Manchester City has signed their first esports player to compete in the world of gaming. Kieran Brown, an 18-year old gamer who has more than 12,000 followers on YouTube will represent the club at Fifa esports tournaments.
Gamers sit in row in front of computers where they play against each other, often watched by thousands of spectators. It has progressed from small get togethers of geeks to football stadium sized events.
Manchester City has signed their first esports player to compete in the world of gaming. Kieran Brown, an 18-year old gamer who has more than 12,000 followers on YouTube will represent the club at Fifa esports tournaments.
Gamers sit in row in front of computers where they play against each other, often watched by thousands of spectators. It has progressed from small get togethers of geeks to football stadium sized events.
His salary was not disclosed by Manchester City. but it will be well short of the £220,000 a week reportedly paid to Sergio Aguero. The world’s leading professional gamers can earn salaries of £3,000 a month and thousands of pounds in prize money.
In marketing terms, Manchester City see a number of advantages. They will have a bigger presence at gaming tournaments, more content through their digital channels, and will activate more with their fans at matches and club events.
In May the International Olympic Commitee announced that it was considering an application to include professional video gaming in the 2020 Tokyo games.
West Ham United were actually the first club to sign a player in May.