Intel Extends Partnership With ESL Gaming

ESL Gaming have announced they have renewed their partnership with Intel, with a three-year deal commencing in 2022.

The three-year deal is worth $100 million and continues the 20-year partnership between the two organisations.

On the relationship between the two organisations, ESL Gaming co-CEO, Ralf Reichert, said: “After 20 years of building something hand in hand it’s hard to consider Intel as merely a partner.”

“We are excited to be extending it with a commitment of this magnitude,” he said.

The deal will also include further Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) events as well as IEM Katowice 2025.

ESL Gaming and Intel have organised 82 IEM events over the past 15 seasons with events in Australia, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East, China, and South East Asia.

In a press release by ESL Gaming and Intel, Intel general manager of gaming and esports segment, Marcus Kennedy, said: “When we joined forces with ESL two decades ago, we never imagined just how powerful this relationship could be.”

“We at Intel are excited about this next step in our successful history together and to elevate esports to an even higher level,” he said.

This extension is more positive news for esports fans, as this week, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the Olympic Virtual Series for May 2021.

Esports, like many other sports, suffered financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a projected revenue of US$950.3 million, according to Sports Pro Media.

This is a decrease after a historic year in 2019 with a revenue of more than US$1 billion, according to Forbes.