Posted in: eSports, Games, Video Games | Tagged: bbc, bbc 3, BBC Channel 3, dota, DotA 2, ESL, ESL One, ESL One Birmingham, valve

BBC Three to Broadcast the ESL One Birmingham DOTA 2 Major

The BBC is partnering with the ESL to broadcast the semi-final and final matches from the UK's first Dota 2 major. The major will see a dozen world-class teams compete for a $1 million USD prize pool. The tournament will coincide with a networking event for esports industry members.

BBC Three will stream the semi-finals at 2 p.m. BST on Saturday, May 26th and the grand finals at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 27th. The live matches will be available to watch online on the BBC Three website and on BBC iPlayer.

This will be the first time that ESL events have been shown live on the BBC, which is good news for the state of esports in the UK in general.

BBC Three's coverage of the tournament will be helmed by BBC Radio 1 Presenter and vlogger Julia Hardy with professional Dota 2 casters Gareth "Gareth" Bateson and Shane "Shaneomad" Clarke

Alongside showcasing the streamed matches, BBC 3 will also host interviews with the world-class players in attendance.

Max Gogarty, Executive Editor, BBC Three, says:

"As esports continues its rapid growth amongst young audiences, BBC Three's coverage of it is evolving. We're proud to bring live Dota 2 matches to the UK mainstream and we're excited to be collaborating with BBC Sport as they bring their high production values to this unique event."

Julia Hardy, BBC Host says:

"I'm so excited to be involved in BBC Three's Dota 2 coverage. The esports world is always such an exciting place to be and is somewhere that brings joy to millions all over the world. I'm really excited to be involved in bringing the passion and the edge-of-your-seat esports moments to a whole new audience."

"With over 25m gamers in the UK, it's fantastic to have the BBC supporting ESL One Birmingham" said James Dean, MD ESL UK. "BBC Three will be covering the finals at a much more accessible level so viewers without in depth knowledge of Dota 2 can still enjoy the action and learn what's going on."

You can find more information on the tournament on the ESL's official website.

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