Today sees the launch of the first ever Skateboarding National Championships created as an online game, where players are able to take part in an identical replica of the course used for the Skateboard GB National Championships taking place later this month. This will be the first ever skateboarding National Championships which allows anyone to compete in an online version.
True Skate and Skateboard GB have joined forces to create an Esports Event where players compete on a brand new street course which is a copy of the BaySixty6 skatepark in London used in the finals of real competition. Each player can enter via the True Skate app and compete against thousands of others around the country, from anywhere, using the phone in their pocket.
Later this year the International Olympic Committee will launch the first Olympic Esports Series week in Singapore, with players having the opportunity to progress to the Olympic Esports Finals 2023. The IOC have been supporting the development of virtual sports to create new opportunities for players and fans alike, so the introduction of the first Esport Skateboarding National Championships will be a major step forward in skateboarding being included in the Olympic Esports Series, as well as being an Olympic sport.
James Hope-Gill, CEO at Skateboard GB commented “The National Championships are the biggest and most prestigious skateboarding events in the UK, so to create a simulated version of the event where everyone can compete on their phones is really exciting to see” “We hope that Esports can open up opportunities for more people to become involved with skateboarding”.
Nick Barry, COO at True Axis, adds “We are excited to extend our support of the National Championships for the second year running and help grow skateboarding in Great Britain. This year there’s extra motivation to perform as all players who complete the online event will unlock a copy of the Championship Course.”
The online event will be available to play on True Skate from today the 20th April until 4th May: Download True Skate via the App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore.
The Skateboard GB National Championships Street Event will take place on 29th and 30th April at BaySixty6, London.