With the future of one of the largest naming rights deals in esports history already in question, some of TSM’s players are competing on stream at a massive tournament with the logo of the organization’s primary sponsor, cryptocurrency exchange FTX, obscured by a piece of black tape.
TSM’s professional Fortnite duo Shane “EpikWhale” Cotton and Nathan “Reet” Amundson both appeared on the official broadcast of the 2022 Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS), Invitational, in their TSM jerseys, but with the FTX Logo clearly taped over during interviews.
Some fans speculated that the tape over the logo at the FNCS Invitational could be to Epic Games’ own rules on cryptocurrency sponsorships, and it’s currently unclear whether this was a decision made by the players, the organization, or Epic.
Within a matter of days, the taped-over logos are ready. FTX filed for bankruptcy Due to an increase in withdrawal requests during the pending crypto crunch. One of FTX’s primary competitors, Binance, was set to acquire the company, but after some “corporate due diligence,” Binance decided that the “latest news reports regarding mishandled customer funds and alleged US agency investigations” around FTX weren’t worth the cost.
Signing a 10-year, $210 million naming rights deal with FTX TSM was first known as TSM FTX on its major social platforms in June 2021. TSM continues to operate under the TSM FTX name in other esports titles such as Siege Apex Legends. The team’s FTX sponsorship has been prohibited from broadcasts for League VALORANT, however, due to Riot Games’ rules.
Reet and EpikWhale will be competing as a team at the FNCS Invitational. This is a 50-team event with 12 games and a $1,000,000 prize pool. Epic and BLAST organized the event. It is one of the premier majors. Fortnite Since the 2019 World Cup, offline events have been held.
Dot Esports reached Out to TSM to Get Their Views on the Taped-Over Logo and the Status of the FTX Partnership.