From pitch to pixels: How football stars are shaping the esports landscape

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In recent years, the intersection of football and esports has become increasingly pronounced, with several football stars diving into the gaming world. These athletes are not only capitalizing on the booming esports market but also fostering new talent and opportunities within the industry.

David Beckham, for instance, co-owns Guild Esports, an organization established in 2020 that competes in games like FIFA and Rocket League. Beckham's investment reflects a strategic move to capitalize on the booming esports market while also helping to nurture talent through the organization's academy and infrastructure​.

Sergio Aguero, the former Manchester City star, founded KRÜ Esports in 2020, focusing on discovering and supporting gaming talent in Argentina. The team's participation in the VALORANT esports scene illustrates how footballers are not just investing money but also building platforms for aspiring gamers​.

Another notable example is Virgil van Dijk, who invested in Tundra in 2022, a UK-based esports team that has achieved notable success, including winning top prizes in DOTA 2 competitions​.

In 2020, Neymar announced a partnership with the Brazilian esports organization paiN Gaming. This collaboration included the creation of a team for the popular game Free Fire, a mobile battle royale game. Neymar's involvement helped elevate the organization’s profile in Brazil and beyond.

Neymar has also shared public messages of support towards FURIA, a Brazilian esports team, and in 2022, he posted an Instagram story showing himself at a FURIA event watching people play Counter-Strike.

As footballers continue to invest in and support esports organizations, their influence helps bridge the gap between traditional sports and the gaming community. By leveraging their fame and resources, these players are paving the way for a new generation of gamers.

AuthorAndrii SokolovskyiSourceTribuna
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