Coinbase Signs Exclusive Crypto Exchange and Blockchain Technology Partner Deal with Riot Games for League of Legends (LoL) and VALORANT Esports Events

The partnership will span the global esports calendars of both games, including the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Masters and Champions, as well as League of Legends' First Stand, Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and Worlds tournaments.

Crypto exchange Coinbase has signed on as the exclusive crypto exchange and official blockchain technology partner for Riot Games’ global League of Legends (LoL) and VALORANT esports events, merging digital finance with competitive gaming in a significant partnership.

Announced via a recent blog post by Coinbase, the partnership will see the exchange working with Riot to develop custom segments and in-game cosmetic rewards aimed at enhancing the fan experience during esports tournaments.

“As esports redefined the meaning of being an athlete, crypto is redefining the financial system to make economic freedom possible for all,” Coinbase stated.

Coinbase will be making its debut at the M2: Masters event in Toronto, Canada, where it will be rolling out immersive fan experiences across major esports events for both League of Legends and VALORANT.

The partnership will span the global esports calendars of both games, including the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Masters and Champions, as well as League of Legends' First Stand, Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and Worlds tournaments. Fans can expect a variety of activations, including social media campaigns, broadcast integrations, and digital technology experiences.

Coinbase will also introduce innovative in-game segments as part of the partnership, including the groundbreaking “Econ Report” for VALORANT Esports and “Gold Grind” for LoL Esports. These segments will offer live analysis of in-match currency movements and their effect on team strategies, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.

Coinbase will be dropping exclusive loot for viewers during events, offering special content like emotes and icons that fans can redeem as part of the experience. The exchange also partnered with Riot's promotions to offer exclusive prizes, including an all-expenses-paid trip for two to either the VALORANT Champions Tour or LoL Worlds competitions.

“It's a partnership that will allow for future innovation in the sports partnership space, too. Over the course of the season, we will explore opportunities to share insights and enhance the fan experience through Web3 technology,” Coinbase wrote. “We're excited to plant our flag in such high-stakes competitions that span a global fanbase, each incredibly diverse but all with a shared championship mentality and a hunger for authenticity,” the exchange added.