For the second weekend in a row, the California State Fair & Food Festival attracted thousands of attendees to its Esports center to view and participate in its first-ever “Bear Cup” Esports tournament. Fairgoers packed the Republic of Gamers stage on Saturday and Sunday to meet industry professionals and enjoy competition at all levels. Games contested during the weekend included fan favorites Overwatch, Super Smash Bros., and Rocket League.
“We are beyond excited by the overwhelming support fairgoers have shown for the State Fair’s Bear Cup Esports gaming tournament,” said Rick Pickering, Cal Expo General Manager and CEO. “The event has been a success with both in-person and digital attendees, which is in line with our mission of showcasing technology and providing immersive activities for everyone.”
As of this release, the inaugural tournament has gained 394,983 unique views and over 2,165,504 minutes watched to the online streaming service Twitch for viewers to enjoy live coverage of the competition around the globe.
Esports professionals Nairo, GarretG, and the Bay Area-based Overwatch player from the SF Shock, Nevix were available during the weekend for a meet and greet with fair attendees, signing autographs, participating in tournaments with attendees, and live-streaming the competition on their personal Twitch accounts.
“It’s really been great to see our guests interact with the professionals in such a personal way,” added Pickering.
To ensure all experience levels can join in on the fun, California State Fair & Food Festival offers free play throughout the duration of the California State Fair from now until July 28th. The full schedule with sign-ups for the tournament can be found
online. Spectators can enjoy live coverage of the Bear Cup on the official
California State Fair Twitch account.
The upcoming weekend of the Fair will showcase the Overwatch Collegiate Tournament with UC Berkley, UC Davis, Sacramento State and Rocklin High School teams competing in the Bear Cup. The Collegiate teams will discuss curriculum and careers in gaming as well as what it takes to be a gaming athlete in a new sport in college.
Tournament winners from July 21-23 Esports tournament can be found
here. For more information about the Bear Cup tournament, contact the media team at 916-263-3108.
