E-Sports coming to Bendigo

FOR four weeks starting tomorrow, Bendigo’s top gamers will battle it out for the 2021 Bendigo E-Sports Cup.

Hosted by Australian E-Sports League, the competition features either teams of three competing in the video game Rocket League, or solo competitors facing off in Super Smash Bros.

The event is hosted in part by the City of Greater Bendigo and features a $700 prize pool.

AEL executive producer Darren Kwan said the online competition was originally designed during COVID-19 lockdowns as a way to give local video game players a taste of competitive gaming.

“The idea is locals get to play against other people from around the state, kind of showcasing the talent coming out of Bendigo,” Mr Kwan said.

“It gives them a chance to compete against better players from around the state and there’s a bit of prize money.”

Mr Kwan said the City has been supportive of the event and recognises the growth of e-sports, especially for younger people.

“They’re all for it,” he said. “They believe esports is a thing that should be happening in the region and if this is one way they can support it for the local community, they’ve been really supportive.

“Youth council is very eager as well to see these kind of events, because for young people esports and gaming is front of mind so it’s something that fits their interest as well.”

According to AEL, 5.8 million Australians have shown an interest in either playing or watching esports this year, a rise from 1.2 million in 2016.

“We know the number of people who understand what e-sports is or might take some interest in it is growing,” Mr Kwan said.

“We’re seeing there’s a lot of work being done to build the grassroots, but as we build it there is interest and that’s nice feedback for us.”

Details for a cosplay contest to run alongside the esports competition are expected to be announced later this month.