Sponsorships have always played a crucial role in sports, and esports online betting is no exception. Over the past decade, esports has evolved into a billion-dollar industry, rivaling traditional sports in revenue and audience engagement. With the rapid growth of professional gaming, esports sponsorships have become a key driver of expansion and investment.
In recent years, the betting industry has increasingly aligned with esports, with top sportsbooks recognizing its potential. As 2024 and 2025 show signs of renewed growth in esports sponsorships, many of the world’s biggest companies are investing in this lucrative sector. Here are ten major esports sponsorships making waves in the online betting and gaming industries.
Esports Sponsorships To Affect Online Betting
1. US Air Force
A military branch sponsoring esports may seem unconventional, but the U.S. Air Force has made strategic moves in the space. Partnering with Cloud9, they have placed logos on team jerseys, hosted Twitch streams, and created esports events to connect with younger demographics. Their goal is to promote awareness of career opportunities in the Air Force through esports engagement.
2. Secret Lab
Secret Lab has firmly established itself in esports sponsorships by supporting top-tier teams like T1, Astralis, and Cloud9. As a leading gaming chair manufacturer, their presence at major events is undeniable. Their products are widely used by professional gamers, streamers, and influencers, reinforcing their commitment to the industry.
3. PepsiCo & Mountain Dew
PepsiCo has embraced esports sponsorships through its Mountain Dew brand, backing teams such as Splyce, Team Dignitas, and SK Gaming. They also support major Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) events, helping to increase visibility in the gaming community. Their involvement extends to the Gamers8 tournament and a significant partnership with the Esports World Cup.
4. Esports Bookmakers
Online betting platforms have become some of the biggest sponsors in esports. Companies like 12BET are actively involved in sponsoring teams and tournaments. As esports betting continues to grow, partnerships between betting sites and esports organizations are becoming more prevalent. Platforms like 12BET offer a seamless betting experience, integrating live esports events into their offerings.
5. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola has a long history of sponsoring sports, and their esports investments are equally impressive. They have backed e-NASCAR, Riot Games, and top teams like Pittsburgh Knights and paiN Gaming. Their partnerships have helped expand League of Legends esports through collaborations with Riot Games and Wild Rift.
6. Monster Energy
Monster Energy has one of the largest sponsorship portfolios in esports, supporting over 14 different tournaments across various games. Their brand is one of the most recognizable in the industry, particularly in League of Legends. With extensive partnerships, Monster Energy remains a dominant force in esports marketing.
7. Mastercard
Mastercard’s esports sponsorships continue to expand, particularly through their long-term deal with Riot Games. Their sponsorship covers major League of Legends events, including the World Championship, Mid-Season Invitational, and All-Star events. The Mastercard Gamer Academy further strengthens their investment in esports by funding emerging talent.
8. Red Bull
Red Bull is one of the most influential brands in esports sponsorships, backing teams like G2, OG, and Tempo Storm. They also host their own esports events, such as Red Bull SoloQ and Red Bull Wololo. Their commitment to competitive gaming extends to multiple genres, including fighting games and strategy games.
9. Intel
Intel’s involvement in esports sponsorships spans decades, with the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) series being one of the most prestigious tournaments in Counter-Strike. Their partnerships with Riot Games, ESL, and FACEIT ensure Intel remains at the forefront of esports hardware and innovation.
10. Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup has introduced unprecedented funding into esports, offering $60 million in prize pools. Beyond prizes, an additional $20 million was invested in funding participating teams. This annual event has revolutionized esports sponsorships, solidifying esports as a major global industry.
Esports sponsorships continue to shape the future of competitive gaming and online betting. As the industry evolves, platforms like 12BET are bridging the gap between esports fans and online betting enthusiasts, offering an engaging experience for all. With more major brands investing in esports, the future looks brighter than ever.