Emirates Esports Federation and ITW Global to launch a franchised esports league

Emirates Esports Federation and the consulting and management company ITW Global have unveiled a new franchised global esports league. Known as E-Gaming League (EGL)the competition will be held at the United Arab Emirates (UAE)starting in April 2024.

According to a statement, the inaugural EGL will feature a draft format involving players from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America, as well as a “lucrative prize pool.” The first season of the EGL will include several titles, including. Dota 2 and PUBGand the playoffs will take place between February and March 2024. The top players from the playoffs will be eligible for draft selection, a method that has traditionally been used in some sports models.

Prior to the inaugural season, the EGL plans to host a series of “pre-event” activities beginning in the UAE from February 2024. No information on such activities has been disclosed.

The franchise model has had varying degrees of success in the eSports industry. In April 2023, tournament organizer Skyesports launched the first franchised esports league in India, while in North America, teams such as Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians left the LCS, reducing the number of teams competing in the league to eight.

Asia is one of the fastest growing esports markets today and with the participation of Indian players in this league, it will provide the country’s talented esports athletes the platform to showcase their skill. We are excited about the potential of this league and look forward to creating an event that will truly change the trajectory and contribute to the growth of Esports.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan, Chairman, Emirates Esports Federation