Is Major League Gaming For Real? $1 Million in Prize Money Says Yes

Authored by Scott Goldberg on April 3, 2007 - 8:41am.

Anyone doubting the legitimacy of professional video gaming should look no further than the dollar figure Major League Gaming will hand out this season. The 2007 Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit begins next weekend in Charlotte with $1 million in prize money at stake. Not that it should come as much of a surprise for a league that already pays its players so well. In an exclusive interview with DMW in February, CEO Mike Sepso said, “There are already 12 players who have $1 million contracts.”

What pro gaming still needs, however, is a game that bridges the gap between players and fans. It’s often difficult to follow the action, even for avid gamers.

This year MLG is bringing Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas to the circuit to solve that problem. A well-recognized first-person shooter, the action is quick and easy to follow, and, of course, it takes place in Las Vegas, a recognizable venue to anybody.

MLG also announced in February a partnership with Endeavor, a talent agency, and producer Tony Krantz that will, as Sepso said, “take a groundbreaking and cinematic look into the pro gaming lifestyle and Major League Gamers' dynamic lives.”

Krantz, noted for his work on NASCAR Drivers: 360, a reality program that gives a unique insight into the lives of racecar drivers, is certain to bring the same experience to pro video gaming.

Scott Goldberg

Related Links:

Exclusive DMW Interview with Major League Gaming CEO Mike Sepso