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TSL has a proud tradition of partnering with companies that aren’t just there for brand recognition. When we look for partners, we want partners who care about StarCraft II and are excited about the possibility of getting involved with TSL. That’s why, when you look at the partners below, there won’t be that many surprises. These companies were great to work with during TSL5 and we couldn’t be happier to have them back.
Broadcast Partner: Esports Engine
However, before we announce who our partners are, we want to talk a bit about the TSL broadcast. The importance of finding the right broadcast partner cannot be understated. But how do we find a company with the required history in, and understanding of, SC2? At points it seemed nigh impossible. But then we stumbled upon the perfect broadcast partner for the event. A company with a long history in the game. A company filled with people who care deeply for StarCraft. A company that has brought us huge LANs over the years.Ecstatic doesn’t even begin to describe the enthusiasm we have for being part of TSL6. Our history with Team Liquid dates back to Major League Gaming days when we introduced Starcraft 2 to the Pro Circuit in 2010. The Team Liquid community always welcomed us with open arms, so this feels like a homecoming moment for us to be reuniting with the TSL family as their production partner.
— Adam Apicella
Esports Engine CEO and Co-founder
That’s right, we’ve partnered with Esports Engine to bring you TSL6. And we couldn’t be more excited. There might be some of you who don’t know Esports Engine. They’re the team that ran MLG from its humble beginnings in 2002 until its acquisition by Blizzard/Activision and beyond. If you’re new to the SC2 scene, here’s a “small” list of their achievements as MLG. Esports Engine have already proven to us that they care about SC2 and the TSL. We can’t wait to show you guys what they can do with this broadcast.
Branding Partners
Shopify
StarCraft and Shopify are a wonderful fit. It could be that their CEO, Tobi Lütke, has deep reverence for StarCraft. It could be that the same man gave SeleCT an internship based off his career in StarCraft. Or the fact that they hired TLO to help manage their esports program. Honestly, we could go on and on with examples of why Shopify is super cool. However, today we're celebrating their support of TSL6!
One of our missions in esports is to enable creators and creatives to think freely and focus on creating engaging innovative content; with TSL we can do this while supporting the competitive scene we have so much passion for.
As esports fans, it was an absolute joy to see TSL5 come together. It's unique character bridged the gap in quality between online and live event in a way few events have accomplished. We can't wait to see the stories coming out of TSL6.
— Dario
Esports Program Manager at Shopify
After working with TL to revive TSL earlier this year, I think we knew pretty quickly we'd be getting back to work on a 6th edition pretty soon.
It really is a tournament that's made with a lot of love from the designers, organizers and everyone else that helps put it on, and I'm really happy we've been able to stay involved as a partner.
— Jeremy
Gaming and Esports Lead at Shopify
During TSL6 they’ll take over the hugely popular “True or False” segment. TLO is passing the torch on for the predictions this time (we think he’s out to flame whoever does it) but don’t worry, we’re counting on the new pro to be just as savage with their predictions. The first set of predictions will be up Friday, so make sure you keep an eye out for the thread!
TwitchWhen we asked Twitch to send us a small text about why they were partnering with us for TSL5, they led with “Without StarCraft 2 there likely wouldn't be a Twitch”. And that is very true. But it’s also true that without Twitch StarCraft 2 probably wouldn’t have been as popular. Old fans that are still around all should remember what a game changer Twitch was back in the day. There was no more need to download external players, trying to sync up with everyone else's offset so you didn’t spoil/get spoiled. Lag wasn’t an issue. Twitch is committed to helping keep StarCraft alive and we’re so happy to work with them.
For TSL6 they’ll help us make the traditional bracket contest happen again and they’ll also make the casters put their reputation on the line with daily match predictions. More info coming later this week.
SecretlabRounding off the pack is Secretlab, a company with historic ties to the StarCraft community. The founders of Secretlab, Alaric Choo and Ian Ang, actually met playing StarCraft 2 and have always kept StarCraft in their hearts. Just as with running a business, the game requires a high level overview while making sure you get every detail correct. And, on a personal note, you can tell that Alaric and Ian took that lesson with them when you’re sitting in a Secretlab chair.
While I’ve played countless games over the years, StarCraft 2 has always occupied a special place for me. It’s where I met my co-founder, Ian, and the game has taught us to think analytically and strategize effectively. These skills have carried over into how we run Secretlab.
We feel a great affinity for Team Liquid with our shared roots in StarCraft and we’re thrilled to be coming together once again to support StarCraft 2 players in TSL6 — after teaming up for a 24-hour CHAIR-ity stream to support Make-A-Wish® earlier this year. The community may be small, but it remains one of the most engaged and dedicated.
— Alaric Choo
co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Secretlab
During TSL6 you’ll see Secretlab sponsoring a segment of the broadcast where we interview winners of matches, on all days but the last where we have a surprise in store for you.
Thanks for reading this, and do us a favor: show these companies that you appreciate their support of the SC2 scene. Either through a reply here, a message in Twitch chat, or a mention on Twitter. They all deserve it.
See you on stream! - TeamLiquid
