AfreecaTV, the number one live streaming platform in South Korea has announced its plans for the Global StarCraft II League (“GSL”) in 2017.
The event returns for 2017 with bigger and better plans. The GSL will expand from two seasons to three and AfreecaTV will host two additional tournaments in the year known as the “GSL Super Tournaments”. Combined across the events, the prize money will reach 570 million South Korean Won (~£386,000).
The format of the competition has been altered slightly. There’ll no longer be what was previously called a “Code A” – with qualifiers taking its place. “Code S” will remain as the round of 32 onwards, where the format remains the same as prior iterations.
In order to qualify for the Super Tournaments, the 1st and 2nd place players from the preceding season of the GSL will receive direct invitations whilst 14 others will have the chance to play through qualifiers.
Sookiel Kevin Seo, CEO of AfreecaTV said: “GSL has been a historic event and is the most iconic SC2 event of all time. AfreecaTV will do its best to continue to produce SC2 content. Thank you to all the GSL fans.”
The qualifiers get underway on December 27 and will be covered by English commentators Nicolas “Tasteless” Plott and Dan “Artosis” Stemkoski.
Esports Insider says: It’s great to see the SC2 scene still going – we’re excited to see the GSL get underway for 2017.