Mountain Dew Crystallizes Its Esports Involvement In Forming New Amateur CS:GO League
Mountain Dew, in cooperation with ESL and ESEA, has launched a new Counter-Strike: Global Offensive league called Mountain Dew League (MDL).
The amateur league should help discover new CS:GO talent and give players an opportunity to qualify directly for a place in next season’s ESL Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Pro League.
Helping amateurs become professionals
“MDL provides a unique opportunity for aspiring professional gamers to realize their dreams on a global stage,”said Craig Levine, CEO of ESL America. “With the popularity of esports exploding, we’re excited to partner with Mountain Dew and find the next generation of Counter-Strike superstars.”
Thousands of players who weren’t successful in qualifying for the ESL Pro League, a $750,000 competition that featured 24 teams across Europe and North America, will get another chance to qualify for the big league through MDL.
[show-table name=cta-10bet]Starting in August, the league will run for 20 weeks featuring a last-chance qualifier, a league season, and the final championship. On Aug. 27 and 28 anyone who missed out on the ongoing qualification process will get one last shot to make it into the Mountain Dew League. During the eight weeks, 24 teams will then battle each other once a week for rankings.
The final showdown will happen in December during the Mountain Dew Championship, where the remaining eight teams will fight for the MDL title. The best North American and European team from the MDL will then get a spot in the ESL Pro League.
During the tournament, the company will be providing top tools and training for competing players, including access to online tutorials and pro coaches. Fans won’t be left out either: They will be able to watch the competition unfold through a live stream and will have access to behind-the-scenes action, as well as real-time stat tracking via ESEA and Twitch channels.
Mountain Dew’s second appearance in esports
The MDL is the soft drink company’s second foray into the esports industry. Its first was taking the role of a title sponsor at the Championship Gaming Series in 2006.
As the industry is projected to reach more than one billion people in 2016 (according to a report by the market research company Newzoo) it is no surprise that Mountain Dew is betting on CS:GO and seeking new opportunities to get involved in the successful market.
Said Sonika Patel, senior brand manager at Mountain Dew:
“Esports is becoming an integral part of gaming culture. As instigators in this space, we want to push the boundaries of competitive gaming and enable everyone in this community to take part in the experience. Our partnership with ESL is unique in that it gives everyone a platform to participate on a level playing field.”
Since: September 12, 2015
