The Melbourne Esports Open (MEO), which took place in the city last weekend, bills itself as Australia’s “biggest festival of esports”. And with more than 17,000 people participating, from the bemused Fortnite mum to the professional Rainbow Six player, it’s hard to disagree.

Now in its second year, MEO drew in 40 per cent more attendees this time, expanding to include Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Arena and Grand Slam Oval (which was home to an inflatable obstacle course called "The Monster", of all things).

But beyond the inflatable monstrosity, PC stations and countless gaming brands spruiking their latest wares to cashed-up gamers, the real crown jewel of the event was the competition. This year, MEO featured three major regional tournaments across League of Legends, Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege.

Esports organisers in Australia are increasingly moving their big-ticket tournaments away from standalone affairs, opting to run them at huge multi-day events like MEO or IEM Sydney instead. The benefits are obvious: a bigger incentive for fans to show up in person, cross-marketing opportunities, and the potential to move into larger arenas.

Read more: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/melbourne-esports-open-is-what-video-games-in-australia-need-20190905-p52o9g.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed