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.
Joining ESPN to headline the site’s coverage are some of the most notable names in the esports community, including:
Darin Kwilinski (editor) – A veteran writer and gamer, Kwilinski most recently served as managing editor at Azubu. He began his career volunteering time at Leaguepedia (now Esportspedia), quickly rising through the ranks before jumpstarting the League of Legends news section for onGamers.
Rod Breslau (writer) – Known online as “Slasher,” Breslau most recently served as a senior editor at theScore eSports. Prior to that, he was the co-founding editor of CBS Interactive’s esports efforts at GameSpot eSports and onGamers. Previously, he served as director of social media for Major League Gaming and hosted the first daily live esports talk show.
Tyler Erzberger (writer) – An experienced writer in the esports field, Erzberger began his career in the StarCraft scene for the website Team Liquid in 2011. He has written for various companies in the industry, most recently for theScore eSports in Canada.
ESPN has a long history of delivering live programming, coverage and content to esports fans. Most recently, ESPN3 carried live coverage of BlizzCon and The International Dota 2 Championships over the past two years as well as the 2014 League of Legends tournament. The network also delivered exclusive live coverage of Heroes of the Dorm, with the final airing live on ESPN2 – the first ever live, televised coverage of a collegiate esports event for ESPN. Additionally, ESPN The Magazine debuted its first-ever “Esports Issue” in May featuring profiles on gaming superstars including Faker, a behind-the-scenes look at MLG’s Dota 2 tournamentand a cover story on Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch creating his own Call of Duty character.