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LOS ANGELES -- Blizzard says it will pay each team competing in one of its Heroes of the Stormtournaments at least $100,000 no matter where they place, possibly the largest guaranteed minimum in esports.
SEE ALSO:Activision-Blizzard CEO may have let slip news of an official 'Overwatch' leagueThe minimum prize money could set a precedent for future events -- and not just Blizzard's. Though other events have offered base pay, they weren't close to this amount.
Blizzard's head of esports Tweeted this on Wednesday kicking off annoucments for BlizzCon opening week:
All #HGC Pro League teams competing from January to November will earn AT LEAST$100,000. Let's go!!!!
— Milkfat (@BlizzMilkfat) October 26, 2016
Though it was known Blizzard planned to compensate each team regardless of place, what we didn't know was how much. Between prize purses and team bonuses Blizzard is investing up to $3.2 million into the HotSscene.
The most recent HotStournament is starting this week and concluding at BlizzCon 2016 on November 5. The Heroes of the StormGlobal Championship will feature a $1,000,000 prize pool.
Team minimums are in addition to winnings, a bold and strategic move: Minimums incentivize teams to continue playing the developer's game. In the past Call of Dutyand League of Legendstournaments have offered compensation, but only around $10,000 per player. With $100,000 per team split five ways you're doubling that.
The HotSHGC finals will be held at BlizzCon in Anaheim, California, from November 4-5.
TopicsEsports