Mountain Dew backs new esports competition

Soft drinks brand Mountain Dew has agreed a deal with esports organisations ESL and ESEA to become the title sponsor of a new Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) competition.

The Mountain Dew League will serve as a qualifier for the ESL’s CS:GO Pro League, which pits elite players of the first-person shooter game against one another.

A final pre-qualifying event for the MDL will take place on August 27 and 28 before the eight-week season begins. Twenty-four teams will progress from the pre-qualifier to the MDL, with the season-ending Mountain Dew Championship taking place in December.

The Mountain Dew Championship will comprise eight teams from North America and Europe, with the winners securing a place in next season’s ESL Pro League in their respective regions.

As part of the deal, Mountain Dew will supply players with tools to aid their performance during the competition. The event will be live streamed via ESEA's digital outlets, while behind-the-scenes content will also be produced.

“Esports is becoming an integral part of gaming culture,” Mountain Dew brand manager Sonika Patel said. “As instigators in this space, we want to push the boundaries of competitive gaming and enable everyone in this community to take part in the experience. Our partnership with ESL is unique in that it gives everyone a platform to participate on a level playing field.”