This weekend (20-22 March 2015) hundreds will travel to London to watch the first live competitive gaming event at the UK's first ever eSports arena. Leading eSports company Gfinity has teamed with Vue Cinemas to turn the chain's Fulham Broadway branch into a 600+ seat venue, and IBTimes UK was invited along to take a look.

Organised by Gfinity, the Counter Strike: Global Offensive Spring Masters 1 tournament boasts a $50,000 (£39,000) prize fund of which half will go to the winning team – to be determined via a knockout tournament.

Taking part are teams from around the world including the UK's Team Infused, US side Cloud9, Frenchmen Team Envyus, Polish team Virtus.Pro and Sweden's Ninjas in Pyjamas. Further Counter Strike: GO tournaments are planned for the rest of Gfinity's 2015 schedule, including the Spring Masters 2 in mid-May, two Summer Masters tournaments in June and August and an open tournament in July.

Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
The Gfinity team carry out sound tests on the Main Stage. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
The team booths on the Gfinity Arena's Main Stage. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
The better-lit second stage, or Challenger Stage. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB4Avdlz3lk
A second look at the Challenger Stage. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
A look at the audience seating from the stage. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
The entrance board that greets attendees. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
The Gfinity banner in the cinema's foyer. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
The three screens occupied by the Gfinity arena, the Main Stage, Challenger Stage and.... IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
The Press Room, where members of the media can view events. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
Press will also be able to speak to competing teams in the Press Room. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
Outside the Player Lounge. We weren't allowed inside. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
Gfinity Arena Fulham Broadway
One of the Gfinity advertising boards in the arena. IBTimes UK / Ben Skipper
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