eSports
Valhallan Acquires NXT Up Esports
Growing esports franchise Valhallan announced its acquisition of NXT UP Esports, the largest provider of virtual youth esports camps and leagues across the US. The move enables Valhallan to provide an inclusive environment for esports competition, regardless of skill, for kids anywhere in the world, even if there isn’t a Valhallan arena close by.
With the acquisition of NXT UP Esports and the recent acquisitions of the United Federation of Esports Athletes (UFEA) league and the North American Esports League (NAEL), Valhallan now boasts thousands of teams and players, solidifying the brand further as the largest youth esports franchise. Together with Valhallan’s exclusive training programme, the company offers the best training and competition – whether virtual or in Valhallan’s arenas – for youth esports players.
Like Valhallan, NXT UP Esports prides itself on its youth development that teaches players essential life skills through video games, with the belief that the lessons kids learn from being a part of a team can extend to all aspects of their lives, now and in the future. Integrating with Valhallan’s curriculum helps develop each player’s self-confidence, communication skills, social development, leadership ability and in-game skills in a fun and safe environment.
“NXT UP Esports is the perfect addition to add virtual programs in areas where we don’t have Valhallan arenas – youth players and teams everywhere will be able to join, train and compete with us. It also opens doors to further Valhallan’s global expansion, enabling us to serve significantly more gamers anywhere they might be. It’s exciting news for our players, franchise owners and youth esports as a whole,” Matt Phillips, brand president of Valhallan, said.
The acquisition also brings NXT UP Esports founder Luke Zelon to the Valhallan team as the new vice president of media and partnerships. Under Zelon, NXT UP Esports has established partnerships and connections with influential esports and youth programmes such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Team Liquid and traditional sports company U.S. Sports Camps.
“By combining the training and curriculum of Valhallan with the virtual capabilities of NXT UP Esports, Valhallan can offer the experience of a lifetime for young gamers from almost anywhere in the world. With the new addition, Valhallan can now reach a larger audience while bringing exciting new opportunities to the world of esports,” Zelon said.
Asia
Vasista Esports Crowned Champions of Red Bull M.E.O. 2024 at Chennai Trade Centre
The Red Bull M.E.O. 2024 BGMI Grand Finals concluded in spectacular fashion at the Chennai Trade Centre, with Vasista Esports emerging as the champions. The team, which flew under the radar leading up to the finals, delivered a phenomenal performance to claim the coveted title.
Coming into the Grand Finals, Vasista Esports had placed 13th in the semifinals, raising doubts about their chances. However, the roster maintained consistency throughout the 18 matches in the grand finals, propelling them to the top of the standings table with 153 points.
The journey to victory wasn’t without challenges. While Vasista Esports took an early lead, they faced stiff resistance from formidable teams like Orangutan, Gods Reign, and Soul Esports during the intense L.AN finale.
In fact, Orangutan almost clinched the title in the penultimate game where they picked up 10 finishes and placed second. But, with Vasista Esports playing it safe to place second in that match, they maintained their position at the top. Orangutan ended as the runners-up with a mere 6 point difference to Vasista Esports.
With this victory, Vasista Esports not only earns the prestigious title but also an exclusive Red Bull F1 experience, where the team will travel to witness a live Formula 1 race in 2025.
In a post match interview, Vasista Esports Pukar said, “We are feeling really good. Honestly, we have been trying to win for the past two seasons and even finished second once. This time, we have won it all and can’t wait to watch the FI race live.”
On their consistency, the player added, “We approached each game with a fresh mindset, taking it one game at a time and leaving behind the results of the previous matches.”
The Red Bull M.E.O. 2024 featured open qualifiers with thousands of players from across India competing for a chance to shine on the big stage. Ultimately, 16 teams battled it out in the Grand Finals at the Chennai Trade Centre. The tournament achieved remarkable success, drawing ove 20fe concurrent viewers. Skyesports had executed the event.
eSports
World Esports Summit 2024: A Fitting End to a Remarkable Year in International Esports
The International Esports Federation (IESF) concluded the 9th World Esports Summit (WES24) in Busan, South Korea, marking the end of a highly productive year for international Esports. Held over two days, WES24 featured 10 panels led by some of the world’s top Esports professionals. These discussions addressed critical industry topics and explored the latest trends shaping the future of Esports.
WES24 has grown into one of the largest and most impactful international Esports gatherings. Each year the summit grows, it attracts thought leaders, stakeholders, and professionals from all corners of the Esports ecosystem, creating an essential platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.
The summit also featured the IESF Referee Academy, where aspiring referees gained hands-on training and expert mentorship from leading industry professionals. This program aims to raise the standards of officiating in Esports by equipping referees with the knowledge and skills needed to oversee competitions with precision and integrity.
Another key program that took part in WES24 was the IESF Training Camp, an initiative designed to support athlete development. Athletes received expert guidance on game tactics, scrimmage preparation, and strategic insights, enabling them to enhance their performance and readiness for elite competition.
The World Esports Idea Quest 2024, also one of IESF’s initiatives this year, revealed its winners, recognizing outstanding project ideas for Esports events that demonstrated creativity and vision.
On the final day of the summit, the prestigious National Federation of the Year Award was presented to Indonesia. This annual award celebrates the federation that has demonstrated excellence throughout the whole year across all areas of Esports, from competition success to organizational achievements.
As WES24 concludes, we reflect on another year marked by success, growth, unity, and collaboration within the international Esports community. With increased engagement from the national federations, athletes, and fans, IESF looks forward to even greater success in the coming years.
eSports
Indonesia Wins the IESF National Federation of the Year Award
Indonesia has been named the winner of the National Federation of the Year Award – the most prestigious accolade presented annually by the International Esports Federation (IESF). The announcement and award ceremony took place during the IESF World Esports Summit in Busan, South Korea.
This award recognises the National Federation that demonstrates Esports excellence across all areas, including operational professionalism, success in competitions, marketing initiatives and efforts to grow the Esports ecosystem both nationally and globally.
What a year for Indonesia! While they earned the Overall Champion Award at the 16th World Esports Championship (WEC24), it was their commitment to promoting esports, supporting their national teams and demonstrating professionalism throughout the year that secured this honour. They have set an example of what it takes to build an Esports ecosystem that inspires athletes, fans and communities alike.
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