Chinese esports organization LGD Gaming has ended its long-time partnership deal with French football team Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for their co-branded Dota 2 team, PSG.LGD. The PSG.LGD brand name is now gone, with the team returning under the auspices of the LGD Gaming banner when it competes in Dota 2 competitions worldwide.
Five years ago on April 19, 2018, LGD Gaming and PSG began their relationship related to the team; since that time PSG.LGD has been recognized as one of the best Dota 2 teams in esports history, winning $18M USD in prize money since its inception, according to Esportsearnings. At The International 2018, it placed second, taking home $4.08M in Vancouver, and at The International 2021, it placed second again, taking home $5.2M in Bucharest. LGD Gaming player Wang “Ame” Chunyu is still the highest prize money earning esports player in China, winning $3.9M during his Dota 2 career, and is ranked 19 in the world.
It’s not clear why LGD Gaming and PSG decided to end the five-year partnership one month before The International 2023. The Esports Advocate has reached out to LGD Gaming and will update the story should we receive a response. The International 2023 will be held in Seattle from Oct.12-29, and LGD Gaming will be there as it is still considered one of the best-performing Chinese Dota 2 teams.
PSG is continuing its co-branded naming partnership with Hong Kong-based esports organization Talon Esports for PSG.Talon in League of Legends—that team competes in the League of Legends Pacific Championship Series (PCS).