Popular streamer and former Overwatch pro xQc has officially announced the Marvel Rivals Invitational, a high-stakes tournament featuring a $250,000 prize pool and a lineup of some of the biggest names in streaming. The event, set for May 9, is shaping up to be a headline moment not just for fans of Marvel Rivals, but for the competitive gaming scene at large.

From Player to Tournament Host

While xQc has been a mainstay in competitive scenes through events like Twitch Rivals, this marks his first time running a tournament of his own. But in true xQc fashion, he’s not just organizing—he’s also planning to jump into the action as a competitor.

According to his stream announcement, he’ll kick off the tournament playing alongside his own squad and may transition into a commentator role if (or when) his team gets eliminated. It’s chaotic, ambitious, and very on-brand for the Twitch star.

What We Know So Far

Details around the format, teams, and prize distribution are still under wraps, but what’s confirmed is that NetEase is fully backing the event, giving it an official stamp of approval. That’s a big win for Marvel Rivals, a game that’s been building serious momentum with its blend of fast-paced, hero-based combat and Marvel's iconic roster.

Streaming numbers for the game are climbing, and this invitational could be the next step toward carving out a real competitive scene. It’s also a rare moment where both Twitch and Kick talent will likely share the stage, hinting at a cross-platform clash that fans won't want to miss.

Marvel Rivals is still early in its lifecycle, but a creator-led event of this scale could give it a major visibility boost. NetEase has already teased big updates for future seasons, and xQc’s involvement could serve as the spark that pushes the game deeper into the mainstream.

It’s also part of a broader trend where streamers are becoming power players in esports, blurring the lines between content creation, community building, and competition. Think Ludwig’s Smash events or MoistCr1TiKaL’s chess tournaments, now xQc joins the ranks with his own blockbuster event.