Yahoo launches Esports, a site dedicated to competitive video gaming

Yahoo is launching a site dedicated to competitive video gaming, capitalizing on a rare bright spot for the troubled tech company.

Yahoo Esports will cover live tournaments, news and statistics, much like other sports, the company said Wednesday.

“We’re approaching our coverage of eSports with the same tenacity and professionalism we always have with Yahoo Sports, News and Finance,” Bob Condor, vice president of Yahoo Sports Media, said in a statement. “Coupled with our experience in building great products, we’ve gone out and assembled an experienced and innovative content team that will cover esports from every angle.”

The move comes as the Sunnyvale, Calif., company is poised to reduce 15% of its workforce. It recently shuttered seven of its digital magazines, including those dedicated to food, travel, health and parenting topics.

Yahoo Esports seizes on the exploding popularity of competitive video gaming.

Already, ESPN has expanded its eSports coverage and Santa Monica’s Activision Blizzard paid a reported $46 million for eSports tournament organizer Major League Gaming.

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