Telecom operator Vi (formerly Vodafone & Idea) has partnered with Paris-based esport club Team Vitality to boost the esports ecosystem in India.
The two brands aim to create opportunities and exposure for esports fans and gaming enthusiasts. Numerous elements are included in the association, including gaming events, content partnerships, brand sponsorship and exclusive experiences.
The partnership will enable Vi customers to participate in esports and allow exclusive access to some of the popular Team Vitality tournaments and teams. As per the two companies, the partnership will create opportunities for budding esports talent from across the country to have access to professional players, master classes, meet & greets with esports talent and more.
Vi Games in the recent past forayed into the esports segment by hosting free-to-play tournaments across games like Call of Duty: Mobile, Free Fire Max, Asphalt 9, Clash Royale, etc.
Commenting on this association, Vi CMO Avneesh Khosla said, “Gaming has always been our strategic focus area and we have continuously strived to strengthen our gaming portfolio with the right partnerships and relevant offerings. Over the last few years, esports has revolutionised the mobile gaming arena, especially with younger audiences, and hence, deepening our focus in this space was a natural progression for Vi Games. Together, we aim to drive and democratise access to the esports ecosystem in India. In the coming months, we will introduce some exciting esports and other youth-centric content for our consumers to experience.”
Team Vitality India managing director Randall Fernandez said, “We are at a juncture where technology will catapult gaming to the next level and we 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.”
Locally, Team Vitality’s all-Indian Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) team were among the top 16 teams globally who qualified and competed in the CODM World Championship 2023 that was held in Atlanta, US between 15 and 17 December 2023. The organisation previously roped in gaming content creators Nischay “Live Insaan” Malhan, Rachit “Rachitroo” Yadav, Nitin “Classified YT” Chougale, Shagufta “Xyaa” Iqbal and Pratik “Aurum” Mehra who have a cumulative YouTube base of 20 million subscribers.