Asia-Pacific.

ESL Mobile’s inaugural 2021 Spring Season kicks off on April 12th with a $650,000 (£475,069) prize pool. The Fall Season will be held later this year.

ESL Mobile regions
Image credit: ESL

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According to the release, the new mobile esports ecosystem will expand ESL’s efforts to reach over 80 eligible countries and different game titles.

ESL has partnered with top game publishers and developers Gameloft, Riot, Supercell, and Tencent to include Asphalt 9: Legends, Brawl Stars, Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, Legends of Runeterra, PUBG Mobile, and League of Legends: Wild Rift into its ecosystem.

Kevin Rosenblatt, Co-managing Director of ESL North America and General Manager of Mobile at ESL Gaming, commented: “ESL has made a name for itself building competitive ecosystems across a wide variety of games and genres in the esports landscape. We’re incredibly excited to continue this trailblazing and innovative approach in the mobile esports space.

“Mobile gaming has reached unprecedented popularity worldwide and ESL is thrilled to bring players and fans this competitive and highly engaging program.”

Image credit: ESL

Each season will consist of two competitive tiers, ESL Mobile Open and the all-new ESL Mobile Challenge. Players work their way through two ladder phases and two play-in opportunities for a spot in the Challenge phase of the tournament.

The first season will be played entirely online, and subsequent finals competitions will be held live at major esports events around the world.

ESL Mobile format
Image credit: ESL

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The current schedule is as follows:

● April 12 – May 6, 2021: Mobile Open Play (Ladder #1)
● May 7 – May 8, 2021: Mobile Open Play-In Weekend (Ladder #1)
● May 10 – June 3, 2021: Mobile Open Play (Ladder #2)
● June 4 – June 5, 2021: Mobile Open Play-In Weekend (Ladder #2)
● June 15 – July 7, 2021: Mobile Challenge Regular Season
● July 17 – 18 and July 22 – 23: Mobile Challenge Finals

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Esports Insider says: Mobile gaming revenue is on track to exceed $1bn by 2023, according to Newzoo. As telecoms promote the rollout of 5G, mobile esports has the support and interest it needs to become a worldwide pastime. ESL tested these waters in 2019 with the Mobile Open and clearly saw enough potential in the space to invest long-term.

ESI's 2021 Events Calendar