BIG Esports Partners with Crypto Giant Coinbase
Published: Aug 26, 2021 - Last Updated: Jan 17, 2023
Both esports and cryptocurrency have exploded in popularity in recent years. It seemed that around ten years ago, both industries were relatively unknown areas, simply bursting with potential. In the last decade or so, many people have capitalised on that potential, and now, these industries are massively valuable. Today, we bring news of another partnership that links these two industries together, with BIG Esports forming a lucrative relationship with crypto giant Coinbase.
As we move ever closer to a more digital and dynamic world, partnerships such as these will become increasingly important. In a decisive announcement, the organisation known as Berlin International Gaming (BIG) confirmed that it had signed a groundbreaking deal with Coinbase. This announcement comes shortly after the news that Coinbase will be permitted a license to operate its platform within Germany.
That news is remarkable in itself, as this particular licensing framework is young and unique. In fact, this is the first time that the license has been applied in the European Union.
With all that in mind, what does this partnership mean for both BIG and Coinbase and for esports in general?
Industries Collide
Initially, the key factor of this partnership is the beneficial advertising power that it creates. Both Coinbase and BIG can leverage one another for marketing and branding purposes, with each party drawing in fresh viewers and users. Fortunately for BIG, Coinbase is statistically one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. In the United States, it claims the number one spot within the industry.
It’s estimated that there are some 68 million users on Coinbase, which serves as a buying, trading, and storage platform for the world’s cryptocurrencies. According to the statistics platform, CoinMarketCap, Coinbase claims the number two spot in terms of overall trade volume, globally.
Now, where esports are concerned, BIG is, comparatively, a similar-sized organisation. Although it was only founded in 2017, BIG has already gone on to establish itself as an industry leader. In a relatively short period of time, BIG has claimed well over $1 million in tournament winnings, and it boasts an expansive list of sponsors. This list is topped by the likes of Betway Esports.
In a statement from Sascha Rangoonwala, the German Country Manager at Coinbase, this deal was celebrated:
Partnering with Germany’s leading esports organisation helps us more effectively reach as well as educate digital natives around the benefits and risks of cryptocurrency.
It’s certainly a lucrative deal for both companies, and it’ll ensure each organisation can reach across into different markets.
Crypto And Esports: How Do They Connect?
Both of these industries are almost entirely digital, and they’re celebrated by modern, forward-thinking individuals. When you’re looking for the most direct connection, it sits nicely with crypto betting. There are various platforms that offer esports betting with the ability to use crypto as your financial model of choice.
For example, if you were watching BIG compete, and wanted to bet on CSGO, for example, you could do so using crypto. And, if we want to link it further, you could use Coinbase and its wallet function to withdraw those crypto winnings.
As time goes on, these industries will further collide and benefit one another. It’s just a question of what comes next.
