Heavyweight esports organization Blast has partnered with the Match Hospitality agency in a one-year tie-up.
Through the deal, Match has dipped its toe in the esports market for the first time and will now work with Blast to deliver premium fan experiences and hospitality across the organization's global events portfolio.
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The first focus of the partnership will be on delivering those experiences at the Blast Premier Hong Kong Rivals event in November.
Match will aim to bring its network of clients, sponsors, international federation partners, and media partners to Blast events.
In addition, the deal will attempt to "leverage Match's proven technology, infrastructure and operational expertise."
Richard Parker, Match's director of UK events and business strategy, commented: "At Match, we see a tremendous opportunity to bring our expertise in creating premium fan experiences into the esports arena. We are very enthusiastic about the possibility of working together with Blast to deliver innovative, unforgettable experiences for esports fans worldwide."
The overall Match Hospitality group was previously the commercial hospitality rights holder for FIFA soccer events, including the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar, only for those rights to be allocated to On Location, part of the TKO Group.
The firm also has experience across top-tier golf, tennis, and Formula 1 motor racing.
Moving forward, meanwhile, the Swiss agency is the hospitality service provider at next year's men's Asia Cup soccer tournament, to be held in Saudi Arabia.
James Woollard, vice president of destinations and market development for Blast, added: "As Blast continues to grow globally and attract growing numbers of travelling fans, this partnership represents an exciting opportunity to further elevate the live event experience for fans and audiences across esports."
Last year, Blast delivered 15 arena events in 10 countries and is now attempting to enhance the fan experience at its esports events through this partnership.
