The Chiliz Group has acquired a 51 per cent stake in OG Esports, one of the most decorated organisations in competitive gaming, in a move that brings the original founders back into the fold and sets the stage for an expanded global push.

The blockchain company, headquartered in Malta and known for operating Socios.com, is making OG its flagship esports partner as part of a strategy to showcase the next generation of fan engagement through digital assets. The acquisition places Xavier Oswald, who was previously a co-founder and shareholder at OG, in the chief executive role. Meanwhile, OG’s founding players Johan “n0tail” Sundstein and Sébastien “Ceb” Debs are launching a new project aimed at consolidating the team’s competitive core while driving innovation in esports and Web3.

Founded in 2015, OG Esports rose to prominence by becoming the first team in history to win back-to-back titles at The International, the world’s most prestigious Dota 2 tournament. Over the past decade, the organisation has expanded into Counter-Strike, Honor of Kings, and Mobile Legends, establishing itself as one of the most influential names in gaming. Alongside its competitive success, OG was also an early pioneer in digital fan engagement, launching its $OG Fan Token in 2020. That token recently surpassed a market capitalisation of $100 million, making it the first esports Fan Token to cross that threshold.

The latest agreement cements Socios.com as the exclusive wallet and platform for $OG Fan Tokens, which will now be used to demonstrate how blockchain-based assets can serve as the foundation for new fan economies. Beyond voting rights and merchandise access, Chiliz is positioning the token as a bridge to more practical applications, including ticketing, digital content, in-stadium perks, and potentially even revenue-linked mechanisms such as buybacks.

For OG, the partnership provides financial stability and access to Chiliz’s global network of more than 80 sports organisations. This opens up opportunities to expand into new territories, strengthen its competitive teams, and grow its international fanbase. With Oswald at the helm and the original co-founders steering strategy, OG is aiming to re-establish itself as a force on the international stage.

The acquisition also highlights Malta’s growing relevance in the global esports ecosystem. Over the past years, the island has invested in positioning itself as a hub for competitive gaming, with dedicated esports facilities, regular international tournaments, and government-backed initiatives to attract talent and investment. With Chiliz operating out of Malta, its deepened involvement in one of the industry’s most recognisable brands raises the question of whether this signals a new chapter for esports on the island, potentially anchoring more of the global industry’s growth in Malta.

Dreyfus recently acquired a majority stake in Lovin Malta with the aim of allowing it to expand its reach and services while staying true to its mission of delivering exceptional journalism and entertainment to the Maltese community.