Rivalry has today announced a partnership with professional Valorant player Matthew ”Wardell” Yu.
The pair will partner on a variety of content campaigns to engage both Wardell’s fan base and the Valorant community-at-large. This includes a series where Wardell will coach fans on how to improve their performance in Valorant with pro tips and more, as well as offering his insights into the latest matchups on the competitive circuit.
The influencer partnership is set to elevate Rivalry’s brand among the Valorant community throughout the Valorant Champions Tour 2023, the title’s marquee tournament series, and engage its audience. The campaign arrives as Valorant continues to build momentum as a top betting property, which saw a 264 percent year-over-year increase in betting volume and was the fourth most bet-on esport on Rivalry in 2022.
Wardell is the latest member to join Rivalry’s network of over 100 gaming influencers in nearly a dozen markets. The company has created a ‘Red Bullesque’ partnership program that arms its creators with a suite of creative resources that enables partners to build out unique campaigns and further embeds Rivalry in internet and gaming culture.
“As a fellow Canadian and deeply respected professional player, Wardell was a perfect fit as we looked for a partner that aligned with our brand values of inspiring the next generation to win,” said Britt Doll, Rivalry’s Marketing Director for Canada.
“We want to build the Red Bull of the internet, and that means partnering and working with individuals who are leaders in their respective games, communities, and cultures, and Wardell fits that bill.”
“Rivalry brings an exciting and creative flair to its partnerships that made this combination a ‘madematch’,” said Wardell. “Together, we’ll arm players and the Valorant community at large with tactics to sharpen their gameplay — and bring a lot of entertaining content to the space for fans.”