Carvana rockets into gaming world with Esports Combine
Online used car retailer Carvana has joined with Esports and gaming company NRG in hosting a skills challenge event to find the world’s next Rocket League pro.
The Carvana|NRG Combine, in collaboration with the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations, is inviting outstanding student Esports athletes ages 18 and up to compete for a one-year content creator contract, a grand prize of $10,000 and the chance to make a name in the Esports industry.
“We are inspired by the talent and passion fueling the growth of Esports and are excited to collaborate with NRG as we take our brand mantra of driving people happy to the next level with this new partnership,” Carvana co-founder and chief brand officer Ryan Keeton said. “Carvana is thrilled to enter the Esports space and host the first-ever Carvana|NRG Combine in search of the next Esports superstar.”
Rocket League is a vehicular soccer video game described on its website as a “high-powered hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem.”
The combine will be held Nov. 11-12 at the NRG Castle in Los Angeles. In addition to top gamers and aspiring Esports professionals competing and showcasing their technique, Carvana said the event will also serve as a “boot camp for Esports business acumen.”
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts and will meet Rocket League star Musty and other NRG team members.
“Our objective is to always blend play and learning and to help students develop relevant career skills,” said Claire LaBeaux, chief marketing officer of the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations. “The combination of Rocket League game play and video production will engage a lot of excited youth in this combine.”
NRG head of sales and brand partnerships Brandon Tortora called the event “a long-time passion project” for his company.
“United by our mutual dedication to technology and crafting outstanding interactive experiences, we are eager to give aspiring talents this stage so they can shine,” he said. “This event is not merely a skills challenge, but a platform where we hope to discover and nurture the next generation of Rocket League talent, fostering an environment in which dreams can become a reality and possibly unveiling the next big pro in the scene.”