Telcom Telia announced several partnerships the company will be spearheading in the Nordic region to begin its investment in esports which includes a sponsorship deal for the Swedish national team looking to qualify for the 2018 IeSF Esports World Championship.
The International eSports Federation (IeSF) currently has 48 member countries representing five continents across the globe and holds a World Championship every year. As it enters its 10th season, the championship will be held in November in Kaohsiung, Taiwan and feature competition in CS:GO, League of Legends and Tekken 7.
Anders Tillander, Head of Consumer Business at Telia said: “As a leading player in digitalization it is natural for us to be part of the development in esports. After this summer’s Swedish success in the World Cup in football, it also feels a bit special to sponsor the Swedish national team in esports. Esports popularity is increasing, which makes players’ growing needs relevant to us in the development of new services and products. This partnership is, therefore, a good first step.”
The announcement further states that Telia is also venturing into a partnership with esports entertainment and production company ESEN eSports, which recently signed a data and content deal with Sportradar, and IeSF-member, Swiss e-Sports Federation (SESF).
Joakim Stenberg, ESEN Esports CEO said: “ESEN is diligent in its work to establish esports as a recognized sport and to build structures so that more players are given the opportunity to compete in a sport they are passionate about. Our vision is the Olympic Games, a World Cup, a European Championship and a national championship for esports. Through this cooperation with Telia, which laid the foundation for Sweden’s digital infrastructure, we are taking a big step in the right direction.”
Magnus Jonsson, a spokesperson with the SESF also commented: “We at SESF are very happy and proud to have Telia as an official partner to the World Cup qualifications and our national team. Telia has delivered services and products used by gamers throughout the country for many years and is one of the cornerstones of Swedish esports. Having Telia support the qualifications and national team is pure magic.
Esports Insider says: Telia is certainly jumping into esports with a bang with these three major sponsorship announcements. As a leading telecom company in the region, this partnership not only looks good for its home region but for its first entrance into esports.