Virgin Media announced this week that they are joining forces with global esports organisation WYLDE. The partnership will see the pair “develop and nurture” Ireland’s booming esports industry.
Virgin Media has long been considered one of Ireland’s more gaming-centric USPs. The company offers a low-latency gaming package on top of its more-than-capable core broadband offerings.
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So, it’s unsurprising that the company has partnered with Usain Bolt’s esports company with the goal of growing Ireland’s roster of elite-level esports athletes.
eSports in Ireland
According to research commissioned by Virgin Media, 53% of Irish adults play video games regularly. This figure rises to 75% of adults aged 18 to 34 years.
The popularity of esports in Ireland is also rapidly expanding according with 22% of Irish gamers watching live eSports tournaments online. Interestingly, strategy and sports titles are the most popular eSports amongst Irish gamers.
Cork eSports of Academy
The Virgin Media announcement coincides with the opening by WYLDE of Ireland’s first state-of-the-art esports Academy. The Academy is powered by Virgin Media and located at the Republic of Work in Cork.
The Academy will host a range of national and international events including FIFA training sessions and Rainbow Six Siege bootcamps. The new academy aims to support the on-going development in player performance and best practice coaching in Ireland.
WYLDE players compete in some of the most popular esports titles in the world including Rainbow Six: Siege, Valorant, Rocket League and FIFA. The group is rapidly making its mark on both the domestic and international competitive stage.
In 2021, WYLDE FIFA players reached the inaugural FAI eLeague of Ireland championship final. WYLDE player Tyrone Ryan went on to represent Ireland at the FIFA eNations Series in 2021.
Siege Bounty
Internationally, WYLDE’s Rainbow Six Siege team won June 2022’s EU Gamers Without Borders Championship securing a $250,000 donation to UNICEF.
WYLDE R6S went on to the global semi-final of the $2 million ‘Gamers 8’ tournament. WYLDE even toppled former World Champions Space Station Gaming along the way. WYLDE continues to dominate international titles, with WYLDE’s R6 Team winning the Ubisoft GSA Grand Final Trophy in Germany.
Paul Higgins, Vice President of Commercial at Virgin Media Ireland, welcomed the announcement saying: “We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with WYLDE, Ireland’s leading eSports organisation.
“Research carried out by Virgin Media shows the remarkable growth of gaming and eSports in Ireland.”
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VP Higgins explained: “Our most recent research goes on to show just how prolific gaming is amongst the Irish public with a growing number of gamers looking to play online, highlighting the importance of a fast and reliable internet connection.
“The WYLDE eSports Academy powered by Virgin Media’s superfast 1Gb speeds is the first of its kind in Ireland and an exciting opportunity to help nurture and support gaming talent in Ireland.”
Fastest Man Meets Superfast
The world’s fastest man, and co-owner of WYLDE, Usain Bolt spoke on the partnership. Bolt said: “I am so excited to be part of the fastest growing sport in the world, eSports, through WYLDE.”
“The WYLDE x Virgin Media partnership is a great fit. Our players and gamers all over Ireland will benefit from superfast, reliable broadband, providing a competitive edge and supporting their development as players.”
Athlete Endorsements
Virgin Media will also be launching a brand-new nationwide campaign. The campaign features two of Ireland’s top FIFA champions who will be showcased as elite athletes. Who, like other athletes, rely on their kit to perform at the highest level.
Team WYLDE’s Ryan and Walsh will demo how their performances can benefit from the speed and reliability of Virgin broadband.
The multimedia campaign featuring the voice of Brian Cox will run from 10 October 2022 until mid-November.
