Esports
Features
Nascar moves quickly to fill void from Covid-19 with nationally-televised esports series
Esports has never been as important or relevant as it is now amid the global Covid-19 pandemic. Nascar has been an early mover in this space with the creation of the eNascar iRacing Pro Invitational Series.
Google hoping an exclusive esports splash will take YouTube Gaming to the next level
Twitch has been the video game streaming sector’s market leader since its inception in 2015, but YouTube is now coming for that crown. Callum McCarthy speaks to Ryan Wyatt about the platform’s aggressive move into live esports.
As Counter-Strike tournament operators go head-to-head, a bigger battle is brewing
The world of Counter Strike: Global Offensive esports is about to leap into a new era with its first team-owned franchise league, but these developments aren't being welcomed by the game's developer, Valve. Callum McCarthy dives into the idiosyncratic world of Counter Strike economics.
Ex-adidas marketing chief McCammon wants to make Excel Esports a ‘truly British’ product
The appointment of adidas’ former director of global marketing Robin McCammon to the role of chief commercial officer at UK-based esports organisation Excel Esports, announced in January, appeared to b…
Football and Rocket League: A burgeoning relationship on the rocks
Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco have all invested in Rocket League esports, but the business case for doing so is shaky at best. Callum McCarthy examines an esport with huge, unfulfilled potential.
Tour de Suisse, Rouvy and Velon team up for virtual cycling series
The organisers behind the Tour de Suisse have become the latest rights-holders to turn to virtual alternatives to provide fans with sporting competition during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic
Ekstraklasa launches FIFA 20 competition in Covid-19 response
Football’s Polish Ekstraklasa has launched an esports competition as it looks to engage fans in the absence of live sport during the Covid-19 pandemic.
IMG and World RX join motorsport’s drive to esports
The World Rallycross Championship (World RX) has become the latest motorsport championship to introduce an esports series to compensate for the lack of events during Covid-19
USL creates Rocket League competition to stay active amid shutdown
The United Soccer League has unveiled a new Rocket League esports competition for its Championship and League One teams to take part in during the sports shutdown enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic
DFL wants Virtual Bundesliga to be seen as its third competition brand
The Bundesliga's esports property is seen as a valuable tool with which to engage a younger fanbase and expand the reach of the league and its commercial partners. Story by Bob Williams.
McLaren’s new commercial chief Mark Waller is bringing lessons from American sport
Mark Waller joined McLaren Racing in May from the NFL, becoming the British motorsport team's managing director of sales and marketing. He's relishing his new role, and sees opportunities to drive the business forward in adding consumer-facing sponsors, creating more digital content, and expanding the team's already impressive esports programme.
The Rise of eFootball in China – Andrew Collins, Mailman Group
As esports have exploded in China over the past decade, eFootball, now a category itself, is undergoing a meteoric rise in the mainland.
Football clubs have woken up to the power of FIFA and Pro Evo
The recent round of video game licensing deals signed by clubs and leagues with EA Sports and Konami show how complicated the video game licensing business has become. Callum McCarthy examines whether it is better to sell rights collectively or go it alone.
Esports and the city: How smaller European cities are transforming their image via video games
Callum McCarthy looks at the various ways in which lesser-known European host cities are benefiting from staging a variety of international esports competitions.
MLB aims to ‘democratize’ esports with inclusive push around Home Run Derby VR game
Major League Baseball's developing esports strategy, much more inclusive and based on a game title much simpler to play, veers heavily from other major US sports properties
Tyler Schrodt CEO Electronic Gaming Federation at the Sports Decision Makers Summit
Hear why Tyler Schrodt thinks NBA2K is so successful, appearing on the eSports panel at the Sports Decision Makers Summit in Miami.
Lance Mudd – eSports consultant – speaking at SDMS Miami
Lance Mudd, Sports Director at the United States eSports Federation describes how the traditional sport business model doesn't currently work for eSports.
Garry Cook Executive Chairman Gfinity speaking at SDMS London
Highlights of Garry Cook, Gfinity executive chairman, in conversation at the Sports Decision Makers Summit in London.
Garry Cook, executive chairman, Gfinity, on the opportunities in esports
Highlights of Garry Cook, Gfinity executive chairman, in conversation at the Sports Decision Makers Summit in London.
Fortnite player’s contract lawsuit shakes up esports, but it’s unlikely to be the industry’s ‘Bosman moment’
Fortnite player and Twitch streamer Turner 'Tfue' Tenney has become the first professional gamer to file a lawsuit against his own organisation over an unfavourable contract. Callum McCarthy asks if signifies the emergence of player power in esports.
PSG and Schalke 04: The football clubs imagining a future without football
PSG and Schalke pioneer football club involvement in esports
PSG targeting Asian youth, Schalke broadening European brand
Both clubs believe gaming is the future of entertainment