G2 is forging its path to become a truly global esports and entertainment organization, and this alliance with Invictus Gaming lays the foundation for two huge milestones for the company. G2 will add yet another team to the already stacked roster – entering DOTA 2 for the first time, and after years of growing its fanbase in China without having a local presence, G2 is finally able to offer a local team for Chinese fans to support.
China, and Asia in general, has always been a huge priority for G2 as the organization aspires to expand west to east across the globe. Local expansion in Asia began in 2022 with the launch of G2’s first local Filipino team G2 Blacklist, competing in Wild Rift. In China, despite not having a local team until today, G2 has steadily been building its fan footprint through the use of local platforms, and is currently the number one supported foreign team in China. With G2.iG, G2 will now focus on providing more ways for Chinese fans to interact with and support G2, and look forward to the prospect of local activations and events.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for G2 as we continue our global expansion. We could not have found a better partner in iG – we can’t wait to start this alliance together and build our footprint in China,” said Alban Dechelotte, Chief Executive Officer of G2 Esports. “China has continuously been a priority market for us and we’re happy to finally field a local team for our millions of Chinese fans to support. In addition to a new market, we’re also expanding into DOTA 2 for the first time, which is a huge moment for us. Both China and DOTA have been at the forefront of our minds for a long time but until now, we haven’t found the right fit that would work in the long term. We know partnering with iG – who have a Worlds trophy and an Aegis, will enable us to build the best team and we can bring the G2 way to yet another region and a new esport. This really is the best time to be a G2 fan.”
This partnership is also made possible by the support of M88 Mansion, one of Asia’s largest online sports and gaming platforms. M88 Mansion will become the official betting partner of G2 Esports through its DOTA 2 and Counter Strike teams, and the partnership will include more access to each team through activations, watch parties, live streams and competitions for fans.
The addition of DOTA 2 brings G2’s internationally stacked roster to a total of 9 major esports titles including DOTA 2, League of Legends, VALORANT, Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six, Rocket League, Wild Rift, Sim Racing and Call of Duty, with 6 out 13 teams outside of Europe.