MLG Orlando event smashes online viewer records

By Stephany Nunneley

Major League Gaming has released its viewership numbers the Orlando, Florida event and for the fourth consecutive time in a row, the viewer record has been shattered.

Here’s the viewer stats for each event, as posted by Forbes and the official MLG webiste :

  • MLG Columbus (June) – 117,000 peak concurrent viewers
  • MLG Anaheim (July) – 124,000
  • MLG Raleigh (August) – 138,000
  • MLG Orlando (September) – 181,000, with 3.2 million total hours of video consumed.

“The record-breaking viewership of our live broadcasts this year is truly elevating the global presence of e-sports, placing MLG viewing in the same ballpark as traditional TV viewing numbers,” said MLG co-founder Sundance DiGiovanni.

“The support of our community is undeniable and fans can expect more high-quality streaming, intense match ups and 2012 season announcements during our 2011 Pro Circuit Championship LIVE from Providence, Rhode Island, November 18-20.”

According to DiGiovanni, MLG is having discussion with ESPN2 regarding bringing eSports cable television, but for the time being, MLG is satisfied with its online viewership – especially since matches tend to last for hours, and may not work on television if condensed for time.

“The six-city 2011 MLG Pro Circuit places the most talented video game players alongside their toughest opponents as they battle for more than $1 million in prizes,” according to the press release. “The season culminates with the 2011 National Championships next month where the world’s best players will compete for more than $600,000 in prizes and stipends.”

Nice but of cash up for grabs, there.

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