GamingMalta continues esports push with ESL partnership extension

GamingMalta, a non-profit foundation devised by the Government of Malta, has extended its partnership with tournament organiser ESL.

Malta will once again be the host location for the entirety of the ESL Pro League in 2021.

GamingMalta ESL Pro League Extension
Copyright: ESL | Bart Oerbekke

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Prior to physically hosting the league next year, GamingMalta will continue to act as an official partner of ESL for Season 12 of the competition. All of the Pro League’s regions – Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania – will host matches online for the entirety of the season due to complications presented by COVID-19.

Ralf Reichert, Co-CEO of ESL, spoke on the expansion in a release: “The agreement with GamingMalta enables us to offer an amazing setting to the worldwide esports community. Malta is a progressive country with its finger on the digital pulse combined with a beautiful Mediterranean ambient which partnered with us for a phenomenal 11th season of the world’s largest professional esports league in CS:GO. We couldn’t be more excited for this partnership to bring the growth of esports and beauty even more together.”

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GamingMalta is looking to “establish Malta as the new home for esports business and professionals,” according to a release, and it views its deal with ESL for the Pro League as a prominent component in achieving that goal.

Ivan Filletti, Chief Operations Officer at GamingMalta, commented: “Our collaboration with ESL is a milestone in Malta’s esports journey since hosting the ESL Pro League immediately positions Malta as a premier esports destination. The mutual goal is to further establish professional structures in Malta and enhance educational initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth of the local esports ecosystem.”

Esports Insider says: GamingMalta has been keen on turning Malta into a haven for esports for quite some time and partnering with one of the most prominent and widespread tournament organisers is certainly one way of garnering attention and pedigree.