eSports, which is also sometimes called as competitive gaming is gaining in popularity. Not only that, but the viewership is also seeing unprecedented growth. According to a 2018 estimate, the eSports market was worth more than $900 million. All this interest and money means more eSports Sponsors and more money for everyone involved.
In this article, we will tell you everything about eSports sponsors, how a budding esports player can secure sponsorship, some of the prominent names in the industry, and more. So, sit tight and enjoy!
How Do eSports Sponsors Work & What Do You Get?
See this car in the picture? It is heavily sponsored by multiple brands. Chances are, the owner of this team, along with the drivers are being paid for this advertising on the car. Not only that, sponsorship usually means that you get other things besides money like sponsored sports (or eSports) goods, t-shirts, caps, and whatnot.
“Sponsors are just another aspect and critical element that shows E-sports growth, whose reaches have turned them into an undoubted marketing tool that represents the beginning of something greater than we can imagine.” Article by Jose Soutullo. https://t.co/hOv0gzViSq #eSports pic.twitter.com/BTmjmudy6F
— GU Papyrus (@GUpapyrus) May 1, 2020
How Much Do eSports Sponsors Pay?
when it comes to yield, esports sponsors can pay from a few thousand dollars to a six, even seven figures. The high-end deals are usually a year contract where a brand logo, message, name (or sometimes all three) gets displayed on esports jersey of a team.
How Can You Get Sponsors?
Before even thinking about getting eSports sponsors, you must decide whether you have the skills to make you stand out? This means, performing outclass in local and offline tournaments. If you have been stealing the show locally and find yourself to be the ‘talk of the town’ in your particular game – you may get some sort of sponsorship.
If you are a good player, you have been winning the tournaments, now is the time to get in touch with your leading figures. This include, PR managers, coaches, community managers, other top players, and member of your local esports board. Keep in mind that at this point, no matter how good your game is, eSports Sponsors don’t know you. So, it is important that the right set of people know about your skills and yourself.
Get yourself registered with a good eSports club. eSports sponsors usually operate through these clubs as they have to keep a record of their accounting and are answerable to other legal requirements as well.
Last but not the least, always remember that big brands are not only looking for THE best player. What they also want is a positive image of the player. How well you behave online, what other players and community think of you as a person, and other non-playing things count a lot.
This is how you can decently ask for sponsors on social media.
Me and my clan Team X are looking for an editor and managers, we are an upcoming esports team looking for sponsors
— xSwaZe (@xSwaZe1) April 27, 2020
Top eSports Sponsors
Almost any company can sponsor an eSports team or a player but you will most likely see these names.
- Red Bull
- Honda
- Nike
- PUMA
- KIA Motors
- BMW
- Intel
- Coca Cola
- Mountain Dew
Conclusion:
Getting noticed by eSports sponsors is not easy. You don’t only need good skills but a combination of right moves including a bit of luck as well. However, it is worth all the hard work, as once you get the sponsorship, the money starts flowing and you, as a player become more visible.
Do you have a sponsor? Or are you close to making that deal? Let us know in the comments below.
