What Intel's Bringing to its Fierce $500,000 Gaming Competition
The longest-running global pro-gaming circuit in the world makes its way back to California this weekend, where gamers will be going head to head for the $500,000 prize. As the eSports industry picks up, Intel is looking to be a major player. John Bonini, vice president of VR, gaming & e-Sports at Intel joined us to preview the big event.
Intel Extreme Masters returns to Oakland for 2 days of eSports action. It will feature two days of "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive" and "PlayersUnknown's Battlegrounds". The first VR eSports circuit created by Intel, Oculus, and ESL will make its IEM debut.
Bonini also hits on the emergence of collegiate eSports, which is creating scholarship opportunities for star gamers. There is so much growth in eSports, it's easy to see colleges creating their own tournaments and leagues.
However, he says it not the same system as leagues like the NBA. Bonini points out that many of the best players are 16 or 17 years old and sometimes skip college in order to go straight to the pros.
The Black Innovation Alliance is working to empower Black entrepreneurs and recently received a $3 million commitment from UBS to help with resources. Ifeoma Ike, director of policy and movement strategy with the Black Innovation Alliance, joined Cheddar News to explain further the organization's mission.
Janice Gassam Asare, workplace equity consultant and the founder of Black White Green (BWG) Business Solutions, discusses supporting Black-owned businesses outside of Black History Month.
Anika Howard, President and CEO of WONDR NATION, joins Cheddar News to discuss how she's driving diversity forward in the gaming industry, and give advice for Black women in this industry.
Corey Calliet, celebrity fitness trainer and creator of ACHV Fitness, joined Cheddar News to give an insightful look into training movie stars recently and provide some tips to build a good physique with his new app.
