ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (May 1, 2020) -- The Tampa Bay Rowdies have announced today the launch of Rowdies Gaming, an exciting new esports initiative.

Esports is the professional or semi-professional practice of playing video games in a competitive environment - whether that’s on a computer, mobile  or on a gaming console.  The live streaming of esports has become an exciting industry of its own, with more accessibility than traditional sports can offer.

FOLLOW ROWDIES GAMING ON TWITCH HERE.

After consultation and discussion with fans, the Tampa Bay Rowdies have decided on FIFA, Rocket League, League of Legends and Hearthstone, titles that enjoy great popularity worldwide and that are connected to Core Business  and local  Colleges with Varsity Esports Programs.

Rowdies Gaming's first official foray into the esports world will be its participation in the USL eCup: FIFA20 Edition tournament which kicks off Monday, May 4. Rowdies Gaming's roster for the tournament includes midfielder Malik Johnson and Rowdies fans Carlos Rueda and David Morales. Nuno Bianchi will serve as coach.

Just like the Rowdies focus on youth development on the soccer side, Rowdies Gaming aims to focus on the development of world-class athletes  and professionals. The Rowdies are very serious about expanding their horizons to a new, young demographic and field amateur, semi-professionals, and eventually professional teams in select games.

The creation of the Rowdies Gaming has been made possible thanks to a collaboration with EZ Consulting, a leading esports company and the contribution of several local esports leaders. 

More information on Rowdies Gaming will be available in the near future.