Toronto to get its first e-sports bar

In addition to a surge in sports bar openings of late, Toronto is about to get its first e-sports bar, at least that's what three entrepreneurs from the University of Waterloo hope to brag about in the coming months. Got Game e-Sports Bar and Lounge has targeted a June opening date in the Ossignton area, where it plans to serve as a nightlife hub for Toronto's gaming community.

Think of it as an e-version of Snakes and Lagers. Using the Meltdown franchise model, the trio hopes to capitalize on the rising popularity of such establishments around the globe. The "venue is not a 'nerd' or 'geek' bar," according to c-founder Nikola Todic. "In order to deviate from this negative stigma, the bar offers booths and consoles for non-competitive gamers to play casual games whilst enjoying food and the company of their friends."

The concept has already met with some success in European cities like Paris and Berlin. And given Toronto's existing gaming community, there's a good chance something like this will catch on, especially if the food and drink offerings are decent. What do you think? Is Toronto ready for its first e-sports lounge?

Photo of Meltdown in Paris