ESL expands deal with Spotify, makes Talking Counter platform exclusive
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) have announced their partnership with Spotify has been renewed, with the partnership focusing more on Counter-Strike content offerings. The brands will be bringing "new and exclusive content" to Spotify, which includes the podcast "Talking Counter" hosted by Chad "SPUNJ" Burchill, Jason "moses" O'Toole, and Janko "YNk" Paunović.
EFG told Dust2.us in a comment that "we're working with SPUNJ, moses, and Ynk to support and enhance their 'Talking Counter' podcast, and as part of our collaboration with Spotify, it is now becoming a Spotify exclusive." Dust2.us also spoke with moses who said that the deal was for twelve exclusive video episodes on the platform.
ESL says that fans should also expect to see additional Counter-Strike content surrounding events, including IEM Cologne 2023. Both companies are taking more steps expanding into esports culture. Additionally, on German ESL broadcasts there will be the "opportunity to discover new and exclusive content on Spotify".
Spotify will act as the official partner for ESL Meisterschaft, the National German Counter-Strike league and will be a German broadcast partner for the ESL Pro Tour for Counter-Strike.
“Together with Spotify we’ve already been able to offer immense value and new engagement opportunities to the hugely passionate German esports community, and we can’t wait for them to experience this next phase in our collaboration,” said Benny Eichelmann, Senior Director Global Brand Partnerships at EFG. “As we head into an exciting new era for Counter-Strike fans we want to hone in on new and exclusive content that will delight hardcore Counter-Strike fans, whilst also continuing to build the connection between the esports-, audio-, and music worlds.”
“When it comes to thinking beyond our core business, gaming is – unsurprisingly – high on our list of strategic fields externally. This is why I am beyond excited that our partnership is heading in a next chapter, a partnership,” said Heiner Kulmann, Head of Marketing at Spotify DACH, “we believe, is particularly fruitful, because both sides understand the benefits of the partner and the added value they bring and the goal that unites us: expanding esports culture. Together with ESL, we are looking forward to giving Counter-Strike fans a home on Spotify, and the opportunity to discover new artists and listen to podcasts like 'Talking Counter', which will be brought solely to Spotify soon.”
