This article was written by Twitch streamer and content creator, GubbaTV! Be sure to follow her on Twitter and Instagram!
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Hey there, fellow gamers and esports enthusiasts! Gather ’round because I’ve got something juicy to share about the awesome world of esports.
Valorant
Now, let’s talk about a game that’s been taking the esports scene by storm: VALORANT! Since its release in 2020, this tactical first-person shooter developed by Riot Games (yep, the creators of League of Legends) has been making waves. And boy, is it a big deal! In December 2021, the very first VALORANT tournament went down in Germany, spanning an epic 12 days and attracting viewers from all corners of the globe.
Can you believe it? Over 10,000 teams battled it out, but it was Team SoloMid who emerged victorious, clutching the grand prize of $40,000. Picture this: the best VALORANT teams from North America duked it out in an intense double-elimination bracket spread over three weekends. Fans were on the edge of their seats, witnessing thrilling matches and heart-stopping finishes. And in the end, Team SoloMid triumphed over 100 Thieves in an absolute nail-biter of a grand final.
Now, hold onto your gaming hats because Riot Games has another tournament up their sleeve. This will be their third one, and it’s all set to go down in LA starting August 6th, lasting nearly a whole month! Yup, you heard it right—four weeks of esports madness!
Here’s the lowdown on the schedule:
Group Stage: August 6 – August 13
Playoffs: August 16 – August 26
Fortnite
But hey, if VALORANT isn’t your cup of tea, fear not! The esports scene is brimming with other exciting games. Take Fortnite, for instance. The Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) is hitting Copenhagen, Denmark, from October 13-15. The absolute best players from around the world will be competing for the coveted FNCS championship title and a slice of the massive $4,000,000 prize pool.
MOBAs
Now, let’s venture into the realm of MOBAs, those multiplayer online battle arenas. The undisputed king in this genre is League of Legends. Every year, the World Championship brings together the finest teams from across the globe. This time around, the esports extravaganza will take place in South Korea, the birthplace of esports, from October 10 to November 19. This year’s championship features an exciting new format with 22 teams battling it out across three stages of the competition.
Here’s the breakdown of the stages:
Play-Ins, Swiss, and Knockouts:
Play-Ins: These are like a pair of four-team showdowns, where two teams will secure their spots in the Swiss Stage through double-elimination brackets.
Swiss Stage: Think of this stage as a Swiss-style format with five rounds, where teams with similar win-loss records face off until they reach either 3 wins or 3 losses.
Knockouts: In this stage, the eight teams who make it through the Swiss Stage will be matched up in a single elimination bracket based on their performance in the Swiss Stage. It’s like a battle royal of Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals, all leading up to crowning the 2023 World Champion.
eSports Scholarships
Oh, and did you know that esports has gained recognition as a legit sport by many organizations? Some colleges and universities are even offering esports scholarships! Talk about a game-changer. And hold on to your controllers, because the International Olympic Committee has shown interest in including esports in future Olympic Games. Now that would be a colossal milestone for the industry!
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So, there you have it—just a taste of the latest and greatest happenings in the thrilling world of esports. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a casual fan, or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, one thing’s for sure: esports is here to stay and it’s only getting more spectacular with each passing year. Game on!
