Matcherino lets esports fans create their own grudge matches with crowdfunded prizes

Matcherino has figured out a way to get spectators and pro gamers alike more engaged in esports. It has created a platform where fans can nominate players for show matches and then does everything to make that match happen. It essentially formalizes the process of staging grudge matches and drawing attention to them, and it is launching larger tournament events today.

The Seattle-based startup is one of the latest to seek its fortunes in the esports market, which is expected to grow 43 percent from $325 million in 2015 to $463 million in 2016, according to market researcher Newzoo. And it is setting up more strong relationships among spectators or fans, livestream players on platforms such as Twitch, and professional gamers who compete in live esports tournaments around the globe. One of the company’s first live tournaments — with players challenging each other in the Overwatch shooter beta — had a prize pool of $1,002 over the weekend.