COFFEE, weather and now esports - the Melbourne versus Sydney rivalry has spread into professional video gaming.

The first two franchises in Gfinity Australia’s new Elite Series esports league, which is attempting to become ‘the Big Bash League of esports’, will be based in our two biggest cities.

And rather than completely starting from scratch with new franchises, Gfinity has opted to partner with two major local organisations, Chiefs Esports Club and Avant Gaming.

The Sydney Chiefs and Melbourne Avant are the first two of the six teams that will play in the league in three popular games - Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Rocket League and Street Fighter V.

Teams will face off in a dedicated esports arena at the Hoyts cinema in Sydney’s Moore Park over seven weeks for a total 2018 prize pool of $450,000.

Commentators at work inside Gfinity's Esports Arena in London. Source: Supplied

“A weekend fixture where Sydney plays Melbourne is a part of our national sporting fabric,” Gfinity Australia CEO and former Sydney Sixers general manager Dominic Remond said.

“Following the growth and success of other sports across Australia, I believe a passionate Melbourne vs Sydney derby, combined with a storied history between Chiefs and Avant will create Australia’s newest sporting rivalry.”

Teams will consist of established professional players - Chiefs’ CS:GO side has been one of the region’s most successful, qualifying for the massive IEM Sydney event last May - as well as newcomers drafted from the Challenger Series, which is serving as a feeder competition and pathway to the elite level.

“We’re proud to be among the first clubs to join the Gfinity Elite Series in Australia, and representing our fans and city of Sydney,” Sydney Chiefs owner Frank Li said.

“Through the Gfinity Elite Series, our players can experience the privilege of donning a jersey for Sydney and representing this great city, as well as being a part of a famous sporting rivalry. We can’t wait to face off against Melbourne Avant.”

The Elite Series, which has partnered with Alienware, is expected to launch in April.