"When we founded ESL fifteen years ago, our goal was to bring esports to fans around the world and establish it as a global sport. Today, esports is recognized worldwide. Now is the time to take it to the next level together with MTG" - said Ralf Reichert, CEO at ESL. "We are excited to begin our collaboration with MTG, which shares our passion for sports and brings entrepreneurial commitment to help fulfill our dreams. MTG’s extensive operational network in over 100 countries and experience in sports broadcasting will enable us to take ESL and esports to new places around the globe, providing opportunities to build strong, strategic, local partnerships. ESL’s leadership is very excited to take the next big step forward for the entire esports industry together with MTG."
„At MTG, we love sports and sports fans. Our television channels and platforms are loved by sports industry leaders and are primarily watched by younger audiences. Esports is rapidly becoming one of the most-watched and followed sports categories among young viewers. Today, there are nearly as many gamers as there are sport fans worldwide, and esports is already more popular than, for example, hockey. However, the average revenue generated by esports enthusiasts in 2014 was just over 2 USD, while that from traditional sports enthusiasts was 56 USD, showing the enormous potential of this category.- said Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, President and CEO at MTG. "This investment is a milestone in our digital development. We look forward eagerly to working with the talented Turtle team to grow the esports community and make this exciting phenomenon even more accessible online and on TV."
"Esports has already found a permanent place in the Polsat Viasat Explore lineup and is very popular with us — measured both by viewer numbers and their reactions and high engagement on our social media. We also see growing interest among paid TV providers in Poland in esports coverage. The partnership with ESL is the next step in advancing our strategy to strengthen the station's leading position in broadcasting gaming competitions" – said Aleks Habdank-Toczyski, President of MTG’s paid TV division for emerging markets.
ESL to retain its team and brands
MTG to acquire majority stake in ESL for EUR 78 million
The company Turtle Entertainment GmbH was founded in 2000. Currently, it owns the most prestigious esports brands and products, including Intel Extreme Masters, ESL One, and ESL ESEA Pro League. The management team will continue to lead ESL; they have signed long-term agreements enabling them to continue developing the company through global, strategic, international collaborations. Both managing directors, Ralf Reichert and Heinrich Zetlmayer, as well as founder Jens Hilgers and ESL Play platform investor Jan Philipp Reining, will remain in the ESL management team. Creative efforts for ESL products and distributor-branded products will continue to be managed by Michał "Carmaca" Blicharz and James "Kenningta" Lampkin, respectively, from ESL’s US office and the company’s main HQ in Cologne.
