— Contender eSports, which dubs itself as the premier franchise for state-of-the-art gaming centers, will open at Waverly Place. The website says the location will be "released March 2020."

The 2,441-square-foot space will take up a storefront across from Tasu Asian Bistro on the Park Level. It will be equipped with high-end PCs, Xboxes and Nintendo switches. "Visitors can get ahead of the game at Contender eSports as they play and train like the pros," according to a press release.

Esports is seeing massive growth around the world. Global revenue will top $1 billion in 2020, according to a forecast by Newzoo, analytics firm. Colleges are offering esports scholarships, and professional gamers are earning millions of dollars a year as they compete in top tournaments.

The Raleigh area is no slouch in the esports world. Offices for a variety of game makers, including the headquarters of Fortnite's Epic Games, are located here. Local colleges and universities also have programs for students who hope to work for them one day.

And local tourism officials are working to bring more major esports tournaments here like the R6 Raleigh Major, which featured Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege video game in August. Ubisoft also has offices in the Triangle. The sell-out event drew 6,000 fans and 80 competitors around the world.

Contender eSports has a growing number of locations around the United States and world. According to its website, three friends launched the company after seeing a need for more opportunities for gamers to hone their skills like any other kind of athlete.

"Visiting a Contender eSports location for the first time is always met with wonder and awe from the time that a customer begins walking through the entrance," according to the website. "While they are being pulled in by the sophisticated technologies, the customers are also inspired by a genuine Sports theme that is often noted in the top training facilities for athletes around the world. While the gaming culture is just now being accepted as a true sport, Contender reinforces this with their guest by creating an environment of winning, a challenge to success and athleticism."

According to the website, all ages and levels of game play are welcome. Other locations that have already opened include tournaments, memberships, hourly passes and birthday party packages. The Houston location also hosts a local high school esports league.