TL;DR
- T1 secured major sponsorship with Mercedes-Benz featuring jersey branding through 2025
- Faker received exclusive Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ valued at approximately $120,000
- Partnership includes fan engagement events and collaborative marketing campaigns
- Mercedes-Benz expands esports presence beyond Riot Games and ESL partnerships
- Deal represents growing luxury brand investment in professional gaming ecosystems
Professional gaming excellence continues to yield substantial rewards for top-tier competitors. League of Legends legend Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok exemplifies this trend, recently acquiring a cutting-edge electric Mercedes-Benz vehicle through an exclusive sponsorship arrangement.
T1 Entertainment & Sports finalized a comprehensive sponsorship agreement with premium automotive manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The renowned South Korean esports organization will prominently display the luxury brand’s emblem on team uniforms during the Mid-Season Invitational tournament and throughout their competitive schedule extending into 2025. This collaboration introduces several strategic elements that are reshaping esports sponsorship paradigms.
Faker gets free Mercedes-Benz
Automotive brand collaborations within competitive gaming have established significant precedent over recent years. Mercedes-Benz maintains existing strategic alliances with Riot Games, having previously presented 18-karat white-gold championship rings to Edward Gaming’s championship roster following their World Championship victory. The automotive giant additionally partners with ESL gaming tournaments, providing luxury vehicle awards to most valuable players across competitive events.
The automotive manufacturer’s latest strategic move involves T1 partial owner and star player Faker receiving personalized allocation of an electric Mercedes-Benz: specifically the high-performance Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ model valued at approximately $120,000. Positioning the world’s premier esports professional behind the wheel of their premium electric vehicle represents sophisticated brand marketing strategy to increase visibility among global gaming communities.
While Faker’s luxury vehicle acquisition captures immediate attention—prompting fan speculation regarding accessibility for fellow T1 team members—the comprehensive agreement encompasses collaborative event creation and interactive fan activities. Specific operational details remain undisclosed, though T1 Chief Executive Officer Joe Marsh has publicly expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential.
Marsh stated: “We anticipate the principal sponsorship arrangement between T1 and Mercedes-Benz will generate synergistic growth throughout the esports sector. We’re committed to delivering diverse entertainment experiences for competitive gaming enthusiasts through multifaceted marketing initiatives.”
Enthusiasts can anticipate humorous marketing campaigns and social media activations, featuring Faker utilizing his newly acquired premium electric automobile. This partnership exemplifies the escalating valuation of esports influencers and the strategic importance of authentic brand integration within gaming culture.
Action Checklist
- Research brand partnership history in competitive gaming
- Analyze player endorsement value metrics and market impact
- Evaluate luxury brand integration strategies in esports
- Monitor sponsorship announcement patterns across major tournaments
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Mercedes-Benz gives Faker a free car as part of T1 sponsorship Faker receives luxury Mercedes-Benz sponsorship deal with T1, marking major esports brand partnership evolution