Gucci and FACEIT launch Gucci Gaming Academy

Luxury fashion brand Gucci and esports platform FACEIT have announced the launch of the Gucci Gaming Academy, a talent development programme for Counter-Strike.

The reveal of the Gucci Gaming Academy came during the Grand Final of the recent PGL Major Antwerp and will serve as a “next step” for the FPL, FACEIT’s long-time solo-queue system. Players selected for the Gucci Gaming Academy will receive access to mental health and educational resources, alongside high-level Counter-Strike coaching.

Gucci Gaming Academy

While the pairing may be unusual, there is precedent for high-end fashion brands taking a step into the world of gaming. Louis Vuitton released a fashion line in 2019 in collaboration with League of Leagues, later adding a range of in-game skins. However, the Gucci Gaming Academy would be the most active investment into esports itself from one of these brands.

The inaugural class of the Gucci Gaming Academy was announced alongside the main reveal and comprised of Polish players Lukasz “mwlky” Pachucki and Brajan “DGL” Lemecha, Lativian player Mārtiņš “shadiyy” Gūtmani, and Lithuanian player Rokas “EspiranTo” Milasauskas.

According to a press release by the Academy, the aim is for the players to “acquire the expertise and tools that will ultimately lead them to be scouted by an esports organization and pursue a professional career,” meaning that the Academy will serve as a way to highlight up-and-coming talent, rather than serving as an actual team itself.

In addition to its first class of players, the Gucci Gaming Academy announced CS:GO commentator James Brandolph and retired players Christopher “GeT_RiGhT”, and Stephanie “missharvey” Harvey as ambassadors for the project.

Header: Gucci Gaming Academy