Hoping to capitalize on the growing eSports market, Caesars Atlantic City is hosting the city’s first major eSports championship event March 31 to April 2.

“Caesars is always looking at ways to bring innovative gaming and entertainment experiences to the market,” Kevin Ortzman, president of Caesars and Bally’s Atlantic City, told The Press of Atlantic City.

Gears Pro Circuit Atlantic City Open is an open eSports circuit for “Gears of War 4,” which is the latest interactive video game developed by the Coalition and published by Microsoft Studios. “The game focuses on the conflict between humanity and a subterranean reptilian race,” the site reported.

The event features more than $200,000 in cash prizes and welcomes professional and amateur video game players from around the world.

The eSports industry is expected to reach more than $1.23 billion by 2019, according to a recent SuperData Research report. More than 213 million people will watch competitive gaming this year, and that number will grow to 303 million by 2019, the report found.

Rummy Pandit, executive director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University, told The Press of Atlantic City that the event will bring a younger demographic to the city. The typical eSports audience is 85 percent male and about half are ages 18 to 25, according to SuperData Research.

“This brings a new segment to the city,” Pandit said. “This is great exposure for the city through people watching this event and social media.”

Doors open for spectators at 2 p.m. Friday, March 31, and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2. Streaming begins at 4 p.m. March 31 and 10 a.m. April 1 and 2 at http://live.gearsofwar.com.