Taking place next month in New York City is the Counter-strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) tournament held by ESL. Today the company along with eSports virtual reality (VR) entertainment platform SLIVER.tv and VR production studio WonderWorld VR have announced the event will be live-streamed to fans around the world in VR.

ESL One New York will be viewable across multiple formats such as SLIVER.tv’s website, on iOS and Android mobile devices, or VR headsets. For the mobile experience fans will need to download and install the SLIVER.tv Android and iOS apps, controlling the camera by moving the device or using the touch screen. But for a more immersive viewing experience fans will need to use Google Cardboard or something similar. For a premium experience, users can download the SLIVER.tv Gear VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive apps to watch in full VR.

Stuart Ewen, Product Manager ESL, said: “We’re very excited to launch our very first VR live stream from ESL One New York with the help of SLIVER.tv and WonderWorld. This new method of broadcasting gives viewers a taste of what it’s like to be in the arena at an esports mega event, and a brand new perspective on top level CS:GO through in-game virtual cameras. Esports helped 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.”

“We’re looking forward to showcasing our brand new LiveVRCast technology in partnership with ESL,” said Mitch Liu, co-founder and CEO of SLIVER.tv. “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.”

The CS:GO tournament will be taking place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October 2016. As ESL continues its foray into VR, VRFocus will bring you the latest developments.