The NRL is set to deliver an esports activation at this years Telstra Premiership grand final, after signing a new partnership with LetsPlay.Live (LPL).
LPL, which is an Australasian esports media company that develops, hosts and broadcasts esports tournaments and content, has been brought in to curate and deliver the League Royale event, which will be held in the ANZ Stadium precinct live on NRL Grand Final day.
NRL fans and Fortnite gamers will be able to qualify for the League Royale featuring Fortnite online through the LPL platform prior to the NRL Grand Final and then at the NRL Fan Fest, held in Martin Place in Sydney from Wednesday 2nd October to Friday 4th October.
The top five players will be flown to Sydney to play live on stage alongside NRL and gaming personalities.
“We continue to develop and evolve our Grand Final week and this esports activation will add to the fan experience at NRL Fan Fest and on Grand Final day,” Chief Commercial Officer of the NRL, Andrew Abdo, said.
“Giving our fans the opportunity to play in front of ANZ Stadium, to be broadcast across Twitch, the NRL network and on the stadium big screens and to play for prizes that include our incredible behind the scenes experiences at Origin in Adelaide next year is an opportunity not to be missed,” he added.
After successfully collaborating in Auckland last year to promote the 2018 Post Season Test Matches, the NRL and LPL will again unite to bring something different to the 2019 NRL Grand Final.
Playing the Fortnite Battle Royale mode, fans will compete for prizes valued over $18,000, including cash, tickets, flights, merchandise and premium experiences at State of Origin in Adelaide in June 2020.
Duane Mutu, Managing Director of LPL, is thrilled to once again be bringing gaming and esports into a traditional sports setting.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with the NRL on our biggest partnership venture to date. With incredible prizes, great content and an awesome event space planned, we’re confident that NRL fans and esports enthusiasts alike will be just as excited as we are.
“This is a monumental step towards bridging the gap between traditional sport and the digital movement.”
NRL and Fortnite fans will be able to tune in and watch the League Royale on Grand Final day, stay up to date with times and tournament updates via LPL and NRL social media.
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