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| (Image Source: PR Newswire/BASILISK) |
BASILISK, the global eSports organization built to champion science, debuted two historic partnerships at the eSports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – furthering its mission to elevate science advocacy through the global reach and cultural influence of competitive gaming. BASILISK's new strategic partnerships with the California Institute of Technology's Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM) and The Planetary Society create a powerful bridge between renowned scientific institutions and the next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) enthusiasts.
"To root for BASILISK is to root for Science. We are proud to showcase IQIM and The Planetary Society logos on our jerseys. Together, we are meeting curious scientific minds where they are: watching and playing video games. With over 600 million global eSports fans, this is a necessary evolution in science advocacy," said BASILISK Co-Founder Christopher Bothur. With a combined following of over 7 million science enthusiasts, these partnerships connect BASILISK to some of the most respected voices in science — well-established communities that share the same values as BASILISK's players and fans who are deeply engaged with scientific discovery. In turn, BASILISK's players and influencers introduce these institutions to more than 3.5 million gamers, a passionate science-interested demographic that's often difficult to reach through traditional channels. Together, they amplify each other's missions: expanding the reach of science advocacy at a critical moment as the field faces mounting threats. "BASILISK promotes science in fun and exciting ways — exactly what we strive to do at The Planetary Society. This collaboration helps us connect with gamers and science lovers in a whole new way — and grow the movement for space science and exploration," said The Planetary Society Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Vaughn.
BASILISK integrates science into every level of its organization using data science and performance psychology to scout and train elite players. Their roster includes Finnish eSports legend Joona "Serral" Sotala, the winningest player in StarCraft 2 history, and GM Vincent Keymer, the highest-rated chess player in German history. Leading BASILISK's science outreach is Kyle Hill, the award-winning science communicator and YouTuber with over 2.5 million followers. With over a decade of experience advocating for science globally, Hill brings a vast network of science enthusiasts, scientists, and STEM leaders into the movement. "Science at its best is play. To me, a great game is an opportunity to bring together friends and people who may become friends from around the world to participate in a story of their own making. You're playing so hard that you break the world and get to put it together again. That's science! Partnering with BASILISK fills a gap by connecting emotionally and culturally with young people to focus on what makes science so magical," said IQIM Outreach Manager and Staff Researcher and Scientific Advisor to Marvel Studios Dr. Spiros Michalakis.
The announcement comes as the global eSports industry continues its rapid growth. eSports leagues, teams, and large-scale tournaments with lucrative prizes are drawing millions of fans worldwide. The International Olympic Committee has also announced the eSports Olympics slated to begin in 2027. The industry's global reach underscores the potential of gaming to influence, educate, and inspire.
