Fighting game tournament competition Evolution Championship Series (Evo) announced Wednesday a one-year partnership with AT&T, naming the telecommunications company the official 5G and internet provider for the event.
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
Through this new partnership AT&T will help Evo deliver “unique broadcast enhancements for fans with original content throughout the event and offer in-arena promotions for those in attendance,” according to a release.
AT&T will also bring a “roaming reporter” to the Evo showfloor to showcase event activities, and interview competitors and fans for broadcast segments. During the xArena Finals, AT&T will also award championship arcade sticks to three winners via a dedicated segment; these championship arcade sticks will feature Evo’s custom gold, silver, and bronze-plated peripherals to accompany their AT&T mobile devices. Finally, AT&T customers will be able to claim a discount on Evo merchandise at the official merchandise booth inside Evo 2023.
In addition, Evo will feature expanded activities like a 10,000 square foot retro arcade, industry and community showcases, an artist alley, new vendors, and exhibitors–including Crunchyroll and Mortal Kombat 1. Evo expects to welcome “more than 20,000 ticketed competitors and fans” this year.
AT&T joins other Evo partners this year including Chipotle, PlayStation Tournaments, Sony, INZONE, Red Bull, and Kizik.
Evo will run Aug. 4 – 6, at the Bayside D, E, and F Exhibit Halls in the South Convention Center at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Competitions will be held for Street Fighter 6, King of Fighters XV, Melty Blood: Type Lumina, Guilty Gear Strive, Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate, Dragonball Fighterz, TEKKEN 7, and Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3. Each tournament will offer a $25K USD minimum prize pool.