WASHINGTON – May 1, 2018 – Competitive, pulse-pounding esports action is taking the stage at E3 2018. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade association that represents the US video game industry and owns and operates E3, and ESL, the world’s largest independent esports company, today announced the biggest video game event on the planet will host the biggest esports at the E3 ESL Arena, June 12-14 in Los Angeles.
“Competitive video games are taking sports entertainment by storm, with the global esports audience reaching 335 million people in 2017,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA. “With the addition of the E3 ESL Arena, E3 2018 is set to be a non-stop, edge-of-your-seat ride of video game announcements, demos, and competition.”
Located in the heart of the South Hall, the new E3 ESL Arena stage is a 7,500-square-foot dynamic esports experience that seats over 200 fans. The main stage will feature custom player experiences with analysts and casters, giving the audience up-close VIP access to the world of competitive esports.
“Together with ESA, the E3 ESL Arena will expose traditional game enthusiasts to high-quality, professionally produced competitions that create the ultimate esports experience,” said Yvette Martinez-Rea, CEO North America, ESL. “We hope to reach gamers from all over the world, engaging both old and new fans alike.”
Esports continues to reach wide mainstream audiences and serves as the perfect gateway to reach passionate fans around the world. The global esports industry is expected to grow to more than $900 million in revenue this year and $1.4 billion by 2020, according to Newzoo. By 2021, the global esports audience is forecast to exceed 550 million people.
Stay up to date on the competitions happening at the E3 ESL Arena by following E3 and ESL on Twitter @E3 and @ESL.
About ESA
ESA offers a wide range of services to interactive entertainment software companies, including conducting business and consumer research; providing legal and policy analysis and advocacy on First Amendment, intellectual property, and technology/e-commerce issues; managing a global content protection program; owning and operating E3; and representing video game industry interests in federal and state government relations. For more information, visit ESA’s website or follow ESA on Twitter @theESA or @ESAGovAffairs.
About ESL
ESL, a part of the international digital entertainment group MTG, is the world’s largest esports company, leading the industry across the most popular video games with numerous online and offline competitions. It operates high profile, branded international and national leagues and tournaments such as the Intel® Extreme Masters, ESL One, ESL National Championships and other top tier stadium-size events, as well as grassroots amateur cups, leagues and matchmaking systems. ESL covers a broad field of services in gaming technology, event management, advertising and television production, fully catering to the needs of the esports ecosystem. With offices in North America, Germany, Russia, France, Poland, Spain, China, and partners in many other countries, it has a truly global footprint. (www.eslgaming.com)
About E3
E3 is the world’s premier trade show for computer and video games and related products. The show is owned by ESA, the US association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies developing and publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the internet. For more information, visit E3’s website or follow E3 on Facebook @E3Expo or Twitter @E3.
***
