EBN, PSI launch the university esports league

• Targeting 300 esports teams competing on four game titles for US$4.8K prize pool
• Official sponsors include MSI, SEGi University & Colleges

ESPORTS Business Network (EBN) and Prime Sports International (PSI) have partnered to launch the inaugural University e-League (UEL), a nationwide collegiate esports league.

To be held on July 4 to Sept 12, UEL is targeting participation of over 300 university esports teams competing across four game titles for a combined prize pool of US$4,833 (RM20,000), both companies said in a statement.

Scheduled to be broadcasted online, the league will feature game titles including Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, League of Legends, League of Legends: Wild Rift and Valorant.

The official sponsors of the UEL include MSI and SEGi University & Colleges, with other commercial partners soon to be announced. Students from both private and public universities across the country are welcomed to participate as the registration period commences on June 14.

“Drawing inspiration from the collegiate sports culture overseas, the vision for UEL is to harness a sense of pride in Malaysian students representing their universities while amplifying the values of healthy competition between higher learning institutions,” said Yong-Chul Yun, chief executive officer (CEO) of Prime Sports International (PSI).

“Working collaboratively with our partners, we envision UEL as a favourable platform not just for students, but for all stakeholders to engage and thrive on.”

PSI is a sports marketing agency providing marketing, commercialisation and consulting services, while Esports Business Network is a merger between Orange Esports and The Gaming Company.

The companies said the UEL is also positioned as an additional and practical route for esports enthusiasts looking to develop a professional career in esports.

The alliance between PSI and EBN offering avenues for students by opening doors to internship programs, workshops and on-the-job experiences within their organisations, the companies said.

“The launch of UEL is a testament to our wider mission of empowering students with valuable experiences not just through competition, but also career-developing opportunities within various facets of the esports ecosystem through partnered programs.

“It is exciting to pave the way for the future of tertiary competition while developing an ecosystem for camaraderie and teamwork,” said Adrian Gaffor, group CEO of EBN.

Students from public and private universities across both East and West Malaysia can register for the University e-League on the official website by June 14.