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Immortals held its first event at the University of Michigan’s campus in Ann Arbor back in November.
Photo provided by Lizzie Thornton
DETROIT — As the popularity of gaming continues to grow through professional gamers, Twitch streams, and YouTube content creators, one company is bringing the esports world to Detroit in a loaded four-day event.
Immortals will bring its Immortals Invasion back to Michigan June 23-26 to grow the gaming community.
Immortals is a Great Lakes-based professional gaming company that was founded in 2015 and has competitive teams in various esports titles such as League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch and Wild Rift.
Immortals’ CEO Jordan Sherman is from West Bloomfield and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. His connection to Michigan translated into Immortals hosting its first Immortals Invasion in Ann Arbor back in November, which drew more than 500 attendees.
Norris Howard, who is the community manager and Great Lakes region lead for Immortals, said the company is returning to Michigan with a goal in mind.
“Our whole calculus for this is sort of getting in front of people who have never had someone tell them they could have a career in gaming,” Howard said. “It was something that was really important to me.”
Howard, who was born and raised in Detroit, attended Detroit Communication Media Arts High School and graduated from Wayne State University.
Immortals will be partnering with Riot Games to bring a weekend of entertainment to the city and host various events at Detroit minority-owned businesses.
“If there’s no angle to give back to the community or corporate responsibility to speak to these communities, it’s not just a missed opportunity in a talent avenue, but a missed opportunity in the human aspect, as well,” Howard said.
The event will be free to the public, and interested attendees can RSVP at IMT.GG.
Immortals Invasion scheduled events
Thursday, June 23: Invasion Opener at Detroit Shipping Co. (5-7 p.m.)
• Tokens will be provided to use for the purchasing of food and drinks.
• Networking opportunities with gaming industry insiders.
• CEO Jordan Sherman holding “three-minute interviews” with attendees interested in a potential internship opportunity or career in esports.
Friday, June 24: Resume Day at Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
• Gaming professionals and area students can meet with Immortals’ staff and management for resume analysis and informational interviews.
• Free menu item from Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles to attendees.
Saturday, June 25: Work in Gaming Community at Durfee Innovation Center (noon-4 p.m.)
• Working in conjunction with Detroit Public Schools, event plans to introduce gaming opportunities to youth in Detroit.
• Opportunities to FaceTime with Riot and Immortal team members.
• Expert panels on creating games, competing in the gaming world and more.
• LinkedIn will be on-site providing free headshots and profile audits.
Sunday, June 26: Nexus Bash at Replay Cafe (5-8 p.m.)
• Gamers of all ages and experience can enjoy a night of gaming.
• Local food trucks will be on-site providing food.
• Detroit-inspired Immortal Invasion shirts to be handed out.
• University of Michigan and Michigan State University’s esports teams will go head-to-head in Valorant and League of Legends.
