NHL team Washington Capitals has launched Caps Gaming – a sub-brand focused on hockey esports.

Capitals owner Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced the news yesterday, and revealed details of the organisation’s first tournament; the Caps Gaming Showcase.

A $15K prize pool 6v6 tournament in EA Sports’ NHL 20 on Xbox One, the action will begin in December and culminate with live semi-finals and finals in Washington DC in late February 2020.

NHL 20 player John “JohnWayne” Casagranda has also signed with Caps Gaming as a streamer – the very first NHL 20 player to be signed by an original NHL organisation. The initial deal covers streaming on the Caps Gaming Twitch channel through to June 2020.

Presenting sponsor for Caps Gaming Showcase is Fortune 500 tech and engineering services company Leidos.

Discussing the news Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Zach Leonsis, said:

“Esports is a key initiative for us at Monumental, and we are thrilled to add Caps Gaming to the family as we continue to tap into a new generation of fans,

“We are excited to welcome John to The District, and look forward to hosting the premier NHL competition with the Caps Gaming Showcase in early December.”

The NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go,  and NBA 2K League’s Wizards District Gaming are also part of the Monumental portfolio.

AYO.NEWS says:

With Monumental Sports & Entertainment already experienced in the esports sphere thanks to the NBA 2K League’s Wizards District Gaming, and having significant resources at their disposal, we’re sure Caps Gaming will get off to a flying start!

AYO.NEWS says features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited.