Official Telecommunications Partner AT&T Boosts Esports Visibility and Fan Engagement for ESL Events, ESL Mobile Open, and More

ESL, the world’s largest esports company, today announced an expanded agreement with AT&T, which brings new experiences to ESL’s marquee North American events, including Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Chicago and ESL One New York, as well as the expansion to new regions of the successful ESL Mobile Open presented by AT&T. The deal continues AT&T’s designation as the Official Telecommunications Partner for ESL North America, and broadens ESL and AT&T’s commitment to making esports accessible and inclusive.

“Our relationship with AT&T has created groundbreaking opportunities that have generated interest in esports beyond the traditional fan,” said Paul Brewer, SVP Brand Partnerships, ESL North America. “By expanding it, we’ll continue collaborating with AT&T to innovate the space and create the next big thing for both casual and hardcore gamers.”

Since June 2018, ESL and AT&T have worked together successfully with a shared commitment to creating richer and more meaningful experiences within the esports space. AT&T will create new opportunities for fans onsite to provide them with unparalleled access to IEM Chicago and ESL One New York, such as:

• Best Seats in the House: AT&T will provide a premium viewing area to deliver an enhanced experience for select AT&T customers onsite.
• AT&T Signing Session and Fast Pass: Fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite players in the designated AT&T signing area, while even earning a “fast pass” to beat the meet-and-greet lines.
• Fan Early Access: Select AT&T customers can enter the event before the doors open to the public for a sneak peek at the main stage and more.
• Event App: Fans can download the event app presented by AT&T at IEM Chicago and ESL One New York to stay up to date on the competition, partner activation schedule, latest event news, and other challenges and activities.

“We’re looking forward to these and even more ways we can use the breadth of AT&T to work with ESL using our retail footprint and digital channels to engage fans and players across the U.S.,” said Shiz Suzuki, AVP of Sponsorships & Experiential Marketing, AT&T Communications. “Our ultra-high-speed internet at home and on the go help today’s esports and gaming players elevate their game, and these opportunities with ESL give our customers and other esports fans access to some of the most thrilling moments throughout the year.”

Expanding the agreement will increase esports visibility through planned AT&T in-store events and activities. AT&T will also offer support for the expansion to all of North America for the highly successful ESL Mobile Open presented by AT&T. Having launched Season One earlier this year in the United States, the ESL Mobile Open is a first-of-its-kind mobile esports league designed to allow amateur gamers in the U.S. to compete at stadium events on the same stage as professional esports athletes. By focusing on accessibility and inclusion, ESL and AT&T have greatly reduced the barrier of entry to esports. ESL Mobile Open’s inaugural Season One attracted more than 135,000 participants and reached an audience of more than 5 million through social media, influencers and live broadcasts. Seasons Two and Three will expand to include all of North America, with live finals at ESL One New York and DreamHack Atlanta.

ESL and AT&T’s commitment to growing and innovating the esports industry will continue to bring engaging live and online interactive activations for new and veteran esports fans.