Semper Fortis Esports PLC (AQSE:SEMP) signed-up a new competitive roster to compete in FIFA e-sports tournaments, bringing onboard British professional players Mitch and Jas.
Mitchell Hayward, 'Mitch', and Jaskarn Singh Kang, 'Jas', both signed for one season with an option to renew for a further year. They will receive an annual salary and performance incentives, the company said.
The addition of Mitch and Jas takes the SMPR roster of active pro players to six, whilst opening up into a new e-sport and audience type, it highlighted.
"Our entry into FIFA esports is a significant strategic step,” said chief executive Kevin Soltani. “Professional FIFA esports has been fast growing. The game has always had a loyal following and huge player base, and from a competitive standpoint, it has been able to generate large audiences both on PC and console.”
Mitch previously represented Sheffield United in the Premier League’s e-sports tournaments and Jas previously played for Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion in the ePremier League.
The new signings will debut for SMPR in the EA SPORTS FIFA 21 Global Series which has a US$400,000 prize pot, The company said there are multiple other tournaments they can qualify for including the eChampions League 2021 and FIFA eWorld Cup 2021 though it noted that at present neither have yet been scheduled for the 2021/2022 season.
SMPR meanwhile pointed to data from Electronic Arts, which produces the FIFA game, which highlighted a growing audience for FIFA e-sports – with 2019 stats showing a 60% increase in year-on-year audiences, at 47mln views.
"As the season begins and we head towards the World Cup 2022, Semper will be playing a more active role in the FIFA esports community, with full gaming participation and activations of our own and with the participation of one of our Ambassadors Dominic Calvert-Lewin. "
EA releases the next annual FIFA game, FIFA 22, on October 1 ahead of the holiday retail season.