In an announcement today it was shared that ESL Gaming and Guinevere Capital are working in partnership to create a new competitive league for Oceanic League of Legends. Starting in 2021, the new league will support our favourite Oceanic players and teams.
In collaboration with the eight existing professional esports League of Legends teams, the league will look to have regular competition broadcast for fans in the Oceanic region. Riot Games have engaged with ESL and Guinevere Capital, for a planned three-year license. An extension option will be available for another three-year term.
With the announcement Nick Vanzetti, from ESL Gaming – SVP (Asia-Pacific Japan), shared his excitement at the opportunity to revive the Oceanic League of Legends competitive scene.
“From running the first official tournaments on the Oceanic servers to helping produce the OPLFinals at the Melbourne Esports Open, the ESL team have always had competitive League of Legends in our DNA, so when the opportunity to build a new league, and create new opportunities for League of Legends players in Oceania presented itself, we jumped on it.”.
Guinevere Capital Managing Director Dave Harris shared his vision for the league.
“OPL was our first step into esports back in 2016 through a team investment and despite having moved on to be involved in other regions, titles and projects since, we have always been parochial supporters of the OCE scene and LoL in particular. Our philosophy has been based around developing young talent and there are many examples of players, coaches and casters from this region becoming globally relevant” said Mr Harris. “We genuinely believe this new league can be a case study for elsewhere in the world with the freedom to innovate and build a sustainable esports model in what is still an emerging region.”
Twitter was a buzz before the announcement. Oceanic League of Legends fans were left guessing as hints were shared that by those in the know.
Owners and General Managers from OCE (Oceanic) teams have also shared their excitement about the news that ESL Gaming and Guinevere Capital are partnering to revive the Oceanic League of Legends competitive scene.
“An Oceanic Professional Scene in 2021 has never been in doubt, it just takes some time to bring all of the moving pieces together. Thanks so much to the Australian players for their patience, the wait will be worth it and your professional pathway is secure. Pentanet.GG is ready to continue the awesome path it cut in its inaugural 2020 season.” Pete Curulli, Pentanet.GG General Manager.
“From a team’s perspective, as a group, we are excited to be working with ESL and Guinevere Capital to develop a new league for LoL Esports fans in Oceania.” said Sean Callanan, owner of Gravitas, “All 8 teams are committed to continuing to develop a strong ecosystem for all involved. We look forward to renewing rivalries on Summoner’s Rift.”
Legacy Esports, who represented OCE at the League of Legends World Championships, added to the masses of Tweets shared about the new news. After the disappointment of the OPL being dissolved in October, the Oceanic League of Legends scene has been revitalised today. Excitement is in there air as the future professional career pathways for Oceanic League of Legends competitive players, teams, coaches, and broadcast teams become more secure.
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