Karlsruher SC is entering the VBL with its own eSports team for the coming season. However, with a different name that separates the “traditional sport on the pitch” from the virtual one.
The DFL had anchored the Virtual Bundesliga (VBL) in its statutes in May. In order to further professionalise it, licensing requirements were decided for the 2023/24 season, which include participation in the “eFootball competition of the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga” for all Bundesliga clubs.
However, the field of participants has already grown to 29 of 36 Bundesliga clubs for the upcoming VBL season. In addition to VfB Stuttgart, who are returning this season, Karlsruher SC have now officially announced their own eSports team.
The topic of eSports had to be put on the back burner for a long time
“As a modern club, the topic of eSports has been on our minds for years,” said KSC managing director Michael Becker: “For a long time, however, we unfortunately had to put it on the back burner due to the numerous other projects in our change process.”
However, the topic “never let go of the club, as it offers a lot of exciting and new opportunities strategically.” The target group, with an average age of 24, is very interesting for “many companies in the technology region of Karlsruhe.”
The eSports team is to be deliberately separated from the “traditional sport on the pitch” without “losing the connection”: “The KSC eSports team will thus appear in future with an independent brand under the large KSC umbrella,” the official announcement says. The Baden-based team will compete in the VBL under the name PHIRONIX eSports.
Found native of Karlsruhe as project manager
KSC has also found a project manager in the form of former 1. FC Nürnberg team captain Kevin Reiser – who is also a “native of Karlsruhe”.
“I am immensely pleased to be able to accompany this topic at my heart’s club as project manager. Through my previous experience in the VBL, I am aware of what is important in the league. Our anticipation is extremely high and, if I had my way, the league could start tomorrow,” said Reiser.
Meanwhile, KSC has not yet announced the PHIRONIX eSports squad. This is to be presented “in the next few weeks”. “Interesting news for all those interested in eSports”, as the statement continues, should be available in the next few days.
