Tokyo, July 12, 2022 – Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced that it will hold its first-ever esports competition, the “Rakuten esports cup,” on Saturday, July 23.
July 12, 2022
- Rakuten Group, Inc.
Rakuten to Hold Its First-Ever Esports Competition, “Rakuten esports cup,” on July 23
- Rakuten breaks into the esports industry, hosting a series of esports competitions featuring a number of popular games.
Rakuten is entering the esports industry and will host a variety of esports events in collaboration with a number of well-established games. The Rakuten esports cup is the first of these competitions and will feature APEX LEGENDSTM, a world-renowned game with a globally competitive esports base. 20 teams comprised of a grand total of 60 top-tier streamers*, YouTubers and VTubers will compete in the event. Kosuke Hiraiwa, a prominent esports commentator, will serve as the official commentator for the Rakuten esports cup, while match analysis will be provided by the popular streamer "alelu.” Popular internet personality and TV star Ano will also make a guest appearance at the event.
The livestreamed competition is viewable free of charge on both the official event website and YouTube channel, and a special giveaway campaign will be held via the official Rakuten esports cup Twitter account (@rakutenesports). Additionally, DiamondDining Co., Ltd., a consolidated subsidiary of competition sponsor DD Holdings Co., Ltd., will host a fan event with participating players during the tournament. See the official Twitter account for further details.
Rakuten offers a variety of services that leverage the power and appeal of a diversity of content, such as Rakuten TV, Rakuten Ticket and Rakuten NFT. Going forward, Rakuten will utilize the professional expertise and networks gained from these businesses to consider broadcasting event footage, selling tickets and selling merchandise for future Rakuten esports cup competitions. Rakuten’s new esports business will aim to collaborate with a variety of Rakuten services, as it seeks opportunities to leverage the strengths of the Rakuten Ecosystem, an integrated network of more than 70 services based on a membership of more than 100 million members in Japan alone.
Rakuten aims to deliver new and exciting entertainment experiences through the Rakuten esports cup.
*Refers to content producers who livestream video online through video-sharing services.
“Rakuten esports cup: Umaimono Soudatsusen” Overview
Date: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 (JST)
Game: APEX LEGENDSTM
Tournament format: Online
URL: https://event.rakuten.co.jp/campaign/esports/ (*Livestream free to watch)
Host: Rakuten Group, Inc.
Operator: JCG Co., Ltd.
In cooperation with: InfoLens, Inc.
Co-sponsor companies and brands (in alphabetical order, subject to change): Alienware (Dell Technologies Japan Inc.), DD Holdings Co., Ltd., Lenovo Japan LLC, MOBIUZ (BenQ), MouseComputer Co., Ltd.,Oi Ocha (ITO EN, LTD.), ZOWIE (BenQ)
Twitter Campaign Overview
Campaign schedule: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12 to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 (JST)
Details: 20 winners will be selected at random from among those who follow the official Rakuten esports cup Twitter account (@rakutenesports) and retweet the target tweet during the campaign period. 10 winners will receive original APEX LEGENDSTM merchandise, while the remaining 10 will receive 10,000 Rakuten Points.
*Points received will be limited time Rakuten Points.
*See the official campaign webpage for details: https://event.rakuten.co.jp/campaign/esports/twitter_cpn220712/