Growing esports franchise Valhallan announced its acquisition of NXT UP Esports, the largest provider of virtual youth esports camps and leagues across the US. The move enables Valhallan to provide an inclusive environment for esports competition, regardless of skill, for kids anywhere in the world, even if there isn’t a Valhallan arena close by.

With the acquisition of NXT UP Esports and the recent acquisitions of the United Federation of Esports Athletes (UFEA) league and the North American Esports League (NAEL), Valhallan now boasts thousands of teams and players, solidifying the brand further as the largest youth esports franchise. Together with Valhallan’s exclusive training programme, the company offers the best training and competition – whether virtual or in Valhallan’s arenas – for youth esports players.

Like Valhallan, NXT UP Esports prides itself on its youth development that teaches players essential life skills through video games, with the belief that the lessons kids learn from being a part of a team can extend to all aspects of their lives, now and in the future. Integrating with Valhallan’s curriculum helps develop each player’s self-confidence, communication skills, social development, leadership ability and in-game skills in a fun and safe environment.

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“NXT UP Esports is the perfect addition to add virtual programs in areas where we don’t have Valhallan arenas – youth players and teams everywhere will be able to join, train and compete with us. It also opens doors to further Valhallan’s global expansion, enabling us to serve significantly more gamers anywhere they might be. It’s exciting news for our players, franchise owners and youth esports as a whole,” Matt Phillips, brand president of Valhallan, said.

The acquisition also brings NXT UP Esports founder Luke Zelon to the Valhallan team as the new vice president of media and partnerships. Under Zelon, NXT UP Esports has established partnerships and connections with influential esports and youth programmes such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Team Liquid and traditional sports company U.S. Sports Camps.

“By combining the training and curriculum of Valhallan with the virtual capabilities of NXT UP Esports, Valhallan can offer the experience of a lifetime for young gamers from almost anywhere in the world. With the new addition, Valhallan can now reach a larger audience while bringing exciting new opportunities to the world of esports,” Zelon said.