ESL launches its own esports sim racing series

ESL FACEIT Group, the holding company behind esports tournament organizer ESL Gaming, has unveiled a new esports sim racing series. The competition, which will be held in partnership with the RENNSPORT platform, is called ESL R1.

The space of car simulators is one of the key esports verticals in the field of sports games. With the ESL R1 we are taking the first important steps in this exciting world. Collaborating with our ambitious partner RENNSPORT as well as well-known esports and traditional racing brands is a unique opportunity. We are happy to serve the community in our usual bold and spectacular manner.

Roger Lodevik, ESL FACEIT Group President of Sports Gaming

Twelve well-known organizations and professional teams from all over the world will take part in the tournament series: G2 Esports, Heroic, FURIA, FaZe Clan, MOUZ, Porsche Coanda Esports Racing Team, R8G eSports, Apex Racing Team, BMW M Team BS+COMPETITION, Mercedes- AMG PETRONAS Esports Team, Mercedes-AMG Team Williams Esports and Team Redline.

That's why the ESL FACEIT Group is an important partner for us to jointly cement the charm of racing in the virtual world, as well as to position ourselves in the existing world of esports in the long term.

Morris Hebecker, CEO of Competition Company

Each of the twelve teams will consist of four riders. In the original roster, eight of the twelve teams were named ESL R1 partner teams. The overall series includes seven races of the regular season, the first of which starts at the IEM Expo in Katowice from 10 to 12 February.

The ESL R1 season will include a spring and fall split. During each split, the top 24 riders will compete for entry to the ESL R1 Major, where one champion will be determined. The first major of the season will be held from May 27 to 28 in Munich. The second Major will take place on November 23-25 as part of DreamHack Winter in Jönköping. The total prize pool for the season will be $500,000.