TALKESPORT

Victoria, British Columbia – November 30, 2021 – Twelve of Canada’s brightest universities have launched a unified esports body known as the Canadian Collegiate Esports League (CCEL).

The organization serves as a competitive video gaming league to offer robust and inclusive esports opportunities, tournaments, and scholarships to Canadian students.

Canadian Collegiate Esports League

The list of participating universities includes:

• University of Victoria 
• University of Regina 
• Lethbridge College 
• University of Lethbridge 
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
• University of Winnipeg 
• Simon Fraser University
• York University 
• University of Manitoba 
• McGill University 
• University of Windsor 
• MacEwan University

The CCEL is an intercollegiate organization governed by a group of Canadian post-secondary institutions. The CCEL will host events catering to individuals belonging to a wide range of skill levels, with opportunities for everyone from beginners to experts in a given title.

As part of its expansion, the CCEL will be launching a unique Canadian esports streaming channel called CCEL TV. The official streaming channel will consist of one-of-a-kind esports content, the most forward-thinking brands as sponsors, and a vast network of partners to deliver continuous unique experiences.

Using Harena Data’s esports analytics and club management portal, GYO Score, participating universities can organize competitive or casual matches, manage their players and teams, connect with other schools, and keep track of leagues and records.

“As a Canadian and esports professional, I’m thrilled by Canada’s enthusiasm and determination to expand its esports ecosystem,” said Bill Dever, Chief Strategy Officer at Harena Data. “We’re going to develop Canada as an international hub for collegiate esports. This will be one of the best places for students to develop their esports skills and make it to the pros.”

The league will be conducting its first tournament in Winter 2021, which is planned to be a Forza Motorsport racing tournament. Additional tournaments will be planned for the future.

Registration for CCEL will begin this month. More information can be found at http://canadiancollegiateesportsleague.ca/

Registration will take place on https://gyoca.gg/

Los Angeles, CA (November 30, 2021) – FaZe Clan, a digital-native lifestyle and media platform rooted in gaming and youth culture, today announces the launch of their “Spotlight” campaign in partnership with McDonald’s USA, with the mission of elevating diverse voices in gaming.

FaZe Clan and McDonald’s “Spotlight” campaign, which was teased on social channels earlier this month, kicked off with an insightful content piece featuring FaZe Swagg and FaZe JSmooth speaking about what being a Black gamer means to them.

The “Spotlight” campaign, which launches December 8, will feature three livestream events hosted by FaZe Swagg and FaZe Jsmooth on their Twitch channels. During the events they will connect with diverse, up-and-coming streamers –  giving them advice on how to become a successful content creator and streamer, from sharing personal stories to giving them tips on how to cultivate their individual brands.

At the end of the streams, FaZe Swagg and FaZe JSmooth will gift the guest streamers with a collection of peripherals to help build out their set ups, and they’ll also give them an additional gift they can use to pay it forward and give back to their own audiences and communities, creating a ripple effect this holiday season.   

“I’m so thankful for the tight-knit community that has formed around the Nuke Squad and myself,” says FaZe Swagg. “It’s an honor and a privilege to work with an iconic brand like McDonald’s to help spotlight diversity within the gaming industry and inspire the next generation to follow their dreams.”  

“I’m grateful to be working with McDonald’s this holiday season to give back to the community that has provided me with so much,” says FaZe JSmooth. “Using my platform to elevate other diverse streamers is extremely important to me, and to make a lasting impact alongside both McDonald’s and my brother Swagg means the world to me.” 

The FaZe Clan x McDonald’s partnership is anchored by a series of dynamic content activations that are centered around diversity and inclusion, from capturing the diverse stories of FaZe Clan members and challenges in the growing gaming industry to showcasing underserved and underrepresented youth who are rockstars in their own right. 

“McDonald’s and gaming have a long history together. Over the years we’ve seen gamers grow from enjoying our food with Happy Meal toys to enjoying it with consoles and controllers,” said Elizabeth Campbell, Senior Director, Cultural Engagement at McDonald’s. “We want our customers to feel seen, heard, and represented in everything we do. The Spotlight program is the latest initiative in our larger partnership with FaZe Clan that aims to authentically engage diverse gamers by amplifying their voices and driving greater representation in the gaming industry.” 

The Spotlight event will be broadcast on both FaZe Swagg and FaZe JSmooth’s Twitch channels.