Two-Time NBA 2K League Champions Wizards District Gaming Unveil 2021 Championship Ring
April 21, 2022
Two-Time NBA 2K League Champions Wizards District Gaming Unveil 2021 Championship Ring
Today, Wizards District Gaming, Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Jostens unveiled the 2021 Wizards District Gaming NBA 2K League Championship Ring.
Back 2️⃣ back 𝓫𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 ✨💍#ProtectTheBrand pic.twitter.com/oRnZ0Nze4q
— Wizards District Gaming (@WizardsDG) April 21, 2022
Rings were presented to the reigning championship team at the first day of in-person knockout rounds of the NBA 2K League TIPOFF Tournament at a ceremony in Indianapolis, Indiana. NBA 2K League President Brendan Donohue congratulated the team in-venue and on the NBA 2K League broadcast before each player from the 2021 title team was introduced individually and presented with their championship ring.
About last night 💍🤩#ProtectTheBrand pic.twitter.com/rq3hm4aaTM
— Wizards District Gaming (@WizardsDG) April 21, 2022
“Our team at Monumental Sports & Entertainment and I could not be more excited to celebrate our incredible esports athletes for their back-to-back championship wins. We are overjoyed to share these stunning championship rings with our players and staff as a worthy thank you for their amazing contributions to the organization.” said Zach Leonsis, President of Media and New Enterprises, Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “As the NBA 2K League continues to grow, our organization is primed to compete for additional championships and engage more deeply with the local & online communities.”
The 2021 championship ring features two NBA 2K League trophies on top honoring Wizards District Gaming’s back-to-back championships along with the team’s icon red W logo in stone. On the sides of the ring top are seven princess cut diamonds marking the seven straight playoff wins in the 2021 NBA 2K League Playoffs & Finals. One side of the ring features the player’s last name, their number in diamonds with a gold outline and six stars representing each of the six players from the 2021 roster. The other side of the ring boasts the team’s motto “Protect the Brand” and the year 2021 in diamonds above the shape of Washington, D.C. The underside of the ring features the team’s playoff opponents and series wins, marking the NBA 2K League’s only undefeated postseason run, and the words “Back 2 Back” engraved on the ring band.
The meaning behind the 💍
Big thank you to @Jostens for helping us craft this stunning ring! Learn more: https://t.co/VXSOZTaDvj#ProtectTheBrand pic.twitter.com/HatT3SMsp1
— Wizards District Gaming (@WizardsDG) April 21, 2022
“The partnership between Jostens and Wizards District Gaming is truly special, and it is our distinct honor to celebrate their achievements for the second year in a row,” said Chris Poitras VP & COO of Jostens Professional Sports Division. “We are excited to commemorate the 2021 championship with a stunning ring that honors the dedication and hard-work demonstrated by these esports athletes.”
Wizards District Gaming earned their second 2K League Championship Title after defeating Knicks Gaming and NetsGC in the quarterfinal and semifinal playoff rounds of the NBA 2K League Playoffs and sweeping Jazz Gaming in the 2021 NBA 2K League Finals. Wizards District Gaming’s 3-0 series victory and back-to-back Finals wins makes them the first NBA 2K League team to win multiple NBA 2K League championships (2020, 2021). Replicas of the two championship rings will be on display at District E, the state-of-the-art esports and entertainment venue destination set to open in the fall of 2022.
The 2021 championship team roster featured five players from the 2020 championship team including, “JBM” Mascone, who was named 2021 NBA 2K League Finals MVP; Ryan “Dayfri” Conger; Brandon “B Rich” Richardson; Antonio “Newdini” Newman; Justin “Just Awkward” Howell; and Alex “xoLebron” Lebron who served as sixth man. The team was coached by Pat Crossan, who has been with the franchise since its start as an inaugural 2K League team in 2018 and was named the NBA 2K League’s Coach of the Year following the 2021 championship season.
“These players are incredibly deserving of the rings and recognition as elite esports athletes with championship-level abilities,” said head Coach Patrick Crossan. “I’m happy we get to celebrate together once more as we continue pursuit of our third championship in a row in the NBA 2K League’s 5th season.”
At the 2021 NBA 2K League Draft, WDG selected Tyrell “Ty” Johnson with the 22nd pick and asked B Rich to return to the team for his third year. The team kicked off the season this month with the three-week TIPOFF tournament with a 4-1 record in Group C in the Eastern Conference and advancing to the knockout rounds.