eSports

London’s OVO Arena Wembley Set to Host BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024

Published

1 month ago

October 24, 2023

london’s-ovo-arena-wembley-set-to-host-blast-premier-spring-final-2024

Reading Time: 2 minutes

BLAST has teamed up with Live Nation, one of the world’s largest live entertainment companies, along with leading business growth and destination agency London & Partners to bring the Spring Final to London in June 2024. The partnership forms part of BLAST’s ambition to create the best esports experiences by working closely with destinations and the biggest and best live entertainment partners.

The event will bring the world’s best esports teams and players from all across the world to compete in London – four years since BLAST’s last event in the UK’s capital with the city’s second largest indoor venue set to host Counter-Strike’s elite.

The announcement aligns with London & Partners’ ambition to position England’s capital as a global hub for leading esports and gaming events in the future. The UK currently has an 8% share of the global esports industry, which is set to reach $1.6 billion by the end of this year.

Andrew Haworth, Programme Director for BLAST Premier, said: “London is renowned for hosting world-leading events in sport, music and entertainment with the city now setting its sights on being a leading destination for esports. We look forward to working with London & Partners and Live Nation to achieve this aim. Bringing the first BLAST Premier arena event of 2024 to London is an important and exciting first step in this journey.

“The OVO Arena Wembley is a state-of-the-art facility and will provide fans with the perfect setting to witness the most talented Counter-Strike and esports players go head-to-head for a $425,000 total prize pool and chance to qualify for the highly-anticipated World Final in December 2024.”

Ailsa Buck, Head of Major Events and City Experience at London & Partners said: “London is a global hub for innovation and creativity. It’s a city that embraces new experiences and concepts; making this event the ideal partnership. We’re looking forward to welcoming BLAST back to the capital. We cannot wait to see how this partnership will allow us to continue our esports journey, as well as contribute to making London a place for both work and play.”

Sean Ryman, Vice President, Sport and Family Entertainment, said: “BLAST Premier’s arrival in the UK heralds the start of an exciting new partnership, a pioneering venture for Live Nation UK in the world of esports. We are elated to join forces with BLAST Premier, contributing to their ongoing expansion and groundbreaking initiatives in the live arena.”

The Spring Final 2024 will be the biggest Counter-Strike event to take place in the UK since the London Major 2018, which took place in the OVO Arena Wembley and saw Danish organisation Astralis crowned champions.

All eight teams that eventually qualify for the Spring Final will be competing for a massive prize pool of $425,000 and a place in the highly anticipated World Final in December 2024.

The first two days of the event will be played behind closed doors in the arena while the Friday-Sunday (June 14-16) will be played in front of a packed out arena for each day.

Tickets for the event will go on presale from Wednesday, 25th October and general sale from Friday, 27th October.

eSports

Global Esports Federation Reveals Season 4 of Global Esports Tour from Rio De Janeiro

Published

3 hours ago

November 30, 2023

GamingAmericas.com

global-esports-federation-reveals-season-4-of-global-esports-tour-from-rio-de-janeiro

The Global Esports Federation’s pro-series – Global Esports Tour (GET) – will kick off its next season in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in April 2024. Staged by the Brazilian Confederation of Games and Esports (CBGE) and strongly supported by Brazil’s National, State and Local partners. The event promises intense competition and a boost for economic and tourism development in the vibrant city.

GET Rio 2024, the first stage of a multi-year Global Esports Tour slated for Brazil from 2024 to 2026, is set to feature the Counter-Strike 2 championship with eight Open teams and four Women’s teams, competing for the coveted prize bank of $200,000. Beyond intense gaming action, the Rio Free Fire Cup (JEDIS), cosplay performance, conference panels, art and urban culture will enhance this innovative event.

“With the selection of Rio de Janeiro as the launch site for the Global Esports Tour 2024, we are embracing the passion and commitment of the Brazilian esports community. This marks a pivotal moment in elevating Brazil’s position in the world of esports. As we expand our global GET portfolio, we are proud to appoint GEF’s Director of Programs and Content, Eric F. Brinkley, as our first GET Commissioner,” Paul J. Foster, CEO of GEF, said.

“We are honored to host our first stage of the Global Esports Tour over the next three years. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the world’s talented esports athletes, promote esports in our region, and develop the esports industry in Brazil,” Paulo Ribas, President of CBGE, said.

“We are preparing an epic event. It will be a great party, a true convergence between competition and entertainment in one of the most vibrant destinations in the world,” Paulo added.

Rodrigo Castro, State Secretary for Events and Promotion of Rio de Janeiro State, said: “In addition to contributing to the state’s economy, esports is a way of transforming lives. It is a privilege to bring an international event to Rio de Janeiro with content including music, the arts and culture. We are proud to be the hosts of this major event for our diverse, young community.”

The support from the State Government, Ministry of Sports, State Secretariat of Sports, and Suderj underscores the collaborative effort to make the Global Esports Tour a transformative experience for Rio de Janeiro and the esports community.

Mario Cilenti, Executive Director of Operations at GEF, said: “Brazil is a key growth region for esports, and we believe this event will not only showcase the talent of professional esports athletes but also provide an opportunity to continue to fuel growth in this powerful region.”

eSports

Gillette named as the Official Partner of the Esports Awards

Published

1 day ago

November 29, 2023

GamingAmericas.com

gillette-named-as-the-official-partner-of-the-esports-awards

Gillette joins forces as the official partner of the prestigious Esports Awards, marking a partnership of two industry leaders set to deliver an unforgettable experience
As part of the collaboration, Gillette will present the Esports Awards pre-show and will feature “Gillette resets” as transitions between segments at the Awards ceremony

The Esports Awards presented by Lexus, the most prestigious night in the esports calendar, is pleased to announce its latest partnership with the world’s leading expert in men’s grooming, Gillette.

As part of the partnership, Gillette will present the Esports Awards pre-show, promising a showcase of talent, innovation, and excellence in the esports world. Alongside this, Gillette has introduced ‘Gillette Resets’, as exciting transitions between segments of the main ceremony.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the world of esports, uniting the acclaimed grooming brand Gillette with the prestigious Esports Awards to deliver an unforgettable event. Presented by Gillette, the Esports Awards Pre-show promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, innovation, and excellence in the esports world. Throughout the main ceremony, viewers will witness the fusion of gaming and grooming as Gillette introduces “Gillette resets”.

With initiatives such as the ‘Gillette Gaming Alliance’ and the thrilling ‘Gillette Cup’ Fortnite Tournament, Gillette is no stranger to the world of esports and gaming. This partnership, the fusion of gaming and grooming, emphasises Gillette and the Esports Awards joint commitment of fostering and celebrating excellence in esports.

“We are thrilled to announce our exciting partnership with Gillette, a brand known for excellence and precision. This collaboration marks an essential step forward in our journey to honour and celebrate the incredible achievements of esports industry leaders,” commented Mike Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards, “With Gillette’s unwavering support, we are confident that we can continue to elevate and recognise the extraordinary talent within the esports community.”

Project Love, a welcoming initiative by the Esports Awards, will receive generous support from Gillette. As part of this partnership, Gillette will contribute by providing special gifts to VIPs and guests attending the event. Project Love has been a cornerstone of the Esports Awards for several years, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its esteemed guests.

The Esports Awards ceremony, presented by Lexus, is the highlight of a thrilling three-day celebration, including the PWR UP Las Vegas esports conference hosted at the luxurious Resorts World Las Vegas. The ultimate esports, tech and gaming extravaganza will feature groundbreaking events like the Esports Awards Open, a unique golf tournament that blends networking and entertainment with industry leaders and celebrities, shaping the future of esports, tech, and gaming.

eSports

Data.bet confirmed as headline partner of F1-themed ICE Esports Arena and Esports Betting Conference

Published

2 days ago

November 28, 2023

Hunor Pal

data.bet-confirmed-as-headline-partner-of-f1-themed-ice-esports-arena-and-esports-betting-conference

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Clarion Gaming has announced a prestigious new sponsor with Data.bet confirmed as exclusive commercial supporter of the ground-breaking ICE Esports Arena (6 – 8 February, ExCeL London) and the influential Esports Betting Conference which is being held 8 February at the ICC Capital Suite, ExCeL London.

Will Harding Head of Esports at Clarion Gaming said: “I am proud to say that ICE is widely regarded as having led the way in terms of introducing Esports to the international gaming and betting community and we are delighted to be working in partnership with another sector leader in the form of Data.bet.

“Like us the Data.bet team is passionate about Esports and the company’s track-record of providing clients with premium quality Esports feeds, AI-processed events data and the optimisation of risk management courtesy of its Managed Trading System will add to the Esports experience as well as the cutting-edge sector insight that we will be delivering both on the show floor and at the Esports Betting Conference.”

Previewing what delegates can expect from what will be the last Esports Arena held in London prior to the ICE relocation to Barcelona in 2025, Harding confirmed: “The Arena is all about delivering authenticity and using the in-person experience to bring the business-building opportunities delivered by Esports to life. Our theme for 2024 is F1 and we will have two professional racers competing head-to-head to demonstrate the dynamic world of Esports racing. Data.bet will unpack the action and provide live gaming odds which will be displayed around the ICE Arena.

Attendees will also be able to immerse themselves in VR and haptic feedback racing, compete on four connected simulated rigs and participate in the Data.bet sponsored Pit Stop Challenge.

“The ICE Esports experience is completed by the Clarion Gaming curated Esports Betting Conference which enables delegates to help shape the landscape of Esports wagering drawing on expert insights from Rivalry, Better Collective and Data.bet.”

In addition to the Esports Arena and Esports Betting Conference visitors to ICE will have access to 600+ exhibitors, thousands of product launches and the opportunity to engage with leading international thought leaders, decision makers and regulators across all gaming sectors and verticals courtesy of the world-class ICE VOX learning platform. More visitors than ever before are expected to attend ICE 2024 motivated by the desire to make more connections, gain more inspiration and benefit from more learning.

Registration to attend what will be the last edition of ICE to take place in London prior to its relocation to Barcelona in 2025, is open at https://ice .reg .buzz/step/1?ticket=exhibition-pass.