German organisation BIG has extended its strategic partnership with gaming hardware company OMEN by HP for another year.
The deal has also been expanded to include a larger focus on BIG’s academy efforts, helping it to develop talent outside of its main Counter-Strike: Global Offensive roster.
The expansion of the deal sees more players and coaching staff brought on to the BIG. OMEN Academy Team, which has already reached the top division in the German league 99damage.
Daniel Finkler, CEO of BIG explained the decision in a statement: “Our Academy Team had a sensational start and was able to qualify for one of the highest German leagues within a very short time, also thanks to the intensive support of our coaching staff and OMEN by HP. The continuous development of our academy staff department has top priority for us, as a strong junior talent pool offers additional options for our professional division.”
First established in July 2018, the partnership sees OMEN by HP supply BIG’s players with hardware to practice on and marked the start of a project that would help to develop the German esports scene.
Rosa Maria Alcauce, Campaign Manager PC-Gaming and eSports at HP Germany commented on the extension: “After such a successful first year, we want to continue growing with BIG and believe in our future cooperation. The BIG. OMEN Academy Team proves the potential we have in German esports. We want to support talents like PREET to position themselves as a pro player.”
BIG is also partnered with Betway, Red Bull, CORSAIR, and Hörluchs. Outside of CS:GO, it competes in Legue of Legends, Quake, FIFA, and Trackmania.
Esports Insider says: It’s cool to see OMEN by HP commit to help support BIG’s academy players for another year, you never know when somebody could catch a break and be called up the main roster. OMEN by HP is committed to esports – as evident through its numerous deals through the industry – so this isn’t the most surprising move ever but at least it shows that the first year of the partnership had promise.