JD Sports has created a new esports event, which it’s launching in London and Manchester this summer.
The Lancashire-based retailer will host JDX, where gamers will compete in FIFA 19, Rocket League and Fortnite tournaments, to become part of an official JD Esports team.
“Esports is a natural fit to our customers and they are central to everything that we do. Gaming has a huge reach and relevance to the JD audience and we’re delighted to be bringing our first Esports events to London, Manchester and Salford this summer,” said Stephen White, Group Marketing Director of JD.
Esports is predicted to be worth in excess of £1bn by next year, with an audience of more than 600m. Last year, research from Kids Insights found that esports was the second most watched sport by male teens – first was football and third was boxing.
JD will be holding semi finals and finals at MediaCityUK’s Dock10 in August, with the winners having a chance to join Team JDX and train in Las Vegas.
