Lagardère Sports agree distribution deal of new international esports event
October 23, 2017
Lagardère Sports today announced it has signed an exclusive worldwide deal with RFRSH Entertainment that will see the agency represent the media rights for the global Counter-Strike (CS:GO) tournament BLAST Pro Series.
BLAST Pro Series will be launched by RFRSH Entertainment in Copenhagen this November and the tournament will continue in major cities across the globe, returning to Copenhagen in November 2018.
The tournament aims to be the biggest ever international esports event to take place in Denmark, and will also give the six teams a chance to compete for a $250,000 prize pool.
The BLAST Pro Series format has been created to maximise the audience experience, both live in the arena and through streaming and broadcasts.
That special feeling.
It leaves you breathless.Get it at #BLASTProSeries
Buy now: https://t.co/eE6pLYHQuz
Be thankful later. pic.twitter.com/hfMCRXd2cY— BLAST Pro Series (@BLASTSeries) October 7, 2017
Lagardère Sports will use their global network to engage existing fans as well as reaching new audiences.
Nikolaus von Doetinchem, senior vice president media at Lagardère Sports, said: “Lagardère Sports is becoming a leading marketing agency within the esports industry and it was a natural step for us to also start lending our expertise in media rights – particularly with the phenomenal explosion in the esports market and huge surge in spectatorship for live tournaments.
“We’re looking forward to working with RFRSH Entertainment, who as well as creating, owning and producing the groundbreaking format of BLAST Pro Series is an esports front runner when it comes to creative marketing, media and team management. Together with RFRSH, we will commercialise and further professionalise esports media rights.”
Alexander Lewin, VP programming and distribution atRFRHS Entertainment, said: “Esports is the most engaging live entertainment out there and Counter-Strike is by far the most exciting genre.
“Our mission at RFRSH Entertainment is to deliver the greatest moments in esports to fans and our mainstream audience, and we have created a range of engaging and innovative content around the BLAST Pro tournament Series.
“We are delighted to team up with Lagardère Sports to provide our complete tournament package to broadcasters, commercial partners and fans, and look forward to working with the global Lagardère Sports team in our quest to reach millions of homes.”
