The NBA 2K League recently announced the NBA 2K League APAC Invitational, the league’s first-ever international qualifying event, which took place last February 2 – 3 in Hong Kong. The two-day event identified several elite players from the Asia-Pacific region who will become eligible for the 2019 NBA 2K League Draft*.
The NBA 2K League APAC Invitational features 20 players competing over two days of gameplay, including scrimmages, a double-elimination tournament on day two, and interviews with league representatives and team managers. The Invitational features players from Australia, China, New Zealand and the Philippines. The NBA 2K League identified players for the event through the NBA 2K League Combine and through historical performances in NBA 2K events, including the annual NBA 2K Asia Tournament.
“Our goal is for the NBA 2K League to be a truly global league, with players and teams from around the world,” said NBA 2K League Managing Director Brendan Donohue. “Nine international players competed in our inaugural season and our hope is that number will grow every year. Hosting our first international qualifying event is an exciting moment for the NBA 2K League and an important step in further diversifying our player pool.”
At the end of the Invitational, a committee comprised of league representatives and team managers identified several players from the Invitational who becomes eligible for the 2019 NBA 2K League Draft.
The double-elimination tournament last February 3 was live-streamed on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch channel.
*Players will become draft-eligible upon passing a background check and social media check.