Just like most of the sports and entertainment world, esports leagues have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. While competitive teams are adapting to games without their teammates sitting beside them, more people are joining in from home, meaning they can play with even more spectators.
Ben Spoont, CEO of Misfits Gaming Group, told Cheddar Wednesday while many esports events were canceled due to the pandemic, they were able to work with their partners and the different leagues to get back to playing online within a couple of weeks.
“Esports has the ability to adapt really quickly. We’re now back online playing games in front of a lot more people because there are a lot more people at home, so we're excited about that,” Spoont said. “We’re fortunate for more people and to provide a form of entertainment for them.”
Spoont is also the co-founder of Florida Mayhem, a professional esports organization competing in Blizzard’s Overwatch League, and owns teams in all three major esport leagues. Despite being able to get back to playing online within a few weeks, Spoont said that they still had to make some changes.
“We’ve taken our nonessential players and nonessential personnel and removed them from the equation of the teams,” he explained. “When they talk about social distancing and stay in your home, most of our teams live together, so they’ve been continuing to act as a family unit. But instead of playing in the office they’re playing from their apartments.”
Spoont is also trying to help combat this global health crisis by joining in on the Gamers vs. COVID-19 pledge to help spread awareness about “flattening the curve.”
“Esports and gaming could actually do a lot right now to encourage people to stay at home, which is why we think that joining this challenge made a lot of sense. We think it’s important for us to give back to the community and make a meaningful and positive impact through esport’s strengths, which is to play video games and stay at home,” Spoont said.
Meryl Streep joins the cast of Big Little Lies." The White House announces it will roll out immigration Framework. Cheddar speaks with Danica Patrick about how she is readying for this race and life after Nascar. President Trump announces new tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines. Burger King releases a net neutrality commercial. Hewlett Packard's CEO announcers her new venture.
The professional race car driver says her sport is based on personalities. And with many big names getting out of the game, she says the industry has to get more interactive and offer more behind-the-scenes depth.
The European Union fines Qualcomm for allegedly violating antitrust laws. Starbucks and Disney announce pay raises and better employee benefits thanks to savings from the new tax reform bill. We talk to the directors behind the newest Netflix series, "Dirty Money," premiering this Friday, January 26th. And Brett Holts, VP of Nike Running Footwear, introduces Nike's newest sneaker, the Epic React Flyknit.
Brett Holts, Vice President of Nike Running Footwear, introduces Nike's newest sneaker, the Epic React Flyknit. The new shoe features a brand new foam compound.
The future of business is getting active. More and more companies are focused on the customer's experience, rather than just a product. This Changes Things host Brad Smith aims for the bullseye at "Kick Axe," New York City's first axe-throwing venue. He talks to Founder Ginger Flesher about the business of axe throwing.
Senior editor of FHM Magazine Nick Dimengo breaks down the Super Bowl matchup. He also explains the "Brady Effect" and whether or not "Patriots Fatigue" is a real thing.
The government is close to reopening. The Senate voted Monday in favor of a temporary spending bill to fund the government until February 8th. Netflix announces its 4th quarter earnings. Actor Nicolas Cage sits down at Sundance to talk about the making of Revenge Thriller "Mandy". Ralph Lauren unveils its 2018 Team USA Olympic uniforms for the opening ceremony.
James Yoder, CEO and founder of Chat Sports, breaks down the AFC and NFC Championship games. The Patriots barely escaped the Jaguars 24-20, while the Eagles pounded the Vikings 38-7.
WWE stars Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Roman Reigns, and AJ Styles discuss the 25th anniversary of WWE's flagship show, "Raw." The four stars all agree it's incredible to be part of such a special event.
The 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is around the corner. The race starts January 25th and goes until the 28th. To celebrate the upcoming race, Acura Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves and IMSA President Scott Atherton rang the NYSE Closing Bell and stopped by Cheddar to explore the work that has gone into this competition.
