The US Army National Guard has partnered with Kansas City-based esports organisation KC Pioneers.
The two parties will collaborate to bring six events to the United States Midwest. The stated aim is to bring their respective communities together so that aspiring gamers have a platform to showcase their talents.
Competing players will also be able to explore opportunities in the National Guard, such as jobs in cybersecurity, IT, logistics and more, the two parties said in a release.
The first tournament series takes place on June 16th-17th at Midwest Fest 2023, hosted at LevelUp Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will host competitions in Rocket League, Apex Legends and Call of Duty.
Further details regarding competitions hosted by the Army National Guard and Pioneers will be revealed in the coming weeks.
KC Pioneers was founded in 2019 and competes in Rocket League, iRacing (via eNASCAR) and Apex Legends. Last year, the organisation got its own commemorative day; for citizens of Kansas City, July 21st is now Kansas City Pioneers Day.
The organisation previously owned Women’s Car Ball, Rocket League’s largest female tournament circuit, before North American esports organisation G1 acquired the brand.
Earlier this year the competition was forced to halt operations early because KC Pioneers had not paid any staff for their work since hiring them, Esports Insider reported.
“Our organisation is all about community, whether geographical or virtual,” commented KC Pioneers CEO Mark Josey in a release. “Our teams play all over the world, but they know that they always have that tremendous following back in Kansas and Missouri, watching them online, supporting them, and having their backs.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to partner with our states’ Army National Guard divisions, and to create these amazing events for gamers and enthusiasts to come together and enjoy that community aspect in person.”
