ESPN announced on Thursday the EXP Invitational qualifiers taking place on Saturday, June 29 that will lead into the professional Apex Legends event to at X Games Minneapolis Aug. 2-3. This marks the return of esports to X Games after a three-year absence.
While 15 of the top Apex Legends teams will be invited, ESPN will host online qualifiers for teams in North America, Europe and Australia/New Zealand on June 29. Two will qualify from North America and Europe, respectively, and one team will emerge from the Australia/New Zealand region.
The 20 three-member teams will compete for their share of a $150,000 prize purse.
The competition will be broadcast live on multiple digital platforms, including the ESPN app. A tape-delayed show focused on key moments and storylines will air Aug. 10 at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
X Games has played host to esports competitions in the past, beginning with X Games Austin in 2014 when Team OpTic won in Call of Duty and has also hosted Halo and Counter-Strike tournaments.