Esports data platform GRID Esports has joined forces with a number of tournament organisers to create a new global circuit for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
Some of the companies involved in the circuit include FACEIT, Relog Media and Fantasyexpo, in addition to other regional organisers commissioned by the platform.
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The Champion of Champions Tour (CCT) will feature a $3.4m (~£2.76m) prize pool split across North America, South America and Europe.
GRID will provide data management services for the circuit. Meanwhile, five ‘foundational partners’ will assist in the operation of the CCT. The founding partners are FACEIT, Relog Media, Black Molly Entertainment, Eden Esports, and Fantasyexpo.
Starting in June 2022, regional online tournaments with a $1.8m (~£1.46m) prize pool will take place. Various LAN events will also act as qualifiers for the Global Finals taking place in 2024.
Tom Warburton, COO of GRID Esports, spoke on CCT’s launch: “Our mission is to build into the ecosystem of professional Counter-Strike across multiple tiers, providing an opportunity for emerging, regional esports talent to prove themselves and shine.
“We are excited to partner with leading esports partners worldwide to enable sustainable growth of the scene and support the professionalisation of our industry as a whole.”
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According to a release, the CCT aims to ‘build into the ecosystem of professional Counter-Strike’ by providing regional talent with a platform to showcase their ability on a global stage. Further information on commercial partnerships and tournament structure will be unveiled at a later date.
Esports Insider says: Armed with a wealth of experienced organisers and tournament operators, the Champion of Champions Tour has laid a solid base for it to build on over the next two years. With millions on the line, the tournament circuit is likely to attract plenty of attention from teams and potential partners.
