Team Nigma became one of the first esports teams to be sponsored by a major airline operator.
Founded in 2019 by the former Team Liquid roster that emerged as champions of The International 2017, Team Nigma has recently announced that they had fully relocated to Abu Dhabi and entered a partnership with Abu Dhabi Gaming (AD Gaming).
Today’s announcement of the national airline of the United Arabian Emirates, Etihad Airways becoming Team Nigma’s main sponsor, falls in line with the organization’s plans of becoming a leading example in the emirate's esports industry.
We are grateful that Etihad Airways committed to a long-term partnership especially during these testing times. Like us, Etihad believes in supporting and developing new upcoming talents from the region and sees esports as a major industry for the region.
Christoph Timm, Co-Founder of Team Nigma
At their first foray into the esports world, Etihad Airways is also the main sponsor of several sports clubs and brands, including the British football club Manchester City and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The gaming industry is rapidly gaining prominence, and in line with Abu Dhabi’s investment in the industry, Etihad is proud to lead the way and be the first major global airline to partner with an esports team. This is another proof point of our industry leading approach to sports sponsorships.
Amina Taher, Vice President Brand, Marketing and Sponsorships at Etihad Airways
As part of their partnership with Nigma, Etihad Airways will “make sure the team and its support staff will arrive, relaxed, refreshed and on time for their packed global schedule,” the airline company stated. The collaboration with Team Nigma will also include “more unique activations in the future,” from Etihad Airways.
