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Philadelphia-based esports infrastructure company Nerd Street Gamers announced it has formed a partnership with candy brand Mike and Ike for its National Championship Series in 2020. The 2020 National Championship Series is an esports tournament that will take place in 10 cities, where gamers can compete for prize pools up to $30,000.
“Mike and Ike is a vibrant and dynamic candy brand that a lot of us gamers grew up on, and still continue to enjoy,” said John Fazio, the CEO of Nerd Street Gamers, in a statement. “We are excited to have them on board in supporting our mission in bringing esports to all gamers across the country.”
With this partnership, esports players that achieve top placements at National Championship Series events will earn a “Mike and Ike Player of the Month” award. The Mike and Ike branding will appear on digital and social channels, along with broadcasts and streams of the NCS events. There will also be product being given out at Nerd Street Gamers’ Localhost video game LAN centers, as part of a brand activation.
“Enjoying and sharing Mike and Ike candy while playing video games often goes hand in hand, so we are excited to be the Official Partner of the National Championship Series, as it strengthens our presence in the gaming and esports community,” said Deb Turoczy, the Senior Manager of Consumer Engagement at Just Born Quality Confections, the parent company of the Mike and Ike brand. “The grass roots nature of the National Championship Series allows for everyday gamers to participate and grow their skillset, allowing Mike and Ike to connect with gamers at every level.”
The partnership with Mike and Ike comes just days after teen and tween retailer Five Below (NASDAQ: FIVE) led a $12 million investment round in Nerd Street Gamers. The investment which will mainly be used to build 3,000-foot esports facilities in 70 of Five Below’s stores, will also go toward an esports space at Rowan University in New Jersey. Nerd Street Gamers also recently announced an esports facility at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
