Dr Pepper bottle features Tom “Tsquared” Taylor from #1 ranked team in MLG, Str8 Rippin

NEW YORK and PLANO, Texas (Nov. 19, 2008) – Dr Pepper and Major League Gaming (MLG), the professional video game league, today announced an expanded sponsorship relationship. As part of the agreement, Dr Pepper will launch a nationwide promotion where every 20 ounce bottle sold is a winner, supported by an online content experience built around the #1 ranked team in MLG, Str8 Rippin.

“We’re excited about giving Dr Pepper consumers and aspiring gamers inside access to Str8 Rippin and a chance to interact with this great team and Major League Gaming,” said Terry Hockens, brand manager, Dr Pepper.

Starting in January 2009, there will be approximately 175 million Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper 20-ounce bottles produced throughout the country featuring Tom “Tsquared” Taylor, one of MLG’s biggest superstars. The bottle represents the first time that Dr Pepper has placed any of its sports league partners or sponsored professional stars on its label for national distribution.



“It is an amazing feeling to see my face on the new Dr Pepper bottle,” said Tom “Tsquared” Taylor of team Str8 Rippin. “I’m honored that Dr Pepper has invested in Major League Gaming and put so much support behind me and my teammates.”

In keeping with the brand’s unique level of MLG fan engagement, every Dr Pepper bottle for the promotion is a winner. In addition to chances to win great prizes including Xbox consoles, television monitors, custom headphones and t-shirts, every code entered will earn consumers online tournament points at www.gamebattles.com.

In addition to the new bottle design, a promotional Web site has been developed to include hours of team and individual player content allowing millions of fans to see and hear every aspect of Str8 Rippin and the competitive gaming lifestyle. This material includes tips on how they play, how they prep on the road to the National Championships, and behind-the-scenes features on a day-in-the-life of the top gamers in the world.