This article is part of our Just Announced series.
After unveiling the PokerGO Studio at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas in April, ESP Gaming has just announced the World Showdown of Esports (WSOE). Taking a cue from the world of boxing and mixed martial arts, the WSOE will see multiple games across different genres showcased during fight card-style matches featuring players from all around the world. While the first event, WSOE 1, won't take place until this fall, fans won't have to wait too long to sink their teeth into WSOE action. The PUBG Pan-Continental will be streamed live from the PokerGO Studio on July 14-15 featuring players from Team Envy, OpTic Gaming, Tempo Storm, Team Vitality and more.
Rather than stick to the usual mold of round-robin group stages and double-elimination brackets that permeate just about every major esport, ESP Gaming has decided to shake up the tournament meta with these head-to-head battles. The result will see champions and challengers battle pound-for-pound at every single event, with the stakes wide and clear. ESP Gaming will also bring a unique prize structure and production elements into the fold in order to foster aggressive and exciting gameplay.
"ESP Gaming is bringing a new type of esports tournament to the gaming community that ensures every single match is a must-see event featuring top competitors in a drama-filled showdown," said ESP Gaming president, Jeff Liboon. "The WSOE will highlight the most compelling narratives in competitive gaming driven by the very essence of what makes traditional sports so popular, the players. The WSOE will represent what gamers really love about esports with the intensity turned up to the max."
Along for the ride will be esports analyst Richard Lewis, who will serve as the Director of Talent for ESP Gaming. Bringing his years of experience with him, Lewis will oversee the on-air personalities for WSOE events.
"With the WSOE, we're completely flipping the script on the traditional esports tournament format in a way that has never been done in competitive gaming," said Lewis. "The WSOE's unique format allows us to create the matches that competitors and fans want to see and that the competitors want to engage in. We look forward to re-imagining and growing the sport of competitive gaming and crowning our first WSOE Champion this fall."
Information on future WSOE events, including schedules and games, will be announced in the near future.
