eSports

TEAM LIQUID APPOINTS LONGTIME MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY LEADER CLAIRE HUNGATE AS PRESIDENT AND COO

Published

5 years ago

September 9, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

International esports organization Team Liquid announced that entertainment, media and digital veteran Claire Hungate will become the company’s new president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. Hungate will split her time between London and the company’s European headquarters in Utrecht.

In her new role, Hungate will oversee Liquid’s profit and loss and overall global business strategy and operations, defining and leading plans for global expansion, acquisitions and new revenue streams. In addition to leading the organization’s business and commercial planning, she will provide oversight for the company’s ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

“I believe that quality is the best business model and Team Liquid embodies that through its direct relationship with its engaged, loyal and growing audience,” said Hungate. “Liquid is a foundational player in esports and has grown into a global and multi-generational brand. As the industry continues to grow, we have a real opportunity to help set the agenda for the future of esports both culturally and commercially. Team Liquid have played a critical part in establishing esports history to date and I hope I can help them continue to make that mark.”

For more than 20 years, Hungate has exhibited an expertise in establishing or redeveloping businesses built around the monetization of content-driven audience engagement. Most recently, she served as independent director at international games publisher Avalanche Studios Group and chair of production music library The Nerve.

Beginning in 2014, Hungate spent several years as CEO of Warner Bros. TV Production UK. She stepped into the role after facilitating Warner Bros.’ purchase of her previous company, UK-and US-based television production group Shed Media PLC. At Shed, Hungate served as COO, leading a team that acquired and integrated multiple independent production companies to form the so-called ‘super indie’. This included the acquisition of Wall to Wall, where she was managing director. The independent company is known for its Oscar-winning theatrical documentary Man on Wire, and reality entertainment formats Who Do You Think You Are and Supernanny – both of which were remade for the US market.

Subsequent to her tenure at Warner Bros,, Hungate helped transform multi-channel network Brave Bison Group PLC into a profitable social content studio and media network, making it the second-largest global, media and entertainment digital publisher on Facebook. Hungate is a qualified lawyer and spent the first few years of her career at the BBC in a legal role.

“From the moment we first met Claire, we’ve admired her knowledge, experience and passion, as well as how closely they align with our business and cultural endeavors,” said Team Liquid Founder and Co-CEO Victor Goossens. “She already embodies the ‘Liquid Way’ and is the right fit to help us advance our priorities and drive the industry forward.”

In addition to Hungate’s appointment, Liquid also elevated Boudewijn Kryne to vice president of fan management, an area of continued growth and focus for the organization. Kryne, who previously served as the department’s director and remains instrumental in the development of the growing Liquid+ platform, will report directly to Hungate.

Brazil

Esportes Gaming Brasil exec calls for ‘responsible sponsorship’ at BiS Brasília

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

esportes-gaming-brasil-exec-calls-for-‘responsible-sponsorship’-at-bis-brasilia

Esportes Gaming Brasil director Hugo Baungartner used a panel appearance at BiS Brasília (Brazilian iGaming Summit) to argue that sports and cultural sponsorships should be measured by their long-term impact, not just brand visibility. Baungartner spoke during the session “A Importância dos Patrocínios e das Leis de Incentivo para a Sustentabilidade do Esporte e da Cultura.”

During the debate, Baungartner said sector maturity requires a long-term approach that turns sponsorships into platforms for relationship-building and local ecosystem development, connecting with fans, consumers and communities.

He highlighted the group’s sports partnerships with Corinthians, Ceará, Náutico and Ferroviária, as well as support for Brazilian cultural events including Carnaval, São João and the Festival de Parintins. Baungartner said major events can move entire supply chains by boosting tourism, commerce and job opportunities, and pointed to the importance of working with local suppliers and professionals in Parintins to expand the positive impacts of sponsorship spending.

Baungartner also addressed challenges in Brazil’s regulated betting market, saying consolidation depends on governance, integrity and consumer protection, alongside efforts to combat illegal operators. He said advances in provider regulation and stronger financial traceability mechanisms are important steps to limit unauthorized activity and improve user security.

“Patrocínio responsável é aquele que cria conexão real com o público e deixa legado no território. No esporte e na cultura, isso significa investir com governança, transparência e propósito, fortalecendo um ecossistema que gera renda, emprego e oportunidades”, afirmou.

The post Esportes Gaming Brasil exec calls for ‘responsible sponsorship’ at BiS Brasília appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

eSports

Team Vitality and Fulllife Unveil a New FPS Jersey for the Valorant Masters London and IEM Cologne Major 2026

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Wladimir P.

team-vitality-and-fulllife-unveil-a-new-fps-jersey-for-the-valorant-masters-london-and-iem-cologne-major-2026

Team Vitality has unveiled its new “FPS Jersey,” specially designed for IEM Cologne 2026 and the VALORANT Masters 2026 in collaboration with its apparel partner Fulllife. Conceived as a strong symbol of ambition, performance and legacy, the jersey features an exclusive central crest and introduces a bold visual evolution for the club.

After making history on Counter-Strike, Team Vitality is celebrating its FPS DNA through a jersey dedicated to its two flagship titles. Through this initiative, the club reinforces its ambition to leave a lasting mark on the world’s biggest FPS stages and establish this jersey as a new benchmark within the esports industry.

AN EXCEPTIONAL JERSEY FOR A HISTORIC MOMENT

For this new release, Team Vitality embraces a completely new visual approach. For the first time in the club’s history, purple is introduced alongside its iconic yellow and black colours, in line with the organisation’s new 2026 artistic direction. This bold creative choice allows the jersey to stand out within the esports landscape while surprising and exciting fans.

The symbol featured on the front of the jersey reinterprets an iconic part of the club’s logo: the “V” combined with the lower section of the bee’s body. This graphic element, called the “Mini Bee,” is integrated throughout the jersey’s design to symbolise the swarm — representing collective strength, the identity of the Hive and the power of the Team Vitality community.

Fulllife has brought its technical expertise to a piece designed both for competition and for the fans in the stands. Every detail reflects the club’s continued rise on the international stage and its ambition to leave a lasting legacy in esports. The accompanying apparel collection also incorporates the same colour palette and includes lifestyle pieces designed for everyday wear.

“We are extremely proud of this new FPS-focused marketing campaign — a true love letter to Counter-Strike and VALORANT. An exclusive jersey, a dedicated fan zone, and numerous activations created hand in hand with our partners for our fans… We are ready for two major international events, with the clear ambition of continuing to establish Team Vitality among the best esports clubs in the world,” said Amélie Canet, Chief Marketing Officer.

PERFORMANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY

The FPS Jersey is manufactured in Portugal using NanoMatter, a technical fabric made from 100% recycled polyester and specifically developed for competitive players. Ultra-comfortable, lightweight and breathable, it is designed to perform under the most demanding conditions.

Each order is delivered in Fulllife’s iconic Capsule packaging, redesigned in Team Vitality’s colors, FSC-certified and accompanied by 100% recycled and recyclable polybags.

“This jersey is one of the boldest pieces we have ever produced. Our role was to bring a strong creative vision to life using the best materials and manufacturing processes available, delivering a product that truly reflects Team Vitality’s ambitions on the international stage,” said Maxime Baziadoly, General Manager of Fulllife.

The post Team Vitality and Fulllife Unveil a New FPS Jersey for the Valorant Masters London and IEM Cologne Major 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Belgium

Epic Games and BLAST bring 2026 Fortnite Global Championship to Antwerp

Published

4 days ago

June 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

epic-games-and-blast-bring-2026-fortnite-global-championship-to-antwerp

Epic Games and BLAST will host the 2026 Fortnite Global Championship in Antwerp, Belgium, on September 26-27, marking the FNCS season finale at Lotto Arena.

Epic and BLAST said the event brings the Fortnite competitive circuit and BLAST to Antwerp for the first time. The announcement was made at the Fortnite Major 1 Summit in Düsseldorf, Germany.

A $2,000,000 USD prize pool will be at stake, alongside the FNCS Global Championship trophy crafted by silverware artisan Thomas Lyte.

Epic and BLAST positioned Antwerp—located in the Benelux region—as a travel-friendly destination for fans coming from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany. Ticket information is available via the venue listing.

The post Epic Games and BLAST bring 2026 Fortnite Global Championship to Antwerp appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.