In an unprecedented transfer, Group Vitality have chosen to re-sign Tekken 8 professional Jeon “Jeondding” Sang Hyun till 2030, securing the longest contract extension in preventing sport historical past.
Preventing video games have had an ever-growing affect on the planet of esports, particularly with how a lot cash is on the road on the Esports World Cup. Signing only one Road Fighter, Tekken, or Deadly Fury participant can earn orgs literal thousands and thousands in the event that they place nicely.
Nearly all of orgs which have begun to put money into the area have chosen to signal gamers on short-term contracts, signing no matter participant they may discover that had a shot at glory, solely to drop them as soon as the EWC is over for the 12 months.
Jeondding has set a brand new precedent within the FGC. Picture Credit score: Esports World Cup
Jeondding, then again, has made historical past with Vitality selecting to retain him into the following decade. What makes this one Tekken participant so particular that he’s acquired the only greatest contract renewal in preventing sport historical past?
Jeondding Units New Bar for Preventing Recreation Execs
Preventing video games are infamously tough to sponsor, even now in a panorama the place the EWC has introduced extra potential for revenue than ever.
Exterior of the Road Fighter League, they wholly lack the franchising construction of most different mainstream esports, buildings that assure their gamers get display screen time. Whereas signing one participant is less expensive than making an attempt to keep up a whole group, there’s the chance of no return on funding.
With the intention to get one thing out of signing a preventing sport professional, they need to both be actually, actually good or convey immense worth to your model.
Jeondding has turn out to be the face of Vitality’s preventing video games. Picture Credit score: Esports World Cup
Jeondding is a uncommon instance of somebody who has a larger-than-life character and the outcomes to again it up. He persistently will get prime 8 on the greatest tournaments on the planet, all whereas flexing on stage. He’s a showman by way of and thru.
So, whereas Vitality is probably going eager about holding Jeondding round for his outcomes, he has additionally turn out to be a key a part of their model within the preventing sport area.
For reference, the one current instance in esports that’s comparable is Faker signing with T1 till the top of 2029. Contemplating that Faker is the face of League of Legends, Jeondding getting comparable flowers goes to point out simply how vital he’s to Vitality.
