From a new league being announced to an existing one closing after just one split, this week in esports has been hectic. Each and every week we round up the biggest news for you, just like we’ve done here.
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EU LCS rebrands to LEC and reveals final franchise partners
The EU LCS has found its 10 franchise partners – oh, and changed its identity in the process. The competition is now known as the League of Legends European Championship (LEC).
Fnatic, FC Schalke 04, G2 Esports, Misfits Gaming, Splyce, and Team Vitality will all return from the 2018 season, with new partners Origen, exceL Esports, SK Gaming, and Rogue joining in from January 18th, 2019.
Read the full article here.
H1Z1 Pro League reportedly set to close operations
Daybreak Games and Twin Galaxies are reportedly pulling the plug on their Battle Royale league, the H1Z1 Pro League.
The first split kicked off earlier this year in April, and since then it’s been reported that there have been monetary issues and lackluster viewership due to the game’s dwindling playerbase.
Read the full article here.
PlayVS receives $30.5m investment, announces expansion
High school esports tournament organiser PlayVS has raised $30.5 million (£23.7 million) in a Series B funding round led by Elysian Park Ventures.
Not only have Rocket League and SMITE joined its inaugural season, but the likes of adidas and Sean “Diddy” Combs are now counted among the company’s investors.
Read the full article here.
OverActive Media announces full acquisition of Splyce
After investing in Splyce in April, OverActive Media has entered an agreement in principle to fully acquire the organisation.
This move would “eventually merge the shareholder base under [OverActive Media] to form one of the most powerful and diverse ownership groups in esports.”
Read the full article here.