NFL Player Kenny Vaccaro Focusing on Esports

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ESPN: “NFL safety Kenny Vaccaro has decided to shift his focus from playing professional football to pursue his dream of launching an esports organization.”

“Despite receiving offers from multiple NFL teams, including championship contenders, Vaccaro is forgoing the chance at a Super Bowl victory to instead compete for a Halo World Championship through his organization Gamers First.”

“Technically I am still a free agent,” Vaccaro told ESPN. “But this is where my mind has been the past six months. I’m happy where I’m at, doing what I’m doing. I just really felt like this was something deep down inside that I wanted to do.”

“Vaccaro said he plans to manage G1 in a similar manner to NFL franchises. Based in Austin, Texas, the company has already started the process of building its roster. G1 has signed eight players, four Destiny creators and four Halo professionals, along with one coach. The full roster will be announced Dec. 8.”

“I’ve been a gamer for even longer than I’ve played football, and I’ve always thought of myself as a gamer first,” Vaccaro said. “And while football has been how many have defined me, G1 is evidence for other athletes as well that life doesn’t end just because you put down the helmet. You can reinvent yourself.”

Dubit Raises $8 Million; to be Used in Their Esports Program

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Kidscreen: “UK-based kids researcher and game developer Dubit has raised US$8 million in funding to support its Metaverse Gaming League (MGL) eSports program.”

“Unveiled last month, MGL is a Roblox competition series open to all players and hosted by influencers. Companies and brands are able to sponsor its game streams running on Twitch, YouTube and TikTok.”

“The company plans to use this new capital to expand MGL and launch branded events like concerts and fashion shows on Roblox.”

“Dubit is positioning its eSports program as a new way for companies to reach the large number of kids already playing on Roblox. Dubit launched MGL on Roblox, but according to co-founder Matthew Warneford, the goal is to expand the program to run on other platforms such as Fortnite Creative and Manticore, where kids can play and build their own games.”

League of Legends Worlds 2021 Peaks at 4 Million Viewers — New Record

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Upcomer: “According to Esports Charts, the final game in the Worlds 2021 finals between DWG KIA and Edward Gaming hit 4 million peak viewers, a new record for League of Legends esports. In a full five-game series, Edward Gaming won the first championship in the organization’s history and beat the reigning world champions to do it. Viewership shot up as DWG KIA and EDG faced off in first Game 5 in a Worlds finals since 2016.”

“The 4 million viewers for the Worlds 2021 final doesn’t include viewers included in the data from Chinese platforms, according to Esports Charts.”

FaZe Clan Go Public in a $1 Billion SPAC

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Venture Beat: “FaZe Clan said it will go public via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) at a $1 billion valuation to grow its combination of esports, merchandise sales, and social content.”

“A SPAC is a shell firm that raises money and goes public on a stock exchange with the purpose of merging with a private company to take it public. That helps reduce the time it takes to go public, in comparison to an initial public offering.”

“Under the deal, FaZe Clan will raise about $118 million through a private investment in public equity, or PIPE. FaZe did not disclose who its PIPE investors are. Meanwhile, the SPAC itself has $170 million, and some of that money could increase what FaZe Clan takes in cash proceeds. FaZe estimated it will have $275 million in cash upon closing.”

Mall of America Opening Esports Arena and Studio

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Forbes: “The Mall of America in Minneapolis, a pioneer in using attractions like amusement parks and aquariums to draw crowds, is embracing a new kind of experience – esports. The mall has a deal with Wisdom Gaming to create an esports broadcast studio and gaming venue.”

“The announcement could signal the start of the esports era for malls, when having a place to host live-streaming video gaming events becomes an essential ingredient for a modern mall, as experiences replace traditional retail.”

“Wisdom Gaming plans to create a space where it can livestream esports competitions in front of a studio audience, and host other gaming events. The 18,000 square foot space, on the fourth floor of the mall, will also have a gaming lounge serving food and beverages, and a retail shop.”

English Football Club, Norwich City F.C., Creates Esports Team

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Canaries: “Norwich City are delighted to launch the club’s first-ever esports team – 1J Esports.”

“1J Esports has been designed to provide a brand-new identity for our esports team by utilising the club location and postcode (NR1 1JE) to create a stand-alone entity, whilst still honouring our club heritage.”

“Everything related to 1J Esports can be found on the team’s dedicated webpage here, or on the 1J Esports Twitter (@1JEsports) and Twitch accounts.”

“We pride ourselves on creating a fun, welcoming community of gamers for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a professional, someone looking to improve their skills, a complete beginner, or just here for the content, there will be something for you to enjoy. All of which will aim to deliver a strong sense of belonging within our community.”

Esports Betting Predicted to Reach $8 Billion in Total Wagers This Year

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PR Newswire: “According to an article by Venture Beat, one of the fastest growing categories in online gambling, esports betting is on pace to reach up to $8 billion USD in total wagers this year, equating to $560 million in revenue at an industry average margin of 7%. Growth estimates point to more than $16 billion in annual wagers in coming years.”

“The recent investment wave in esports has been primarily focused on the most visible assets in the space being esports organizations, influencer agencies, and content/competition assets.”

2022 Asian Games to Include Esports

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Inven Global: “Both Dota 2 and League of Legends will be medal events at the next Asian Games, after the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) announced that esports would be included in their program for the first time in the 2022 games. League and Dota 2 won’t be the only esports rubbing shoulders with traditional sports, as there are eight titles set to be included in what could be a watershed moment for the relationship between sports and esports.”

The eight games included are: Arena of Valor, Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, FIFA, Hearthstone, League of Legends, PUBG, and Street Fighter V.

Butler University Building 7,500 Square-Foot Esports Facility

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Stories: “By the time students arrive on the Butler University campus in fall 2022, a 7,500-square-foot space dedicated to esports and technology will be ready to welcome them back.”

“With high-performance gaming PC’s and consoles, event and co-working spaces, a cafe, office areas for partner organizations, and a studio and production room, the venue will provide a hub for the tech community while expanding on Butler’s growing presence in esports.”

“We strive to be a leader in building a culture of innovation, equity, and operational excellence that supports our students and their learning—both inside and outside of the classroom,” says Dr. Frank E. Ross, Butler’s Vice President for Student Affairs. “Butler engaged our students, faculty, and staff through esports in meaningful ways—adding a new academic minor, and pivoting to adapt recruiting, planning, and event executions, as well as creative opportunities for community engagement, to advance our holistic vision for esports.”

Entain acquires Esports Betting Company Unikrn

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CNBC: “On Thursday, Entain agreed to acquire Unikrn, a Seattle start-up that operates a leading esports betting platform and is backed by celebrity investors including Mark Cuban and Ashton Kutcher. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.”

“Entain expects esports and social casino gaming could add $20 billion in addressable market share over time. All told, Jette Nygaard-Andersen, CEO of Entain, sees a $160 billion addressable market for sports betting, igaming, and interactive gaming.”