We are thrilled to announce that ESL One New York and its CS:GO tournament will be the first ever esports event to be streamed to the masses in virtual reality. The production will be a collaboration between SLIVER.tv for ingame footage and WonderWorld VR for the arena experience, delivering a complete esports event experience to people around the world.

"We’re very excited to be able to launch our very first VR live stream from ESL One New York with the help of SLIVER.tv,” said Stuart Ewen, Product Manager ESL. “This new method of broadcasting is going to give viewers a taste of what it's like to be in the arena at an esports mega event, and give people a brand new perspective on top level CS:GO through an in-game VR camera. Esports helped to pioneer online video streaming, and we couldn't be more proud to take the next step into the future of broadcast media with this initiative."

ESL One New York will be the first esports event broadcast in virtual reality using a platform agnostic method, meaning it will be viewable through a website, on a mobile device, or a VR headset. Fans worldwide can download and install the SLIVER.tv Android and iOS apps to watch in mobile Panorama-360 or using Google Cardboard, as well as on SLIVER.tv’s website. For a premium experience, users can download the SLIVER.tv GearVR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive apps to watch in full VR. WonderWorld VR will be producing the "arena experience" and SLIVER.tv will be utilizing its LiveVRCast technology for the “in-game 360 experience” at ESL One NY for the complete esports event broadcast.

Note: on a PC use Chrome/Firefox browsers and drag up-down-left-right to rotate 360 perspective, or use the YouTube app on Android or Apple devices for Panorama-360 and watch in VR-mode with Google Cardboard.

Mitch Liu, co-founder and CEO of SLIVER.tv, said: “We’re looking forward to showcasing our brand new LiveVRCast technology in partnership with ESL. Previously, viewers could only watch recorded clips VOD, rather than live content. This will be the first event to use our turnkey live-streaming platform for tournament, league and team operators to broadcast popular esports games like CS:GO in immersive 360 VR.”

Simon Romanus, CEO and founder of Wonderworld VR, said: “We are extremely happy to partner with ESL and SLIVER.tv to enable fans to teleport themselves in to the world of esport and experience some truly unforgettable moments in live VR. At Wonderworld VR we are always pushing the limits and this unique first-of-its-kind live broadcast with ESL really shows that we are in the forefront of VR.”

Don’t worry if you miss any of the action live as VODs will be available after the event on YouTube.

If you prefer the real world experience, be sure to join us at Barclays Center for the event - tickets are available! For all updates about the event, follow ESL CS on Twitter and Facebook.

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