STACK #161 Mar 2018

GAMES FEATURE

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Gfinity Esports Australia, an Australian esports business with a cool name, recently announced the inaugural Gfinity Australia Elite Series – a game changer for local esports. League of their Own

Words Alesha Kolbe

O ffering a whopping total prize pool of 450,000 bucks in its first year, the competition is comprised of two leagues – the Challenger Series and the Elite Series. The Challenger Series is dubbed a “competition for all gamers” and allows anyone to enter, whereas the higher-tier Elite series is geared more towards established pro gamers. The Gfinity Australia Elite Series will include tournaments in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive , Street Fighter V and Rocket League – a fair spread of game types and one that should have at least minimal appeal to everyone. The 2018 Challenger series commenced on the 7th of January, and there is $15K in prize money on the line each month for participants. “The Challenger Series is designed as an integrated, grassroots support platform, which is frequently seen in traditional sports, and is key to the development of Australian esports,” explained now-CEO of Gfinity Australia, Dominic Remond, in a press release. The best players from the Challenger Series

enter what is known as the Elite Draft, were they are in with the opportunity to join one of the six professional teams in the Elite Series. Seasons are based on a league system, with six teams each representing a major Australian city. Each weekend, Elite Series matches will

is core to the Gfinity Australia ecosystem and is designed to help boost esports in the Australian market, and bring a unique viewing experience to audiences, with substantial prize money at stake,” said Remond. This structure is based upon that used by Gfinity in the UK. “Australia is the first territory of expansion for Gfinity, driven by this country’s passion for competitive sports and the growing popularity of esports. Gfinity Australia wants to build the ‘Big Bash League of esports’, and I’m excited to have joined the team here in Australia and looking forward to establishing the Gfinity Elite Series as a must-watch part of the Australian sport and entertainment calendar," said Remond, who was appointed as CEO late last year. Gfinity then went on to secure Alienware as a presenting partner for the competition’s Elite Series, and their hardware – such as the Alienware Aurora and Alienware 17 – will be

Gfinity Australia provides a clear pathway from amateur to professional...

take place in front of a live audience, with games played over seven weekends. “Gfinity Australia provides a clear pathway from amateur to professional, to secure a place in Australia’s newest esports franchises, and be part of the biggest league to launch in Australia. This exciting competitive framework

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MARCH 2018

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