Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Image via Valve

BBC to broadcast the ESL One Birmingham final four

Live ESL tournament matches will be broadcast on BBC Three for the first time.
This article is over 6 years old and may contain outdated information

The BBC has partnered with ESL to broadcast the semifinal and final matches from the U.K.’s first Dota 2 Major, ESL One Birmingham, this weekend.

Recommended Videos

The matches will be shown on the BBC’s digital platform BBC Three. The semifinals will begin on 2pm BST May 26 with the grand finals starting from 3pm BST on May 27.

“As esports continues its rapid growth amongst young audiences, BBC Three’s coverage of it is evolving,” Max Gogarty, executive editor for BBC Three, said in the announcement. “We’re proud to bring live Dota 2 matches to the UK mainstream and we’re excited to be collaborating with BBC Sport as they bring their high production values to this unique event.”

BBC Three’s coverage will be fronted by BBC Radio 1 presenter and Julia Hardy with Gareth “Gareth” Bateson and Shane “Shaneomad” Clarke guiding providing commentary of the matches.

The channel will also be hosting live interviews with some of the players before and after matches to try and provide an authentic esports experience to the audience watching at home.

“With over 25 million gamers in the UK, it’s fantastic to have the BBC supporting ESL One Birmingham,” James Dean, MD of ESL UK, said in the announcement. “BBC Three will be covering the finals at a much more accessible level so viewers without in depth knowledge of Dota 2 can still enjoy the action and learn what’s going on”.

This isn’t the first time that BBC has hosted a large esports event. BBC Three entered into mainstream esports back in 2015 when the channel showed matches for the League of Legends World Championships, broacasting the quarterfinals from London’s Wembley Arena.

The BBC also broadcsat Gfinity‘s flagship Elite Series on BBC Three over eight consecutive weeks back in July 2017.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Adam Newell
Adam Newell
Assigning Editor
Assigning Editor. In 2015, Adam graduated from the University of Aberystwyth with a bachelor's in Media and Communications. Working in the industry for over ten years. If it has anything to do with Nintendo and Pokémon chances are you will see me talking about it, covering, and likely not sleeping while playing it.