Each week, ESI Digest breaks down the weekly happenings in the esports industry, making sense of things so you don’t have to. As well as being housed on YouTube, ESI Digest is available on all major podcast platforms and is also available in written form below.
On this week’s ESI Digest we cover, Norwich City launching 1J Esports, Immortals Gaming Club promoting multiple staff, FIFA 22‘s esports programme, Guild Esports partnering with Finn Harps FC, plus the Thai government recognising esports as an official sport.
Norwich City FC launches esports team 1J Esports
Premier League football club Norwich City has announced the launch of its own esports team1J Esports.
According to Norwich City, 1J Esports has been designed to create a new brand identity for its esports team, whilst also paying homage to the football club’s heritage but utilising its location and postcode (NR1 1JE).
Immortals Gaming Club announces promotions amid restructuring
North American esports organisation Immortals Gaming Club (IGC) has announced a series of executive promotions and changes as part of the organisation’s larger corporate reorganisation effort.
According to the release, the restructuring has been designed to ‘hasten IGC’s growth and operating efficiency’ across its core businesses. Immortals Gaming Club operates four key esports brands and business units: Immortals, MIBR, Gamers Club, and LA Valiant.
FIFA and EA announce expanded FIFA 22 esports programme
FIFA and Electronic Arts have announced its new esports programme for EA SPORTS FIFA 22.
According to the announcement, the new programme will allow players from more than 70 countries to compete in FIFA, making it one of the world’s largest competitive gaming ecosystems.
Thai government recognises esports as official sport
The Thai E-Sports Federation (TESF), a body established to manage esports in Thailand, has announced that esports will be recognised as a professional sport in the country.
According to Thaiger, esports will be the 14th professionally recognised sport in Thailand.
Guild Esports partners with Irish football club Finn Harps FC
David Beckham-owned British esports organisation Guild Esports has announced a partnership with Irish football club Finn Harps FC.
According to the release, the partnership between Finn Harps and Guild will be based on raising awareness of the esports organisation’s brand in Ireland. Moreover, the collaboration will look to encourage Irish FIFA gaming talent to join Guild’s academy.
ESI Digest is part of the ESI Podcast Network, a collection of podcasts encompassing the esports industry. For deep dives into the major areas of esports with subject matter experts, check out ESI Focus. For conversations with key personnel and major stakeholders in esports, ESI Insight is the series for you.