OG Esports has announced a partnership with the gambling company Melbet as the organization expands into Southeast Asia (SEA). 

The partnership follows the esports team’s unveiling of an all-Filipino Dota 2 roster. OG said it expects Melbet to accelerate its expansion in Southeast Asia. 

In a press release, Xavier Oswald, CEO of OG Esports, commented, “Partnering with Melbet is a powerful step in our long-term commitment to the SEA region. Together, we’re not just showing up on stage, we’re investing in developing and supporting Southeast Asian talents, both in-game and behind the scenes. 

“SEA is one of the beating hearts of esports, and with Melbet at our side, we want to give local players, creators, and fans the platform they deserve.”

Through a Curacao license, Melbet primarily operates in SEA and Africa, with the platform unlicensed and blocked in the US, UK, and much of Europe. 

Melbet Aims To Connect With Millions Of Esports Fans

Restricted in many markets, the partnership could provide inroads for Melbet as it targets expansion in esports betting. The company also signed a deal with TALON Esports earlier this year. 

Andrey S., Head of Sponsorships at the company, stated, “OG’s expansion into Southeast Asia is one of the most significant developments in today’s Dota 2 landscape. 

“Their global prestige, combined with a Filipino roster, creates a powerful intersection of legacy and rising regional talent. Melbet is proud to support OG as they begin this new era and connect with millions of fans across Southeast Asia and beyond.”

Melbet will collaborate with OG in creating content designed to engage fans online. This will include behind-the-scenes content, tournament-focused coverage, team features, regional community engagements, and spotlight content chronicling OG’s path through the SEA circuit.

OG Targets Further Growth Under New Ownership

The Chiliz Group recently acquired a 51% controlling stake in OG Esports. When announcing the investment, Alex Dreyfus, CEO and Founder of Chiliz, stated, “OG has always been about community and innovation, and since 2020 it has demonstrated that Fan Tokens can create genuine economic value and meaningful engagement.”

The organization has its own fan token, $OG, and following the acquisition, Socios.com now serves as the exclusive wallet for the currency. 

Earlier this year, OG also signed a deal with Valhalla, a play-to-earn metaverse game built on blockchain technology. It has attracted interest from a range of sponsors, after rising to prominence with back-to-back the International Dota 2 titles in 2018 and 2019. 

RedBull serves as the team’s main sponsor, while it also has deals with BMW and SteelSeries. 

The new all-Filipino roster and partnership with Melbet further’s the team’s desire to seek out commercial opportunities.