Esports tournament platform Start.gg has announced its transition back to an independent company.
Start.gg is a widely regarded tournament platform that has been prominently utilised within the fighting games community (FGC) since its creation in 2015. The company was previously known as Smash.gg until 2022.
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In particular, the company is a fan-favourite destination for Super Smash Bros events. Alongside hosting notable fighting game tournaments, events for Rocket League and Pokemon Unite communities are prevalent on the website.
In 2020, it was announced that technology giant Microsoft purchased the company for an undisclosed fee. However, according to Start.gg’s announcement on social media, the company will now be led by original team members from when it was called Smash.gg
In the post Start.gg co-founder, Chris Ogle, commented: “As we move forward, Start.gg will be led by original team members from Smash.gg, including the platform’s co-founder, grassroots tournament organisers and engineers who are passionate about improving the platform for the communities we support.”
Following its split from Microsoft, the company noted that it will continue to operate as a self-service esports platform. However, a slight change will be implemented to start.gg to ensure ‘long-term health and growth’.
This includes implementing a registration fee that will be applied to paid registrations transacted through the Start.gg platform.
“Since our inception back in 2015, our goal has always been to foster esports communities around the games people love to play,” added Ogle.
“This goal remains at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to continuing our journey with you.”
The community-driven website for esports communities and tournament organisers has been a large component of several esports scenes, particularly within the FGC.
The site allows users to host events whilst also keeping track of standings and schedules from other hosted esports competitions, such as the RLCS.
Details regarding why Microsoft and Start.gg have parted ways were not discussed in the statement. However, Ogle did thank the tech company and Xbox “for years of support.”
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