Esports Tournament Expected to Bring Thousands to Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A major Esports tournament is coming to the Raleigh Convention Center that’s expected to bring in big bucks to the area.

Thousands of fans are expected to attend the ESL One Tournament Friday. It will showcase the best “Dota 2” players from around the world as they compete in the popular online battle video game for a $1 million prize. 

Visit Raleigh Vice President Loren Gold said the event is expected to bring in about $2.5 million.

“This game, ‘Dota 2’, has not had a major competition in the United States in almost 10 years,” he said. “They’ve been in Birmingham, UK, they’ve been in Kuala Lumpur, they’ve been in Bangkok Thailand, they’re now in Raleigh, North Carolina.”

More esports competitions are scheduled in the city. Raleigh will host the Riot Games competitions at North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus next month. In June, the Lenovo Center will hold the Rocket League Championship.

The ESL One tournament takes place Friday through Sunday. Tickets are still available.