Riot Games has partnered with Coinbase as the new exclusive cryptocurrency exchange and official blockchain technology partner of League of Legends and Valorant esports global events.
Starting with Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Masters 2 in Toronto, Canada, Coinbase will “create engaging moments for fans spanning both games’ global esports calendars that include Masters and Champions on the VCT, and First Stand, the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and Worlds for LoL Esports.”
This will include activations via social media, broadcast and technology integrations such as digital campaigns.
Coinbase will introduce new in-game segments with this partnership, including an “Econ Report” in Valorant and “Gold Grind” in League, which will provide viewers with live analysis of each game’s in-match currency movement and its impact on team strategies.
Coinbase will also unlock drops for viewers during events, including emotes and icons that fans can redeem, and will partner on promotions with exclusive prizing, such as the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to a VCT tournament or League of Legends’ World Championship.
This isn’t Coinbase’s first foray into esports, as it is also a sponsor of Team Liquid and formerly BIG and Evil Geniuses, while also being heavily integrated into the world of traditional sports with Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Aston Martin Aramco in Formula One.
While exact details of the partnership are not yet public, Riot said that it is hoping to work with Coinbase for “years to come,” potentially hinting at a multi-year deal.
