OG Esports renews with crypto-native trading firm Wintermute

European esports organisation OG Esports has renewed its partnership with algorithmic trading firm and cryptocurrency liquidity provider Wintermute.

Originally partnering in 2020, the two companies have worked together to explore the connections between esports, trading and crypto.

Wintermute is a trading firm specialising in digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, and has many partnerships with over 100 investments as of this moment. It creates liquid and efficient markets for digital assets, according to its website. OG Esports is its only partner in the esports space.

Founded in 2015, OG esports is most well-known for its accomplishments in Dota 2 where its team won the The International in 2018 and 2019. The esports organisation also boasts international lineups in Counter-Strike 2 and a Rocket League, and previously held rosters in Smash and VALORANT.

According to the press release, the partnership aims to develop ideas for long-term value creation by leveraging OG’s global presence in esports to strengthen Wintermute’s reach.

Cryptocurrency was previously one of the most active sponsorship sectors in the esports industry, but deals slowed down after prominent crypto firm FTX collapsed in 2022. However, these partnerships still have a place in the industry; for example Into the Breach recently partnered with crypto casino Shuffle.

Evgeny Gaevoy, CEO of Wintermute, said: “The world of gaming is something I have always been fond of and is engrained in the culture of the team here at Wintermute.

“There are many parallels between trading and gaming as the naturally competitive nature is needed in both roles, so when the opportunity to continue the partnership with OG was presented, we felt it was a no-brainer. We’re excited to support the OG esports teams as they consistently grow and succeed.”