Esports joins the Emmy Awards

Esports recorded tremendous growth over the last ten years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Especially, as it gets a category for outstanding coverage at next year’s Sports Emmy Awards. Esports gets its own category dedicated to outstanding coverage.

Growth partly comes from partnering with established world brands. This provides increases in tournament prize pools and larger turnouts for live events.

The National Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences present the Sports Emmy Awards to recognize excellence in the American sports industry. Esports titles have already won awards under the Sports Emmy Awards. Last year, League of Legends won an award for outstanding live graphic design. However, this is the first time esports has a category of its own.

This Outstanding Esports Coverage category gives recognition to the mastery and talent that goes into covering esports events. In an interview with Washington Post, Justine Gubar, the new executive director of Sports Emmy Awards administration, said that the decision was unanimous to “expand the Emmy Universe.”

The groundbreaking news was shared on Twitter and made known to the public on Washington Post.

We’re very excited to welcome the #eSports community into the #SportsEmmys! https://t.co/1iHMTZpFbZ

— Sports Emmys (@sportsemmys) December 9, 2019

“We are entering an exciting new chapter for the Sports Emmy Awards with the addition of an exclusive category dedicated to recognizing excellence within esports.” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of National Academy of Television, Arts and Sciences. “The category, Outstanding Esports Coverage, illustrates the Academy’s commitment to remain on the forefront of the ever-changing world of sports production.”

This category brings journalists a chance to win a prestigious award and get a new audience for their craft. With the award ceremony next year, the nominee list is still unpublished.

As things stand, it looks to be a battle between journalists from powerhouses. Possible names the community expects include  Jacob Wolf, Emily Rand and Tyler Erzberger, among others.

Esports holding a nomination category shows the pace at which the trailblazing industry grows. Reporters often do not get the recognition deserved. This category brings the spotlight to them, allowing for more identification in esports. It also highlights good coverage and well-presented competition to viewers during tournament finals.

The 41st Sport Emmy Awards occurs in May 2020 with the exact date not yet confirmed.

Written by Rashidat Jimoh