ESI Forum Series – What’s in-store at the Bunkr…

There are just nine days remaining until the inaugural Esports Insider Forum Series hosted at Fnatic’s very own Bunkr in Shoreditch, London.

The ESI team are excited to welcome up to 80 professionals from the realm of esports as well as traditional sports as we examine just why football clubs are getting involved in the burgeoning world of esports on the evening of July 20th.

Before we load attendees with pizza and alcohol, we’re delighted to announced a panel which should bring great insight to those lucky enough to attend. We will welcome on the night:

  • Wouter Sleijffers, CEO of Fnatic
  • Gary Taphouse, Sky Sports, talkSPORT and FIFA esports commentator
  • David Bytheway, VfL Wolfsburg FIFA professional

Moderated by Ibrahim Taylor, CEO of Fortaura

Each speaker will bring unique insight and opinion on why football clubs are getting involved in esports and what the future may bring as they continue to invest and make moves in the space. A number of Premier League and Championship clubs have already confirmed their attendance on the 20th.

After the formalities are done and dusted, we invite attendees to enjoy a bite to eat and a tipple as those who fancy showcasing their FIFA skills enter the ESI tournament. The tournament is in partnership with SpecialEffect, a charity undertaking an array of great work. They will have a special area in the Bunkr to showcase the phenomenal work they do with a demo on hand for attendees to try out for themselves.

The FIFA action will be brought to those in attendance live on a big screen with esteemed esports commentator and host Matt Andrews joined by his partner in crime Gary to bring the hype as the competition hots up. A prize will be on hand for the winner with all proceeds of tournament entry going to SpecialEffect in a donate what-you-like format.

Gary Taphouse told ESI: “As esports continues to become bigger and better we’ve naturally seen more and more sports clubs enter the fray. Whether it’s the full on approach of the likes of PSG or the FIFA approach exhibited by Manchester City and West Ham, there’s certainly no shortage of clubs getting involved.

As someone who has worked on both sides, I’m excited to discuss and share opinions as to why esports is an appealing prospect to the traditional sports world. Then there’s the small matter of commentating on the best FIFA that Forum attendees have to offer — it should be a great evening!”

Andrews commented: “I’m a big admirer of Special Effect, they make an amazing difference to people’s lives by giving them access to gaming. I’ve tried some of their equipment and it’s incredible. They’re also a charity who make every penny of their donations count. So thanks for asking me to commentate ESI, I’m honoured to help fundraise for them and we’re gonna have some fun!”

Early bird tickets are completely sold out for the event and there’s limited availability for remaining tickets. Don’t delay and get yours here for £15 (excl VAT). 

If you’re away on the 20th, fear not, this is just the first in a now monthly event at Fnatic’s Bunkr.

You can stay up to date with the latest news about each Esports Insider Forum Series by following ESI on Twitter and signing up to the bi-weekly newsletter.