ESL Gaming expands partnership with GamingMalta

ESL gamesexpanded cooperation with GamingMaltais an independent non-profit organization established by the Government of Malta and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

According to the report, the expansion of their cooperation for ESL Pro League will continue until the end of the 20th season. Malta will then host the biggest and longest tournament in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) with a total prize pool of $850,000 per season, bringing both conference stage and group stage teams to the Mediterranean island.

In addition, both companies will focus on developing and promoting the local sports ecosystem through local tournaments and conferences, thus creating the necessary development structures to give emerging players and teams in Malta the opportunity to become professionals.

“We are proud to be a partner of GamingMalta for the last two years of the ESL Pro League and we are very happy to finally be in Malta to host the next seasons of our CS:GO major league.”— said Brian Kremer, General Manager of ESL Gaming CS:GO. “Together with GamingMalta, we not only offer the perfect environment for the best teams in the world, but we continue to highlight our core tenet of creating a world where everyone can become someone through activation for aspiring CS:GO players in the region. “

Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands of the Government of Malta, welcomed the partnership: “Our vision of positioning Malta as an esports hub is paying off and this ongoing partnership with ESL will continue to showcase Malta’s gaming ecosystem as the home of gaming excellence, welcoming the best esports players to our island for years to come.”

Ivan Filletti, CEO of the GamingMalta Foundation, added: “The growth of the local esports ecosystem is a vital part of our strategic efforts to build a strong esports structure. Our partnership with ESL ensures not only the organization of international ESL tournaments in Malta, but also is based on a “zero to-hero”, whereby local esports athletes participate in local ESL events, thought leadership sessions and in a sustainable esports business environment.”