FIRST EVER ESPORTS WORLD CHAMPIONS IN ALPINE SKIING CROWNED!!!
The inaugural FIS Esports Alpine World Championships came to a close on February 21st, in the “virtual venue” of Cortina d’Ampezzo, (ITA). More than 1,100 competitors from 50 countries competed for the chance to be declared the first FIS Esports World Champion in four alpine disciplines.
And, just like the real-world FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, we saw some of the same racers on the podiums: the first FIS Esports Overall Esports World Champion in alpine racing is Mihael Voga (SLO). As the Overall World Champion, Voga wins a watch from Longines – the official time keeper of FIS Esports.
Voga also claimed gold in the giant slalom and slalom, along with two bronzes in super-G and downhill. Close behind was Will Walton (CAN), with gold in SG, silver in DH, and bronze in GS and SL. Clemens Mauksch (GER) took gold in DH, and silver in SG. Silver in GS went to Simone Ronconi (ITA), and to Hami Hajimirzaali (SWE) in SL. The gold medallists win a pair of Head Supershape e-Speed skis, and Reusch gloves went to our silver medalists.
To qualify for the FIS Esports Alpine World Ski Championships, players needed at least one race start in a classic World Cup location, accurately 3D rendered in the game. Working with participating National Ski Associations, the “Road to Cortina” included stops in Lake Louise, St Moritz, Adelboden, Wengen, Schladming, Garmisch, and Zagreb.
“Accessibility and engagement were keys to the success of the first FIS Esports Alpine World Ski Championships” said Ian Verchère, co-founder and CEO of Session Games. “As a free-to-play mobile game, the potential audience for socially competitive Esports is over 2.4B people. Games offer a safe and engaging activity during the pandemic. FIS is taking the lead in using games and other digital applications to grow interest in ski and snowboard competitions.”
World Cup Ski Racing is the official alpine racing game of FIS. The game is free-to-play on mobile (iOS and Android) devices. Developed by Session Games in Vancouver, BC; Session is the leading developer of action-sports games for mobile.