Tournaments could see gamers compete for prizes at city’s newest esport centre

Gamers could win prizes for winning competitive tournaments and watch live football in Liverpool’s new esport venue.

leveltap on Hanover Street in Liverpool ONE officially launched last week. The venue has 10 top-of-spec console stations, all containing a Nintendo Switch and either a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, along with two racing simulators and 20 PCs. There’s a full food and drinks menu too.

The business is the brainchild of scouse entrepreneurs Adam Rydings and Callum Wilson, who wanted to create a unique space for professionals and casual gamers alike. It was promised that visitors could use the space to compete in tournaments, as well as watch gamers of the highest level battle it out in national and international tournaments.

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Now, the owners appear to be making good on that promise, with upcoming tournaments to play in and watch. First up, there will be a Street Fighter 6 tournament and playtest. Gamers of all abilities are allowed to sign up to be crowned champion, as well as generally testing out the latest title in the famous fighting franchise.

Sadly, there will be no big prizes for winning this competition, but leveltap is planning to offer incentives in the future, as well as nurturing local gaming talent. A spokesperson for leveltap said: “There will be prizes for future large scale tournaments and events, but this time out it’s a trial run, given that we have just opened. We’re trying to attract a mixture of both competitive and casual gamers alike so all demographics get a chance to win.

They added: “Future Liverpool talent could come from tournaments like this, absolutely. Our aim on the one hand is to give the more experienced players a base to practise their skills and spend time with their peers, while on the other hand we want to help grow local talent into the competitive space.”