The line between Esports and the real world motorsport events they’re based off of is a murky one. Last week, Microsoft, Porsche and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) made an announcement that blurred the line even further. Some might say it removed it altogether.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place this coming June 17/18. Simultaneous to the actual race, the top Esports racers will compete in the finals event for “Forza Racing Championship (Forza RC) Season 3: The Porsche Cup”. Over the duration of 24-hours the finalists of the online competition will be present on-site, in Le Mans, playing on Xbox One consoles at the same time the real race is taking place on the track.
What’s different this time is that the ACO has created an entirely new category for the Esports competition called “Official Endurance Esports Category”. In addition to prize money, virtual racers competing in this new category have the opportunity to win a spot on the podium alongside the professional drivers who competed in the real world event. A first in motorsport and a huge leap forward for Esports.
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Not sure about this one. real-world drivers risk serious injury and death to earn their podium spot. Esports drivers risk... carpal tunnel syndrome?
You're right, they aren't risking much of anything. It does seem like a bit of a slap to the "real" drivers. However, it exposes Porsche to a whole new generation of buyers so I get the concept...