An esports journalist walks to the stage, heart pounding. They fumble for their speech, ready to thank everyone who helped them along the way.
It’s a scene many in the esports industry have pictured for years, and now, thanks to the Emmy’s, it’s become a reality.
You read that right. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced yesterday that a new Sports Emmy category for Outstanding Esports Coverage will be added to “recognise the craft behind the delivery of coverage and presentation of competitive, organised video gaming to the viewer.” According to Justine Gubar, executive director of Sports Emmy Awards Administration, who spoke to Launcher, the Academy awards committee made the unanimous decision to add the category in order to “expand the Emmy universe.”
“We want to be more forward thinking,” Gubar adds. “In five years, esports is going to be more massive. The major networks are buying into it. Some of our key partners are big players in the esports world.”
In previous years, esports organisers have been nominated in other areas, but this catergory opens the door for many others in the scene.
We’ll have to wait to see who will be the first to take home an esports award though, as the 41st Sports Emmy Awards takes place in May next year.
