IBC eSports showcase: "Tip of the iceberg"

The challenges and opportunities the eSports world presents will be examined across the IBC Show with practical events looking at media rights, sustainable commercial models as well as the technologies and services required to support the rapid growth of the sector. 

ESports has engaged a younger demographic and has rapidly seen revenues climb, both of which are conundrums facing traditional broadcasters.

BBC Radio One Gaming Reporter Julia Hardy will chair an exclusive discussion with leading eSports investor and industry guru Arnd Benninghoff, CEO of eSports and gaming group MTG in Track Headliner: eSports: How MTG’s eSports brands are shaping a hyper growth industry on Monday 17 September.

They will explore how the industry is challenging the traditional sports sector for the elusive 18 to 25 demographic and discuss what the future holds for the best eSports partnerships, players and broadcasters.

Meanwhile, eSports world domination: How to engage a global audience, looks at the popularity of watching eSport tournaments online and how it has become a global mass market on Monday 17 September.

A panel of leading eSports experts including Ginx eSports TV Chief Executive Michiel Bakker; Twitch EMEA Director of Partnerships Christopher Mead and ESL UK Technology Ambassador Tanya Laird will reveal what broadcasters can learn from eSports, from engaging fans around the globe to capturing young male viewers, and monetisation opportunities. 

“The success that eSports has experienced thus far is nothing short of phenomenal, and this is just the tip of the iceberg for this rapidly growing sector” - Steve Connolly, IBC

Delegates will have the opportunity to take part in the IBC eSports racing challenge in the outdoor exhibition area, complete with a full Project Cars 2 simulator, allowing visitors, delegates and exhibitors to test their skills and compete for special prizes. 

For a practical look at eSports production, head to hall eight where EVS (8.B90) will become a playground for live eSports competition, in partnership with ESL.

Two ESL One Championship players will compete live in a game of Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). While around them, demonstrations will show how ESL uses EVS technology for live switching, replay production and fast turnaround content output in order to output engaging live content to multiple online platforms.

IBC Director Steve Connolly said: “The success that eSports has experienced thus far is nothing short of phenomenal, and this is just the tip of the iceberg for this rapidly growing sector.

“As eSports continue to build momentum, IBC will continue to work closely with these leading brands and experts to enable our industry to benefit from their thought leadership, as well as showcasing the full experience of eSports as a commercial and user phenomenon through cutting-edge technology and production techniques.”