The Capcom Cup Draws 87,000 Viewers on ESPN2
The Capcom Cup, an annual fighting game tournament, attracted impressive viewership numbers on ESPN2. The event, held on December 10, 2017, brought in approximately 87,000 viewers, demonstrating the growing popularity of esports on mainstream platforms.
Capcom, the game developer behind the Street Fighter franchise, collaborated with ESPN to broadcast the Capcom Cup Finals live on television. This partnership aimed to reach a broader audience and showcase the excitement of competitive gaming. With 87,000 viewers tuning in, it is evident that esports is gaining momentum in the eyes of traditional sports fans.
The broadcast of the Capcom Cup Finals on ESPN2 was a significant milestone for the fighting game community (FGC). The FGC has long been considered a niche community within the broader esports landscape. However, this event’s strong viewership numbers indicate a promising future for fighting games in the esports industry.
The success of the Capcom Cup broadcast can be attributed to both the captivating nature of the tournament itself and ESPN’s commitment to promoting esports. The match-ups between top players, intense gameplay, and strategic moves enthralled the viewers, regardless of whether they were longtime FGC enthusiasts or newcomers to the scene.
ESPN’s decision to broadcast the Capcom Cup on ESPN2 demonstrates its recognition of esports as a valuable form of entertainment. By allocating prime television airtime to the tournament, the network acknowledged the growing demand for competitive gaming content. This move further legitimizes esports as a mainstream spectacle that can compete with traditional sports for viewership and engagement.
The Capcom Cup’s success on ESPN2 serves as a testament to the incredible potential of esports. As more major networks recognize the value of esports and invest in its coverage, we can expect even greater growth and visibility for competitive gaming in the future. The future looks bright for the FGC, as events like the Capcom Cup continue to draw increasing viewership and establish themselves as an integral part of the esports ecosystem.