Microsoft Announces Gears of War 4 eSports Pro League With $1 Million Prize Pool

Microsoft is putting up some big money for eSports players who plan on honing their skills in Gears of War 4 after it releases. It's getting its own Pro Circuit, Microsoft announced today, with a generous prize pool of $1 million in cash awards that can be won through marquee live open events around the world operated by Major League Gaming (MLG) and Gfinity.

If you're going to spend a million bucks on marketing, this is a good way to do it. The eSports category has grown exponentially over the past several years with participants from all over the world getting in on the action. With Gears of War 4 slated for an October 11 release, a Pro Circuit with a $1 million prize pool will certainly turn some heads.

The Gears Pro Circuit, as it's called, is open to those who earn the most Gears Pro Points. Players from around the world can earn points by competing in regional MLG and GameBattles online ladders in daily and weekly tournaments. Those points qualify players for the international circuit that will take place every one to two months following the game's launch in October and running through July 2017.


Here's the breakdown of international stops and price pool:

• November 25-27: Columbus, USA, MLG, 108+ teams, $250,000 prize pool
• December 17-18: London, U.K., Gfinity, 32 teams, $100,000 prize pool
• Spring 2017: Mexico City, Mexico, Gfinity, 32 teams, $75,000 prize pool
• Spring 2017: Columbus, USA, USA, MLG, 16 teams, $100,000 prize pool
• Spring/Summer 2017: Paris, France, Gfinity, 32 teams, $75,000 prize pool
• Summer 2017: Las Vegas, USA, MLG, 108+ teams, $250,000 prize pool

There will also be a $100,000 event that will take place at a surprise location, plus a launch event in October 2016 for a total of eight LAN events over the course of 10 months. In addition, players from around the world will be able to compete online for $50,000 or more in online prizes for weekly tournaments.


A big part of the focus here is on international crossplay and competition. To that end, Microsoft will fly the top qualifying teams from North America, Europe, Latin America, and Oceana  to compete against each other at these events.

"The $1,000,000 starting prize pool is just the beginning. Gears of War fans will also be able to purchase cosmetic digital in-game content to support Gears eSports. Plus, Gears eSports will collaborate with popular eSports team organizations to bring their brands into cosmetic digital in-game content that fans can wear and equip," Microsoft said. "Gears eSports also looks forward to working with local and grassroots tournament organizers on more events during the program where players can have additional opportunities to earn Gears Pro Points."

You can get more information and follow the action by visiting the Gears of War eSports website.