FACEIT and Twitch TV Partner to Launch the Esports Championship Series (ECS)
Two major names in esports, FACEIT and Twitch TV, have joined forces to create the revolutionary Esports Championship Series (ECS). This groundbreaking league aims to transform the traditional approach to esports. The first part of the league, centered around Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), begins today.
The CS:GO league features a prize pool of $3.5 million, with 10 teams from North America and 10 teams from Europe. What sets this league apart is the unique ownership structure offered by Twitch and FACEIT. Teams participating in the league will have a stake in its ownership, mirroring the model used in traditional sports leagues. Additionally, the league will include a developmental or farm league to nurture up-and-coming talent.
Understandably, the ECS will exclusively stream on Twitch. As the world’s largest video game streaming platform, Twitch aims to continue its legacy within the esports community through this monumental league.
While FACEIT’s press release labels the CS:GO league as its “flagship,” there is speculation that the next league within the ECS will focus on Dota 2, given the company’s support for the game.
The concept of team ownership in a league brings an interesting and progressive dimension to esports. If the ECS proves successful, teams may prioritize participation in the league over traditional events to increase its value. When ownership is at stake, team owners may face difficult decisions.
There is also a potential bias within the league. Some esports organizations have sponsorships or partnerships with Twitch. Furthermore, Twitch technically owns two esports clubs, Evil Geniuses and Alliance, through its acquisition of the Good Game Agency. Although neither of these organizations currently has Counter Strike teams, conflicts of interest could arise if the league expands into other esports like Dota 2.
One intriguing possibility is whether the ECS will strive to compete with Riot Games, the developer of the immensely popular League of Legends (LoL). Riot organizes leagues worldwide, such as the highly regarded League Championship Series in North America and Europe. Could FACEIT and Twitch challenge Riot by establishing their own professional LoL league?
What are your thoughts on this new series of leagues? Share your opinions in the comments below, and make sure to follow us here at eSports Guru for all the latest updates!
Contact Patrick Cowley via email at patrick@esports.guru or on Twitter at @PtrckCowley.