ESL One Birmingham, a premier Dota 2 tournament, has received a substantial financial boost, securing £145,000 from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the UK Government.
This funding is part of a broader initiative that allocated a total of £3 million from Commonwealth Games legacy funding to nine cultural and sporting events. The investment is aimed at attracting more visitors to the West Midlands and stimulating the local economy.
The funding for ESL One Birmingham is drawn from the £70 million underspend of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which were held in Birmingham, the West Midlands, and London.
Notably, these Games also featured a pilot esports championship, highlighting the growing recognition of esports alongside traditional sports.
In addition to ESL One Birmingham, a ‘SuperDome esports tournament’ scheduled in Solihull, England, from September 5th to 8th, has also been awarded £250,000. These investments are projected to generate a significant £11.5 million boost to the local economy. This boost is expected to come from the creation of job opportunities and increased patronage of local businesses by visitors attending these events.
ESL One Birmingham is set to take place from April 22nd to 28th at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, featuring 12 teams competing for an impressive $1 million (~£791,090) prize pool. This event is a testament to the UK’s growing status as a hub for major esports events. In 2024, London is also slated to host the League of Legends Worlds Finals at the O2 Arena and the BLAST tournament at the OVO Arena Wembley in June.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, commented on the funding: “We saw during the 2022 Commonwealth Games – where record numbers of visitors and businesses came to the West Midlands – the hugely important role culture and sport play in our regional economy. The Commonwealth Games legacy funding is designed to enable the region to carry on that momentum. We received a healthy interest in the fund from applicants across the West Midlands and have selected an exciting calendar of inclusive and sustainable events set to engage our diverse communities and continue driving tourism and investment into the region over the coming years.”
The funding and support for ESL One Birmingham underscore the significant role esports now plays in the cultural and economic landscape of regions like the West Midlands.
As the region prepares to host this high-profile Dota 2 tournament, it stands as a shining example of how esports can drive growth, inclusivity, and community engagement in the modern digital age.
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