Events DC expects thousands at DC Armory eSports tournament

The District of Columbia might be the ground zero of politics, but Events DC, the city’s official convention and sports authority, wants to make it the eSports capital of the world.

Eight of the top Dota 2 teams from around the globe are heading to D.C. from Jan. 4-7, when Events DC and Moonduck Studios will host the first-ever Captain’s Draft 4.0 eSports tournament at the DC Armory. The cash prize for the winner is $300,000.

“This is a big deal,” Max Brown, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Events DC, told Technical.ly DC. “We aim to be the global capital of esports. That includes tournaments, matches and opportunities for people to look at different angles of the industry.”

The participating teams are:

• Evil Geniuses
• Team Secret
• OG
• compLexity
• Mineski
• Vici Gaming
• Team Empire
• paiN Gaming (Formerly known as Midas Club Elite)

Watch your favorite heroes battle it out in Captains Draft 4. Don't miss it LIVE this January at the DC Armory. #Dota2
🔗: https://t.co/bFpePxxOL4 pic.twitter.com/XkMaESUmQx

— Events DC (@TheEventsDC) December 13, 2017

The multiplayer video game competitions are not only drawing teams, but also fans who come out to fill big rooms. The support from the District’s quasi-public sports and convention authority signals a move toward the mainstream. Events DC started down the eSports path a year-and-a-half ago by exclusively sponsoring the NRG CS:GO esports team, which made appearances at this year’s SXSW, Awesome Con and recreation centers in the District.

But the cash prize isn’t the only incentive. Participating teams, based on their performance, will generate points toward being selected toward the Dota 2 International tournament in Seattle, an annual event that has attracted crowds in excess of 20,000.

Brown said the tournament will be streamed on Twitch and attended by an audience of about 2,000.

“It’s an unbelievable opportunity for the city, and we’re really excited,” Brown said. “It’s going to be important in generating revenue for the city and developing an ecosystem around esports.”

Ticket prices are $20 per day, with the Grand Finals on January 7, which is $30 for the day.