Real Madrid and Wales football superstar Gareth Bale has today launched a brand new esports organisation called Ellevens Esports. The franchise initially launches with a FIFA team and will make its competitive tournament debut in the prestigious FIFA eClub World Cup this February 2020.

Gareth Bale is inviting gamers worldwide to take part in an open talent search which offers the chance to join Ellevens Esports on a professional esports contract. Ellevens is set to expand across a range of further esports platforms such as Fortnite, Rocket League and CS:GO. Gamers can register at ellevens-esports.com for further information. 

Four-time UEFA Champions League winner Gareth Bale said: “On the pitch, my goal is always to win. With Ellevens Esports, that winning attitude is just as important. There are similarities between football and esports in that it takes real dedication and sacrifice to reach the top of your game.” 

“I am looking to recruit a team of world-class players for Ellevens across a variety of games. Unearthing new talent is an exciting part of the process and it’s been really exciting to be involved in selecting our line-up of players so far!”

 Gareth Bale features in a launch video for Ellevens alongside professional FIFA players Pedro Resende, Ethan Higgins and Tyler Phillips, and content creator Tom Linnell. The video can be downloaded here or viewed on the Ellevens Esports YouTube channel here.

Galactico Gareth Bale joins a list of stellar sporting names including Michael Jordan and Odell Beckham Jr, who have recently invested into the world of competitive esports gaming. The industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with worldwide industry revenues reaching $1Billion in 2019.

Prize funds for esports tournaments have also grown, with the Fortnite World Cup 2019 solo prize winning 16-year-old, Kyle [Bugha] Giersdorf, taking home $3,025,900, even exceeding the prize money won by Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon $2,983,748 and Tiger Woods for his Masters win $2,070,000.

Ellevens Esports is co-owned by Gareth Bale and 38 Entertainment Group. 38 Entertainment is founded by investor and entrepreneur Jonathan Kark and former professional footballer Larry Cohen.

What is Ellevens Esports about? 

Gareth Bale: “On the pitch, my goal is always to win. With Ellevens Esports, that winning attitude is just as important. There are similarities between football and esports in that it takes real dedication and sacrifice to reach the top of your game. I am really excited to now have my own team and I am looking forward to Ellevens competing in major esports events all over the world.” 

What inspired you to launch your own esports team? 

“My interest in esports started about two years ago watching Ninja stream Fortnite and as a result I naturally progressed to watching FIFA and the FIFA Global Series. The competitive side was fascinating, so I decided I wanted to provide an opportunity for gamers that take esports seriously and to play for a professional organisation at the highest level. 

“I am fortunate enough to have been a professional footballer from a young age playing at some of the world’s best clubs and I feel there were lots of similarities between real life sport and esports. Therefore, I want to provide the best professional environment for gamers around the world and build an esports legacy.” 

Do you play esports? 

“When I’m not training or playing football, I love to play in online FIFA tournaments, but I’m definitely not an elite competitor. 

Ellevens will hold a tournament to find gamers to join the team. What’s your advice to players? 

“Enjoy it! Whatever you do in life you have to enjoy it so do your best, practice as much as you can and the rest will follow. One of the aspects that I love about esports is that it brings people together – it allows anyone in the world to try out for Ellevens Esports., it’s a fantastic chance to become a professional gamer and I wish everyone good luck! I will be watching!” 

This story was provided by Pitch