Yoodo forms new alliance with esports team, shares learning lessons from Gank tie-up

Yoodo has partnered with Sweden-based esports organisation Alliance to form Yoodo Alliance, a new PUBG Mobile esports team. The partnership marks the first time Alliance has entered the esports market in Malaysia and head of Yoodo, Chow Tuck Mun, said it aims to further strengthen and boost its local talents to establish Malaysia's name in the global esports scene.

Alliance was founded in 2013 and according to the company has a fanbase of more than four million fans worldwide. "Throughout Yoodo’s evolution in the esports scene we have always focused our efforts on empowering young players across Malaysia. Now, with the establishment of Yoodo Alliance, we are proud to spotlight the new generation of PUBG Mobile superstars," Chow added.

Meanwhile, founder and CEO of Alliance, Jonathan Berg, said it is exceptionally proud to form a pact with "the most dominant telco in the Malaysian esports industry". This is not Yoodo's first foray into the esports scene. In fact, its partnership with Wulf Esports came to an end last month. Both parties collaborated three years ago to form the PUBG Mobile esports team Yoodo Gank which participated in more than 20 tournaments and even clinched a victory at the PUBG Mobile Pro League Southeast Asia 2020. Chow told A+M that Yoodo Gank was the first Malaysian team to win at the regional level tournament.

"Yoodo has backed the team from the very beginning of their journey in 2019 and we’ve seen them grow in terms of skills, popularity and stature. This may apply to many partnerships out there, where there comes a time when both parties decide to part and give way for new experiences to begin. In this case, both Yoodo and Gank feel that it’s the right time for us to move on and explore new things on our own," he explained.

According to him, the decision to part ways was mutual and amicable and both parties remain on good terms. Since the sponsorship first signed in 2018, Yoodo Gank has been part of various Yoodo-led PUBG Mobile initiatives. For example, Yoodo organised a Beat The Champs tournament which saw fans engaging and playing with the Yoodo Gank team. Those who were able to beat Yoodo Gank received a prize. When the team played in the PUBG Mobile Club Open 2019 in Shanghai, Yoodo also recorded the team's journey and posted highlights of their experiences online.

When asked about Yoodo's takeaways from the partnership with Wulf Esports, Chow said it was important to have a strategy and plan. "We had plans for esports and having a strong team was one of the approaches in building our name in esports. At the same time, we also have trust and faith in Malaysian talents," he said.

However, that alone is not enough to achieve success in the professional arena. Chow explained that hard work, dedication and support is also crucial. "Support isn’t just in terms of financial support, but also in being there for the team. Providing encouragement whilst improving their profile and standing in the public domain," he added.

Additionally, a solid relationship is key to a great partnership. Throughout the years, Yoodo has enjoyed a friendly, collaborative working relationship with the entire Gank team, including its management, and Chow said this has made its journey more positive and enjoyable.

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