First eSports tournament broadcast in virtual reality (VR) (multiple platforms)

Sports fans have long been hailing the possibilities of what VR technology can bring to sports broadcasting. The USA's NBA was the first pro sports league to broadcast a live sports game in VR in October 2015. However, the first eSports tournament to be streamed live in virtual reality is the Counter Strike: Go Offensive event ESL One New York on 1–2 October 2016. It was produced in collaboration with SLIVER.tv and WonderWorld VR, and viewers enjoyed panoramic views of the action as though they were sitting in the stands themselves. The tournament was viewable through a website, on a mobile device with the relevant app, or – for the full experience – using a VR headset, namely the Oculus Rift, Gear VR or HTC Vive.

The tournament was held at the Barclays Center in New York, home to the Brooklyn Nets basketball team. It featured eight of the top Counter-Strike: GO teams competing for their share of the $250,000 prize pool.