Varsity Esports Announces 2025 Sponsorship Dream Team

Varsity Esports, the premier university esports league powered by Mettlestate and Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM), has unveiled its 2025 sponsor lineup, bringing together a high-impact mix of global and local brands committed to growing the university esports space nationwide. The announcement comes as esports earns formal recognition earlier this year alongside South Africa’s traditional university sporting codes, marking a major step for campus gaming.

What is Varsity Esports?

Launched in 2024, Varsity Esports is South Africa’s premier campus gaming competition, where students from universities nationwide battle it out in top-tier titles for national bragging rights and major prizes. Developed by Mettlestate, one of the country’s leading Esports tournament organisers, in collaboration with ASEM, the league represents a new frontier in South African Esports, combining varsity pride with digital excellence.

Meet the Brands Behind the Battle:

Behind every great tournament is a team of committed partners who believe in the vision and for Varsity Esports that belief comes from a powerful group of sponsors ready to help shape the future of student gaming in South Africa.

At the forefront are our headline sponsors, each playing a key role in supporting South Africa’s Premier University Esports league’s continued growth. FNB brings a strong commitment to empowering young South Africans, both in their personal development and digital pursuits. Their support reflects a belief in ambition, innovation, and the power of opportunity. 

Joining them is adidas, stepping into the Varsity Esports space for the first time. Known for championing performance and perseverance, adidas is here to back a new kind of athlete one whose talent plays out on digital stages with just as much discipline and drive. 

DStv Stream completes this trio, bringing their unique position in entertainment and broadcast to help share the stories, energy, and culture that surround the league. With their support, Varsity Esports becomes more than competition, it becomes a platform for youth expression and connection.

Our preferred suppliers bring vital energy to the league. Doritos adds bold flavour to the experience, celebrating the fun, intensity, and personality that make gaming culture thrive.    

Red Bull, a long-time supporter of high-performance and high-impact moments, stands ready to fuel players as they give their all from qualifiers to the final showdown.

Meanwhile, our media partner, Jacaranda FM, ensures that the voice of Varsity Esports carries across the country. With their reach and resonance, they’ll help tell the stories of rising talent, celebrate key moments, and build excitement around every phase of the season.

Together, these partners form more than a sponsorship lineup they represent a shared commitment to youth, innovation, and the future of competitive gaming in South Africa.

“This isn’t just a sponsorship announcement,” says Barry Louzada, managing director and founder of Mettlestate. “This is a cultural moment. These brands recognise what we’ve built; a national stage for youth, competition, and future-forward entertainment - and they’ve chosen to be part of it.”

Sponsor Reactions

FNB (Headline Sponsor): We’re always looking for fresh ways to back the next generation and Varsity Esports allows us to do just that.  It’s smart, competitive, and full of energy, just like the students we help every day. We’re proud to help power a platform that’s giving young South Africans a real shot at shining in a fast-growing space. Brad Guymer, FNB Sponsorship Lead, FNB Brand Experience.

adidas (Headline Sponsor): Let’s be clear, Esports is a sport. It takes hustle, mindset, and serious commitment. That’s exactly the kind of energy we’re here for. We’re backing Varsity Esports because we believe in the players who show up, level up, and push the limits. Tom Brown, Senior Marketing Director adidas.

DStv Stream (Headline Sponsor): Varsity Esports hits that sweet spot between gaming, storytelling and youth culture. That’s exactly where DStv Stream lives. It’s a flexible, accessible way for young South Africans to stay connected to the energy and creativity of this space, wherever they are. Ismail Alli, Executive Head of Commercial.

Doritos (Preferred Supplier): “Doritos is all about bold flavour and bold moves, just like Varsity Esports. We’re proud to fuel the next generation of student gamers bringing heat to the competition. Jaydee Newman, Brand Manager.

Jacaranda FM (Media Partner): “Varsity Esports is more than gaming, it’s a movement. We’re excited to bring that energy to our listeners and make some serious noise for South Africa’s emerging Esports legends.” Leith Smith Marketing Manager

What’s Next? 

With powerhouse sponsors now in play, the stage is set for the biggest showdown of the season: the Split 1 Finals, hitting screens from 25–27 July and hosted at the EFC Arena. After weeks of fierce campus battles and clutch qualifying rounds, the top contenders in Valorant, EAFC 25, and Rocket League are gearing up to be crowned the Split 1 champions and to set the stage for the Grand Finals at the rAge Expo at the end of this year.

But the grind doesn’t stop here. The end of Split 1 marks just the halfway point. Split 2 kicks off with registrations opening on 11 August, ushering in a fresh wave of rivalries, activations, and rising stars ready to make their mark.

It’s a season of relentless momentum, and with world-class brands backing the movement, Varsity Esports isn’t just growing, it’s going full throttle.

Follow the action here and stay locked on our socials for livestreams, highlight reels, campus activations, and more.