Global Esports and the Harrisburg University Storm have entered a new partnership. The partnership between the one of the leading programs in collegiate esports and the Indian Overwatch organization, who currently own a Contenders team as well as Team India for the Overwatch World Cup, is unique both in its cross-competitive tier and cross-continental establishment. 

On October 19th, Global Esports will send 8 players from India's 2019 Overwatch World Cup team  to the staes. The players will come to Harrisburg to scrim and get accustomed to American culture before heading over to Anaheim for the remainder of the ten day trip. In July and August of 2020, the Harrisburg University Overwatch team will travel to India to compete in tournaments that are intended to promote the esports scene in local markets.

The partnership currently has no money involved, as both parties are maintaining a 'give and take' collaborative context. However, due to the nature of the partnership and the potential benefits for both parties and their players, the collaborative scope Global Esports and Harrisburg University could change over time and lead to larger deals down the road should the spectrum of possibility widen. 

Exclusive insights from Joemeister

Joe "Joemeister" Gramano, Head Coach of the HU Storm Overwatch League team, spoke to Inven Global about his thoughts on the partnership and its mutual benefits:

"Firstly, I think it's important to note that the kind of opportunity this partnership will bring goes to show that esports truly is a global sport. That Team India of the OWWC would come to Harrisburg University to prepare for this year's games is a testament to that. 

As a coach, the biggest opportunity this partnership brings is the experience it gives to the players. Bringing in the best Overwatch talent from India means that we will be able to create a uniquely competitive environment for HU Storm and Team India players alike. In esports, this kind of experience is crucial to the overall growth, development, and improvement of each of these players."

Team India will conclude its trip in Anaheim with the 2019 Overwatch World Cup. Before the main event kicks off on November 1st, Team India will battle through the preliminary rounds with 41 other countries for one of the last five spots in the OWWC main event bracket.