The Esports Awards announced this week that XIX Vodka—the vodka brand created by The Sidemen—has been named as the official vodka sponsor of this year’s show in Las Vegas.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
As part of this partnership, XIX Vodka will provide the Esports Awards with an exclusive XIX bar at the ceremony. In addition, The Sidemen Co-Founder Vikram “Vikkstar123” Barn will be attending this year’s event.Â
The 2023 Esports Awards is being presented again this year by luxury automaker Lexus; other partners and sponsors include Xfinity, Oakley, and 5GRV.
 In its ninth year, the main ceremony will be held at Las Vegas nightclub Zouk, Nov. 29 – 30.Â
The Esports Awards also announced this week that Team Liquid will be presenting the Good in Gaming award at The Scholars, the organization’s first collegiate gaming symposium and awards ceremony. The Good in Gaming award aims to honor an individual or organization that has shown “dedication in fostering diversity and inclusivity within the collegiate gaming community over the past year.”Â
Nominees for this award include Cxmmunity, Esports & Coffee Co-Founder Jacquie Lamm, Institute at Southern University Law Center Director of the Mixed Reality Virtual Innovation – Gaming and Esports Chris Turner, Director of Esports at Illinois Wesleyan University Cora Kennedy, Texas Wesleyan University Director of Esports & Gaming and Adjunct Professor of Esports Eugene Frier, Therapist at Save Point Behavioral Health, and Clinical Contributor at Take This Dr. Sarah Hays, and Associate Professor at University of Kentucky (Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of Faculty Learning Community on eSports and Gaming) Dr. Kishonna Gray.
The Scholars takes place prior to this year’s Esports Awards.