Liam McHugh, Alex Mendez, and Cari Champion Join NBC's THE TITAN GAMES

By: Oct. 24, 2018
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Liam McHugh, Alex Mendez, and Cari Champion Join NBC's THE TITAN GAMES

Three seasoned sports analysts join "The Titan Games," the highly anticipated athletic competition series hosted and executive produced by Dwayne Johnson, along with fellow EP's Arthur Smith and Dany Garcia. Veteran NBC Sports host Liam McHugh and well-known esports announcer Alex "Goldenboy" Mendez will serve as commentators, while sports broadcaster Cari Champion takes on the role of field reporter.

"The Titan Games," which will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyday people willing to take on its physical and mental challenges, will premiere Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

McHugh, Mendez and Champion join the 10-episode series from Universal Television Alternative Studio, A. Smith and Co. Productions and Seven Bucks Productions. McHugh and Mendez will be paired in the skybox where they will provide play-by-play and in-depth analysis on the intense action, highlighting the physicality of each challenge and the mental resilience needed to succeed. From the floor of the electrifying arena, Champion will provide exclusive interviews that will unveil the heart, grit and intellect of each contender.

Inspired by Johnson's desire to motivate global audiences to reach their potential for greatness, this unparalleled new athletic competition gives men and women across the country the opportunity to step inside the Titan arena and achieve the impossible. Competitors will push their bodies to the limit by battling opponents in unforgiving head-to-head challenges. "The Titan Games" will not only test the competitors' physical strength, but also their mental and emotional fortitude. Throughout this uplifting series, hard work and determination will be rewarded and a new breed of heroes will emerge. Those who can withstand the challenge have the chance to become a Titan and win a grand prize of $100,000.

Liam McHugh currently serves as a host on some of NBC Sports' most high-profile properties and events, including "Football Night in America," the NHL, NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL and the Olympics.

Since 2010, McHugh has served as the lead studio host for "NHL Live," the pre- and post-game studio show that airs before and after NHL telecasts throughout the regular-season and Stanley Cup Playoffs.. In August 2018, McHugh was named on-site host for "Football Night in America," the most-watched sports studio show, which leads into "Sunday Night Football," primetime television's No. 1 show. McHugh also hosts NBC's NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL coverage, including the pre-game show "Countdown to Kickoff."

In addition, McHugh served as co-host of NBC's SUPER BOWL LII pre-game show, and contributed to NBC Sports Group's coverage of the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang, 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He also contributed to NBC and NBCSN's coverage leading up to SUPER BOWL XLVI and SUPER BOWL XLIX.

Mendez comes from a tenured history in esports. His work and accomplishments can be seen across the entire industry. He is a desk host for Blizzard Entertainment's Overwatch League and previously worked with Epic Games' "Fortnite Battle Royale," Cheddar TV, TBS's ELEAGUE, Major League Gaming (MLG), Psyonix's Rocket League Championship Series, 343 Industries's Halo Championship Series and Electronic Arts' "Battlefield" series. Outside of esports, Mendez also commentated CEO X New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Before becoming a household name in esports, Mendez, a Bronx, N.Y., native, was a full-time social worker who competed in various action video games such as "Halo," "Call of Duty" and "Gears of War" in his free time. However, family is a focal point for Mendez and he eventually decided to step back from esports competition to focus on his marriage and job. He used this time to start making online content, as well as build up his local Bronx gaming community.

Mendez may have ended his time as a competitor, but he was wasn't done with esports. Mendez received an offer a couple months later from MLG that would set him on his course to becoming one of the most sought-after talents in esports. Hired as a commentator for a small tournament, Mendez rose to the occasion when he was called upon unexpectedly to commentate the Call of Duty national championship at the last minute. Esports community reception was instantaneous, and it has been onward and upward ever since.

In September 2018, Cari Champion returned to ESPN's flagship daily sports news studio show, "SportsCenter," to co-anchor the noon ET "Coast to Coast" edition from Los Angeles, along with Connecticut-based David Lloyd. Champion was originally named "SportsCenter" anchor in July 2015, and in February 2016 was named co-anchor for "SportsCenter Coast to Coast." The show came to a close in March 2018, but has since been revived.

Prior to her most recent role on "SportsCenter," she served as co-host of "SportsNation," ESPN's freewheeling and energetic afternoon show. Champion joined LZ Granderson and numerous guests to discuss the day's hottest and weirdest sports topics in 30-minute episodes.

In addition to her role at "SportsCenter," Champion hosts a weekly podcast with espnW, "Be Honest with Cari Champion," where she takes an honest look at the world of sports and pop culture with the help of outspoken guests.

"The Titan Games" is produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio and Seven Bucks Productions. Dwayne Johnson, Arthur Smith, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz, Toby Gorman and Anthony Storm will executive produce.



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