Madrid, September 2026. Fusion Esports Group today announced that NXTPLAY, the investment platform founded by Thibaut Courtois and Gonzalo Vila, has joined as an investor.

The move marks NXTPLAY’s first investment in esports, adding Astralis, Fusion’s flagship organisation, to a portfolio that already includes Le Mans FC, CD Extremadura and KRC Genk.

Fusion Esports Group owns and operates Astralis, one of the most recognised organisations in Counter-Strike, acquired by Fusion as part of a broader restructuring of its esports and gaming business.

NXTPLAY was built on the idea that athletes should be decision makers in the businesses they back, not just ambassadors lending a name.

Courtois, a professional goalkeeper for Real Madrid and Belgium, has spent recent years building fluency in media, technology and investment alongside his playing career. Vila brings a background building and investing across sport, marketing and media.

Courtois has followed Astralis for some time, less as a sponsor scouting a logo spot and more as someone who’d already found his way into the room.

“Gaming has always been something I’ve followed, and what interests me most is the culture around it and the communities that come with it. Fusion understands that space very well, and Astralis is a team I’ve known for some time. I like where the group is heading and the ambition to build something bigger around esports. For Gonzalo and me, it felt like a natural opportunity to get involved.”

Thibaut Courtois, Co-founder, NXTPLAY

Fusion sees the same fit from the other side of the table.

“Thibaut and Gonzalo bring more than experience from sports. They understand the business, they understand the culture, and they’ve taken a genuine interest in what we’re building at Fusion with Astralis and our other ventures. Having them join as investors is an important step for us, and we’re looking forward to having them involved in the next phase.”

Jonas Gundersen, CEO, Astralis, and Founder, Fusion Esports Group

About NXTPLAY

NXTPLAY is a global investment platform working alongside athletes, investors, family offices and founders to back and scale high-potential projects across sport, media and technology.

Through strategic capital, elite access and hands-on involvement, NXTPLAY partners closely with its ecosystem to build long-term value and category-defining businesses.

Co-founded by Thibaut Courtois and Gonzalo Vila, its portfolio includes Le Mans FC, CD Extremadura and KRC Genk.