League of Legends is one of the most popular and well-paying competitive games out there, sitting alongside the likes of Fortnite, Dota, and Counterstrike. Its World Championship is set to get even more prestigious as Louis Vuitton has entered the scene.
Commencing on October 2, the League of Legends World Championship is one of the largest events in the esports calendar. It’s a multinational event, starting in Berlin for play-ins and group stages, continuing to Madrid on October 26 for quarter and semi-finals, and finishing off in Paris on November 10.
The 24 teams will battle it out for the top prize, the Summoner’s Cup and a championship prize exciting US $1 million.
Louis Vuitton has seen an opportunity in this event, acting as one of the collaborators. While the pro-players aren’t going to be given bespoke Louis Vuitton uniforms, the brand is creating a custom trunk for the championship trophy.
Louis Vuitton is no stranger to keeping the most coveted trophies in the world safe and sound. It’s previously worked to create cases for the FIFA World Cup and the Rugby World Cup. This step into esports though is a first for the brand, and a first for any renowned luxury goods maker to associate itself with gaming.
The brand is going full force however, not only is it working on this case, its Director of Women’s collections, Nicolas Ghesquière will be designing unique champion skins and a capsule collection that will be announced as the event approaches.
Naz Aletaha, Head of Global Esports Partnerships at Riot Games discussed the deal in an announcement:
“We are honored to have Louis Vuitton as an official partner with designs to impact the look, feel, and prestige of our most prominent League of Legends event. This is a historic partnership that speaks to the impact Riot Games and League of Legends has had on the industry over the past nine esports seasons. We welcome the LV brand to our sport and we are eager to share the entire scope of the partnership in the months ahead, in particular on November 10 when the Summoner’s Cup is awarded in Paris.”
Michael Burke, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton also commented:
“The League of Legends World Championship is not only the climax of the tournament: it’s where the world of sports and entertainment come together in celebration of new legends to be born. Louis Vuitton has long been associated with the world’s most coveted trophies, and here we are today, alongside the Summoner’s Cup. We are thrilled to be part of such an iconic event.”
The Cup’s case is said to draw inspiration from both Louis Vuitton’s iconic design and the styles and themes throughout the League of Legends franchise.
