GAMING POWERHOUSES GUNNAR OPTIKS AND ESL ANNOUNCE GLOBAL LICENSING AGREEMENT TO CREATE UNIQUE LINE OF GLASSES FOR ESPORTS PLAYERS AND FANS
Three-Year Deal Expands GUNNAR’s Strategic Alignment with Inudustry Leading Brands to Bring Performance Enhancing, Blue Light Blocking Glasses to the Gaming Masses
CARLSBAD, Calif. (April 23, 2020) – GUNNAR Optiks, the preeminent force and #1 in gaming glasses, announced a three-year licensing agreement with ESL, the world’s largest esports company. The two companies have joined forces to bring both esports players and fans alike a new range of ESL branded gaming glasses. GUNNAR and ESL will work hand-in-hand to launch two collaborations later this year, with more to come in 2021 and beyond. Beanstalk, ESL’s global brand extension licensing agency, secured the partnership with Gunnar.
“As we continue to lead exponential growth in esports we also strive to professionalize the athlete experience in esports. With our goal of providing unique and innovative functional esports products, it made perfect sense to partner with the leaders in gaming glasses, GUNNAR Optiks,” said David Hiltscher, VP Shop, Merchandise, Licensing at ESL Gaming. “We look forward to equip players across the globe with ESL gaming glasses designed specifically for esports players and their fans.”
Clinically proven and doctor recommended, GUNNAR’s patented lens technology not only enhances visual focus at close range, but also blocks blue light and reduces dry eyes. Their wide range of gaming and computer glasses help combat the adverse effects of digital eyestrain experienced by gamers who play for long periods of time. This also includes frames specifically designed for use with headsets to reduce temple pressure and headaches. GUNNAR also offers a range of reading glass options and fulfils prescription orders.
“From humble beginnings in 2006, GUNNAR quickly recognized the need to support gamers by creating eyewear that would both heighten their gaming experience in addition to protecting their eyes,” said GUNNAR Optiks, Director of Marketing – Gaming, Georgina Petrie. “With gamers being so core to our brand, the partnership with esports powerhouse ESL is part of a strategic alignment we’ve been pursuing in order to deliver new and innovative glasses directly into the hands of the people that need them most.”
For more information on GUNNAR’s line of gaming and computer glasses visit GUNNAR.com, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information on ESL, visit ESLgaming.com and follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About GUNNAR Optiks
Established in 2006, GUNNAR Optiks®, LLC is the expert in performance enhancing, blue light blocking glasses for all eyes and is considered the #1 in gaming. Leading the way in cutting edge technology and design innovation, GUNNAR was the first company to secure a patent (# 9417460) for lenses that reduce digital eye strain and combat fatigue issues associated with the use of digital screens. GUNNAR’s lenses are clinically proven and Dr recommended. As the category pioneer, GUNNAR has established itself as preeminent force in gaming glasses and continues to expand it’s portfolio providing a wide selection of styles, protective lens types and focus options for everyone. These include glasses for gaming, computer and sun use, in addition to a new line of glasses specifically designed for kids with developing eyes and reading glasses.
About ESL
ESL is the world's largest esports company. Founded in 2000, ESL has been shaping the industry across the most popular video games with numerous online and offline esports competitions. The company operates high profile, branded international leagues and tournaments under the ESL Pro Tour including ESL One, Intel® Extreme Masters, ESL Pro League, and other premier stadium-size tournaments, to more clearly define the path from zero to hero. ESL also produces the ESL National Championships, grassroots amateur cups, and matchmaking systems, creating a world where everybody can be somebody. With offices all over the world, ESL is leading esports innovation on a global scale through the combination of global ESL competitions, amateur leagues, publisher activations, and more. ESL is a part of MTG, the leading international digital entertainment group.
About Beanstalk
Beanstalk, a global brand extension licensing agency, works closely with our clients to unlock brand equity and create many of the world’s most recognizable products and services. We help leading brands, celebrities, media properties, manufacturers and retailers creatively find ways to strengthen their relationship with their most important stakeholder – the consumer. Beanstalk offers a breadth of services across our practice areas, including brand representation, digital media representation (Tinderbox), icon representation, manufacturer representation, consulting (Blueprint), creative services (STUDIO B), legal and financial services, and royalty auditing. The company is headquartered in New York, with offices in London, Miami and Cincinnati and affiliates throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.beanstalk.com. Beanstalk is a member of the Omnicom Specialty Marketing Group.