Sports Emmy Awards to recognise esports in new category

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has unveiled a new category that will see esports recognised at this year’s Sports Emmy Awards.

The Outstanding Esports Coverage category will seek to recognise excellence in the “delivery of coverage and presentation of competitive, organized video gaming to the viewer” during tournament finals.

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NATAS is hoping to acknowledge the burgeoning growth of the esports industry with the addition of its newest category.

Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS commented on the groundbreaking nature of its latest addition: “We are entering an exciting new chapter for the Sports Emmy Awards with the addition of an exclusive category dedicated to recognizing excellence within esports. The category, Outstanding Esports Coverage, illustrates the Academy’s commitment to remain on the forefront of the ever-changing world of sports production.”

Previously, esports entries were presented with nominations in Outstanding Studio Design/Art Direction and Outstanding Trans-Media Sports Coverage. In 2017, League of Legends developer Riot Games was named an honoree in Outstanding Live Graphic Design at the Sports Emmy Awards.

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The esports-focused category falls in course with four-time Emmy Award winner Justine Gubar’s commissioning as the Academy’s Executive Director of Sports Emmy Awards Administration. In this role, Gubar will oversee “all areas of sports competition” for outstanding recognition of television industry excellence. 

Gubar acknowledged how the addition will add a flair to this year’s awards: “It is an honor to be a part of the Academy during such a pivotal time. The addition of a category dedicated to esports welcomes an entire new pool of talent. I look forward to recognizing the creative minds that embrace newer technology, trends and passions within the sports industry.”

Esports Insider says: You love to see it, you really do. The prestige of NATAS incorporating a category dedicated to esports is something all competitive gaming enthusiasts can celebrate. Even more thrilling is to see who they recognise in 2020.

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