Global esports organization Gen.G has partnered with McDonald’s Southern California franchisees to organize a series of esports initiatives focused around Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs. Specific events will include a multi-week play-in tournament for employees only and a three-day NBA 2K21 All-Star tournament to determine the best young players in Southern California.

“We know many Southern California McDonald’s crew members are avid gamers at home, so we wanted to offer new ways for them to connect, have fun and show off their talents in what they’re passionate about. We’re doubling down on our commitment to enhancing the employee experience for our restaurant crew and couldn’t be more excited to partner with Gen.G on our first own esports initiative,” Chris Rowe, McDonald’s Southern California franchisee and owner of eight McDonald’s restaurants in San Diego County, said.

The McDonald’s Crew League will kick-off on January 12 with a six-week play-in tournament hosted for employees of Southern California McDonald’s restaurants who will choose to compete in either NBA 2K21, FIFA, Smash Bros, or Madden.

The McDonald’s SoCal All-Stars will begin on January 30 with two days of intense NBA 2K21 gameplay to determine the best young players in southern California.

“Our initiative with McDonald’s really shows the power of gaming to connect communities in a whole new way. It’s become even more meaningful when you have a partner like McDonald’s who truly wants to innovate in this space to leverage gaming & esports to provide value and opportunity to their consumers and employees. We’re really excited to watch the leagues unfold,” Jordan Sherman, Head of Revenue Operations at Gen.G, said.

By Niji Narayan

Niji Narayan has been in the writing industry for well over a decade or so. He prides himself as one of the few survivors left in the world who have actually mastered the impossible art of copy editing. Niji graduated in Physics and obtained his Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism. He has always interested in sports writing and travel writing. He has written for numerous websites and his in-depth analytical articles top sports magazines like Cricket Today and Sports Today. He reports gaming industry headlines from all around the globe.