DnDSports

        I commented a few weeks ago about D&D entering eSports, and they've already announced the form it will take, and the press release is below.
        Now, I've read it through, and this relates as much to D&D, as kicking as the Super Bowl relates to kick a ball around in your back yard.
        It really looks as if the eSports version of D&D is going to be a spectator sport, and therefore they've lost me. I don't watch other people play sports, although I've enjoyed playing in the past. I don't watch other people play video games, although I enjoy playing them. And the idea of watching other people play D&D seems boring as hell.
        Anyway, as I said, the press release is below, and if watching people earn money from playing a game is something you enjoy, then maybe it's for you.

        Imagine if two parties fighting for opposite sides found themselves in the same dungeon. It’s kill or be killed. What will they do to survive?
        DnDSports is the first online D&D Tournament in a cooperative Party vs Party setting from EncounterRoleplay & DnDBeyond with a grand prize of $5,000. Over the course of 4 weeks, 16 players will compete in teams of 4 in single elimination games. Each game is a best of 3 arena battle and played via Roll20.

How is it Played?
        The full rules for DnDSports will be released shortly after our next round of Playtesting. We don’t claim to have created perfect balance, nor is that our aim, as every competitive game has an element of strategy. We’re also implementing MOBA-esque mechanics such as a Pick/Ban phase to help expand the strategy. We’ve been working closely with over a dozen talented DMs to create 15 pre-generated characters from which the players will choose, and adapt the pre-existing Dungeons & Dragons: 5th Edition rules.

        We know that this will be an incredibly fun new way to play D&D, because as long as you’re having fun, you’re doing it right!

When is it?
        Day 1: November 10th at 12pm PST
        Heat 1: Team Beholder vs. Team Mindflayer

        Day 2: November 17th at 12pm PST
        Heat 2: Team Kobold vs. Team Tarrasque

        Day 3: November 24th at 12pm PST
        All Stars Charity game for 826LA foundation

        Day 4: December 1st at 12pm PST
        Grand Finals

Where can I watch it?
        Watch live on Twitch here.
        The VODs will be uploaded to Youtube here.

Who is involved?
        The EncounterRoleplay & DnDBeyond crews have teamed up to bring this production to life!
        As for who’s competing? Keep an eye on the DnDSports Twitter & here on the blog to learn more about the teams as they are revealed!

But D&D Shouldn’t be an eSport?!
        It’s not an eSport. We created something that would make competitive gamers feel safe and comfortable trying out D&D5e for the first time. It’s a new way to display the versatility of combat in D&D5e in a unique setting. We encourage you to respect the way different people play D&D because we know that this will be a fun event and there is no wrong to play D&D, as long as you are having fun!