Reading Time: 2 minutes
Version1 is an esports organization that has formed a partnership with G2 Esports. Version1 will be a shareholder in G2 and G2 will have the operating rights for Minnesota Rokkr Call of Duty League. Version1 has won championships in the Call of Duty League as well as Rocket League and VALORANT. It is backed up by WISE Ventures – the investment arm of Wilf Family, which owns the NFL Minnesota Vikings, MLS and NWSL Orlando City SC, Pride and other teams – and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk.
G2 Esports has reached a major milestone with this partnership as it continues to expand in North America – one of the biggest esports markets. G2 Esports recently announced its entry into VALORANT via the VCT Americas League with the acquisition of The Guard players. This new partnership enables G2 Esports enter the Call of Duty League ™ with the Minnesota Rokkr Team.
G2 Esports, with its entry into the Call of Duty League ™, continues to redefine itself as a truly international esports organization. It is one of only a few companies to have so many properties and thrives at a sustained pace. G2 Esports will field rosters for 8 major esports games, including League of Legends and VALORANT. They also have teams in Rainbow Six, Rocket League Wild Rift Sim Racing, Call of Duty as well as Counter Strike.
Alban Dechelotte is the CEO of G2 Esports. “Today marks another significant milestone as we continue to grow and push what we want as an organization,” he said. “We are thrilled to welcome Gary Vaynerchuk and the Wilf family to the G2 Family. This strategic partnership takes us one step closer to achieving our goal of becoming a truly global esports organisation. It’s no secret we’re a global powerhouse and North America is our top priority. Minnesota Rokkr, in the Call of Duty League ™, is one of the most exciting esports teams in North America. It has a highly passionate and engaged fan base. We are excited to show how G2 operates and we look forward to bringing more trophies to our North American fans.
This move will put the Version1 brand on hold, with no plans for competitive teams. Version1 teams were founded in 2019. They have won a major championship in the Call of Duty League ™, a Rocket League international event, numerous regional championships for Rocket League and VALORANT Game Changers and qualified to six major international events in Rocket League or VALORANT. The organization built a national and regional fan base, while also raising the bar in terms of live event experiences and community engagement. The ownership group is still a believer in the potential and value of the esports sector, which is why it’s excited to stay involved with esports via this partnership. They also trust G2 to continue building towards their shared vision, as G2 expands globally.
Jonathan Wilf commented: “I’m excited about the next Chapter for the Version1 Story.” We believe in the future for esports, and we know that partnering with G2 is best for our future success.
Konrad von Moltke of WISE Ventures said, “We are impressed by what G2 has created: a competitive and powerful powerhouse, as well as a growing and strong commercial engine and a loyal and passionate fan base. G2 has shown remarkable focus on sustainable growth in a difficult esports environment.