Liverpool’s only dedicated electronic sports venue is getting set to host a global gaming tournament, fronted by Twitch star Kay Wordley. Tony McDonough reports.

Based on Hanover Street, leveltap will host a special watch party event for one of the biggest esports championships in the world – Valorant Champions 2023.

The venue is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Adam Rydings and Callum Wilson, and the first and only of its kind in the city.

It opened its doors in Liverpool ONE in May and provides a base for gaming and esports participation and spectating, as well as hosting and broadcasting live events from around the world.

It was fitted out and delivered by Liverpool-based The Momentum Group with menus designed by the city’s Lucky Penny Group, offering pizza, small plates, shakes and sundaes.

Valorant is a tactical shooting game involving two teams of five players. Players can sign in and play remotely from anywhere in the world.

Leading the event on Saturday, August 26 is Liverpool gamer and social media personality, Kay Wordley.

26-year-old Kay launched a self-titled YouTube channel in 2013 and has been streaming since 2015. She has gained a significant following on live video streaming platform, Twitch.

Kay is the official watch party host for FNATIC, the only UK esports team in the final stages, which this year take place in Los Angeles. She said: “This is a huge event and my teammates are taking part which makes it even more special to be able to host a watch party in my home city.

“leveltap is the perfect venue for watching streamed events and as my first from there I am very excited to present all the action and meet other Valorant fans.”

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The Valorant Champions event marks the conclusion of the 2023 season. Sixteen teams from across the world are competing for a chance to become champion and win a share of £1.77m in prize money.

Valorant Champions will be streamed from leveltap’s spectator arena from 8pm and leveltap are offering the opportunity for guests to team up with Kay and test their skills, between 6-8pm.

leveltap are also offering opportunities to win free food and drink between 3-6pm.

Callum Wilson, co-founder of leveltap said: “For competition leagues, Valorant is one of the most popular and attracts huge streaming audiences. Viewing parties are the best way to follow all the action because you are in the company of experts and in Kay, Liverpool has one of the best hosts out there, knowledgeable, charismatic and fun and a highly skilled player herself.

“leveltap is one of the few places in the UK you can see Kay live and, on this occasion team up with her and play live on her stream ahead of the Valorant final match. It’s going to be a great evening, even before the big event in LA gets underway.”

leveltap boasts ten console stations, each containing a Nintendo Switch and either a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, along with two racing simulators and 20 PCs and an extensive games library.

It hosts regular tournaments and players can book their place in advance or take a chance on dropping in. For the events calendar visit their website https://leveltap.co.uk/