National Student Esports (NSE) has entered a strategic partnership with Intel, making the American technology company the headline sponsor of the second season of its British University Esports Championship.
NSE and Intel will work together throughout the 2019-2020 season to produce a “range of initiatives” as part of a commitment to invest in grassroots esports.
Jonathan Tilbury, Executive Director at National Student Esports shared his thoughts in a release: “We are thrilled to have such a well-established brand like Intel recognise NSE as an industry leader when it comes to university esports. NSE’s core audience are mostly students enrolled on STEM courses, including a significant number of computer science students. As digital natives and tech enthusiasts, many of these graduates will potentially go on to shape the future of the esports, games and tech industries, making this an exciting venture for tech-focused brands like Intel.”
The first season of the British University Esports Championships saw 79 universities field teams across Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, FIFA 19, Hearthstone, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League. NSE plans to expand the titles it includes in the competition for the upcoming season.
Scott Gillingham, UK Gaming and Esports Lead at Intel UK also commented on the partnership: “Intel is committed to the future of esports – which as well as creating new technology means supporting grassroots university leagues to hosting major tournaments and investing in the ideas, communities, and talent we believe in. That’s why Intel is proud to become the headline sponsor of NSE, to help showcase new and exciting career paths for university students, and to show the world that esports is here to stay.”
NSE announced Monster Energy as the official drinks partner of the championship in May, which will see the energy drink brand support the competition throughout the regular season and spring & winter finals.
Esports Insider says: It’s honestly great to see Intel support esports at all levels, from the million dollar Grand Slam to collegiate competitions. NSE does a lot of solid work and, with the likes of Monster & Intel supporting it, long may it continue.
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