ESL and DreamHack sign exclusive streaming deal with Twitch for 2021-22

MTG subsidiaries ESL and DreamHack have penned a deal to stream the English broadcasts of their esports tournaments exclusively on Twitch in 2021 and 2022.

ESL and DreamHack, who are streaming their competitions on Twitch without exclusivity clauses in 2020, will restrict their English broadcasts to Amazon's streaming platform in 2021 and 2022 with some regional exceptions including the digital platforms of linear television broadcast partners.

ESL had previously signed an exclusive deal with Facebook in 2018 which included their ESL Pro League and ESL One competitions, but a poor viewing experience and widespread community backlash forced the German company to renegotiate the deal and drop exclusivity the following year, adding their broadcasts to Twitch and YouTube where their competitions currently air.

Frank Uddo, Senior Vice President of Global Media at ESL remarked Twitch's hegemony in esports broadcasts, stating that "live-streaming esports has belonged to Twitch in recent years. As we continue to host some of the world’s largest esports tournaments, it feels only natural to work even closer with Twitch to provide the best gaming experience for fans, as well as safeguard the future of the esports industry.”

Roger Lodewich, DreamHack Co-CEO, also commented on the partnership, saying that “this partnership is a milestone for DreamHack, both as a company and community. Our cooperation with Twitch dates back to 2009 when it was still Justin.tv — this new collective media partnership is re-confirming our long-standing collaboration and highlights the importance and relevance Twitch has to our community, as well as the value the ESL/DreamHack esports content brings to the global Twitch audience.”

The entirety of ESL's Pro Tour in English will be streamed on Twitch exclusively in 2021 and 2022, which includes ESL Pro League, ESL One, Intel Extreme Masters, DreamHack Masters, DreamHack Open and the ESL National Championships.