This week in esports: Dignitas, Microsoft, Riot Games, Ferrari

Acquisitions, major brands entering the industry, and key hires – this week in esports has it all! Each and every week, Esports Insider compiles a list of the biggest and best stories from the past week so you can stay in the loop.

From this week onwards, you’ll also have the option to watch a short and sweet video if that’s how you prefer to take everything in! You can find it below, on YouTube, and across our social channels.

We also have a twice-weekly newsletter that informs you of every significant happening in the business and industry side of esports, feel free to subscribe here.

HBSE officially acquires Clutch Gaming

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the parent company of Dignitas, has officially acquired League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) franchise Clutch Gaming.

Clutch Gaming will be operated by Dignitas for the 2019 Summer Split before rebranding to the organisation’s identity for 2020 onwards. The holding entity that contains both Dignitas and Clutch Gaming is reportedly valued at $47.5 million (£36.3 million).

Read the full article here.

Cloud9 and Microsoft enter technology and analytics partnership

North American organisation Cloud9 announced Microsoft as its official technology and performance analytics partner.

As part of the multi-year deal, Microsoft will develop new tools and technologies to uncover insights across a number of titles in collaboration with the organisation.

Read the full article here.

Riot Games names John Needham as Global Head of LoL Esports

Riot Games appointment John Needham as the new Global Head for League of Legends esports, promoting him from his previous role of Managing Director of Europe and North America.

Jarred Kennedy and Whalen Rozelle, the previous co-Heads of Esports at Riot Games, have moved to new positions within the games development company.

Read the full article here.

Ferrari joins Formula 1 New Balance Esports Series

Ferrari has finally joined the Formula 1 New Balance Esports Series, marking the first time that all 10 F1 teams have competed in the esports competition at once.

Each of the teams are set to compete in the third season of the F1 Esports Series, kicking off with a Pro Draft in July that’ll see them select drivers to represent them going forward.

Read the full article here.

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