KFC buckets have taken over the cricket, Big Macs feature prominantley on the screens of the AFL, and now you may be offered a Whopper with your Pentakill.
Hungry Jack’s has carved out their niche in the Aussie esports scene by partnering with the League of Legends Oceanic Pro League (OPL).
Riot Games Oceania today announced that the fast food chain has signed on as the presenting partner of the OPL 2018 Season – a move that further highlights the growth of esports in Oceania.
This announcement follows Hungry Jack’s parent company Burger King forming an esports team overseas of their own last year.
Part of the partnership has Hungry Jack’s offering food vouchers in the OPL Tipping that happens each season. The players who tip the best each split will receive HJ’s food vouchers. Other prizes for the season continue to be ‘Riot Points’ the in-game purchasable currency for League of Legends.
The new partnership is a big leap forward for the growing Australian esports and League of Legends communities. Daniel Ringland, Riot Games’ Head of Esports was proud to welcome the fast food giant into the rift.
“This partnership is a strong indicator that League of Legends esports is being more widely recognised as a professional sport,
“The OPL has come so far over the past four years and it’s great to bring on a partner like Hungry Jack’s, who share our passion for building the league and providing our fans with the best esports experience in this region. Oceanic fans and pro players deserve a professional, ever evolving esports ecosystem and building that requires partners like Hungry Jack’s.”
“Through the partnership with Hungry Jack’s, we’re going to be able to offer fans a range of rewarding experiences. The first initiative we have launched is a tipping platform where players can put their OPL knowledge to the test, compete against their friends and win League of Legends and Hungry Jack’s prizes.”
Hungry Jack’s also plans to engage in-game with fans, though it isn’t clear yet what form that would take.
“Hungry Jack’s is committed to growing esports in the Oceanic region, and by backing the OPL we’ll be able to support fans and help local League of Legends teams reach the next level of international competition,” said Scott Baird, Hungry Jack’s Chief Marketing Officer.
Last year we took to GG EZ the esports bar in Melbourne to watch the League of Legends OPL. Having a Pub style burger and beer was the perfect accompaniment for watching competitive gaming. Hungry Jack’s has stiff competition if it wants me to switch to their burgers during the Grand Final.
The 2018 OPL season will kick off on 20 January with 8 teams competing over 11 weeks for the Split 1 Championship and the opportunity to attend the Mid-Season Invitational, the second largest international League of Legends tournament aside from the World Championship, which attracts over 60 million unique viewers.
