Gaming hardware and esports brand Razer has revealed its intention to take the leading role in navigating esports at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) set to take place in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2021.
As the official esports sponsor of previous SEA Games held last year in the Philippines, the company has again lobbied for the official inclusion of esports as a medaled event in next year’s event.
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The inclusion of esports in the 31st SEA Games has now been confirmed by Xuan Cuong Nguyen, President of Vietnam Electronic Sports and Entertainment Association (VIRESA): “With the overwhelming support from Razer and federations, we’re pleased to share that esports is once again part of the SEA Games.
“Many athletes have taken part in competitions to train for the upcoming esports event, despite not knowing if the games are confirmed. We are heartened by the dedication of the athletes and will pledge to level up esports in the region.”
Prior to confirmation, Razer has been working with regional esports federations and other industry partners on various initiatives, such as support and training opportunities for esports athletes in the region. This included working with VIRESA to sponsor the Vietnam team during the International Esports Federation Championship.
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Zuber Mohammed, Chief Marketing Officer at Razer commented: “Esports have always been a fundamental part of the Razer DNA. We have led the rally to elevate esports as a recognised medal event at the SEA Games in 2019 and 2021.”
In order to prepare esports athletes worldwide for international medaled events, the brand hosts the Razer Invitational, an ongoing series of regional esports tournaments in South East Asia, Latin America and Europe.
“With esports now being confirmed as an official event again for SEA Games 2021, we remain committed to working together with the region’s national esports federations to drive its continued development and to prepare all participating athletes for the upcoming competitions,” concluded Mohammed.
Esports Insider says: Successfully pushing for the inclusion of esports in SEA Games second time in a row, as well as brand’s support for other esports and gaming events in Asia, suggest Razer’s large commitment in the Asian esports market. It’s great to see brands contributing on such scale to the development of the esports ecosystem and the growth of the economy in the region.