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Facebook to stream episodes of Gfinity's esports championship
E-sports entertainment organiser Gfinity has agreed a deal where Facebook will exclusively carry video live-streams of the Gfinity Elite Series.
The tournament will be the first UK e-sports competition to stream on Facebook and will feature live contests between gamers on the FIFA 18 football game, Rocket League driving game and Street Fighter arcade fight game, plus highlights and behind-the-scenes programming.
Neville Upton, chief executive of AIM-listed Gfinity, said: "Facebook is a leading global brand with over two billion people on the platform and this partnership brings to life their commitment to drive innovation and engagement in esports with their huge gaming community. This pioneering deal will enable us to accelerate our plans for growth to reach our Gfinity World Series goal."
The deal will last until the end of 2018 and adds a "significant revenue stream", according to a statement from Gfinity.
Patrick Chapman, manager of esports partnerships at Facebook, said: "The Gfinity Elite Series has quickly established itself as one of the leading productions and innovative leagues in esports globally. We are excited to welcome the Gfinity team and support them in their international expansion to build one of the most dynamic and exciting esports leagues in the world."
London-based Gfinity hosts regular tournaments at its Gfinity Esports Arena at Fulham Broadway and has staged events around the world for publishers and brands including Formula 1, Microsoft, Activision, EA, Xbox, Gillette and HP.
As of 0932 GMT, Gfinity's shares were up 4.83% at 19.00p.