ESL claims esports first with virtual reality production

ESL has said it will become the first esports organisation live stream one of its events in virtual reality.

ESL will work with Sliver.tv, a next-generation sports 360-degree virtual reality entertainment platform, and virtual reality production studio WonderWorld VR, to produce coverage of ESL One New York, which will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn from October 1-2.

Fans will be able to download the Sliver.tv mobile application to iOS and Android devices and watch in Panorama-360 mode or use Google Cardboard, as well as view coverage on the Sliver.tv website.

Users can also download Sliver.tv's specialist virtual reality apps on GearVR, Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headsets to view coverage in full virtual reality.

The initiative will act as a showcase for Sliver.tv’s new LiveVRCast technology. Mitch Liu, co-founder and chief executive of Sliver.tv, said: “Previously, viewers could only watch recorded clips VOD, rather than live content. This will be the first event to use our turnkey live-streaming platform for tournament, league and team operators to broadcast popular esports games like CS:GO in immersive 360 VR.”