ESPN has finally begun to embrace eSports, and after showcasingHeroes of the Storm, the network even launched a section of its site devoted entirely to gaming. But it looks like the sports giant’s jump into competitive gaming is about to get even bigger,as it will be featuringthe Halo World Championship during its famous X Games in Aspen.
Over the course of three days, eight teams — six American, one British, and one German — will compete at X Games Aspen in “The Gaming Shack.” $30,000 is up for grabs in prize money, and while the event “will not contribute points or change placements for the regional finals,” itwillbe a part of X Games coverage on ESPN, just like any other sport.
“Gaming plays a big role in the youth culture,”says ESPN’sTim Reed while presumably wearing a “Music Band” t-shirt. “The Halo World Championship Tour: X Games Aspen Invitational nicely complements the world-class action sports competition and musical elements at the X Games.”
Of course, whatprobablywould have made sense for competitive gaming at the X Games (though, admittedly, not the winter version) is an entry in the Tony Hawk franchise. The skater has remarkable history at the Games, includingcompletingthe first recognized 900, but the horrendous quality ofTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5most likely means this won’t happen. Maybe they’ll giveRideorShreda try, instead.
This level of eSports commitment was exactly what former ESPN host Colin Cowherd was apparently afraid of. He recently published a videoclip from his showon his YouTube channel titled “eSports is for booger-eaters.” Although he threatened to leave ESPN after the network began airing coverage of games likeHeroes of the Storm, he was firedafter making racist commentstoward Dominican baseball players back in July.
The Halo Wold Championship at X Games Aspen takes place from January 28 through January 31.
