Brainpower Boost: Dignitas Taps Nootropics for Competitive Edge

FRANKLIN, TN – January 14, 2026 – As the line between digital competition and traditional sport continues to blur, the race for a competitive edge has moved from the mouse and keyboard into the realm of human physiology. In a landmark move reflecting this shift, wellness innovator The ROOT Brands has partnered with the iconic esports organization Dignitas, becoming the official cognitive performance partner for its championship-winning Pokémon UNITE roster. The team, fresh off a victory at the Latin America International Championships (LAIC), will now be fueled by science-backed supplements designed for mental clarity and sustained focus.

This partnership signals a pivotal evolution in esports performance, moving beyond the high-sugar, high-caffeine energy drinks that have long dominated the gaming landscape. Instead, Dignitas' elite players will utilize The ROOT Brands' Zero-In and Rahm Roast products as they head into the 2026 Championship Series Regional Leagues this weekend, seeking to leverage cognitive nutrition for a strategic advantage.

The New Frontier of Esports Performance

For years, the stereotype of the professional gamer involved late nights powered by caffeine and sugar. But as prize pools swell and competition intensifies, esports organizations are adopting the holistic training regimens of traditional sports, where peak performance is a science. This partnership is a clear indicator that mental endurance, split-second decision-making, and sustained focus are now the most valuable assets an esports athlete can possess.

The demands on a professional player are immense. Tournaments can be marathon sessions lasting hours, requiring unwavering concentration and mental stamina. "Elite esports competition demands peak mental performance for hours at a time," said Dylan Craven, an executive at The ROOT Brands. "Our partnership with Dignitas reflects our commitment to supporting athletes who need sustained focus, mental clarity, and clean energy without the crash that comes from traditional energy drinks."

This focus on "clean energy" represents a significant departure from the conventional approach. The industry is witnessing a growing recognition that the quick buzz from standard energy drinks often comes with a subsequent crash, which can be detrimental during a high-stakes match. The move towards supplements formulated for cognitive support underscores the professionalization of the entire esports ecosystem, where player health and long-term performance are becoming paramount.

The Science of a Split-Second Edge

The collaboration centers on two key products: Zero-In for cognitive support and Rahm Roast for sustained energy. Unlike typical gaming beverages, these products are built on a foundation of ingredients chosen for their purported effects on brain function and the gut-brain axis.

Zero-In features a blend of natural components including L-Theanine, Pine Bark Extract, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, and Velvet Bean Seed. Independent scientific research has shown promise in these ingredients. L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, is known for promoting a state of "calm alertness" by increasing alpha brain waves, which can enhance focus without the jitteriness often associated with caffeine. Studies suggest it can improve attention and reduce stress. Similarly, research on Pine Bark Extract has indicated potential benefits for memory and executive function, attributed to its potent antioxidant properties and ability to improve cerebral blood flow.

The product's formulation aims to naturally support the body's production of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. "Zero-In and Rahm Roast are formulated specifically for these performance demands," Craven noted, highlighting the product's design to support the gut-brain connection for clean, sustained energy.

This scientific approach is what sets the new wave of esports nutrition apart. "Professional players need more than just caffeine and sugar," stated Duquesne Cook of Dignitas. "The ROOT Brands' approach to cognitive performance nutrition aligns with our commitment to player health and competitive excellence."

A Strategic Play for Brainpower and Brands

The partnership is more than just a sponsorship; it's a strategic convergence of the burgeoning wellness industry and the multi-billion dollar esports market. For The ROOT Brands, it provides a direct channel to a demographic that is increasingly conscious of performance optimization. For Dignitas, it reinforces their position as a forward-thinking organization that invests in its players' holistic well-being.

Founded in 2003 and acquired by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (owners of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils) in 2016, Dignitas operates at the highest level of professional sports management. This backing has allowed the organization to implement sophisticated player support systems that mirror those of traditional athletic franchises. This partnership is a natural extension of that philosophy.

By aligning with a decorated team, The ROOT Brands gains instant credibility within the competitive gaming community. The Dignitas Pokémon UNITE roster is a powerhouse, featuring multiple world champions and international tournament winners. The lineup includes Inder, a 2023 NAIC Champion; Otter, a four-time major champion; Toon, a 2022 World Champion; Zugrug, a three-time North American champion; and the team's rising star, Zelot. Attaching their brand to proven winners is a powerful marketing strategy in a results-driven industry.

More Than a Game: Holistic Athlete Development

This collaboration is emblematic of a wider trend across professional gaming. Top-tier organizations now employ a full staff of performance coaches, sports psychologists, nutritionists, and physical therapists. The understanding is that a player's performance is intrinsically linked to their physical and mental health. Prolonged sitting, repetitive strain injuries, and the immense mental pressure of competition can lead to burnout and shortened careers.

The focus on nutrition is a key pillar of this new model. Proper diet can enhance cognitive function, improve reaction times, and help players withstand the physical and mental rigors of long practice sessions and grueling tournament schedules. While caffeine remains a popular ergogenic aid, teams are now looking for more nuanced nutritional strategies that support long-term health and sustainable performance.

The introduction of nootropics and cognitive enhancers like Zero-In represents the next logical step in this evolution. It's an acknowledgment that the most important muscle for an esports athlete is the brain. By providing clean, scientifically-supported fuel, organizations are not just hoping for a temporary boost, but are investing in the core asset of their players: their cognitive prowess.

As Dignitas' decorated roster enters the Championship Series Regional Leagues this weekend, the esports world will be watching closely. Their performance will be seen not only as a test of their in-game skill but also as a case study for the tangible benefits of this new era of cognitive performance nutrition. The partnership between The ROOT Brands and Dignitas is a bold statement that the future of winning in esports lies in a healthier, smarter, and more focused athlete.