Photo credit: venturebeat.com
ESL FaceIt Group has announced the extension of its longstanding collaboration with Intel, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing elite Counter-Strike esports competitions globally.
This multi-year agreement, set to commence in January 2025, will sustain Intel’s involvement in the ESL Pro Tour and Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) events, which have become integral to the Counter-Strike community. This renewal marks a significant milestone, as the partnership will reach 24 years, dating back to when ESL operated independently. Despite Intel’s recent business challenges, this renewed collaboration signals a recovery in the esports industry after what many have termed an “esports winter.”
Throughout their partnership, Intel Extreme Masters events have accumulated over two billion hours of viewership, hosting LAN competitions on five continents and allocating more than $27 million in prize money. Notably, in 2024, IEM broadcasts amassed 162 million hours of viewing and attracted nearly 160,000 attendees. A personal experience at a Counter-Strike event in Cologne, Germany last year highlighted the vibrant atmosphere, with a thunderous crowd of 13,000 fans.
Roger Chandler, Intel’s general manager of the Enthusiast PC and Workstation Segment, remarked, “Intel has been championing competitive gaming since the 1990s, and ESL and EFG have been pivotal partners in nurturing the esports ecosystem over the years. This renewed agreement underscores Intel®’s ongoing dedication to fostering industry growth, creating competitive opportunities, and supporting players through our leading Intel Core products.”
The partnership renewal was announced on the eve of the Grand Finals at Intel Extreme Masters Katowice, an event that showcased 24 premier Counter-Strike 2 teams competing for a prize purse of $1,250,000 and an opportunity to secure a place in the pursuit of the $1 million Intel Grand Slam V.
This year marks the 100th IEM event, celebrated with the most-watched IEM Dallas tournament, which achieved 22.3 million hours of viewing and peaked at over 1.8 million global viewers. The historic tournament demonstrates the enduring appeal of esports. Last year’s IEM events in Cologne, Dallas, and Katowice achieved sell-out crowds, while arenas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Chengdu, China, were also fully booked.
Rodrigo Samwell, chief commercial officer at EFG, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “This is more than just a renewal; it represents a strategic alliance that illustrates the collaborative spirit we cherish. Intel has risen to become the most respected brand within esports, consistently dedicating itself to the development of this industry. The legacy of Intel in the gaming community is unparalleled, and we look forward to continuing our mission of providing extraordinary experiences and acknowledging IEM champions in the future.”
Bastian Veiser, director of partner management at EFG, highlighted the magnitude of their joint investment, saying, “Over the past two decades, ESL FaceIt Group and Intel have channeled hundreds of millions into a thriving billion-dollar industry, creating prestigious esports tournaments and establishing benchmarks for live events. From initial grassroots competitions to sold-out arenas, this collaboration has been a key factor in integrating esports into the mainstream landscape.”
Source
venturebeat.com