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During my time working in esports, in my role as co-CEO at Myth Esports, I’ve had many conversations with companies, colleagues, and other stakeholders about a key question: what role can gaming and esports play in the marketing strategies of businesses in our region? The rise of this industry presents huge opportunities for brands, but how can they best take advantage of them? In the upcoming posts, I will share my thoughts on this topic and explore how companies in the Benelux and Europe can effectively leverage the growing impact of esports. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘂𝘅 In recent years, esports has emerged as a fully-fledged marketing channel that more and more businesses are beginning to explore. For organizations looking to connect with a young, engaged, and hard-to-reach audience, esports offers a powerful and unique way to stand out. This is especially true for companies operating in the Benelux, where gaming and esports are gaining serious traction. In this article, I’ll explain why partnering with an esports organization can be a valuable step for your marketing strategy in the Benelux. 𝗔 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘂𝘅 Esports is growing rapidly in the Benelux, with more and more young people dedicating hours to watching and participating in esports events. From local tournaments to major international competitions, the esports community continues to expand, and the demand for quality content is on the rise. This creates a unique opportunity for businesses to gain visibility in a market that is still developing but already boasts a huge fan base. 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝘁𝗼-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 One of the biggest advantages of esports is the ability to directly engage younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z. This audience is difficult to reach through traditional media but is highly active on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and social media. By partnering with an esports organization, your company can tap into this tech-savvy group of consumers who are open to discovering new brands and experiences. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Gamers and esports fans have a strong preference for brands that position themselves authentically. They value brands that see them not just as consumers but as part of their community. Esports provides companies with the chance to introduce their brand in a way that enhances the fan experience, rather than interrupting it. This leads to deeper engagement and more positive associations with your brand. With the rapid growth of esports in the Benelux, now is the perfect time to get involved and position your brand within this dynamic and expanding industry.

The roar of the crowd crescendos as a pro gamer clutches victory. It's a scene straight out of a traditional sporting event, except the arena is virtual and the athletes wield controllers instead of bats. Esports, competitive video gaming, has exploded in popularity, boasting a dedicated audience that rivals traditional sports leagues. For brands looking to reach this young, engaged demographic, esports marketing offers a golden opportunity. But the esports landscape is unique. Forget about generic TV commercials – reaching passionate gamers requires a targeted and authentic approach. Here, we delve into 5 effective esports marketing strategies that will help your brand win over the hearts (and thumbs) of esports fans: https://lnkd.in/d538GMpR

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 In the world of esports, authenticity is everything. Gamers and esports fans are highly discerning when it comes to brands entering their space, preferring companies that genuinely invest in their community and add value to their experience. In this article, I’ll explain why authenticity is essential in esports marketing and how it can lead to long-term success. 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 In esports, it’s not about traditional advertising methods; it’s about becoming part of the culture. Gamers appreciate brands that truly invest in the growth of esports and actively engage with the community. This means companies must go beyond surface-level sponsorships and take an active role in supporting esports, whether by organizing tournaments, backing teams, or creating exclusive content that enhances the overall fan experience. 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 When brands approach esports with authenticity and offer genuine value to the community, they foster positive brand associations that can translate into long-term customer loyalty. Gamers are more likely to support brands that contribute to the development of esports rather than those that merely advertise within the space. This creates a strong connection between the brand and its audience, which leads to greater brand trust and recognition. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Authentic esports marketing goes beyond one-off campaigns. By collaborating with esports organizations, brands can create long-term strategies that position them as integral parts of the community. This could involve sponsoring entire seasons or events, working with esports influencers, or participating in fan-focused activities. Such deep involvement is what resonates most with the esports audience, making them more likely to support and engage with your brand over time.

After representing and closing partnerships for 4 #esports team organizations as well as multiple esports tournaments and events, I've seen where esports has been, where it currently is, and where it should go. In addition to what Alexander Lee has listed in his article, I've broken down the "4 Keys to the Future of Esports." By focusing on these core points, esports can continue its trajectory of success and become even more deeply integrated into mainstream culture: 1) 📉 Consolidation of Orgs and Game Publisher Investment in Teams and Ecosystem: Fewer, Bigger, Better when it comes to esports orgs. The less orgs there are the easier it will be to grow larger fandom and justify larger investments/valuations with those key orgs. Game publishers should continue to invest in teams by providing financial support, resources, and infrastructure to enable them to operate sustainably and compete effectively. Publishers should continue to create avenues for teams to monetize, such as exclusive in-game skins, #licensing deals, and revenue-sharing agreements. #Activision and #Riot have recently shared plans to do this in light of many orgs closing down and going bankrupt. 2) 📂 Digital Collectibles and Minority Ownership: Fans can be monetized through digital collectibles like #NFTs and opportunities for minority ownership in teams, creating a sense of community and investment. Done the right way, this is a huge opportunity to bring fans closer and to create revenue streams outside of traditional #sponsorships. Incentivize and reward fans for being more engaged through viewership and engagement with content/commerce to drive up valuations for sponsorship deals based on reach, engagement, and conversion. 3) 🏥 Health and Wellness of Esports Athletes: Burnout is an issue. Investment in the health and wellness of esports athletes is crucial to prevent burnout and sustain their careers. This includes physical and mental health support and proper training regimens. Additionally, it's vital to ensure athletes have a healthy work-life balance while managing training and competition schedules. 4) 📽 Building Storylines and Player Branding- Create More Stars: Building compelling storylines around players like Faker can make esports players household names outside of hardcore esports. Developing narrative-driven content and highlighting players' personalities can increase interest and engagement among fans. As the U.S. is a significant source of advertising and sponsorship revenue, investing in elite teams and superstar players in the U.S. market can drive overall growth and interest. Leagues need to showcase and invest in top talent and competitive leagues in the U.S., esports can continue to attract larger audiences and more investment. https://lnkd.in/eJggvYuk

The roar of the crowd crescendos as a pro gamer clutches victory. It's a scene straight out of a traditional sporting event, except the arena is virtual and the athletes wield controllers instead of bats. Esports, competitive video gaming, has exploded in popularity, boasting a dedicated audience that rivals traditional sports leagues. For brands looking to reach this young, engaged demographic, esports marketing offers a golden opportunity. But the esports landscape is unique. Forget about generic TV commercials – reaching passionate gamers requires a targeted and authentic approach. Here, we delve into 5 effective esports marketing strategies that will help your brand win over the hearts (and thumbs) of esports fans: https://lnkd.in/dEjkVkny

Esports: The Future of Entertainment and Marketing Esports isn't just a passing trend it's a full-blown revolution! With a global audience surpassing 500 million, competitive gaming has become a cultural force, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Why Esports is Growing So Rapidly Esports is much more than just gaming; it's a dynamic blend of technology, entertainment, and a strong sense of community. In India, the surge in mobile gaming has made competitive gaming more accessible than ever, fueling the explosive growth of Esports across the country. Why Esports is a Game-Changer for Marketing For brands, Esports provides a unique opportunity to connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience. Here's what makes it stand out: 1. Massive Reach: Millions of viewers tune in to watch live Esports tournaments on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. 2. Highly Engaged Fans: Esports fans don't just watch they actively interact with players, streamers, and content, resulting in higher engagement rates for brands. 3. Endless Creativity: Brands can sponsor events, collaborate with streamers, and even integrate their branding into games themselves. The possibilities are endless! How Brands Can Succeed in Esports Marketing To thrive in the Esports space, brands need to think smart and stay authentic. Here are some tips: Be Real: Esports fans value authenticity. Create experiences that resonate rather than just focusing on ads. Collaborate with Gamers and Influencers: Gamers have a significant impact on their communities. Partnering with them can amplify your brand's visibility. Get Involved: Don't just advertise participate! Host tournaments, sponsor teams, or create content that gamers love. Why India is the Perfect Esports Market India is leading the mobile gaming revolution, with games like BGMI and Free Fire driving the momentum. Brands have an amazing chance to connect with this vibrant and growing community through tournaments, LAN events, and creative digital campaigns. Esports is here to stay, and its influence on both entertainment and marketing will only continue to grow. If you're a brand looking to explore this space or want to know how Esports can help you connect with your audience, let's start a conversation! #Esports #Gaming #Marketing #IndiaGaming #Brands Let me know if you'd like to tweak this further!

This is a short review of the most successful betting companies (top 3) that made esports a vital part of business, next post will be about top 3 that could make much noise with esports if they start. Based on my opinion and common sense. Seriously, I consider brand awareness investments, global presence, product, consistency, persistence, influencer deals etc. 𝟭𝘅𝗯𝗲𝘁 - at least 8 (!) quite big teams on contracts as a title sponsor, geography is wide, Brazil, Europe, South East Asia. Sponsorship around CS2 and Dota2 teams. Sponsorship for years (from 2021) of ESL, an industry giant with tier 1 content. It gives trust, covers ENG lanmguage, and mutually has a lot of benefits. For example, Brazilian Rio Major in CS:GO in 2022 was natively sponsored by 𝟭𝘅𝗯𝗲𝘁 because of a global contract. Dota2 fans in Peru are also familiar with the brand because the Spanish-language broadcast of the ESL games is mutually supported (additionally paid, but why not) as well by this brand. Tier 2 tournaments, such as CCT, and REZ, with not-big audiences but with an unbelievable amount of maps. From my perspective - 90% of ENG CS2 broadcasts are under 1xbet HLTV Awards, and general presence on the most important content site of CS2 At last, they have their own baked equities that I can't disclose As I can see, I describe not even 50% of everything around esports with this company, but it's enough to be on the 1st place 𝐆𝐆𝐁𝐄𝐓 - started as a company with a full esports offering in 2016, and made an awesome journey after. The most important here (besides a pretty nice product) is an amazingly strong relationship with a NAVI team that is always on top and has a global audience and popularity. The company also has a long partnership with HLTV that supports the sponsorship of NAVI. I need to mention the Team Vitality sponsorship contract, as well as the efficient sponsorship strategy for major events, which was active a few years ago. Started from RU speaking market, and now it's a global brand for me. The most important thing is that strategy is aligned with the development of supportive business chains, share in Navi (public information btw), studio of esports broadcast, media site (live score), and odds provider. 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐦 - The strategy of producing own-named tournaments is brilliant. It seems like a "waste of money", but after a few tournaments and with a projection of future tournaments, the audience started to appreciate efforts. For global reach on all languages - perfect, anyone who could cast tournament as a partner, or as "pirate", who cares if brand name is inside. BetBoom team itself , while it's not restricted, it's a nice way to gain trust Esports as a tool for entering market, already gave some results for BB in Latam (Brazil with CS2, and Peru with Dota2) #nobodyreadstags #esportsbetting #happyyoureadtag

The Digital Business of Sports and Esports: Why It’s Essential in Today's Market In this edition, I want to address an evolving opportunity in the business world: the rise of digital transformation in sports and esports. We are witnessing a monumental shift. Companies like Coca-Cola, Apple, and others are making significant investments in digital strategies, and this trend is only growing. Over the last decade, sports and esports have become major global industries, with digital platforms driving unprecedented engagement and growth. The traditional rules of business have changed especially for those of us involved in these dynamic sectors. Countries around the world are embracing digital as a core part of their business models. Latin America, for instance, is recognizing the need to engage with technology-driven markets, with esports seeing tremendous growth. However, many are discovering that navigating the digital landscape in sports is not as simple as one might think. Success requires more than just being present online—it demands an understanding of the platforms, communities, and monetization strategies that turn digital engagement into business growth. This is where GTIF Capital can play a critical role. We specialize in helping businesses develop comprehensive digital strategies that encompass social media, online communities, and content creation tailored to today’s sports and esports markets. Here are a few recommendations to consider as you think about building your digital presence: Engage with Your Community: Esports and sports fans are highly engaged online, but it’s not enough to just post content. You need to create a community that actively participates in your brand. Whether it’s through Discord channels, Twitch streams, or fan-driven content, connecting on a personal level is key to success. Develop Multi-Platform Strategies: Your audience is spread across different digital spaces, from YouTube to TikTok to Instagram. It's important to understand the nuances of each platform and tailor your approach accordingly. A one-size-fits-all strategy won’t work in today’s fragmented digital landscape. Monetization and Content Creation: The digital world offers incredible opportunities for monetization, but it requires the right strategy. Whether through brand sponsorships, digital merchandise, or paid subscriptions, businesses need to align their content with revenue generation. At GTIF Capital, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the digital age. We’ve helped businesses and brands grow their online presence, engage with their communities, and turn digital engagement into tangible business success. If you want to learn more about how we can help your brand succeed in the digital age, visit gtifcapital.com. Let's talk about how we can grow your community and elevate your social presence to the next level. Cordially, David C. Chen Founder & CEO GTIF Capital

**🎾 Wimbledon Steps into the Digital Arena with First Official Esports Tournament 🎮** An unprecedented collaboration is set to redefine the sphere of traditional sports. The All England Lawn Tennis Club has announced an exhilarating partnership with BLAST to launch its first official esports tournament—Wimbledon eChamps. Sponsored by American Express, this event promises to blend the prestige of Wimbledon with the vibrant dynamics of esports. The competition will test players' skills on the anticipated video game TopSpin 2K25. Gamers aged 18 and over from across Europe and the U.S. began their qualifying rounds in July, vying for a coveted spot in the live finals to be held at Wimbledon in September. This landmark event offers grand rewards. The winner will take home a specially engraved, gold-plated PS5 by Wimbledon’s official engraver, an all-expenses-paid trip to next year’s Gentlemen’s Singles Final, £1,000 in gaming gear, and a £500 gaming voucher. An enticing prize pool like this is sure to attract top-tier talent and a massive audience. To capture the elusive younger demographic, Wimbledon is rolling out a series of innovative engagement initiatives. An animated YouTube series titled Blade & Bounce and the immersive 3D game WimbleWorld on Roblox are designed to captivate and introduce younger fans to the tradition of Wimbledon. The integration of influencers and a focus on emerging markets such as India is a strategic move by Wimbledon to sustain its global appeal and bolster retail sales. As viewership trends show younger audiences increasingly drifting away from live sports broadcasts, such digital ventures are pivotal. Wimbledon’s foray into esports follows in the footsteps of other premier sporting entities such as the Olympics, F1, and FIFA World Cup. This venture symbolizes a notable shift for an institution known for its 20-year resistance to adopting technologies like Hawk-Eye. Beyond just an esports event, this is Wimbledon’s bold step towards evolving and staying relevant in an ever-changing sports landscape. Our industry is transforming rapidly, and it’s thrilling to witness traditional sporting institutions embrace the digital revolution and engage the younger generations. Here's to hoping other prestigious tournaments will follow suit and reimagine their offerings to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. Discover more compelling insights and stay updated with trends shaping the industry by visiting Sprott Money. Take your interests in precious metals and investment to new heights. https://lnkd.in/gY8b-CxP **References:** [1] The All England Lawn Tennis Club Press Release [2] Official Wimbledon eChamps Announcement [3] Wimbledon and Esports: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

🎉 We are excited to announce the 2025 EWCF Club Partner Program, now accepting applications from esports Clubs worldwide. This year, the pioneering program is expanding to include 40 Clubs and features a $20 million investment, promoting sustainable growth for esports organizations and further fuelling the rise of esports as a global sport. 📢  Applications are open to all Clubs with a strong competitive record, a substantial social media presence, and a vision to inspire the esports community and the international mainstream audience. 💡 Clubs accepted into the annual program will receive six-figure funding to grow their organization’s brand in 2025 and activate their fanbase leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2025. 🌍 This year the Program will double down on international expansion, emphasizing key growth markets such as China, Southeast Asia, LATAM and MENA. 🔥 The Program will enable Clubs to connect with fans through engaging content and experiences leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2025.  🗓️ Apply today at https://lnkd.in/eQn53md8. The deadline is January 10, 2025. 🗣️ Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The EWCF Club Partner Program represents a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to foster a thriving ecosystem for esports Clubs worldwide while unlocking opportunities for organizations from some of the world’s fastest-growing esports markets, like China. Through this program, we enable partnered Clubs to attract fans with engaging content beyond the games, showcasing the personalities and talent of players, alongside their origin stories, while also developing their Clubs' brands as fan-favorite powerhouses in esports entertainment.” 🗣️ Joe Marsh, CEO, T1 Entertainment & Sports, commented: “By taking part in the EWC Club Partner Program this year, we had opportunities to further invest in our players, operations and community, creating an environment where we could perform at our best and compete at the highest level,” said. “This program is a true global initiative that unites clubs to help build a stronger and more sustainable esports ecosystem. We’re excited about the Club Partner Program in 2025, and how it will help us elevate T1 to even greater heights.” 🗣️ Steve Arhancet, Co-CEO, Team Liquid, added: “The inaugural program was an invaluable resource for our club, providing meaningful support that strengthened our decision-making to expand into new game titles. It contributed to one of the most successful competitive years in our 24-year history, including a strong second-place finish in the EWC 2024 Club Championship in 24'. We’re excited for the EWCF Club Partner Program in 2025 and the opportunities it brings while we continue to maintain our position as one of the most watched esports teams in the world.” #EsportsWorldCup #EWCF #EWCFClubPartnerProgram #esportsclubs #EWC2025