Renewed Partnership Between ESL FaceIt Group and Intel Enhances Global Counter-Strike Esports
ESL FaceIt Group (EFG) has reaffirmed its commitment to the esports community by renewing its long-standing collaboration with Intel, underscoring their dedication to premier Counter-Strike competitions across the globe.
A Multi-Year Commitment to Esports Growth
The latest multi-year agreement extends Intel’s partnership in supporting key events such as the ESL Pro Tour and Intel Extreme Masters (IEM). This alliance, which will officially kick off in January 2025, marks an impressive 24 years since EFG and Intel first teamed up when ESL operated independently. Despite fluctuations in business performance for Intel, this renewal signals a positive shift away from the so-called ‘esports winter.’
Historic Engagements and Audience Impact
Since its inception, IEM tournaments have captivated audiences worldwide, amassing over two billion viewing hours across multiple continents while distributing more than $27 million in prize money. In 2024 alone, IEM broadcasts garnered an incredible 162 million hours of viewership alongside nearly 160,000 live attendees. A trip to last year’s Counter-Strike event in Cologne left a lasting impression—immersed amid a raucous crowd of 13,000 set against electrifying gameplay.
Acknowledging Industry Contributions
Roger Chandler, general manager at Intel’s Enthusiast PC & Workstation Division reflected on their enduring relationship: “Intel has been dedicated to competitive gaming since the 1990s. Our partnership with ESL and EFG has played a pivotal role in nurturing the esports ecosystem over many years. Through our new agreement with EFG, we aim to further propel industry growth while delivering top-tier competitive experiences powered by our cutting-edge Intel Core technology.”
Anticipation Builds for Major Events
This contract renewal was unveiled right before the exhilarating Grand Finals of IEM Katowice—the pinnacle event featuring two dozen elite Counter-Strike teams vying for a share of a monumental $1.25 million prize pool as they race towards securing the coveted $1 million Intel Grand Slam V title.
Centrally Celebrating Achievements in Esports
The upcoming year is poised for celebration as partners commemorate their landmark achievement—the centennial IEM event—set against record-breaking viewership figures exemplified by IEM Dallas which attracted an astounding peak audience of over 1.8 million viewers worldwide along with total viewing hours soaring to approximately 22.3 million. Last year’s events across Cologne; Dallas; Katowice; Rio de Janeiro; and Chengdu consistently sold out venues that showcased thrilling live action.
A Strategic Alliance for Future Endeavors
Rodrigo Samwell from EFG describes this renewal not merely as administrative but rather as strategic cooperation that reflects invaluable partnerships: “Intel’s longstanding presence within esports parlance speaks volumes about their respectability—they don’t just sponsor events but truly invest time into cultivating gaming culture alongside us at every foundational level.”
Pioneering Progression within Competitive Gaming Culture
Bastian Veiser from EFG highlighted how this partnership transcends mere sponsorship thus far: “Over two decades together have seen us funnel hundreds of millions into what now forms a billion-dollar sector—a journey marked by premier tournaments setting benchmarks previously unseen at stadium events.” The evolution from supporting fledgling grassroots tournaments into crowded arenas filled with devoted fans illustrates how transforming perspectives shaped mainstream engagement around esports.
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