Andbox will bring premium esports events to New York City

In New York City, esports is about much more than just online competition. New York has an engaged and social community of gamers who are ready to show up, celebrate, and support each other in a variety of games.

The vibrant spirit of New York City’s gaming scene led to the creation of Andbox, a new esports organization dedicated to the city’s gaming culture. Founded by Sterling.VC — an investment fund backed by the ownership of the New York Mets and Sportsnet New York — Andbox will operate two multi-million dollar esports franchises while organizing a range of events for gamers in New York City.

Sterling.VC has already invested in the city’s gaming community with the New York Excelsior (NYXL), its Overwatch League (OWL) franchise. Though the Overwatch League currently hosts the vast majority of its matches from a studio in Burbank, California, NYXL worked with local fan groups in New York to host watch parties, competitions, and meet-and-greet events with the team.

These events helped galvanize the city’s social gaming scene — fans of other games appreciated the social experience of NYXL’s events and were willing to embrace “Overwatch” as well.