Esports is always an exciting topic for Torontonians. This article explores tournaments, fans, and the overall esports scene in the city. Learn more at toronto-future.
Toronto: A Gaming Hotspot
Toronto is home to some of the world’s leading game developers, including Ubisoft, Gameloft, and Certain Affinity. The city has hosted major local esports tournaments such as Game Land at the NXNE Music & Gaming Festival, Get on My Level (GOML), and Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo. In 2022, Toronto became the first Canadian city to host the renowned Call of Duty and Overwatch League tournaments.
Esports Tournaments in Toronto
In June and September 2022, Toronto hosted tournaments for the immensely popular Call of Duty and Overwatch leagues for the first time. Over four days during each tournament, approximately 12,000 fans gathered at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (formerly the historic Maple Leaf Gardens) to witness top professional esports players from around the world. These events marked a significant milestone for OverActive Media in solidifying Toronto’s position as a global esports hub. The power of in-person connection became evident during these two Canadian premieres in the summer of 2022.
While not all professional esports events are identical, the two tournaments organized by OverActive Media shared similarities. Featuring eight to twelve teams competing for prize pools exceeding $500,000, the tournaments followed a double-elimination format, creating an electrifying lead-up to the Championship round.
Competing teams sat side by side on the arena-style main stage, giving fans an immersive experience. Arena hosts, esports commentators, and fan engagement activities added to the atmosphere, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees. Additionally, the event was live-streamed on YouTube, allowing fans worldwide to tune in.
Esports Development: Toronto’s Major Project
Since its founding in 2018, OverActive Media has included live events as part of its vision. Plans for a new state-of-the-art performance venue are underway, further establishing Toronto as a leader in the global entertainment market.
The success of large esports tournaments in 2022 demonstrated the enthusiasm of both new and seasoned fans for in-person events. The community that brought esports to the forefront in Toronto shows no signs of slowing down. As more people experience esports firsthand, the likelihood of converting them into dedicated fans increases.
A new multipurpose venue, slated for completion in 2025, will provide Toronto with a premier space for live events. This venue promises to deliver world-class music and entertainment performances on a grand scale, making it the fourth-largest of its kind in North America. The 7,000-seat arena will also serve as the home for two of Toronto’s professional esports teams under OverActive Media.
Announced in February 2021, three years after the creation of OverActive Media Group, the project has attracted significant investment. Backers include Bell Canada and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment’s principal shareholder, though MLSE itself is not an investor. Additionally, the esports arena will be connected to a 400-room hotel, according to Bob Hunter, OverActive Media Group’s senior vice president who has led the project for three years.
Commercial Director Walker, who joined OverActive Media in August 2019 after five years at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, emphasized that the fundamentals of esports remain unchanged in scale and scarcity. People worldwide continue to play video games, with an inherent human drive for competition and excellence. The scarcity aspect aligns with the franchise model in Call of Duty, where millions play, watch competitors, and purchase event-related merchandise, giving OverActive Media the opportunity to engage younger consumers who form the esports fan base.
About OverActive Media
OverActive Media is a 21st-century global sports, media, and entertainment company catering to the modern generation of fans. As Canada’s largest esports ownership group, OverActive manages the country’s leading teams in franchised esports leagues, all headquartered in Toronto.
Toronto Ultra of the Call of Duty League and Toronto Defiant of the Overwatch League represent the city on the global competitive stage.
According to two officials associated with OverActive Media Group, the proposed 7,000-seat esports and concert venue in downtown Toronto has been delayed due to funding challenges. However, the project continues to progress.
Sources: