• Turtle Entertainment UK Ltd was renamed from KUODA Ltd in 2016 after Turtle Entertainment GmbH, the owners of the brand ESL invested in KUODA Ltd making Turtle Entertainment UK Ltd a subsidiary of Turtle Entertainment GmBH. KUODA Ltd had been operating the ESL franchise in the UK for 4 years before the investment laying down a new foundation for grassroots esports tournaments and operations in the UK. This has stemmed into the largest UK esports league by far – the ESL UK Premiership. Since 2015, the Premiership attracts a focused British audience in the millions over two seasons per year. Most importantly it assists promote UK teams into higher leagues across the world. It also operates several EU wide Pro Leagues from the UK attracting a huge audience for the UK operated esports tournaments and productions. Turtle Entertainment UK Ltd still operates in many of its previous skillsets outside of esports operations including marketing, events, video production, channel support, and PR for the IT and gaming market which only been amplified by a significant engagement of a millennial audience through esports and gaming content. The company currently employs 25 full-time staff. The board consists of James Dean (founder), Heinrich Zetlmayer, and Sebastian Weishaar. Main production facilities are located in the heart of the UK, Leicester operating two dedicated esports studios and offices. Sales operations are located in London. Turtle Entertainment GmbH is the world’s largest esports company, employing over 500 employees worldwide and operating 15 regional offices and studios. It is the brand owner of ESL and a part of the international digital entertainment group MTG. It operates high profile, branded international and national leagues and tournaments such as the Intel® Extreme Masters, ESL One, ESL National Championships and other top tier stadium-size events, as well as grassroots amateur cups, leagues, and matchmaking systems.
