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Activision forms new eSports division, hires ESPN and MLG vets

It isn't going away.

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Activision Blizzard today announced the formation of a new eSports division. It's to be headed by former ESPN and NFL Network CEO Steve Bornstein and MLG co-founder Mike Sepso.

Bornstein said he believes eSports has the potential to rival traditional sports in terms of popularity.

“As a member of the eSports community for over 12 years, I couldn’t be more excited for the future of the sport," added Sepso. "I am confident that the company’s industry-leading content will capture the many opportunities we have to entertain and celebrate our players.

“Activision Blizzard is uniquely positioned to give millions of fans around the world what they want and I’m excited to help support this community in a way that honours its history.”

The news comes on the back of the announcement in September of the Call of Duty League, which will hold regional competitions and live-streamed events throughout the year with a $3M prize pool up for grabs.

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Patrick Garratt avatar

Patrick Garratt

Founder & Publisher (Former)

Patrick Garratt is a games media legend - and not just by reputation. He was named as such in the UK's 'Games Media Awards', the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. After garnering experience on countless gaming magazines, he joined Eurogamer and later split from that brand to create VG247, putting the site on the map with fast, 24-hour a day coverage, and assembling the site's earliest editorial teams. He retired from VG247, and the games industry, in 2017.

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