The NHL has announced plans for a global esports tournament with regional EA Sports NHL 18 competitions in the U.S., Canada and Europe leading up to the NHL Gaming World Championship on June 19 in Las Vegas.
While the NBA 2K League drew on elite gamers and the Madden NFL Club Championship draw sought casual gamers to represent each franchise, the NHL is differing from its North American sports league brethren in encouraging all hockey fans — “even non-gamers” — to sign up and compete.
Brought to you by the @NHL
Register for the NHL 2018 Gaming World Championship for a chance to win cash prizes and more! #NHLGWC Registration Detailshttps://t.co/g5PobKtOv1 pic.twitter.com/n6GBPDRxaN
— #NHL18 (@EASPORTSNHL) March 9, 2018
Interested players can sign up on FACEIT and play on either Xbox One or PlayStation 4 in the qualifying rounds, though PlayStation is the platform of choice for the regional and world finals.
The regional finals will all take place in May at television networks in each area. NBC Sports will host the U.S. competition at its Stamford, Conn. studios; Viasat will host the European bracket in Stockholm; and Sportsnet will host the Canadian draw in Toronto. All three contests will air on the NHL’s digital properties and on its Twitch channel.
Get The Latest Sports Tech News In Your Inbox!
The prize purse is $100,000 and the world finals will be held the day before the NHL Awards ceremony, which the gaming finalists will be invited to attend.
“We are excited to enter into the competitive gaming world and provide another way for gamers and fans to connect with our great game,” NHL Vice President Chris Golier said in a statement. “Our approach was to align with the best partners to create a fun and engaging competition. The exposure, prize pool, and unique experiences from the NHL Gaming World Championships should bring out the top players and show whose ‘Chel skills are best.”