Virgin Media partners with FAI for Esports program including the new Virgin Media eLOI
Dundalk FC representative Eric Finn (pictured left) – aka XampL_Xx – was crowned 2023 ELOI champion at the Aviva Stadium last May Credit: FAI
Virgin Media have been unveiled as the title partner of the Football Association of Ireland’s Esports program, including the ELOI, which will now be known as the Virgin Media ELOI.
This two-year agreement also introduces the EFAI Cup, enhancing Virgin Media's involvement in Irish esports.
The EFAI Cup, set to launch in January, is a two-week online tournament culminating in an in-person final four showdown.
Open to all skill levels, participants must be over 16 and based in the Republic of Ireland, with registrations opening in December.
The Virgin Media ELOI, scheduled from February to April 2024, will feature all 20 men’s League of Ireland clubs.
They will compete in a group format, with the top two teams advancing to the live final.
The winner of the ELOI will secure a place in the eChampions League Group Stage and a Play-Off spot for the FC Pro World Championship.
Sean Kavanagh, FAI Commercial Director, highlighted the significance of this partnership.
“This is an exciting partnership for the FAI to have such a brilliant brand to be the title sponsor for our electronic games programmes."
"The addition of the EFAI Cup will give the wider public a great opportunity to get involved in the games and having Virgin Media alongside us will help us amplify this as well as the Virgin Media ELOI and ENational Team for the FAI to an even wider audience,” he said.
Paul Higgins, Vice President of Commercial at Virgin Media, emphasized their commitment to the gaming community.
“This important strategic partnership with the FAI is an opportunity for Virgin Media to continue to support the gaming community in Ireland so the right infrastructure is in place for Irish gamers to play and compete."
"We are excited to partner with the FAI’s esports programme that is committed to engaging and supporting gamers at a grass root and national level," he stated.
Mark Scanlon, League of Ireland Director, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We’re delighted to announce Virgin Media as title sponsor with the FAI and it is great to have such a well-known and innovative brand as title sponsor of the ELOI. We’re excited to see where we can take the Virgin Media ELOI along with Virgin Media into 2024,” he remarked.
