OG Esports unveils strategic partnership with Melbet

European esports organisation OG Esports has entered a strategic partnership with online sports bookmaker Melbet.

According to the announcement, the bookmaker becomes a ‘key supporter of OG’s competitive ambitions’ as the organisation begins a new chapter with its Southeast Asian Dota 2 roster.

The partnership between the two parties also aims to align with OG Esports’ ‘broader strategy to re-establish global competitive momentum’ while investing in regions that drive ‘the future of esports viewership’.

OG Esports and Melbet will collaborate on creating a range of content that follows the journey of its Dota 2 roster, signed in November. The partnership also includes community-led activations, along with supporting the team as it competes throughout the season.

“Partnering with Melbet is a powerful step in our long-term commitment ot the SEA region,” said Xavier Oswald, CEO of OG Esports. “With Melbet at our side, we want to give local players, creators, and fans the platform they deserve.”

Partnering with Melbet is the first deal secured by OG Esports following its acquisition by The Chiliz Group in September. The parent company of fan token platform Socios.com purchased a 51% stake in the organisation founded in 2015.

Melbet is no stranger to the world of Dota 2 esports. In April, the bookmaker partnered with TALON Esports to become an official sportsbook partner of the organisation’s Dota 2 team.

OG Esports remains a staple of the Dota 2 esports ecosystem, having fielded rosters in Valve’s MOBA title for the past decade.

In 2018 and 2019, the organisation won The International, becoming the only organisation to win the season-ending tournament two years in a row.

The signing of its new roster marks a new chapter for OG Esports as it looks to expand its presence within the Southeast Asian market. The new lineup has already competed in two high-profile events, scoring top-six finishes at PGL Wallachia Season 6 and BLAST Slam V.