London is to get the world’s first dedicated “eSports” arena where spectators can watch professional video gamers battle it out.
Gfinity, which organises video game tournaments, has signed a deal with Vue Cinemas to transform part of its Fulham Broadway site into a dedicated 600-seat video game arena.
Top gamers will be flown in from around the world to take part in tournaments, playing games such as Call of Duty, with tickets sold to watch them in action.
Gfinity co-founder Neville Upton said: “For an eSports fan to see some of these players close up is amazing. It’s the equivalent of a football fan watching Ronaldo play.”
Last year an event organised by Gfinity at the Copperbox Arena in the Olympic Park attracted around 4000 spectators, and if the Fulham site proves a success, Vue could roll out the concept across London and the rest of the country.
Upton said: “Vue were very proactive and keen to get into eSports. They could see the potential.”
He added: “It’s very exciting for London, it’s the first dedicated eSports arena in the world.”
Vue’s UK boss Kevin Styles said: “eSports has seen explosive growth both in the UK and throughout the world with popular events attended by thousands of fans and viewed by millions more online.”
The Fulham Gfinity Arena is set to open in March, with at least 25 events already scheduled.
