The Smite World Championship Tournament has been announced by Hi-Rez Studios, with the three-day event featuring eight teams from around the world to compete January 9 - 11, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The two best qualifying teams from North America, Europe, China, and Latin America (one from Brazil and one from Spanish-speaking South America), will battle for a base prize pool of $600,000 USD.

However, Hi-Rez Studios expects that number to drastically inflate, as the Smite community will be able to contribute to the World Championship prize pool by purchasing exclusive, to-be-announced in-game content. “As SMITE continues to grow, it is quickly becoming a leader in professional competitive gaming,” said Hi-Rez COO Todd Harris.

“With teams from North America, Asia, Europe and South America, this will be a truly global championship. We can’t wait to host the world’s best here in our hometown of Atlanta for this landmark event,” he said.

Regional qualifying matches will run throughout the year in the lead up to the World Championship, alongside Smite's various weekly tournaments.