In addition to becoming shareholders in G2 Esports, Version1’s ownership will obtain the operating rights for the Minnesota Rkkr Call of Duty League franchise. According to a press statement, the relocation corresponds with the company’s entrance into the North American market in 2023.
The collaboration between Version1 and G2 Esports comes after the former’s COO Brett Diamond said that the company was looking to combine in April 2023. The Esports Advocate claimed last month that a contract between Version 1 and G2 Esports was nearing conclusion.
Version1 has teams in numerous games, including Rocket League and VALORANT, in addition to its Call of Duty League franchise. The North American esports organization’s VALORANT Game Changers squad was acquired by Shopify Rebellion in November, and the team will compete in the 2023 Game Changers Championship.
The agreement represents another step in G2 Esports’ North American expansion. After The Guard failed to sign Riot Games’ Team Partnership Agreement in September 2023, the organization gained a spot in the VCT Americas competition for the 2024 competitive VALORANT season.
The acquisition of the Minnesota Rkkr’s operational rights is not G2 Esports’ first foray into Call of Duty esports. The club fielded a roster at the start of the 2018/19 season before disbanding due to failure to qualify for the CWL Pro League.
“I am excited about the next chapter in the Version1 story,” said Jonathan Wilf, President and Ownership Partner of Version1. We remain optimistic about the future of esports and believe that working with a top-tier organization like G2 Esports would best position our group for future success.”
