ESPN has decided to get serious about eSports

Whether or not you enjoy eSports, or consider them to be sports at all, you can’t deny that they’re exploding in popularity at the moment, and companies like Activision are trying to set themselves up as the ESPN of eSports, but as it turns out, the ESPN of eSports might just end up being ESPN. On Thursday, the company announced that it can no longer ignore the burgeoning $500-million industry that is eSports, and has decided to launch a new section on its website that’s going to be dedicated entirely to competitive gaming. The company also promised that it’ll cover eSports “with the same rigor” that it covers traditional sports. 

ESPN.com has launched a new esports vertical that will deliver comprehensive coverage surrounding the world of competitive gaming. Sponsored at launch by T-Mobile, ESPN.com/esports/ marks ESPN’s long-term commitment to serving an audience that continues to grow. “Today’s launch – anchored by the influential voices of Darin Kwilinski, Rod Breslau and Tyler Erzberger – is our latest push to reach and connect with this growing and passionate audience,” said Chad Millman, editor-in-chief, ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. “Fans will find the same level of quality content and journalism that users of ESPN.com have come to expect, including in-depth looks at the competitive gaming world and on-site reporting from the major tournaments.” In its first week, content will include video, news on the current and future state of esports, offseason grades that look back on the past season of multiple league championships from around the world and profiles on gamers who have influenced the meteoric rise of esports. Reporting will also be delivered from the opening weekend of the North America League of Legends Championship Series on January 16. Fans will be able to tweet and share content from the site by following @ESPN_esports.