The big business of esports arrives in Orlando, as The Call of Duty World Championship 2017 plays out at Amway Center.

Major League Gaming’s big tourney may grow Orlando’s rep in industry

A video game tournament that will award $1.5 million in prizes at Amway Center this weekend could establish Orlando in the fast-growing esports industry.

The Call of Duty World Championship 2017 will pit 32 teams of four players in competitive battles in the World War II-themed shooter. The top team in the tournament, set to close Sunday, is slated to take home $600,000.

“The opportunity to host this could bridge the gap to many more opportunities,” said Jason Siegel, interim President and CEO of Central Florida Sports Commission. “Esports has become a routine conversation here locally.”

Esports has become big business, with major sponsors such as Monster Energy drink or video game-controller manufacturers shelling out big bucks to get their names on players’ jerseys.

The result is full-time players who take home salaries based upon their gaming skills.

“It’s not a joke,” said Kevin Flynn, director of marketing for Major League Gaming’s “Call of Duty” division. “This is serious stuff and these guys are here to play for serious money.” And it’s growing. Major television networks like ESPN have started to carry tournaments. Companies including Electronic Arts and the NBA have invested money in creating tournaments.

“We have gotten to a point where the numbers cannot be ignored anymore,” Flynn said. “That’s what really attracts the bigger brands.”

He said the sport’s growth has been a long-term process. He estimates that the group has more than 20,000 active competitors taking part in their tournaments.

Bryan Zhelyazkov, a Miamibased competitor who plays under the handle “Apathy,” has been an esports player for eight years.

Zhelyazkov, whose Team EnVyUs is in Orlando for the tournament, still can’t believe he gets paid to play video games.

He says he will play “Call of Duty” as many as 10 hours a day, not including those rare times he plays for fun with friends and family.

“When it’s time to play professionally or competitively, it’s a whole different mindset,” he said. “Everything is different. It’s serious. You have to put a lot of time into it.”

Orlando’s reputation for tourism has it positioned to serve as a regular site for Major League Gaming, said Ben Noel, executive director of the University of Central Florida’s video game school.

“As long as this is well attended, it probably won’t be the last,” he said.

The weekend event could be huge for the future of esports in Orlando, Siegel said: “We want them to have a positive experience and that can only help us with the next opportunity.”