Sri Lanka’s premier Esports company Gamer.LK has announced that 6 Sri Lankan Cricketing legends have joined this year’s Esports Premier League – a competitive PUBG Mobile league with a Rs. 1 million prize pool. They have each joined a franchise team to mentor the young Esports athletes that will be recruited, bringing vast sporting experience to the table from their decades long Cricketing careers. Sanath Jayasuriya joins the Southern Sharks, Lasith Malinga joins the Kandurata Kings, Russel Arnold joins the Northern Rangers, Chaminda Vaas joins the Rajarata Giants, T M Dilshan joins the Sabaragamuwa Knights and Angelo Mathews joins the Western Warriors. The league has 3 more franchise slots open for buy-in.
Russel Arnold had this to say “I am excited for Gamer.LK and the Singer Esports Premier League’s future in Sri Lanka. What an amazing opportunity for local talent to shine and possibly make it to the big stage! Loving the part as Northern Rangers team mentor, a different kind of sport but the passion remains the same. I really want to see Esports take off in a big way in Sri Lanka. It is encouraging that so many great brands have backed this league too. That alone shows the potential seen in this tournament. I am looking forward to this event.”
“The format we have introduced this year enables any gamer across the island to compete and get recruited into one of the 12 franchised teams. With Rs. 1 million up for grabs, and the chance to play with Sri Lanka’s top Esports talent, we’ve created a clear pathway for any aspiring Esports athlete to reach the top and be rewarded for it. We’re excited about Angelo, Vaas, Malinga, Sanath, Dilshan and Russel coming onboard, and look forward to seeing them impart their invaluable sporting wisdom to the youngsters. Our vision for Esports in Sri Lanka gets closer to realisation with the help of these legends, and we’re grateful for their support.” said Raveen Wijayatilake, CEO of Gamer.LK and the founder President of the Sri Lanka Esports Association.
The league is broken into an open qualifier where any aspiring Esports athletes from all corners of the country are able to register and compete. The top 60 ranked players are then included in a team auction where managers of each team will bid on and recruit 5 players. The recruited players will get virtual face-time with their respective mentors, which will set the tone for a week of competitive matches and the grand finals weekend. With Rs. 1 million in prize money on the line, the best teams will train their mental focus, teamwork and game strategy in order to better the competition.
Esports has been growing at a rapid pace in Sri Lanka over the last decade thanks to Gamer.LK’s consistent efforts in organising tournaments and activities around the sport. There are an estimated 4 million gamers in the country. Esports was recognised by the Sports Ministry of Sri Lanka as the 70th national sport in 2019.
Gamers interested in taking part can visit epl.lk to register for the open qualifiers. Registrations close on 28th August and qualifiers will begin September onwards.
