The success of “The FRAG” resulted in a murmur of excitement within game communities across the world about the new concept of professional competitive gaming. Could this hobby become a sport? Is it possible that skilled computer game enthusiasts could one day make a career of this pastime?
But while others were questioning this potential, the CPL staff committed to achieving it. Preparations for the next event, to be held again at the Dallas InfoMart in July 1998, were already underway. This event, simply called “The CPL Event” had an expected attendance significantly higher than that of The FRAG event.
Scores of competitors registered, new sponsors were brought on board, workshops with prominent figures in the gaming industry were scheduled, and unofficial tournaments were being organized for the BYOC. This and other early events would determine the basic components for future CPL events.[...]