by Fnatic have consistently explored the intersection between gaming and fashion, and they will be taking a step further in that regard after announcing a partnership with Champion to create a limited-edition collection.
With the promotional video that accompanied the release, Fnatic and Champion aimed to show the four elements of nature which represent the collection. Each of the four hoodie designs is inspired by the elemental concepts of Fire, Air, Earth, and Water.
Fnatic included some of their ambassadors in the collection, with each representing different elements. The aim is also to bring something different with the release, with a message showing that the collection goes beyond gaming.
The Water element is represented by Che Lingo, one of the UK’s top musical names. The artist is not new to gaming, as songs from his album “The Worst Generation” have been used in games such as FIFA 22 and NBA 2k. He has also featured on the Jujutsu Kaisen Anime soundtrack.
Lingo commented on the collection, saying that he revels in an opportunity to show his creativity. He is also thrilled that the collection can help gamers somewhat bring their virtual personas into a real-life forum.
“Making music and finding new ways to present real tangible stories is what drives me creatively. The pathways can seem linear a lot of the time, so being able to speak my truth and continuously reshape the landscape is exciting, not just for myself, but also adds to the innovation we all seek,” he said.
“There is a huge crossover of this in the gaming space, which is why this collection carves out a positive space for players to bring their virtual personas into a real-life forum and genuinely engage beyond the screen.”
Fnatic’s FIFA pro champion Donovan “Tekkz” Hunt flies the flag for the Fire element. The 20-year-old joined the team in 2019 and has been a big part of their success in top-tier tournaments.
Jay-Ann Lopez, CEO and Founder of Black Girl Gamers, is the face of the Earth element. Black Girl Gamers is an online safe space and platform that promotes diversity and inclusion while increasing the visibility of black women who are active in the gaming industry.
“Fashion has always juxtaposed with gaming but it’s something that many gamers from all walks of life enjoy. Fnatic’s collaboration with Champion is taking an exciting step in carving out a space for people to unite over a shared love of gaming and fashion,” Lopez said.
Jake “Boaster” Howlett represents the Air element. The highly skilled veteran has played a significant role in the recent success of Fnatic’s Valorant team.
Sam Mathew, Fnatic’s founder, said of the new project: “Bridging the gap between fashion and gaming is something we’re intent on exploring. The Champion x Fnatic collaboration is our opportunity to give back to the gaming community by giving fans different ways to express their virtual fandoms in the real world too.”
Fnatic have had a busy 2022, and not in the aspect of gaming. They have signed several deals to further cement their place in the esports industry as one of the top teams. In 2022, they announced partnerships with several companies, including personal care brand L’Oreal Men Expert, BMW, and computer manufacturers Chillblast.
The organization has active rosters in League of Legends, Valorant, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Halo, Dota 2, and FIFA.
Fnatic’s Valorant team put together an outstanding display in the 2022 VCT EMEA Stage 2 Challengers. They swept FunPlus Phoenix in the grand final to secure a spot in the Copenhagen Masters, scheduled to commence on July 7.
Sadly, their CS: GO team is having a hard time in 2022. They failed to advance from the group stage in the just-concluded Pinnacle Cup Championship but will be looking to change their fortunes in the upcoming ESL Pro League Season 16.
