Global esports giant ESL announced “a deep strategic partnership” with GamingMalta, to foster and develop the Maltese esports community.

After joining forces for ESL Pro League Season 11 earlier this year, the partnership aims to strengthen the industry in Malta across all levels of the zero to hero pyramid of ESL.

The company announced that Malta will be the host location for all of ESL Pro League in 2021 as well as continued integrations for the upcoming Season 12, which will be played out online due to the ongoing health and travel situation around the globe.

Ralf Reichert, CEO at ESL, said “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,” Mr Reichert added.  

Through this agreement, ESL and GamingMalta aim to establish Malta as the new home for esports businesses and professionals from all around the globe.

“For the upcoming Season 12 of ESL Pro League, GamingMalta will continue to be an official partner helping us to deliver the best quality and most exciting broadcasts for fans at home,” the company said in its statement.

Ivan Filletti, Chief Operations Officer at GamingMalta, commented on the partnership, saying “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.”