In an unprecedented transfer, Crew Vitality have chosen to re-sign Tekken 8 professional Jeon “Jeondding” Sang Hyun till 2030, securing the longest contract extension in combating recreation historical past.
Combating video games have had an ever-growing affect on the earth of esports, particularly with how a lot cash is on the road on the Esports World Cup. Signing only one Avenue Fighter, Tekken, or Deadly Fury participant can earn orgs literal hundreds of thousands in the event that they place properly.
Nearly all of orgs which have begun to put money into the area have chosen to signal gamers on short-term contracts, signing no matter participant they might discover that had a shot at glory, solely to drop them as soon as the EWC is over for the 12 months.
Jeondding has set a brand new precedent within the FGC. Picture Credit score: Esports World Cup
Jeondding, alternatively, has made historical past with Vitality selecting to retain him into the subsequent decade. What makes this one Tekken participant so particular that he’s obtained the only greatest contract renewal in combating recreation historical past?
Jeondding Units New Bar for Combating Recreation Professionals
Combating video games are infamously tough to sponsor, even now in a panorama the place the EWC has introduced extra potential for revenue than ever.
Outdoors of the Avenue Fighter League, they wholly lack the franchising construction of most different mainstream esports, buildings that assure their gamers get display time. Whereas signing one participant is less expensive than making an attempt to take care of a complete workforce, there’s the chance of no return on funding.
With a purpose to get one thing out of signing a combating recreation professional, they must both be actually, actually good or deliver immense worth to your model.
Jeondding has grow to be the face of Vitality’s combating video games. Picture Credit score: Esports World Cup
Jeondding is a uncommon instance of somebody who has a larger-than-life character and the outcomes to again it up. He constantly will get high 8 on the greatest tournaments on the earth, all whereas flexing on stage. He’s a showman by way of and thru.
So, whereas Vitality is probably going keen on protecting Jeondding round for his outcomes, he has additionally grow to be a key a part of their model within the combating recreation area.
For reference, the one current instance in esports that’s comparable is Faker signing with T1 till the top of 2029. Contemplating that Faker is the face of League of Legends, Jeondding getting related flowers goes to point out simply how necessary he’s to Vitality.
