The former nightclub of the Luxor Resort and Casino’s, one of the most recognizable 30-story pyramid resorts in Las Vega’s has now become a high-stakes arena and hangout for video game freaks to enjoy friendly battle and gamer-inspired fare.
Thus, the first Las Vegas venue dedicated to esports was opened in Luxor Casino and Resort on Thursday, offering the competitive gaming scene one of its most prominent stages yet.
Esports Arena Las Vegas dedicated its 30,000 square feet to gamers who can win multiple chicken dinners in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) and casual fans of video game culture. It will host esports events, which are tournaments in games namely – Street Fighter, Overwatch, and Fortnite — often with a cash prize for the winners.
In association Tyler Endres, the CEO and Co-Founder of Esports Arena said the site’s double the size of the original Santa Ana, California, venue.
“Whether it’s a Super Smash Bros. tournament, a Street Fighter tournament, a Counter-Strike tournament, we’re able to host that on a nightly basis.” The venue features a modular stage that can be adjusted depending on how many competitors will be facing off (in the case of the opening, I saw a five vs. five Smitebattle); audience stands that can be easily removed for non-competitive events; a full production studio along with a commentary booth; and a glowy “hype tunnel” that gamers walk through just as they take the stage. And, this being Vegas, there are VIP rooms that come complete with televisions, couches and, in the case of the “Boss Level” room overlooking the arena, beer taps.
Esports Arena is part of the international Allied Esports venue network, and this Vegas venue is expected to be where big competitions have their final rounds.
Gamers can also use Esports Arena to broadcast their gaming sessions to websites like Twitch, using streaming stations set up at the front of the venue that feature the casino floor in the background.
Source: cnet.com