eBay launches collaboration with gaming influencer Alhan Gençay

Resale platform eBay has launched a collaboration with gamer Alhan Gençay to celebrate the shared passions of the sneaker and gaming communities.

eBay is set to launch its first “In Session With” series this year, spotlighting the diverse passions within the UK’s sneaker community.

Gençay and eBay will host a celebration of the sneaker and gaming worlds, inviting fans to play against Gençay, who rose to fame through live streaming his own gaming sessions. The games will involve a quest for sneaker gems, with a range of rare pairs up for grabs from the eBay Authenticity Guarantee service.

This is not the first collaboration between the world of trainers and gaming. Previously, Nike has partnered with Playstation, Adidas with Xbox, and Puma has collaborated with the iconic game Tetris.

Gençay and eBay are inviting the community to an immersive live gaming event at BRIX, London on Tuesday 11 June. The event will see attendees face each other in a knock-out gaming tournament, playing Gençay as the final challenge.

Ticket holders can also enjoy refreshments as well as being in with the chance to win exclusive trainers from eBay’s collection of authentic and rare pairs. What's more, there will be a discussion between Gençay and eBay’s Head of Sneakers Wahaaj Shabbir.

Alhan Gençay said: “Sneakers and gaming are my two serious passions. Whenever I want some of those super rare bits from both worlds, eBay is my go-to. So this felt like the perfect partnership for me. Not only that, I've got an opportunity to give back to my community, and giving back to the fans is one of the main reasons why I love doing this job. Keep an eye out for our giveaway coming soon.”

Wahaaj Shabbir added: “I’m ready to kick off our 'In Session With' series this year with Alhan. Tons of UK sneaker fans are also big gamers, myself included, so teaming up with Alhan was a no-brainer, and I’m excited to see the two worlds come together at this event. eBay is the online version of the sneaker game and now is the time for us to bring that to life.”

The partnership builds on the marketplace’s continued efforts to give back to the community, following a collaboration with acclaimed artist Olaolu Slawn at the end of last year, where he created two new works inspired by his most loved sneakers, raising funds for charity.