Esports-Liverpool's Van Dijk becomes shareholder in e-sports group Tundra

"I have already met some of the Tundra Tribe and it gave me a fantastic insight into how talented and competitive the industry is," Van Dijk added. "I will help in any way he can to help and support them if required - around my own professional commitments of course."

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has joined e-sports group Tundra as a shareholder, the London-based organisation said in a statement on Thursday. Dutch international Van Dijk will provide support and mentorship to players at Tundra, who are best known for their FIFA roster, and also be "helping to elevate and grow the overall Tundra brand".

"I have been an avid gamer since I was a young boy and have been passionate about e-sports for a long time," Van Dijk, who has won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup with Liverpool, told Reuters. "I have been looking for the right opportunity to get even more involved in the industry and feel Tundra's vision, plans and strategy very much match my own.

"I only get involved in projects I'm incredibly passionate about and that are really important to me. I have an authentic and genuine passion for e-sports, which makes this a natural fit for me." Tundra launched in 2019 with a top FIFA roster and signed video platform TikTok as principal partner and Italian sportswear company Kappa as the official sportive teamwear provider during their first year.

The group added Dota 2 to their e-sports portfolio after acquiring European team Mudgolems in January 2021 and also moved into the competitive Fortnite scene in February. "I have already met some of the Tundra Tribe and it gave me a fantastic insight into how talented and competitive the industry is," Van Dijk added.

"I will help in any way he can to help and support them if required - around my own professional commitments of course."

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