Long-term partners Intel and ESL have announced in a press release that the partnership between ESL UK and Intel UK will extend throughout 2019. The tech titan and UK branch of the esports giant first started working together in 2014 and has since then been a crucial part of the UK and Irish scene. The major collaboration in 2018 provided a number of campaigns to highlight the potential in the UK esports scene and enabled the partnership and community to grow in tandem with each other.
After a successful first year, the partnership is to be extended throughout 2019 and will involve the introduction of the new ESL Premiership on tour, as well as a Premiership Conference that will take place at epic26 on February 8 (tickets available here). Those who wish to attend epic26 can expect to find ESL hosting several panels to cater for everyone involved in UK and Irish esports. LAN attendees will also get a chance to discuss the plans for the Premiership and take part in an open Q&A with the ESL UK staff.
Scott Gillingham, Intel UK Gaming and Esports Lead, spoke about the partnership, saying: "Intel is proud to be returning as the headline sponsor for the ESL UK Premiership in 2019. Our work with ESL aims to develop the esports industry by showcasing current talent as well as searching for the next stars across the UK. 2019 is going to be another great year for UK esports and we are very excited to be a key partner driving success and growth of the sport".
Alongside Intel being the headline sponsor for ESL UK, they have also pledged to invest $100 million USD for the next three years with the end goal of forging a strong relationship that will help the esports scene flourish.
James Dean, managing director of ESL UK, added: "Intel's involvement since the early days of the ESL Premiership has provided so many opportunities for aspiring professional players and talent throughout the recent years. It's tremendous news for the UK and Irish esports scene to see Intel extend its headline sponsorship for 2019".
The ESL Premiership titles for CS:GO and Rainbow Six Siege for the next three seasons will be announced soon, and the prize pool will sit at a cool £78,500. Additional titles are also expected to be revealed soon.
Do you think this will promote development in UK esports?
