The local esports scene is getting a boost from a hometown celebrity.
Dallas-based Envy Gaming, the esports franchise that owns the Dallas Fuel and Dallas Empire teams, announced that Grapevine-raised rapper Post Malone has bought an ownership stake in the organization.
Financial terms of the equity deal were undisclosed.
“I grew up in Texas and I've been gaming my whole life, so this just really felt right," Malone said in a statement. "I have always wanted to be a part of bringing gaming into the professional sports world so to be involved with what Envy is doing in my hometown feels like such a perfect fit."
An avid gamer himself, Malone, whose real name is Austin Post, joins a growing list a celebrity investors in the esports market, according to The Verge. Fellow rapper Drake co-owns Los Angeles-based team 100 Thieves and NBA player Ben Simmons is a member of Faze Clan.
The move isn’t a surprise, as Malone also occasionally streams games like Warzone and PUBG on Twitch. He also serves as a brand ambassador for videogame equipment maker HyperX.
“He's a genuine gamer who brings a lot of effort and personality into everything he does,” said former Envy Gaming CEO and owner Mike Rufail in a statement.
The move also follows a number of recent personnel changes at the Dallas-based esports organization. In July, Envy Gaming named Adam Rymer as its new CEO, replacing Rufail, who took on the role of chief gaming office. And earlier this month, its Dallas Fuel team released its head coach Aaron “Aero” Atkins, along with one of its players, Jang “Decay” Gui-un, who left amid tension with the team’s dynamic.
Over the weekend, the Dallas Empire, which competes in the Call of Duty league, claimed the championship title, along with a $1.5 million prize, after its matchup against the Atlanta FaZe.
“Post Malone is a cultural icon who brings a massive fan following to everything that he does, whether it's music, entertainment or gaming,” Rymer said in a statement.
