NetEase Games has announced Marvel Rivals Ignite, a major esports competition that boasts a prize pool of $3m (~£2.26m), with $1m (~£753,800) up for grabs in the grand finals.
Marvel Rivals Ignite is undoubtedly the biggest tournament in the hero shooter’s short esports existence, with all five regions involved in the event.
The announcement of a $3m prize pool shook the community as it is a major jump up from other Marvel Rivals events seen so far. The closest to this figure was $500,000 (~£376,900), however, that was spread across Marvel Rivals’ regional Invitationals.
The post stated: “Witness Glory, Resilience, and Absolute Cinema! Marvel Rivals Ignite comes this May to the Americas, EMEA, China, Asia, and Oceania with a prize pool of over $3m! Who will rise as the ultimate champion in a world where heroes and villains collide?”
Details regarding formats, participating teams and schedules have yet to be revealed. Nevertheless, NetEase has teased that it will share more in the near future. All that is known so far is that the tournament will take place in May 2025.
It’s unclear how exactly the event will work, whether this will be limited to invited teams or operate similarly to the Marvel Rivals Championships, which is open for anyone to enter.
The past month has been packed with tournament announcements, not limited to the xQc Invitational and monthly PlayStation Cups. It’s clear that NetEase is looking to foster an active esports system within its latest hero shooter, and Marvel Rivals Ignite just cemented that ambition.
The announcement has been the much-needed jumpstart to a scene that has felt like it has been gradually slowing down after Season 2’s launch.
Fans will have to wait and see for more details surrounding NetEase’s biggest Marvel Rivals tournament yet, one that may finally make the game solidify itself in esports.