The world of esports has grown considerably in the last few years, and it’s only surged forward through an online format in today’s COVID-19 pandemic, giving viewers something to root for in a trying time. As a franchise, Age of Empires has seen a huge amount of resurgence in popularity thanks to a few fantastic additions in the series, and it’s begun to really come into its own as an esport as well.
Recently, the Hidden Cup gave players an excellent chance for players to come and prove their incredible ability, competing for pride and prizes. But now the team has organized and announced a less hidden tournament – the Visible Cup!
📜 With major events in competitive Age of Empires highlighting the experts, Visible Cup is an opportunity for intermediate players to show the world their skills and gain tournament experience. Soon, they'll be showing off that skill to you! 👉 https://t.co/v3RIgcxEXe pic.twitter.com/hrlWAWVZS1
— Age of Empires (@AgeOfEmpires) May 6, 2020
The Visible Cup is meant to be an opportunity for less experienced players, from beginner to intermediate, to show off their skills and start working towards some real esports tournament experience. This tournament helps to shift view away from the professional experts and helps bring the community together by highlighting those that are still climbing and practicing to join the higher ranks.
“Utilizing the same map and civilization-selection rules as Hidden Cup 3, the Visible Cup will provide a stage for the players who did not qualify for HC3’s main event,” the developers write in their announcement. “The Age of Empires community has already shown an impressive amount of support for this intermediate-level tournament: with the majority of the prize pool raised from individual donors; the tournament organizers and entire community are extremely thankful for their contributions!”
More than 150 players signed up for this tournament as everyone jumps in to claim their glory. Contestants are battling it out for their claim to the USD $750 prize pool, as well as the clout of getting to call themselves the tournament champion!
There are a handful of known names hopping into the Visible Cup as well – a few skilled players that just barely missed their chance to participate in the main event of the Hidden Cup 3 that recently passed. Familiar names like Barles, Nili, Hallis, and Saymyname are going to be coming in to give their shot at the championship.
The matches for the Visible Cup will be taking place starting today and going through to the weekend! Matches will be held in small batches in the Round of 16, with Hallis and K4sva having faced off earlier today. Tomorrow brings St4rk and AngelinaJolie against each other at 8:00 P.M. GMT. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on the brackets so that you can catch the matches live!
