Red Bull joins forces with VALORANT grassroots esports

The Red Bull Campus Clutch World Final, an international VALORANT university competition in São Paulo, Brazil, is helping to raise the bar on what it means to build a valid path to professionalism in grassroots esports.

About Red Bull Campus Clutch World

Fifty student teams from around the world competed in the event, held at the historic Estadio do Pacaembu (where soccer star Pelé played his last match for Brazil). Teams battled to win $20,000 and a VIP experience on the next VALORANT Champions Tour.

Each World Final team had to dominate a group stage after winning their respective national tournaments and then compete in a direct elimination round to capture the trophy. The Northwood University of Michigan team from the United States won the grand final. After a thrilling back-and-forth of hard-fought battles between Team Canada and Team USA.

After celebrating the significant event that had just taken place on a national and regional level, Nando Cohen, CEO Nando Cohen, CEO, and partner of BBL, the company in charge of logistics and production for Red Bull, gave a statement.

Nando Cohen commented:

“The implementation of all the broadcast’s requirements, operations, and infrastructure within the budget allotted was the project’s largest obstacle.”

“Another challenge was the cultural differences, as we had 43 countries with different languages, cultures, and habits coming to Brazil.”

“The game’s community and competitive integrity were also very important factors, and having the support of the game’s publisher was key in guaranteeing the experience with the brand without neglecting the interests of the community and audience.”

Venue of the Red Bull Campus Clutch World

The competition was initially scheduled in Texas, but Red Bull had to move it to Brazil due to visa issues. However, thanks to the booming esports industry in São Paulo, it was the perfect place to host the finals in an iconic stadium. The Estadio do Pacaembu is a potent emblem of the progress of esports in Latin America.

On the other hand, Cohen added:

“In 2024, Pacaembu Stadium will feature the largest Battle Royale arena in the world.”

“With space for 100 simultaneous players and over 2,000 viewers. There will be more than 3000m2 of space with a LED panel of more than 480m2. Brazil is home to the third largest gamer audience in the world and the biggest in Latin America.”

New competitive environment

For Riot Games’ tactical shooter, a new competitive environment will emerge. It will kick off with an event in São Paulo, with a model created to balance the growth possibilities of aspiring teams and permanent partner organizations.

The new model provides underdog teams opportunities, which ignite the spectacle and make for exciting stories. However, one of the drawbacks of this system is the lack of a direct link to the grassroots.

There’s The Campus Clutch to remedy that. With approximately 400,000 participants at the Red Bull event, it offers possibilities for students and universities worldwide; while serving as a great marketing opportunity.

Cohen added:

“Having an option dedicated 100% to university students is a way of offering a gateway to the dream of becoming a professional player, and when a World Final of the Campus Clutch level takes place in Brazil, more university students notice the growth of the scene and understand that their interest is being taken seriously.”

“Also, by hosting a world final in Brazil, universities and investors get more interested in the Brazilian esports scene at an international grassroots level which, in the long term, also increases the number of players from Championship university students and consequently investors/sponsors.”

Opportunity for beginners

We can say that the primary function of this Red Bull University Tournament is to be a showcase for novice athletes. At this stage, they can demonstrate their skills. As a result, over 25 rookie contracts are signed after last season’s edition.

Mohamed “shalaby” Shalaby, from Team Egypt (winner in 2021), is the most notable example. The player joins the French organization Team Vitality just a few weeks after winning the university tournament trophy.

The Red Bull Campus Clutch paves the way to professional status for young athletes.

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