Ajax eSports has confirmed a renewal of their deal with Ziggo, Netherlands largest cable network and the signing of a new three year contract for the teams FIFA player Dani Hagebeuk.
Ajax and Ziggo will launch a new project as part of this deal: Ziggo eBattle – Road to the USA. These new online FIFA 19 tournament will see fans battle it out for a spot in the Grand Finals – the winner of which will join Ajax eSports in Florida in January.
Menno Geelen, commercial director of Ajax, spoke about the extension: “Ziggo, as headpartner of Ajax, was the first to embrace Ajax eSports within the club. Thereby, we were able to grow with our virtual domain. This FIFA 19-season we want to organize more activities for our fans, together with Ziggo. The weekly Ziggo eBattles are a good example of that.’
Ajax also announced as part of this deal that their esports side will wear a unique Ajax eSports kit, which will share a design with their football counterparts but feature a unique esports logo on the front of the strip. Ajax players will also receive a ‘Ziggo eRoom’ at their homes to help them stream for fans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adTmkGqAY_A
Alongside the Ziggo news, Ajax eSports also announced that current FIFA player, Dani Hagebeuk has extended his stay with Ajax for the next three years. The 20-year-old has won the last two eDivision titles for Ajax.
Dani Hagebeuk, commented on the news: “Ajax was the only option. In the past, some international clubs have shown interest in me. I have rejected that. I would not be able to play for another club right now.”
Speaking about his plans for the future he added: “It sounds very easy, but 2 times I came very far. With that extra 5%, it must be successful. I now have a coach and I make more training hours. That World Cup must come to Amsterdam. If I do not succeed then I hope that a teammate will do it!”
Ajax eSports spoke about the deals: “We are working on a long-term relationship with our eSporters, in which we want to offer the best circumstances to perform, like a studio at home and personal coaches. We are happy to have Dani on board the next 3 years!”
Esports Insider says: We’ve seen a lot of football teams enter esports, seeing them stick around and continue to grow is great to see. Ziggo has shown a willingness to step outside of its deal with the football side and truly invest in the teams’ esports endeavour, while the club itself has shown faith in a player who clearly has his sights set on greatness.