THE ESPORTS, VIDEO GAMES AND
CREATOR ECONOMY PITCH COMPETITION
ABOUT
The Clutch was born at ESI London 2019 and is a live pitch investment competition founded with the aim of helping esports-related start-up companies in need of funding and/or mentorship. For 2023 onwards, we are expanding the remit of The Clutch into the wider video games and adjacent creator economy spaces, to best serve the future of esports and gaming.
Over 60 companies have applied to The Clutch so far, and amongst the winners and losers, there have been many standout companies. In 2022, we introduced our first prize pool of $25,000 courtesy of Overwolf, as well as partnerships with the likes of Bird & Bird, Wembley Park & more!
THE CLUTCH 2023
After an incredible The Clutch @ ESI London and ESI Singapore in 2022, where Mouseskins and E1 Championship were crowned winners, The Clutch will be back with another bang in 2023 at ESI London 2023 on the 19-20th October. This years edition will presented by HSBC UK & EXCEL ESPORTS, providing their insight into business development as well as the esports, video games and the creator economy industries to help select a winner as well as providing them with the support to grow their business.
The winner will walk away with £3000 cash, the coveted trophy for The Clutch winner as well as invaluable business support from The Clutch sector partners.
Applications for 2023 are now open, please submit your application here by October 2nd to be considered for the final shortlist.
We’re busy working behind the scenes with our partners to help build the future of esports & video games (and the adjacent creator economy) with more prize-pools, mentorship opportunities and real business connections. Stay tuned for further announcements.
THE CLUTCH PARTNERS
PAST WINNERS
MOUSESKINS
2022 | ESI London
An independent peripherals brand created to offer a tailored service to all players seeking to define their mice and stand out from the crowd.
E1 CHAMPIONSHIP
2022 | ESI Singapore
The premier SEA sim-racing championship, focussing on making motorsports accessible for all.
TEAMS.GG
2020 | ESI Digital Summit
A social network focused on helping players find teammates to queue with, both casually and competitively.
ANZU
2020 | ESI Digital Summer
An up and coming firm offering sophisticated and seamless in-game advertising.
G-SCIENCE
2019 | ESI London
A provider of market leading sports science and data analytics to develop healthier, happier and more successful gamers.
ITERO GAMING
2021 | ESI Digital Summer
A revolutionary data analysis tool designed to give pro teams and the average player the edge at a very early stage of development.
THE CLUTCH JUDGES
The Clutch Judges have been selected to use their expertise in business development as well as insight into the esports, video games and the creator economy to listen to the short-listed pitches from the finalist, ask the necessary questions and decide who will win The Clutch.
THE CLUTCH ADVISORY BOARD
The Clutch Advisory Board is a handpicked collective of esteemed individuals, from investors to sector / industry specialists, who will be on hand to offer their expertise and insight to those start ups who come through the ranks of The Clutch.
PREVIOUS PARTNERS
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
If you’ve any questions about involving your brand in The Clutch, or any ideas or opportunities to discuss please reach out via sales@esportsinsider.com, or directly to any team members.
You can also see the sponsorship and partnership deck and options here.