Twitch Rivals: Bringing Competitive Entertainment to Twitch Creators
TwitchCon in Amsterdam was a huge success, with Twitch Rivals taking center stage as one of the flagship events of the convention. Twitch Rivals, a relatively new esports event, saw some of the biggest streamers like Ranboo and Karljacobs battling it out to entertain viewers both in-person and online.
In an exclusive interview with , Steven Flisler, Vice President of Original Content and Executive Producer for Twitch Rivals, shared insights into the history of Twitch Rivals and what fans can expect in the future.
The Origins of Twitch Rivals
Flisler revealed that Twitch Rivals is now in its fourth year. Twitch has always viewed esports as an integral part of its identity and has looked for ways to bring esports opportunities to its creators. In 2018, they began allowing streamers to stream their own channels during tournaments, which became a huge success. This led to the launch of Twitch Rivals in January 2019, starting with tournaments for games like League of Legends and Starcraft. The partnership with EA for Apex Legends further propelled Twitch Rivals into the spotlight.
The Evolution of Twitch Rivals
Twitch Rivals has evolved to include a wide range of games, not just core competitive titles. They have introduced games like Minecraft and Hearthstone, as well as non-video games like powerlifting and Ultimate Cooking. The goal is to provide diverse and entertaining content for the viewers, even if a particular game is not currently popular.
The Process of Game Selection
Twitch Rivals takes a collaborative approach when it comes to game selection. They consult with creators, considering their input and the potential popularity of a game. Sometimes the choice is obvious, but other times they need to determine the right format and level of competitiveness. They have learned from experience that a game’s popularity may not always translate into a successful tournament, so careful consideration is given to the timing and condition of the game before launching a competitive event.
The Future of Twitch Rivals
Looking ahead, Twitch Rivals plans to continue their successful series and expand globally. They are particularly focused on growing in Europe and exploring partnerships with traditional esports organizations. They also aim to involve creators more in the production process, allowing them to have a say in playing or casting the tournaments. In addition, smaller tournaments will be held to engage with more communities and build exceptional events.
Twitch Rivals is constantly seeking new opportunities in the ever-expanding world of esports. With their innovative approach and dedication to delivering competitive entertainment, Twitch Rivals continues to captivate audiences around the globe.