Is esports the new entertainment outlet of choice? The $500 million industry already attracts 256 million enthusiasts and 12 million attendees around mega-events in Europe and the US. This session is focused on this new ecosystem and how its evolution will advance American cities by driving tourism, economic development and innovation. This session will examine the various contributions that esports can make through (1) esports tourism - generating direct spending in destinations (2) esports industry infrastructure - development of new jobs to support the various elements of esports, and (3) esports relevance - strategically positioning your brand with a cutting-edge industry, attracting media and sponsors.