Fighting game event Evolution Championship Series (EVO) has announced a one-year partnership with American multinational conglomerate AT&T.
As a result of the deal, AT&T will become EVO’s official 5G and internet provider for the event on August 4th-6th in Las Vegas.
As a partner of EVO 2023, AT&T will collaborate with the tournament organiser to provide ‘unique broadcast enhancements’ in addition to offering a range of activations for spectators attending the event.
In addition, AT&T will field a roaming reporter highlighting various areas of EVO 2023 and interviewing competitors taking part in fighting titles such as Street Fighter 6, Tekken 7, and Mortal Kombat 11.
Ahead of the event, EVO announced that all of its competitions will feature a minimum prize pool of $25,000 (~£19,659). Notably, the TEKKEN World Tour announced earlier this year that its only Master+ event, one of the title’s major tournaments, will take place at Evo 2023.
Alongside the likes of Street Fighter 6, Riot Games has revealed its upcoming fighting game Project L will be playable publicly for the first time at EVO 2023.
AT&T becomes the seventh partner of EVO 2023, joining the likes of anime streaming service Crunchyroll, restaurant chain Chipotle, gaming gear brand Sony INZONE and energy drink company Red Bull on its commercial roster.
Mario Artesiano, Director of Sponsorships for Esports and Gaming at AT&T, spoke on the deal: “AT&T and Evo are excited to create an unparalleled experience that seamlessly connects gaming through innovative technology and immersive content.”
“The goal is to make Evo an unforgettable experience, which is why making sure all competitors and spectators can stay connected and share standout moments is key.”
Las Vegas is the fighting game event’s second destination in 2023, with EVO Japan held in late March.
In July, AT&T struck a partnership with mobile esports organisation Tribe Gaming and returned its creator-focused esports tournament.
