India-based telecommunications company Vodafone Idea has announced a partnership with European esports organisation Team Vitality to help grow the country’s esports scene.
The large-scale partnership includes content creation, collaboration on events and fan activations. The two brands also noted that they aim to “launch gaming contests and events” in the future.
This partnership intensifies the efforts of both parties, with Team Vitality expanding its presence in India and Vodafone Idea doubling down on its support of esports. Vodafone Idea is a major player in the mobile gaming market in the country and is known for its Vi Games offerings on its official app. The company has hosted tournaments in mobile games such as Free Fire and Clash Royale before.
Interestingly, Team Vitality has been present on the Indian esports scene since 2021, despite being mostly known for its EU-based operations. The company’s Call of Duty Mobile roster saw reasonable success regionally and internationally, qualifying for the Call of Duty Mobile World Championship in 2023. Vitality also has a roster of streamers and creators in India who create content on YouTube, the most popular gaming platform in India.
In a release, the two parties noted that the partnership will enable Vi customers to “participate in esports and allow exclusive access” to some Team Vitality tournaments and teams. The deal also aims to create opportunities for esports talent from across the country. This includes having access to professional players, master classes, meet & greets with esports talent.
Randall Fernandez, Managing Director for Team Vitality India, added: “We are exhilarated to announce our partnership with Vi. We are at a juncture where technology will catapult gaming to the next level and eagerly look forward to our journey together.
“We will unlock new horizons searching for aspiring gaming talent across the length and breadth of the country, set new precedents, and create indelible marks within the esports industry.”
