Mettlestate partners with ASEM to launch Varsity Esports at rAge 2024
- Siraj Kamedien
- Nov 25, 2024
- 2 min read
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the sports and entertainment landscape, Mettlestate and Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM) proudly announce the launch of Varsity Esports, South Africa’s premier university-level esports tournament. This thrilling initiative offers a dynamic platform for the nation’s top university esports teams to showcase their skills.
Barry Louzada, managing director and founder of Mettlestate says, “With esports rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing industries globally – outpacing traditional entertainment sectors like film and music – Varsity Esports bridges the gap between grassroots talent development and professional competition. This marks a pivotal step in giving esports athletes the same prestige and opportunities long afforded to traditional sports stars.”
Key highlights of Varsity Esports
Nationwide Participation: 25 universities will battle through rigorous USSA qualifiers, with the top 8 advancing to year-long tournaments.
Epic Titles: Players will compete in three top-tier gaming titles, aiming for a share of the R90,000 prize pool.
Grand Finale: The top two teams per title will go head-to-head in front of thousands of fans on the live stage at rAge Expo 2025
Comprehensive Visibility: From digital broadcasts to live events, Varsity Esports offers unmatched brand engagement opportunities across multiple platforms, including Twitch, SuperSport, and social media.
The year-long competition kicks off in March 2025 with Season 1, followed by Season 2 in July. The finals are scheduled for September, culminating in a live grand finale at the rAge Expo in November 2025.
A new era of sports
“We’re very excited about adding esports to the Varsity Sports brand,” says Marnus van Huyssteen, ASEM Corporate Head. “Varsity Esports taps into a vibrant audience aged 18-30, combining competitive spirit with cutting-edge entertainment. This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes while connecting brands to a market on the cusp of significant purchasing power.”
“Mettlestate invites brands to pioneer this new frontier in sports and youth culture. With exclusive sponsorship opportunities available, this is a chance to make a lasting impact on a passionate and engaged audience,” ends Louzada.
To follow all the action, come to rAge expo on 29 November – 1 December at the Johannesburg Expo Centre or on all Mettlestate social platforms.
More details and tickets HERE.
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This is not only a great moment for young esports athletes striving for an opportunity to show what they are made of, but also a moment for spectators to explore the next talent and interesting matchups. Events like these help make esports more accessible and intriguing to the wider audience. By the way, when you have those long days of gaming and intense tournaments, it's important to have some energy to fuel you through it and Poppo recharge is a perfect example of how to do that. It's quick, convenient and allows you to stay energized without going through the process of making coffee during one of the most intense moments.