ESL and Dreamhack to broadcast esports events in virtual reality

E-sports organizations ESL and Dreamhack will broadcast fourteen events this year via the virtual reality platform Sliver.tv. The streams can be viewed with the mobile app or via the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Samsung GearVR and Google Cardboard.

The esports events will be streamed in a 360-degree environment through the service’s apps and website, Sliver.tv said. In addition to the live broadcast matches, spectators can view statistics and live replays in virtual reality. The technique was tested last year during ESL One New York, where the platform attracted 130,000 viewers.

The first esports event to use the VR platform will be Intel Extreme Masters, which will take place in Katowice, Poland in late February and early March. Other major events offering the technology include ESL One, DreamHack DreamLeague, DreamHack ASTRO Open, and DreamHack Masters.

According to Sliver.tv, these esports events reach more than fifty million fans worldwide of games such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends.