Scare Off the Competition

The world of esports may seem confusing, but don’t let it frighten you. Especially now that Cincinnati has its own team to root for.

Cincinnati Fear, the city’s fourth professional sports team, launched last year. Created by Game Day Communications, Cincinnati Fear brings together professional, collegiate and high school players to compete in tournaments and live events, including League of Legends and Super Smash Brothers.

Keep up on all things esports with “Eyes on the Fear,” a weekly show hosted by Lauren Artino about Cincinnati FEAR, with team interviews, results, and lifestyle around Cincinnati.

The team signed Stephen Schmidt as its first professional player. A University of Cincinnati graduate, Schmidt is currently ranked No. 1 in Ohio for Super Smash Brothers.

Cincinnati Fear also has also signed its first professional League of Legends team and coaching staff.

The five members of the first Cincinnati Fear competing in League of Legends are:

• Brady Holmich, “Sketchdreams,” from Amarillo, TX

• Thomas Ryan Thompson, “Plux,” from West Chester, PA

• John Gligoroski, “Blazze,” from Garfield, NJ

• William Benoit, “Trixter,” from Montreal, Canada

• Kishan Makati, “Dragoon,” from Tampa, FL

The team is led by Cincinnati Fear General Manager Tim David and coached by Jalen Key, “Julius,” from Seattle, WA and Chris Kemp, “Pookar,” from Yonkers, NY.

The League of Legends team is currently competing in the LCS Proving Grounds Circuit Qualifier (PGCQ), which is a North American amateur tournament to determine the teams that will play in the LCS Proving Grounds. The Quarterfinals will be held on June 14, with semifinals on June 16 and finals on June 20. You can watch the action on www.Twitch.tv/CincyFear.