eGency Global and Southern Methodist University Guildhall have teamed up to launch OP Live Dallas, a premier esports event that will offer esports fans a unique experience that's a departure from traditional esports events.
Not only will the event feature the largest Overwatch collegiate tournament in North Texas, it will also give esports fans the chance attend workshops and learn about the gaming industry. It all takes place Sept. 22–23 at the Irving Convention Center.
“At eGency Global, we employ the best of the best in every aspect of esports event planning and execution,” Chris Stone, CEO of eGency Global, says in a press release. “When esports fans talk, not only do we listen, we make it our mission to respond with innovative solutions that will exceed their expectations. That was our goal with OP Live Dallas.”
eGency Global estimates 7,000 people will attend the event. The event was designed with esports and gaming fans in mind. Fans will get the chance to get into the action and play with several free play stations and get educated with the events workshops.
Workshops include the latest video games created by SMU Guildhall students and alumni, pro esports player meet-and-greets, interactive experiences, a high school hack-a-thon, education about esports, including talks by industry experts and influencers, sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor hall, parental education and more.
“In the past year, we’ve spoken with dozens of fans who regularly attend esports and gaming events,” Stephanie Chavez, Director of Marketing at eGency Global, says in a press release. “We wanted to find out what they love most about the events and where improvements could be made. This insight was invaluable when we were planning OP Live Dallas.”
The Irving Convention Center was the best choice to showcase the first OP Live Dallas event.
“We did a lot of sight locations all around DFW,” says Mark Nausha, SMU Guildhall, deputy director of GameLab. “And based on quite a few different factors, in attendance, awareness and location, Irving Convention Center honestly was the best choice after a month of doing sight location.”
"Irving Convention Center honestly was the best choice after a month of doing sight location.” – Mark Nausha
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In Saturday’s feature event, 16 teams across the nation will have the chance to be crowned the first OP Live Dallas Overwatch champions. The tournament will be the largest collegiate Overwatch tournament in North Texas.
SMU, North Texas, Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan, UT-Arlington and UT Dallas are among the local universities invited to participate in the tournament.
“We are extremely excited for our students to be able to showcase their talents on such a big stage,” Britton Sherry, UNT associate director of recreational sports, says via email. “Our students have worked hard to get where they are and will continue to do so the entire season.”
The tournament will consist of two stages, a double-elimination group stage and a single elimination knockout stage. The top two teams from each four-team group will advance to the knockout stage. UNT hopes to have a chance to win the tournament.
“We always have a chance,” Sherry says via email. “For us it isn’t about winning, but more about getting ready for the upcoming season. We want to make sure that we communicate effectively, maintain our composure and get better. If we win, then great.”
Attendees will also have the chance to compete in what’s perhaps the most popular game in the industry. For attendees who attend Sunday’s event, they can showcase their Fortnite skills and compete against invited pro gamers in the Fortnite Bounty Royal Brawl.
OP Live Dallas will return annually with the goal to expand the event nationally.
“It is the first of its kind,” Nausha says. “However, we want it to be an annual event here in DFW. We eventually want to do north, south, east, west, regionally across the nation.”
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.
General admission
$25 (1-Day Pass) — Day 1 of OP Live
$50 (2-Day Pass) — both days of OP Live
VIP admission
$75 (2-Day Pass)
Founders pass
$150 (2-Day Pass)
