There are few industries around the world that have experienced such exceptional growth in the last few years as that of the esports industry.
Whilst live events were put on pause during the pandemic, the esports industry benefited from the widespread lockdowns and social distancing measures.
Games and esports data company Newzoo’s 2021 Global Esports & Live Streaming Market Report indicated the industry saw its audience grow by more than 38 million throughout 2020.
With more eyes on the world of esports, means more revenue to be played with and bigger prize pots to be won. With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at some of the biggest esports events that are still due to take place in the remainder of this year.
The world’s best FIFA players will come together in Copenhagen this summer to do battle with the hopes of their nation resting on their shoulders. FIFAe Nations Series 2022 is FIFA’s official competition for nations.
The competition gives players the opportunity to play alongside their national teammates in a 2v2 format, that offers a different competitive edge to the traditional 1v1 gaming mode.
Whilst the FIFAe Nations Series 2022 doesn’t get underway until later this summer, athletes have had to be put through their paces by national coaches first to make sure they are the best individual to represent their country.
Described as ‘the most prestigious event of the year’, the search for the ultimate national team is almost underway. One of 24 teams will be named winners in July and will be worthy winners of the $400,00 prize pool that’s up for grabs.
A battle royale game that consists of up to 50 players parachuting onto an island in search of weapons and equipment to kill the other players.
Released on Android and iOS just five years ago, Free Fire has gone on to become the most downloaded mobile game in history and last summer set a record with over 150 million daily active users globally and has grossed more than $4bn worldwide.
Due to the overwhelming success of the game, Free Fire introduced the Free Fire World Series in 2019.
Next month sees the 2022 version return to Singapore and will be held in Sentosa, an island on the southern coast. 22 teams from across the likes of North America, Pakistan, Brazil, the Middle East, and Europe have had to qualify via regional tournaments.
Last year’s event saw an incredible 5.4 million concurrent online viewers stream the event, a groundbreaking record for esports.
If you like your esports this is certain an event not to miss!
Back for its 16th season is ESL’s Premier League for Counter-Strike. The tournament will run from the end of August to the beginning of October and will feature 24 of the best teams from around the world as they battle it out to earn a shot at the ESL Pro League Title.
For those not in the know, Counter-Strike is an objective-based, multiplayer first-person shooter game. With two opposing teams, the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists. Objectives for the game include securing a location, to planting or defusing a bomb or even rescuing or capturing hostages.
When the round is finished, players are rewarded based on individual and team performance with in-game currency to spend on other weapons or utility in upcoming rounds.
The format of the ESL Pro League tournament will see six teams feature across four groups with all participants playing one another in a round-robin format in a best-of-three series.
From then on, playoffs will be played in a single-elimination bracket and all matches will also be played in the best-of-three series, expect the grand final which is a best-of-five.
Commonwealth Esports Championships
This summer, the inaugural Commonwealth esports Championships will be staged in Birmingham. The new competition which will be supported by the British Esports Association, hopes the event will help to promote esports in the UK, increase its level of awareness, improve standard and inspire future talent.
The event itself will see players from across the Commonwealth compete for medals across a two-day period in three games which are Dota 2, eFootball and Rocket League.
Nigel Huddleston, Commonwealth Games Minister added: “Esports has connected millions of young people across the Commonwealth, providing entertainment and a vital sense of community. This provides an exciting chance to look at how esports can be brought into the Commonwealth Sport Movement.”
If you would like to discuss how a PR or Social Media strategy could help raise awareness for your upcoming competition, get in touch with us today.
