Leading low-cost carrier AirAsia has announced to be the special sponsor and exclusive airline partner for Mineski Pro Team, a Dota 2 squad led by Malaysian Dota legend Mushi. This deal will last for one year.
This was announced at Genting Highlands, where ESL One Genting, a Dota 2 Minor event, is taking place. Various international pro teams, including Mineski, are competing not only for the prize money, but also crucial tournament points to qualify to The International.
“As a truly Asean airline, AirAsia is committed to supporting the region’s top talents and, as a digital airline, we are thrilled to be able to do just that with esports champions Mineski Team Pro,” said AirAsia Malaysia Commercial Head Spencer Lee.
“This sponsorship also reaffirms our commitment to engagement with millennials and Generation Z, who epitomise the incredible potential that defines Asean.”
AirAsia has been dabbling in esports since last year, when they first established the AirAsia All-Stars Esports Club, comprised of AirAsia employees, in time to join Selangor Cyber Games 2017. Ever since, the Club has participated in various esports tournaments around Malaysia.
This is however AirAsia’s first foray into sponsoring an esports team. The deal should help boost how lucrative the scene is now that big brands are joining as sponsors, and also a sign of the airliner brand getting more involved with the scene.
Mineski Pro Team is a Southeast Asian team, comprised of Malaysians Mushi and NaNa, iceiceice from Singapore, Jabz from Thailand and ninjaboogie from the Philippines. Together they have won the PGL Open Bucharest and finished second at the SL i-League Invitational Season 3, both being Minor events for this season. They are currently ranked 5th in the Dota 2 Pro Circuit.