Australian fast food chain Hungry Jack’s has moved to become the sponsor and presenting partner of Riot Games’ League of Legends Oceanic Pro League (OPL).
The chain is something of a stalwart when it comes to fast food over in Australia; it’s been around since 1971 and is a part of the Burger King corporation. It currently has over 390 locations throughout the country and preaches the motto ‘The burgers are better at Hungry Jack’s’.
Daniel Ringland, Head of Esports at Riot Games Oceania, said of the news: “This partnership is a strong indicator that League of Legends esports is being more widely recognised as a professional sport.
“The OPL has come so far over the past four years and it’s great to bring on a partner like Hungry Jack’s, who share our passion for building the league and providing the best esports experience in this region. Our partners help us subsidise teams and deliver broadcast-quality streams for fans, which is essential for the continued growth of the League of Legends esports ecosystem.”
Hungry Jack’s Chief Marketing Officer, Scott Baird, added: “The OPL gives Hungry Jack’s a unique opportunity to connect, support and interact with League of Legends’ growing esports player and fan base here.
“Hungry Jack’s is committed to growing esports in the Oceanic region, and by backing the OPL we’ll be able to help local League of Legends teams reach the next level of international competition.”
Hungry Jack’s has gone on something of a sporting sponsorship spree of late with this following on from an agreement with the National Basketball League and a renewal of a deal with the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League. It’s good to see some more investment in Oceanic esports too, the Gfinity Australia franchised league kicked off its first Challenger Series recently so 2018 is looking a bit brighter for esports hopefuls down under.
Esports Insider says: Massive news for the League of Legends scene in Oceania. We don’t often see too much news from this part of the world so nice to see the space get some serious backing from a huge corporation. Hungry Jack’s is a part of Burger King so we won’t be too surprised if we hear Burger King making some esports moves in the States, Europe or elsewhere.