World Cyber Games Appoints Michael Arzt to Lead U.S. Operations
International Cyber Marketing Names Sports & Entertainment Veteran to SVP and GM Pos; Opens U.S. Offices
NEW YORK, March 15, 2006 - International Cyber Marketing - the governing body for the planet's largest video game competition, the World Cyber Games - today announced the opening of the ICM offices in the United States and appointment of Michael Arzt to the newly established role of senior vice president and general manager.
In this new role, Arzt will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the U.S. program, a key market targeted for growth in competitive gaming. He will also serve as a liaison with ICM leadership in Korea.
"The United States continues to play an ever-increasing role in the evolution of the World Cyber Games," said Hank Jeong, CEO for ICM. "We believe that Michael's appointment will elevate the program to even greater levels. His expertise in implementing comprehensive entertainment marketing and media programs in the television, sports, music and youth lifestyle industries will generate new opportunities for the World Cyber Games in America."
A 16-year veteran of sports and entertainment marketing, Arzt joins ICM from Live Nation (formerly Clear Channel Entertainment), where he served as vice president of national sales and marketing. Arzt was responsible for selling and creating music and sports sponsorships and media packages to national advertisers for Clear Channel's live events and custom crafted entertainment properties. He was also credited with creating the successful 18-market Kumho Street Warriorz youth car culture series, now in its second year.
Arzt previously ran sales and sponsorship marketing for NBC Sports' Gravity Games, having served as vice president for sponsorship sales/director sales and marketing from 1999 - 2003. He has also worked on sponsorship and event marketing programs with many of the top brands in the gaming industry including Xbox, Electronic Arts, Activision, Playstation, Midway, Acclaim, GameTap and Best Buy.
"I look forward to growing the World Cyber Games brand, as well as increasing the visibility of e-Sports in America," said Arzt. "This year's tournament program will offer more competition, more entertainment and more excitement than the 2005 event. It will be a thrilling and engaging pop-culture festival that will appeal to gamers and fans of all ages."
The World Cyber Games, the premier global e-Sports brand and event series, now in its seventh year. The United States took home the championship title at the 2005 WCG Grand Final in Singapore by winning the overall medal count. Widely regarded as the event to win for aspiring professional gamers, the WCG is the competition that launched the careers of such elite pro gamers as Yohan Lim (Korea), Matt "Zyos" Leto (U.S.), the world famous Counter-Strike squad Team 3D (U.S.) and Jonathan "Fatal1ty" Wendell (U.S.).
The 2006 WCG Grand Final event will be held October 18-22, 2006 in Monza, Italy at the renowned Autodromo Nazionale, the premiere racing facility on the Formula 1 circuit.
About the World Cyber Games
The World Cyber Games (www.worldcybergames.com) is a global game culture festival founded to promote international harmony through e-Sports competition. Under the slogan "Beyond the Game," WCG leads the digital entertainment culture by bringing gamers across the globe together to form friendships and compete in the planet's largest e-Sports festival, with the world's largest following. More than a million gamers attempted to qualify in 2005, with over US$2.5 million awarded in total. Over 55,000 spectators attended the five day 2005 Grand Final in Singapore with millions more watching via TV broadcasts and online. WCG was first to broadcast e-Sports coverage in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
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