BASILISK forges partnerships to combine esports with scientific advocacy

BASILISK Amplifies Science Advocacy Through Esports

In a groundbreaking move, BASILISK, a global esports organization dedicated to championing science, has established significant partnerships aimed at integrating scientific advocacy with the thriving world of competitive gaming. Announced during the Esports World Cup 2025 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, these collaborations with The Planetary Society and the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM) from Caltech will take science to the forefront of the gaming community, reaching millions of fans worldwide.

Harnessing the Power of Esports for Science

BASILISK's mission is clear: to inspire the next generation of scientists and science enthusiasts through the captivating medium of esports. The co-founder of BASILISK, Christopher Bothur, emphasized the significance of rooting for their organization as a way to support science itself. By featuring the logos of IQIM and The Planetary Society on their jerseys, they aim to meet young, inquisitive minds in the environment where they are most comfortable – the gaming arena.

With an astonishing global audience of over 600 million esports fans, this initiative represents a strategic evolution in how scientific advocacy is approached. The combined reach of the partnerships boasts a dedicated following of over 7 million science enthusiasts, creating a symbiotic relationship between the well-respected institutions and the passionate gaming community.

Connecting Gamers to Scientific Discovery

The partnership allows BASILISK’s players and influencers to introduce the realms of science and technology to more than 3.5 million gamers, a demographic that is notoriously challenging to engage through conventional outreach efforts. By leveraging the passion of FPS and strategy gamers, BASILISK aims to inject excitement into science advocacy and encourage young people to explore scientific concepts in meaningful ways.

Jennifer Vaughn, Chief Operating Officer at The Planetary Society, expressed delight at this partnership, highlighting how it opens up new avenues for connecting with fans. The Planetary Society has long championed exploration and its efforts now enter the esports domain, aligning with BASILISK’s goal to grow the movement for space science and exploration.

Science-Driven Gaming: BASILISK’s Unique Approach

BASILISK differentiates itself from traditional esports organizations by integrating scientific methodologies and performance psychology into its player training. The roster includes prominent figures such as Joona