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Snack Brands in Esports: Sponsorship Market Evolution

January 10, 2024
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2 min read
Blog header image titled ‘The Evolution of Esports Sponsorships’ with a focus on snack brand collaborations, from Snickers to Pringles.
by Karsten Schonauer
Creative Director

Note: This article was published before our rebrand. You may notice our former logo or design elements.

In a world where the lines between reality and the virtual are blurred, one industry stands at the forefront of this digital revolution: esports. And in the heart of this rapidly growing world, one factor is increasingly being recognized as crucial– brand partnerships. But of all the brands' industries that go hand in hand with the world of esports, there's one that truly stands out and they are snack brands. Today we look at how snack brands have ventured into esports.

Snacks and Esports, a Tasty Duo

This space is often associated with the classic gamer archetype: a young teen savoring potato chips, chocolate, and ice cream. But let's get real – who doesn't crave a tasty snack during a break or while binge-watching a series? Savvy global brands are tapping into the pulse of the younger generation, tailoring their offerings to the specific cravings of esports enthusiasts, cementing their allegiance to this vibrant community.

Timeline showing the growth of the esports snacks market from 2016 to 2023, featuring brands like Snickers, Pringles, Doritos, KitKat, Cheetos, Kinder Bueno, and Mentos partnering with esports organizations.

Snack Brands Make Their Mark In Esports

The electrifying synergy between snacking and gaming excellence has catapulted snack and sweets brands into the esports limelight. A substantial chunk of their target audience is at home, deep in their gaming setups, creating a win-win scenario for both the snack industry and esports enthusiasts.

A stellar example of this strategic shift is none other than Pringles, who teamed up with ESL One Hamburg in 2017. As the announcement boldly declared, "Snacking and gaming just belong together." Staying true to these words, Pringles has broadened its roster of esports sponsorships, joining forces with organizations and tournaments like ESL, LEC, G2 Esports, Unlocked, and NSE, skyrocketing in popularity within the community.

Examples of Major Snack and Sweets Brand Sponsorship Moves:

Pringles x ESL One Hamburg (2017):

Crowd cheering inside a packed esports arena with the Pringles logo visible, highlighting the brand’s presence at a live gaming event.
Image Credit: Esports Observer

KitKat x LA Valiant (2019):

Los Angeles Valiant logo alongside KitKat logo, showcasing a brand partnership in the esports industry.
Image Credit: Immortals Gaming ClubType image caption here (optional)

Doritos x DreamHack (2019):

DreamHack and Doritos logos displayed over a blurred esports event background, representing a collaboration between the gaming festival and the snack brand.
Image Credit: ESI

The convergence of snacks and sweets with the esports industry illustrates a symbiotic partnership. As the esports universe evolves, these brands aren't merely sponsors; they are dynamic contributors to the community's growth and triumphs. Their knack for adapting to the ever-changing preferences of the gaming audience underscores their significance in the digital revolution. Snack brands have made their way in to esports and formed an irresistible alliance, satiating the hunger for both gaming glory and flavorsome delights.

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