Kiwi E Blacks set to smash the IESF World Champs next month
TEKKEN 7 player Daniel 'Wowzer' Cossingtom is off to South Korea this December to represent the country at the 11th IESF World Championships.
This year's championships, which are hosted by the International Esports Federation (IESF), will mark the first year that a New Zealand team (aptly called the E Blacks) is participating as a full member of the IESF.
Cossington will participate as an E Black playing TEKKEN 7, one of the most popular fighting game titles in the world. Tekken 7 is one of three official titles of the 11th IESF World Championship. There's also a prize pool of up to US$25,000 up for grabs.
Cossington was chosen to represent the E Blacks by the New Zealand Esports Foundation (NZESF) selection committee.
His 2019 performance in local and Australian tournaments established his credentials as an elite player to represent New Zealand at the World Championship.
"I feel extremely honoured to be representing New Zealand as an E Black against the best in the world," says Cossington.
"I am super excited to show what Kiwi Tekken has to offer in Seoul next month.
The Championship features three game titles including Tekken 7, DOTA 2, and PES Football 2020.
The E Blacks are also working alongside Sky Sport Breakers esports outfit Black Sheep NZ for the competition, who will provide support staff and structure whilst Cossington competes in the champs.
The NZESF are also partnering with local sportswear provider ONU Sportswear, who will be providing the full loadout of team kit for the travelling squad.
The IESF is the world's peak body for esports with 56 National Federation members including New Zealand. They work to promote esport as a true sport and host the annual IESF World Championship and events focused on developing the esports ecosystem, including establishing standards and certifications for referees and players.
Twenty of the IESF members' national governments recognise esports as sport either directly or through their National Olympic Committees or National Sport Agencies.
NZESF President Ben Lenihan says he is excited for the E Blacks to once again showcase their fighting game talent on the global stage.
"Seoul is the mecca of esports cities and home to some of the best players and teams in the world. Being able to send a Kiwi competitor to participate in Korea, as a full member of the IESF, is an honour and privilege for the NZESF.
Other member companies supporting New Zealand's run for gold include; LetsPlay.Live, Kanga Esports, McDonald McVeagh, Playtech and VADR.
The IESF 11th Esports World Championship will be streamed live on Twitch from December 11-15.
