In a step towards delivering a higher standard of eSports competition to a global audience, we are proud to announce our North American expansion today by revealing plans to build a studio in Los Angeles and to acquire long-standing partner Esports Services (ESS).
Set to host its first production in April, the Los Angeles studio boasts equipment capable of broadcasting high-quality eSports productions in front of hundreds of live audience guests. The 7,000 square foot venue will be equipped with high-performance computers and equipment on a par with the ESL TV studios here in Cologne, offering up the best possible viewing experience and production quality. ESL will have two US offices, one in Los Angeles and one in New York City.
“We have known the ESS team for over 10 years and we are excited to have them on board. Los Angeles, with its long history of being the best place to produce AAA content, was a natural choice of location for our new studio,” said the ESL Managing Directors Ralf Reichert and Heinrich Zetlmayer. "Having a permanent team and brand new facilities at the heart of America’s entertainment industry is an incredible milestone on our journey to deliver what ESL is best at – amazing gaming experience.”
The acquisition of ESS is a key part of ESL’s expansion. ESS was founded in 2006 and has a long eSports history by successfully working with and for most major publishers in North America.
“We are excited to join the ESL family and launch ESL America to bring the suite of globally recognized ESL products, world class gaming events, and high quality broadcast productions to North America,” said the President of ESS Han Park. “With the building of a full production broadcast studio in the US, ESL will be established as the premier gaming content provider on a global scale for publishers, sponsors, and eSports fans and players.”
The expansion plans aim to extend ESL’s presence in the US, making the studio a home to the most exciting regular eSports activities on North American soil. More news related to ESL’s American operations will be announced in the coming days.