Esports & Pro Players

In the competitive world of esports, associating your brand with a professional player just like in sports can bring a tremendous amount of value. Pro players often are the core reason organizations turn into million-dollar corporations. The same way fans will devote themselves towards a football club because of a certain player, the same way esport fans will dedicate themselves to an org just because their fav pro player is on it and usually the most successful pro players with huge impact are ones who also stream, in turn this allows the fans to tap into their personality and form a bond since on streaming sites such as KICK or Twitch can generate more engagement through live chatting with these players. By leveraging this influence, companies can tap into a highly engaged audience, amplify their brand visibility, and create lasting impressions.

Pro Players Are the Face of Organizations

Take Fnatic and Virtus Pro in CSGO, for example. Both organizations enjoyed immense success during their era of stable rosters. Players like Olofmeister for Fnatic and PashaBiceps for Virtus Pro were not just members of the team; they were the organization’s identity. When roster changes disrupted this stability, fan support dwindled, and both viewership and performance declined. These cases underscore how a strong roster, anchored by star players, is instrumental in maintaining fan loyalty and organizational success. A great example of this is NIP ( Ninjas In Pajamas) who were always a fan favorite, and their main success mainly came from the love of the fans towards players like GeT_RiGhT, friberg & f0rest who played a detrimental role in making the brand “NIP” a notorious symbol of what it means to be a top tier esport organization, to this day fans will support organizations because these organizations had supported their favorite players growing up, but then pro players have to leave their legacy and move on which is why some organizations like NIP have a brand ambassador, F0rest in this case who has been with NIP for a decade.

Who is Faker?

If you heard of Faker you must have heard of League Of Legends, usually you hear of the game then the player, but faker is an exception, widely regarded as the face of LOL, Faker is the peak of what it means to bring value as a pro player. His journey with SK Telecom T1 (T1) has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. During his brief break due to an injury in his right hand, T1’s performance and the morale of their fanbase took a hit, not only to the organization but the LOL community overall seemed like people weren’t tuning in because their idol/ favorite player was all their worries. However, Faker’s return to form revitalized the League of Legends community, earning him the title "The Unkillable Demon King." His story demonstrates how crafting a compelling narrative around a player can strengthen the bond between fans and an organization. Faker has brought many sponsors with SKT1 such as Red Bull, Mercedes-Benz, Nike, HSBC which are all highly reputed and profit-making brands, players like faker who stayed in the game for more than a decade will always have the support of the fanbase, they have created a legacy and even if they retire and just stream, they will always be backed by the community because the community will have a sense that faker was always there for them by performing what no one could have.

CS:GO Legends: FalleN, NiKo, and s1mple

In CS:GO, players like FalleN, NiKo, and s1mple have become larger-than-life figures. FalleN’s leadership turned Luminosity Gaming into a world champion, cementing his legacy, before the rise of Fallen and his team winning consecutive majors ( In terms of Counter Strike this is the most important event of the year and it was difficult enough to qualify to a CS major) So when an upcoming legendary Brazilian CS team made it internationally, this has set a milestone for all the Brazilian fans worldwide, previously the majors that was dominated with European or North American teams, now we see at least 5 Brazilian cs teams and this is mostly thanks to Fallen who have launched programs, coached aspiring pro players and lead a nation into the world of esports, now even Brazilian footballer Neymar can be seen streaming counter strike and playing it on stage in events such as the Esports World Cup.

Similarly, NiKo’s exceptional skill has made him a cornerstone for any team he represents, known for his great aim and performance although the team or organization might not be the best, everyone would tune in just to see Niko play showcasing that the fans follow the player more than the organization itself.

Another striking example is s1mple’s impact on Counter Strike, when legends were falling, S1mple here was a rising burning star, every play of his was reaching headlines, his journey although ironic wasn’t simple at all, many language barriers and difficulties had to be undergone before becoming arguably the best player in the world, and when S1mple took a break from NAVI which is seen as a top tier team with a fierce logo in many esports people were curious for the next step, Team Falcons quickly seized this opportunity and had S1mple on loan post his break, his presence dramatically increased the team’s viewership and fan engagement. His individual brilliance brought new eyes to the organization, although short lived and they didn’t qualify for the majors, S1mple stepping down again with a possibility to join another team had all the eyes on him. Will S1mple have his redemption, or find a different path, in any case, having the support of the fans through thick and thin further proves that players can be more than priceless marketing assets.

Why Pro Players Are Bigger Than Organizations

Pro players bring unique value to brands:

1. Engagement: Fans often follow players rather than teams, creating a loyal audience.
2. Storytelling: Players like Faker and s1mple have compelling narratives that brands can align with to evoke emotion. Choosing to partner with the right player is more valuable than partnering with the organization in the world of esports
3. Global Reach: Top players have international fanbases, offering brands a gateway to global markets.

Aligning Your Brand with Pro Players

For companies looking to invest in gaming and esports, collaborating with pro players is a strategic move. These players are more than athletes; they are influencers, entertainers, and symbols of excellence. By associating with them, brands can strengthen their presence in the gaming industry and build authentic connections with a passionate audience.

Why invest in pro players?

Pro players bring undeniable value to their organizations and the broader esports ecosystem. Whether it’s through their skill, charisma, or storylines, they capture the hearts of fans and drive engagement like no other. Brands that recognize and leverage this influence stand to benefit significantly, positioning themselves as leaders in the ever-expanding esports industry.