The Grand Slam of Global Esports heads to Melbourne, the esports capital of Australia
Melbourne, Australia – Thursday 13 February 2020 – ESL and promoters TEG Live today announced two premier esports tournaments, the League of Legends Oceanic Pro League Finals and ESL Pro Tour: Warcraft III, will be hosted at this year’s Melbourne Esports Open (MEO) to be held at Melbourne & Olympic Parks across Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August.
The Oceanic Pro League (OPL) Finals will headline an expanded Margaret Court Arena stage in 2020, following last year’s intense finals which saw dark horses Mammoth Esports claim the title. A new addition to MEO is an ESL Pro Tour Masters level Warcraft III: Reforged tournament, which will see international players compete in the classic esports title on a dedicated second stage within Margaret Court Arena.
Inside Rod Laver Arena, the recently announced Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Melbourne 2020 Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) tournament will feature over both days, with the world’s best players competing for a prize pool of US$250,000.
TEG Live Managing Director Tim McGregor said the inclusion of Intel® Extreme Masters at this year’s Melbourne Esports Open was a real coup for the event; “We are delighted to have Intel® Extreme Masters headlining this year’s Melbourne Esports Open, featuring major international teams and a large global audience. The original vision for Melbourne Esports Open was to be the biggest esports festival in Australasia and in just its third edition we have realised that ambition. For this year’s event, we’ve expanded ticketing tiers, making the festival more accessible for everyone and will also be providing a range of different activities for the whole family, making it an event not to be missed.”
Elsewhere across the 50,000m2 precinct, the JB Hi-Fi Game On Zone will return to Melbourne Arena, featuring the latest in AAA releases, VR experiences and esports activities. The Monster, the southern hemisphere’s largest inflatable obstacle course, will also make a return to Grand Slam Oval this year with further exciting announcements to follow.
JB Hi-Fi Group CEO Richard Murray said; “JB Hi-Fi are excited to be part of what has become Australia’s largest esports event, now in our 3rd year the JB Hi-Fi Game On Zone in Melbourne Arena will be bigger again, featuring the biggest gaming brands, first to play titles, fully interactive hands on freeplay experiences and exclusive show offers for attendees.”
“Die-hard fans along with their families will find something that excites them over the weekend,” added ESL SVP Asia-Pacific Japan, Nick Vanzetti. “To be able to bring every format of esports – from open, casual tournaments, right through to the world’s best under one roof has always been the goal of the Melbourne Esports Open, and this year we’ve finally been able to achieve that – this will be the biggest esports event ever held in Australia, with something for everyone.”
Melbourne Esports Open 2020 Ticket Details
Ticket options are MEO Ground Pass Single-Day ($25 AUD) and Weekend ($39 AUD). Melbourne Esports Open 2020 tickets holders, will gain access to a first come, first serve unreserved general admission section of Rod Laver Arena to experience IEM Melbourne 2020.
Fans who want guaranteed access to watch IEM Melbourne can purchase arena tickets including IEM Single-Day ticket ($69 AUD), IEM Weekend ticket ($139 AUD), Weekend Premium ticket ($229 AUD) and Global Elite ticket ($999 AUD). MEO 2020 Ground Pass access is included with every IEM ticket type.
Tickets for MEO 2020 will go on sale at 10am AEDT, Friday 14 February via www.ticketek.com.au & https://iem.gg/melbournetickets
The Melbourne Esports Open is presented with the support of the Victorian Government via its tourism and major events agency Visit Victoria.
For more information on the Melbourne Esports Open, visit their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or its official website at https://melbourneesportsopen.com.au/.
For more information on the Oceanic Pro League, visit their Twitter and Facebook, or the official OPL website at https://oce.lolesports.com/.
For more information on IEM Melbourne, visit their Twitter and Facebook or the official IEM Melbourne website at iem.gg/melbourne2020.
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Media contact details
Double Jump Communications
Sonia Heng
sonia@doublejump.com.au
0487 442 872
ABOUT ESL:
ESL is the world’s largest esports company. Founded in 2000, ESL has been shaping the industry across the most popular video games with numerous online and offline esports competitions. The company operates high profile, branded international leagues and tournaments under the ESL Pro Tour including ESL One, Intel® Extreme Masters, ESL Pro League, and other premier stadium-size tournaments, to more clearly define the path from zero to hero. ESL also produces the ESL National Championships, grassroots amateur cups, and matchmaking systems, creating a world where everybody can be somebody. With offices all over the world, ESL is leading esports innovation on a global scale through the combination of global ESL competitions, amateur leagues, publisher activations, and more. ESL is a part of MTG, the leading international digital entertainment group. Visit: eslfaceitgroup.com
ABOUT TEG LIVE:
TEG Live is wholly owned by TEG, Asia Pacific’s leading ticketing, live entertainment and data analytics company. TEG Live is a dynamic and diverse promoter of live content in music, sport, family entertainment, esports and exhibitions. TEG Live connects millions of fans every year with unique live experiences and adds value to events with hospitality and sponsorship services. For more information, visit: http://www.teglive.com.au
ABOUT VISIT VICTORIA:
Visit Victoria is the State of Victoria’s primary tourism, business and major events company, leading the sector in creating, curating and communicating Victoria’s inspiring experiences to maximise visitation. Established in July 2016, Visit Victoria brings the best of Tourism Victoria, Victorian Major Events Company and Melbourne Convention Bureau under one brand that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team operates in a collaborative and agile environment that informs, connects and partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria’s profile.
ABOUT JB HI-FI:
JB Hi-Fi is Australia’s Largest Home Entertainment Retailer. Famous for low prices, the biggest brands and genuine personal service from our experienced specialist staff. JB Hi-Fi has a huge range of products across Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, DVD and Blu-Ray, Music, Console and PC gaming.