Now that eSports are getting more mainstream coverage with ESPN officially adding an eSports division, it was only a matter of time before video games got some national attention.
Case in point the X Games Aspen have added a Halo 5 tournament to its schedule. This is the first time highlights of the tournament will be aired as part of the X Games broadcast on ESPN.
The Halo World Championship Tour: X Games Aspen will feature eight teams from around the world all competing in a single elimination tournament for $30,000 in prize money and medals from the event. This is a standalone tournament and will not contribute to World Championship points or placements for the regional finals.
Elite gamers from around the world will play Halo 5: Guardians at #XGames Aspen https://t.co/vJsVuYWXg7 pic.twitter.com/LqNaLXN5wD
— X Games (@XGames) January 14, 2016
Vice president of X Games Tim Reed said that gaming is a good fit for the X Games.
“We are thrilled to team with Xbox to feature the top gamers at X Games Aspen,” said Reed in a press release. “Gaming plays a big role in the youth culture and the Halo World Championship Tour: X Games Aspen Invitational nicely complements the world-class action sports competition and musical elements at the X Games.”
343 Industries’ Head Bonnie Ross said the Halo developer wants to see Halo grow as an eSport.
“We are committed to the long-term growth of Halo esports through world-class events and the expansion of viewership around the globe,” Ross said. “There is no one better than X Games and ESPN to team up with for the Halo World Championship Tour, and we’re excited to see the best teams compete for gold this January at the X Games Aspen Invitational.”
The X Games Aspen will run from January 28th through the 31st on ESPN.