World of Tanks eSports Final: BEYOND Wins at Luzhniki, Cyber Targets and Future in eSports

No time to read?
Get a summary

Last weekend, the Luzhniki sports complex hosted the first offline final of a World of Tanks eSports tournament, giving fans a chance to cheer for their favorite team live.

ENEMY, JUMBO TEAM, BEYOND and AMG battled for a prize pool exceeding 18 million rubles. In the end, only one team could lift the cup in front of a roaring crowd. BEYOND secured victory with a 7:4 score, leaving AMG with little chance as the champions were crowned in front of the fans.

During the intermissions between decisive matchups that decided the strongest team, fans could chase autographs from their favorite eSports players, enter prize draws, test tank accuracy, or join 3v3 team battles on the ice rink. There was also a chance to play virtual football, offering classic and cyberpunk modes.

At the joint stand of the video game Superball and Spartak, attendees could dive into this game and receive promotional codes and merchandise from football clubs as bonuses.

Several matches were played and prizes collected. The initial impression was that the entry threshold in this title sits higher than, say, Rocket League. After basic training, players often study the hero skills descriptions carefully and listen to a guide simultaneously; otherwise, chaotic jumps and short-range moves can send shots into one’s own goal.

In Superball, teams compete in a 3 against 3 format with clear role division: goalkeeper, attacker, and midfielder. Visually, the characters are appealing and avoid negative reactions. The matches are brief, the field is compact, comparable to a cage in street football. Whether Superball can generate enough engaging moments to hold attention remains to be seen after the release.

Cyber Target

In the breaks between the decisive games, attendees could sign autographs, participate in prize draws, test their reflexes on the battlefield, or play in mixed teams on the ice. They could also engage in virtual football, both classic and cyberpunk variants.

At the joint stand of Superball and Spartak, visitors could try this game and receive promotional codes and club merchandise as gifts.

Many matches were played and prizes claimed. The early sense is that this game demands a higher entry threshold than other titles like Rocket League. After an initial training, players often dive into the hero skill descriptions and listen to a guide while keeping an eye on the action. Without that focus, players risk chaotic dribbles and end up scoring own goals.

Superball features a 3v3 format with a distinct role split: goalkeeper, attacker, and midfielder. The visuals are friendly and accessible, and the matches are compact, creating a tight, energetic atmosphere similar to street football cages. Whether Superball will maintain enough excitement to sustain attention is something to watch as the game evolves toward release.

Working in eSports

Beyond entertainment, the event offered a window into the gaming industry and eSports at the Synergy Institute booth, conveniently located near a display of energy drinks from Tornado Energy.

If a person walks into the gaming industry with the aura of naming giants like John Romero and Hideo Kojima after their studies, the question remains: does one need to master economics in Dota 2 or geography of CS maps to thrive in eSports?

Not necessarily. The creation of a final product, an eSports tournament, hinges on non-virtual skills and solid project management know-how.

One must plan the event budget carefully, recruit suitable artists, secure a venue, and attract sponsors. It is essential not only to design an engaging program so fans can attend in person, but also to ensure a seamless online broadcast: sound, lighting, transitions, and hosts. Everything must be mapped out to the smallest detail, blending the digital and physical realms into a cohesive experience. This is sometimes described as fidgetal — a hybrid of digital and real-world elements — with organizers shouldering significant responsibility and demanding professional levels of performance.

Moreover, this is just one example of a possible future career path in eSports.

What do you think about these kinds of tournaments with accompanying entertainment? Share your thoughts in the comments.

— Fathered by VG Times

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

IAEA to Brief on Zaporizhzhia Cooling System Attack and Safety Implications

Next Article

Mercedes-Maybach SL Cabriolet Debuts at Pebble Beach as a Luxurious Open-Top Icon