WESA has added North and Splyce to its ranks as full members as it continues its expansion. The news brings WESA membership up to 13 teams in total.
Although WESA faced staunch criticism after initial launch, the continued welcoming of new teams clearly signals that many are becoming more accepting and the organisation is making progress in its aim to “professionalise esports, and solidify its place as the leading global esports association”.
North are the esports arm of Nordisk Film and renowned Danish football club F.C. Copenhagen and field a complete roster that hasn’t quite lived up to expectations since launch — having acquired a talented Team Dignitas roster initially. The team is in the midst of roster changes as the next Counter-Strike: Global Offensive shuffle period continues but is still regarded as one of the strongest out there. At the PGL Major Krakow, North lost in the quarter finals to Virtus.pro but still retained legend status that thus provides them with automatic qualification for the next Major.
Splyce, on the other hand, is more of an odd move. The team currently only has three players signed to its Counter-Strike roster and has only played in a Major once, finishing 13th-16th back in March 2016 at MLG Colombus. Whether or not the move to join WESA by Splyce indicates that the organisation is looking at getting back into Counter-Strike or WESA’s intention to move out of CS:GO remains to be seen.
Whilst players unbanned by ESL and ESIC following last months survey results and amendments to Code of Conduct are now allowed to play in ESL tournaments — they are still limited elsewhere. Within WESA, ESL are members and the WESA rules and regulations govern tournaments such as the ESL Pro League amongst others. Could this suggest that Splyce are considering going in for the former iBuyPower squad that are sure to emerge with a fairly solid roster in North America at some point in the near future? It’s all mere speculation at this point — but there seems little reason for Splyce to join unless one of the aforementioned criteria are satisfied.
“We’re delighted that both North and Splyce have elected to join WESA,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Chairman and Commissioner, WESA. “Bringing in two more teams that affiliate with a leading traditional sports franchise increases our ability to both develop and build out our esports offerings, as well as move the industry forward in new and exciting ways. These organisations know the importance of structure and order in an industry, and will aid WESA’s mission to solidify these facets within our own.”
“Since the debut of North earlier this year, we have taken steps to grow our organisation’s awareness within the esports industry. We are excited for the opportunity to join WESA and continue leaving our footprint in the esports world,” commented Jacob Toft-Andersen, Chief Gaming Officer, North. “We look forward to working with WESA and its Members to further professionalise the industry as a whole.”
“This is an exciting time for team owners, as we are able to work together to continue advancing the infrastructure and sustainabil
Esports Insider says: Continued expansion from WESA is definitely positive for the organisation. Many eyes will turn and wonder why Splyce are involved but only time will tell. For now, congratulations to all parties.