Nigma will be the first esports team ever to be sponsored by a major airline and the Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways will make sure the team and its support staff will arrive, relaxed, refreshed and on time for their packed global schedule.

This unique partnership further cements the team’s position as one of the leading esports organisations in the world and provides them the chance to grow within the billion-dollar esports industry.

The announcement follows the news that the team will be relocating to Abu Dhabi, under their partnership with AD Gaming. The collaborative initiative pioneered by twofour54 Abu Dhabi, aggregates the emirate’s drive to build a thriving gaming and esports ecosystem in the region.

Amina Taher, vice president brand, marketing and sponsorships, Etihad Airways, said, “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. Etihad is renowned for partnering with world-class sports teams and events, from Manchester City Football Club to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. We see the value in sports-based sponsorships which unite and engage with communities, and we look forward to what the future holds with Team Nigma.”