Major esports competitions could be coming to Orlando in the near future. According to Orlando Business Journal, a task force made up of organizations including The Walt Disney Company, Universal Orlando Resort, EA and more, has been formed with the goal of bringing these events to Orlando.
Photo Credit: Orlando Business Journal
- This task force, which include 18 top industry representatives, was formed last year.
- The task force consists of:
- Greater Orlando Sports Commission
- CFE Arena
- City of Orlando
- The Walt Disney Co.
- Electronic Arts Tiburon
- Full Sail University
- Orlando Economic Partnership
- Orange County
- Orange County Convention Center
- Orlando City Soccer Club
- Orlando Magic
- Orlando Venues
- OrlandoiX
- Osceola Heritage Park
- Production Resource Group LLC
- Red Bull North America Inc.
- University of Central Florida
- Universal Orlando Resort
- These companies are looking to take advantage of a rapidly growing industry. Esports viewership surpassed that of both Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League in 2018.
- By 2022, it is projected to boast a viewership on par with that of the National Football League.
- Global revenue for esports in 2018 was $655 million. It is projected to reach $906 million this year and $1.6 billion by 2021.
- Orlando’s Amway Center hosted the Call of Duty World League Championship in 2018.
What they’re saying:
- Jason Siegel, CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission: “Without question, there’s a chance in the very near future that esports and e-gaming opportunities will be Olympic sports and they will be represented at the NCAA level.”
- Daryl Holt, vice president and head of operations for EA Sports: “There’s no reason this region can’t be a major player in this space. [We] can envision a future where Orlando not only captures a part of this business, but can lead and set a standard for hosting major esports events.”