Nerd Street Gamers “FTW Philly” Gets Greenlight for 10-episode Run

October 23, 2019 – We are proud to announce that NBC Sport Philadelphia will air a full, 10-episode season of “FTW Philly,” the broadcast feature focusing on the world of highly competitive gaming across the Philadelphia region from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“Philadelphians might not be aware, but the region is quickly becoming a major hub for all things esports,” said John Fazio, CEO of Nerd Street Gamers. “We’re showcasing the excitement of esports to both gamers and non-gamers alike. This series is a win for the community, and will further our company’s mission to make esports more welcoming and accessible to all gamers.”

A pilot episode debuted on NBC Sports Philadelphia in late September with a feature on the players and stories behind The Reversal, a National Championship Series fighting game tournament held in Philadelphia. The National Championship Series (NCS) is an amateur esports circuit where competitors play in-person tournaments and showcase their talent, meet like-minded individuals, grow their skills, and compete for various prize pots.

Marisa Magnatta, WMMR’s Preston and Steve Show producer, will be returning as the host the series.

“From state-of-the-art arenas to local teens winning millions, esports is the topic of every good conversation lately and I’m excited to be part of this great, new project,” said Magnatta. “FTW Philly delivers esports stories weekly to all of the fans – novice to expert – across the Delaware Valley!”

New episodes will focus on the traditional live-action sports that are partnering with esports, provide an inside look at some national tournaments being held in the Philadelphia region such as Harrisburg University Esports Invitational, and showcase the stories that are helping drive this booming industry. The series will shine a light on the rapid development of the Philadelphia esports scene, including the groundbreaking of Fusion Arena, linking it to the global growth of the overall industry.

“The interest in esports is spurring fandom across the Philadelphia region,” said NBC Sports Philadelphia Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Todd Berman. “By creating FTW Philly, we can provide a home so that gamers and non-gamers alike can rally behind the exciting stories that are sure to pique the interest of all sports fans.”

“FTW Philly” is produced by Maestro Filmworks, an award-winning production company based in Philadelphia.

Beginning October 25 and running through the end of 2019, “FTW Philly” episodes will debut every Friday at 9 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia+, and replay on NBC Sports Philadelphia that same evening. Each episode will air on NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com and on the network’s YouTube Channel. Viewers can also head to twitch.tv/nerdstgamers to view episodes after they have been aired.

NBC Sports Philadelphia and NBC Sports Philadelphia is available in three million homes throughout the Philadelphia area. To find these channels in your area, click here: https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/channel-finder