---
title: "Valhallan Acquires NXT Up Esports"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/b728b890-745c-4a56-86c1-d651a49072eb
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20221028_valhallan_acquires_nxt_up_esports.html
category: "Kids activities"
industry: "Education & Childcare"
segment: "Kids activities"
topics: ["Emerging brands","Finance & M&A"]
published: 2022-10-28T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:33:46.513Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556761175-b413da4baf72?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Valhallan Acquires NXT Up Esports

**TL;DR:** Valhallan acquires NXT UP Esports to provide an inclusive environment for esports competition. The acquisition brings NXT UP Esports founder Luke Zelon to the Valhallan team as the new vice president of media and partnerships.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2022-10-28. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20221028_valhallan_acquires_nxt_up_esports.html).*

## Story

HOUSTON, TX - Valhallan announced today its acquisition of NXT UP Esports, the provider of virtual youth esports camps and leagues across the United States. The move enables Valhallan to provide an inclusive environment for esports competition, regardless of skill, for kids anywhere in the world, even if there isn't a Valhallan arena close by.

With the acquisition of NXT UP Esports and the recent acquisitions of the United Federation of Esports Athletes (UFEA) league and the North American Esports League (NAEL),

Like Valhallan, NXT UP Esports prides itself on its youth development that teaches players essential life skills through video games, with the belief that the lessons kids learn from being a part of a team can extend to all aspects of their lives, now and in the future. Integrating with Valhallan's curriculum helps develop each player's self-confidence, communication skills, social development, leadership ability and in-game skills in a fun and safe environment.

The acquisition also brings NXT UP Esports founder Luke Zelon to the Valhallan team as the new vice president of media and partnerships. Under Zelon, NXT UP Esports has established partnerships and connections with influential esports and youth programs such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Team Liquid and traditional sports company U.S. Sports Camps.

"By combining the training and curriculum of Valhallan with the virtual capabilities of NXT UP Esports, Valhallan can offer the experience of a lifetime for young gamers," said Zelon. "With the new addition, Valhallan can now reach a larger audience while bringing exciting new opportunities to the world of esports."

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Education & Childcare (sector)
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America (company)
- youth development (topic)
- esports acquisition (topic)
- virtual esports camps (topic)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20221028_valhallan_acquires_nxt_up_esports.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/b728b890-745c-4a56-86c1-d651a49072eb).