Mortal Kombat X gets an ESL Pro League; preseason starts April 19

We’re still a few weeks away from the next Mortal Kombat game, but that’s not stopping developer NetherRealm and e-sports organization ESL from jump starting the competitive scene.

The two companies announced the Mortal Kombat X Pro League today. This will have the top players in the world coming together at ESL tournaments to show off their skills. Mortal Kombat X is due out April 14 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and the “ESL MKX Pro League” preseason starts just days later on April 19. E-sports is one of the ways that developers are trying to engage their most dedicated fans, and the success of a fighting game largely depends on how well it does with pro gaming. This sort of league action can keep excitement high with potential competitors and the thousands of people who watch them in livestreaming tournaments.