In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the sports and entertainment landscape, Mettlestate and Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM) proudly announce the launch of Varsity Esports, South Africa’s premier university-level esports tournament. This thrilling initiative offers a dynamic platform for the nation’s top university esports teams to showcase their skills.
Barry Louzada, managing director and founder of Mettlestate says, “With esports rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing industries globally – outpacing traditional entertainment sectors like film and music – Varsity Esports bridges the gap between grassroots talent development and professional competition. This marks a pivotal step in giving esports athletes the same prestige and opportunities long afforded to traditional sports stars.”
Key highlights of Varsity Esports
Nationwide Participation: 25 universities will battle through rigorous USSA qualifiers, with the top 8 advancing to year-long tournaments.
Epic Titles: Players will compete in three top-tier gaming titles, aiming for a share of the R90,000 prize pool.
Grand Finale: The top two teams per title will go head-to-head in front of thousands of fans on the live stage at rAge Expo 2025
Comprehensive Visibility: From digital broadcasts to live events, Varsity Esports offers unmatched brand engagement opportunities across multiple platforms, including Twitch, SuperSport, and social media.
The year-long competition kicks off in March 2025 with Season 1, followed by Season 2 in July. The finals are scheduled for September, culminating in a live grand finale at the rAge Expo in November 2025.
A new era of sports
“We’re very excited about adding esports to the Varsity Sports brand,” says Marnus van Huyssteen, ASEM Corporate Head. “Varsity Esports taps into a vibrant audience aged 18-30, combining competitive spirit with cutting-edge entertainment. This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes while connecting brands to a market on the cusp of significant purchasing power.”
“Mettlestate invites brands to pioneer this new frontier in sports and youth culture. With exclusive sponsorship opportunities available, this is a chance to make a lasting impact on a passionate and engaged audience,” ends Louzada.
To follow all the action, come to rAge expo on 29 November – 1 December at the Johannesburg Expo Centre or on all Mettlestate social platforms.
More details and tickets HERE.
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