A huge PvP update is now live in an action/RPG as promised by its developers, as Path of Exile is adding all sorts of PvP content (as opposed to Diablo III, which failed to deliver on promised PvP features upon launch, and has not substantially lived up to this commitment since then). The update brings the launch of the first PvP season in the game, featuring the chance to earn prestige and prizes, but PvP is only one aspect of the new patch, which is said to contain hundreds of fixes. This page has a rundown on all the newness, and complete version 1.3.0 patch notes can be found in their forums. Here's an overview of the new content and the first season:

PvP Season One
Competing in tournaments awards players with points that accumulate towards Alternate Art Unique Item prizes. PvP Tournaments are grouped into Seasons that consist of a month of themed events. Weekdays contain free-for-all and blitz events, while the weekends have larger tournaments with Swiss pairings and awesome prizes from Grinding Gear Games' sponsors (Razer and KARMA KOIN: The Online Game Card), which include a variety of hardware and online gaming currency. Top players are invited to a special event at the end of the season to battle for more prestige and prizes.

PvP-Only Characters
Dueling with level 28 characters is very popular within the Path of Exile community -- so much so that it will run as the primary event type in Path of Exile's first PvP season. Because the fun of PvP is in creating builds, perfecting items, and destroying opponents, Path of Exile will include the option to create a blank level 28 character that is only able to play PvP matches. These PvP-only characters won't impact regular gameplay, but will allow players to shortcut the process of trying out level 28 PvP builds and creating characters for tournaments. Players will still need to acquire their equipment in the core PvE game.