Victorian Government confirm Melbourne Esport Open

THE Victorian state government plan to make Melbourne the esport capital of Australia, announcing plans for the biggest event the country has ever seen.

The inaugural Melbourne Esports Open is set to take place at Melbourne & Olympic Park, filling the likes of Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and the Melbourne Park Function Centre during the first weekend of September 2018.

The event, in partnership with TEG Live and esports giants ESL, has been tipped to see 10,000 attendees each day with the government promising “the world’s best gamers”.

It will need that to surpass IEM Sydney, a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament held at Qudos Bank Arena for the past two years, which featured the world’s best CS:GO sides and a prize pool in excess of $310,000.

It is not yet confirmed what games or teams will be on during the event, but one thing the Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren says, is there will be plenty of action.

“We’re turning Melbourne Park into every gamer’s dream — giant screens, the best talent and latest technology.”

“With millions of gamers both at home and abroad, it’s time to bring all the action and fanfare of esports to our backyard.”

“The Melbourne Esports Open is a massive scalp for Victoria, tapping into one of the world’s most popular sectors of the sports and entertainment industry,” Eren said.

The event is is expected to generate up to $25 million for the Victorian economy over five years, supporting jobs and boosting local business. Funding for the event was secured through the Victorian Government’s Major Events Fund and Visit Victoria will be working with TEG Live and ESL to deliver the Melbourne-based event until 2022.