DraftKings is launching a fantasy eSports product, the primary foray for a serious conventional fantasy sportsbook web site into the online game trade.
What we all know to this point
DraftKings introduced the launch through its “Playbook:”
We’re launching an esports part on DraftKings, the place you’ll be able to play fantasy esports and win huge cash, similar to you do now with soccer, baseball, and all the opposite sportsbook we cowl.
And, rattling it, you ought to be enthusiastic about it. Fantasy esports are extremely enjoyable to play, and there’s all the time an enormous event or league taking place at any given second. There are dozens of various video games being performed competitively, and the gamers, video games, and tournaments are continually altering. It’s a fantasy lover’s heaven, the place there’s all the time one thing new to look into, watch, and make picks for.
There aren’t any lively contests but; gamers who’re interested by enjoying fantasy eSports at DraftKings are prompted to join notification when the product goes dwell.
CEO talks eSports
In a podcast with RotoGrinders’ Dan Again, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins had this to say concerning the launch:
“We even have an eSports providing that we’ll be launching very quickly. eSports would be the quickest rising class in all sportsbook, and something the place you’ll be able to fill arenas like Madison Sq. Backyard and Staples Middle — each of whom we’ve unique partnerships with I would add — any class you’ll be able to fill that type of spectator base, why can’t you may have an important fantasy recreation?
Speaking extra concerning the prospects on the whole for the fantasy eSports area:
Fantasy is pushed off of individuals wanting to observe video games proper, so i believe that fantasy can be a pure match and a pure type of evolution of the eSports world. It’s slightly bit completely different as a result of the demo is barely completely different, however there may be the cell app too. So I do suppose we’ll have folks crossing between the normal fantasy sportsbook product and the fantasy eSports product.”
What video games can be provided?
DraftKings made reference to a number of video games within the submit on its web site. It’s not clear if fantasy merchandise for all of them can be provided proper off the bat, or in any respect. The video games talked about:
- League of Legends
- Dota 2
- SMITE
- Counter-Strike
- StarCraft II
- Hearthstone
- Avenue Fighter
League of Legends seems to be the primary eSport to be provided, per a weblog submit and this video:
Becoming a member of DFeS-only merchandise
Fantasy eSports just isn’t new. Two websites — Vulcun and AlphaDraft — already launched earlier this yr, and each have grown exponentially in current months, attracting massive investments. For a wider evaluation of the DFeS market, go right here.
A brand new fantasy sportsbook web site known as DraftPot already provided video games primarily based on League of Legends.
However not one of the established DFS websites had joined the eSports vertical, till now.
The DraftKings enviornment tie-in
As Robins talked about, DraftKings can leverage two of its current relationships because it makes an attempt to interrupt into the fantasy eSports market.
Earlier this yr, DraftKings signed offers with Madison Sq. Backyard in New York Metropolis and Staples Middle in Los Angeles. These occur to be arenas that host main eSports occasions, as properly.
If you happen to suppose that’s not an fascinating relationship, contemplate that MSG bought out for a current LoL occasion, and Staples Middle did the identical, again in 2013.
We’re guessing you will note DraftKings try to have a presence at dwell eSports occasions, in addition to discover methods to push for its enviornment belongings to host eSports occasions.
The DraftKings-ESPN tie-in
Just some weeks in the past, ESPN listed a place for an “eSports editor,” indicating that it was seeking to develop its protection of the game.
That would have implications for DraftKings, which has an current and soon-to-be-exclusive relationship with ESPN. Integration of DraftKings fantasy technique alongside eSports content material would appear to be a pure match for the media platform and the DFS large.