H1Z1 Pro League Marks First Professional Battle Royale Esports League
Published: Mar 9, 2018 - Last Updated: Jan 30, 2023
H1Z1, Daybreak Games’ popular battle royale shooter, is bringing a Pro League to life. Featuring 15 top esports organizations, the league will broadcast exclusively through Facebook. Las Vegas is set to host the actual games.
Inaugural season starts April 21
According to a press announcement, the H1PL (H1Z1 Pro League) will launch April 21. The league is a joint venture between Daybreak Games and Twin Galaxies LLC, an independent league operator.
“Our goal with H1PL is to take the leap from Esports 1.0 to 2.0, establishing a league where for the first time in esports history, everyone participates in success – the fans, the players, the teams and all of our supporting partners,” said Twin Galaxies Co-Chairman Jace Hall.
The league was first announced last October, after a partnership between the two companies was forged. The plan, which saw the league starting in early 2018, is now becoming reality.
“The H1Z1 Pro League will bring together the best players in the world to compete in the adrenaline-filled spectacle that is H1Z1, and we can think of no other city that matches the energy and excitement of battle royale than Las Vegas,” said Daybreak Games Director of Esports Mark Tuttle. “With our announcement today that H1Z1 is now free to play, the stage is set for a robust and active community ready to tune into the H1PL every week.”
15 top esports teams are on board
The tournament will unfold in two separate, 10-week competition periods at the Caesars Entertainment Studios. This venue, a 50,000-square-foot production facility, has already welcomed such esports competitions as the Gears Pro Circuit Las Vegas Open.
“Caesars Entertainment strives to partner with some of the most important esports events in the world, and we couldn’t be more proud to host H1PL,” said Caesars Entertainment Executive VP of Gaming and Interactive Entertainment Christian Stuart. “The combination of an intimate venue, like Caesars Entertainment Studios, and a jaw-dropping production set will deliver a unique experience for anyone who wants to see what competitive gaming is all about.”
The inaugural season participants are:
- Alliance
- Cloud9
- Counter Logic Gaming
- Echo Fox
- Epsilon Esports
- GankStars
- Impact Gaming
- Luminosity
- Noble Esports
- Obey Alliance
- Rogue Gaming
- SetToDestroyX
- Team SoloMid
- Tempo Storm
- Vitality
The broadcast partnership with Facebook
Facebook holds the keys to the first season’s exclusive content distribution rights. This marks the social media giant’s second big broadcasting deal, after signing one in January with ESL. According to the announcement, the companies will add additional features to enrich the viewership experience, like free in-game rewards for fans following the league’s streams.
“The battle royale genre is fast becoming one of the most popular and accessible gaming categories to both watch and play, and we’re excited to help this brand-new league for H1Z1 grow its community on Facebook,” said Facebook Manager of Esports Partnerships Patrick Chapman. “The league’s primary focus to engage and support players and fans aligns closely to our commitment to help build the world’s community for people to play, watch and share the games they love.”
Since: September 12, 2015
