Vindex, IMAX Ink Distribution Deal for Live Esports Events

Vindex, the new esports infrastructure platform that launched last fall, and IMAX have announced a partnership to create esports events and experiences exclusively for IMAX theatres worldwide. Vindex and IMAX will work together to establish the a theatrical distribution platform and premium viewing experience for esports with Vindex broadcasting esports content and events across the network. The partnership will be powered by Vindex Studios, a newly launched division of Vindex focused on developing, distributing, and monetizing esports content for global audiences.

“The Esports industry has never before had access to the massive reach and unmatched technology of the IMAX platform. Partnering with IMAX enables us to provide esports fans a remarkable experience – live esports on the largest, highest-quality screens in the world for the first time,” says Vindex CEO Mike Sepso. “We will focus on creating incredible experiences for fans by combining our deep relationships with esports leagues and game-publisher partners with our track record of producing some of the most watched events in esports history.”

“Coming off our biggest year ever at the box office, it’s clear that audiences around the world see IMAX as a go-to destination for fandom, community and the most immersive entertainment experiences,” says Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. “We’ve long seen the opportunity to bring the explosive world of esports to our platform and we’re excited to work with proven innovators like Mike, Sundance and the Vindex team to create entirely new experiences for fans worldwide.”

Major League Gaming co-founders Sepso and Sundance DiGiovanni launched Vindex in October, backed by initial funding of $60 million. In addition, the company acquired esports-production outfit Next Generation Esports (NGE) and the new Esports Engine. The company was also co-founded by Bryan Binder and Jason Garmise and counts Steve Bornstein, former CEO of ESPN and NFL Network, and Joel Greenblatt, founder of Gotham Asset Management, as board members. 

CLICK HERE to watch Mike Sepso’s Keynote Conversation at the 2019 SVG Esports Production Summit.