Today, I’ll be delving into the fascinating realm of eSports! If you’re interested in this captivating phenomenon, then buckle up and prepare for a thrilling ride; it’s about time we explored this arena together.
Are you curious to learn more about the world of competitive gaming? Or maybe you seek an outlet for your favorite video game? We’ve got just what you need!
The global eSports market is rapidly expanding. The audience continues to expand from hobbyists and casual gamers into professional players and spectators as well as corporations like Coke and Microsoft investing in teams and events; however, one major hurdle that must be overcome is establishing credibility among onlookers who are unfamiliar with this growing sector.
What is eSports?
Esports professionals commonly compete at esports events like the video game Dota 2 and League of Legends, as well as other titles such as Call Of Duty, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and StarCraft II.
Professional gaming is a rapidly growing market, estimated to be worth close to $1 billion by 2019. This figure vastly eclipses that of traditional spectator sports like baseball or football; however, it is notably less than the revenue generated by eSports Gaming platforms like Twitch.
How did eSports come to be?
A new breed of athletes burst onto the scene, bringing eSports into prominence and into our daily routines. While traditional sports like baseball or football remain firmly entrenched in our culture and social interactions, eSports have proven to be a captivating display of ability that is now being embraced by mainstream audiences around the globe.
eSports can be traced back to the early 1980s with pioneering tournaments such as Atari’s “Atari Video Computer Game Bowl” (AVCB) and Nintendo’s “Video Olympics”. In 1991, the International Federation of Sport Industry (IFS) recognized eSports as an official international Olympic sport; however, this recognition was revoked in September 2012 due to concerns about competitive integrity.
Every year since 1994, successive events have been held under the auspices of the World Cyber Games in Asia-Pacific countries such as China and South Korea. The inaugural World Cyber Games (WCSG) took place in 1998 in Germany; this event is regarded as one of the pioneers in the evolution of eSports competitions.
The founding father of eSports competition, Mike Sepso, founded Major League Gaming (MLG) in 2002. It went on to become the world’s largest multi-platform video game league and an organization that has remained steadfast in its dedication to the advancement of competitive gaming on all platforms.
How big is the eSports industry?
Last year, total revenue in the eSports industry surpassed $612 million, with an astounding 60% revenue growth reported over the previous year. Furthermore, this figure represents just one part of the larger picture; it is estimated that by 2020 total revenues could exceed $1 billion!
If you take into account those who watch eSports videos online while they’re streaming, playing games at home, or even spending money on merchandise, then it’s no surprise that the industry stands poised for further prosperity. There simply isn’t enough space available to describe all its facets in great detail here – yet!
Who are the top earners in eSports?
In 2018, the eSports industry continued to soar in popularity with multiple major events taking place around the globe.
Pro gamers earn anywhere between $1 million and $10 million annually, according to an analysis conducted by Superdata Research. Moreover, most top earner salaries have surpassed $1 million apiece while a few esports employees are raking up six-figures annually – even more than former National Football League quarterbacks! All of this adds up to a total of over $2 billion in televised revenue alone during the 2017/2018 season!
Where do the biggest crowds of eSports fans congregate?
Out of any platform, eSports are arguably the most popular: It is estimated that there are more than 300 million enthusiasts worldwide – and over 90% of those who follow it regularly reside in Asia Pacific.
Of course, when you consider the magnitude of this market, it is essential to understand where the most formidable crowds congregate. Here are a few key hotspots for eSports fans around the world!
The esports arena at Madison Square Garden in New York City’s Midtown district is an undeniable draw for professional gaming events. This storied venue has hosted premier tournaments such as the ESL One Tournament Series, Intel Extreme Masters Season XII Finals and many others.
What kinds of events are held at eSports tournaments?
The range of eSports endeavors is vast! From console video games like ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Call of Duty’, to computer games like ‘World of Tanks’ and even casual mobile titles – there are countless options.
In general, competitive tournaments center on a single game or match format–such as a tournament final played out between the top contenders in a specific title. But in some instances you may be able to participate in multiple concurrent events across various titles such as at an International tournament where participants from across many platforms gather together under one roof!
Electronic sports encompass any type of competition or tournament not based on physical prowess. Gamers can compete in any number of categories ranging from strategy games to fighting games, shooter games to platforming titles – essentially any video game genre that has been given the eSports treatment!
Some examples include:
Tee off with your peers for a single round consisting of only Counter Strike Global Offensive (CS:GO), before competing against each other in group stage matches;
Compete side-by-side with thousands of rivals simultaneously while racing through an action packed level set within Mario Kart 8 Deluxe;
Gather up your friends and take on your foes using real money – then watch as they rise or fall depending on how well they perform during team-based battles in Rocket League!
What types of equipment and merchandise are available at these events?
Despite its roots in traditional sports like basketball and football, eSports have developed into a truly global phenomenon. Since gaining recognition from mainstream media outlets such as ESPN and CBS in the late 1990s, the industry has experienced explosive growth with competitions now taking place across multiple continents and within numerous game platforms.
Esports tournaments are often held in large stadiums or arenas where spectators can experience their favorite games in highly competitive settings. Often taking place over multiple days, these events typically feature competitions for popular titles such as League of Legends (LoL), Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Overwatch, Hearthstone, Starcraft II etc…
The dizzying array of merchandise available at an esports event may elicit some surprise – but it’s worth appreciating! From commemorative garments to collectible trinkets, this is an ideal opportunity to pick up sought after memorabilia that captures one’s fantasy team in all its glory.
In addition to apparel featuring your favorite video game characters and logos, there are a host of other items for sale at these events that aim to provide you with practical conveniences like wireless connectivity, convenient chargers and more. Furthermore, if you’re looking for something more substantial than pajamas then cosplay outfits could be just what you’re seeking!
Conclusion
eSports have attained levels of prominence that rival those of traditional sports–in fact, they already exceed them! The surging popularity of eSports is a testament to the captivating nature of this captivating phenomenon.
Despite its explosive growth, no definitive definition of what constitutes an ‘eSports’ exists. Rather than attempting to formulate such a definition, we should instead be cognizant of the fact that there are countless varieties of eSports in existence – some more prominent than others! That being said, one need only observe the mesmerizing matches between players such as Jang “MaRin” Gyeong-Hwan and Lee “CloudTemplar” Ho-Jae to grasp an inkling of what it truly means to be an eSports champion!
The future is bright for eSports; their explosive upward trajectory has been so precipitous that it’s difficult to envision any plateauing for this phenomenon. With major League of Legends tournaments boasting sell-out crowds and millions of viewers nearly every week, it’s evident that this game-based sport has become a passion for many people!
Are you excited about eSports? Share your thoughts below!
