eSports, a rapidly growing phenomenon, has taken the world by storm, captivating millions of fans and players alike. eSports are catching up with other sports when it comes to viewership, but also player popularity and sponsorship deals. We can now see eSports teams, franchises, tournaments and everything else you would expect from a sports phenomenon. And more.
In this blog, we will delve into the exciting realm of competitive gaming and uncover what makes it such a compelling global attraction. What is eSports gaming, and how has it started? From its historical roots to the biggest games, tournaments, and organisations, we will explore the various facets of esports.
eSports have also made an impact on traditional sports, giving us a chance to compare them and discuss everything that follows any type of sport. So what is eSports, how it compares to “traditional” sports, the rise of esports betting, the emergence of collegiate esports, and how aspiring players can enter this dynamic field are some topics we’ll explore. So, let's dive in and unravel the world of eSports!
The History of Competitive Gaming
Competitive gaming has a rich history that dates back to the early days of video games. Initially, gaming competitions were organised locally, but with the advent of the internet, they quickly evolved into global events. The first known esports tournament took place in 1972 at Stanford University, featuring the game Spacewar.
Next came the nationwide face-to-face arcade video game tournament Sega organised to promote video games in Japan in 1974. The 90s were the decade of video games, with the Nintendo World Championships and other major events and the birth of online video games.
Later on, in the 2000s, the eSports industry had quite a boom in South Korea as a consequence of many people taking to video games after losing their jobs during the financial crisis in 1997. Countries started recognising eSports potential, and soon enough, tournaments were held globally.
Since then, the industry has witnessed exponential growth, with advancements in technology, streaming platforms, and widespread accessibility contributing to its success.
What Is eSports?
The term eSports refers to competitive video gaming, where professional players or teams compete against each other in various video games. It involves structured tournaments, leagues, and organised gameplay, often broadcast to a global audience. And what does eSports mean? eSports is short for electronic sports, sports played online instead of a sports court, field, track or hall, for example.
For a game to be considered an eSport, it needs to have human interaction, a sort of competition between players, and an engaging spectator element. Some of the biggest eSports games include League of Legends, Fortnite, Dota (Defense of the Ancients), Counter-Strike, Apex Legends, and others.
Like traditional sports athletes, eSports players exhibit exceptional skills, strategic thinking, and lightning-fast reflexes. eSports has garnered immense popularity due to its competitive nature, immersive gameplay, and the sense of community it fosters among players and fans.
How Big Is eSports?
The popularity of eSports has surged to unprecedented heights in recent years. According to Newzoo, a leading esports analytics firm, the global eSports audience reached a staggering 474 million viewers in 2021. Also, according to Repeat, the League of Legends game had the biggest eSports viewership in 2019, with more than 1.1 billion hours.
Revenue generated from the industry is projected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 8.31% and reach $2,235 million by 2027, a report by Statista indicates. eSports events now fill arenas, with viewership surpassing that of many traditional sports, and we are not talking only about online viewers. Dedicated fans, corporate sponsorships, media rights deals, and lucrative advertising opportunities drive the industry's growth.
Who Are the Fans of eSports?
Esports boast a diverse and passionate fan base comprising individuals from all walks of life. It appeals to both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts, transcending age, gender, and geographical boundaries.
The esports community is known for its vibrant online presence, where fans interact through forums, live streaming platforms, social media, and esports-dedicated websites. One of the most popular streaming platforms is Twitch, owned by Amazon, with over 7.2 million channels streaming on the platform each month and an average of around 2.5 million concurrent viewers.
Esports events, both online and offline, bring fans together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for the games they love. More often than not, eSports fans are also amateur players who also stream professionals’ games for tips and tricks.
Professional eSports Players
Professional esports players are the driving force behind the industry's success. These individuals dedicate countless hours to mastering their craft, honing their skills, and competing at the highest level. They may have started as gaming enthusiasts but have perfected their skills over time and gathered a fan base that supports them throughout their careers.
They often join or form esports teams, where they collaborate, strategise, and train together to achieve greatness. Millions of people play video games worldwide, but not all of them can or want to become professional eSports players. As for how to become an esports player, the answer is similar to any other sport: countless hours of practice and a bit of talent.
Professional esports players are admired for their talent, discipline, and ability to perform under intense pressure. Many players have become household names, earning fame and fortune through exceptional gameplay.
Biggest eSports Games
Many games have contributed to the growth and popularity of eSports over time. We have already mentioned some of the biggest titles, like League of Legends (LoL), Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Overwatch, and Fortnite. We shouldn’t, however, neglect to mention titles like Call of Duty, Apex Legends or PUBG, or some of the early fighting games like Street Fighter II or Mortal Kombat.
All these games offer distinct gameplay mechanics, diverse strategies, and intense competition, attracting millions of players and spectators worldwide. Each game has its dedicated fan base and professional leagues, fueling the growth of the esports ecosystem.
Games differ by the number of players and prize pools, so it's difficult to say what is the biggest eSports game among the ones we mentioned, so if you wish to choose one to stream or even start playing, we suggest you do your research and try a few before making your decision.
Biggest eSports Tournaments
The eSports calendar is filled with numerous exciting tournaments. The most prestigious events draw massive audiences and offer substantial prize pools to players and teams. Prize pools are measured in millions of dollars, but so is the viewership, as millions of fans watch the tournaments, whether in the venue or via online platforms.
Among the most prominent tournaments are The International (Dota 2), League of Legends World Championship, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Major Championships, and the Fortnite World Cup. These tournaments showcase the pinnacle of skill and showcase the electrifying atmosphere that surrounds esports competitions.
Biggest eSports Organizations
The eSports landscape is populated by numerous organisations that provide infrastructure, support, and resources for professional players and teams. What is the best esports team? is not an easy question to answer. However, some of the most prominent organisations include Team Liquid, Fnatic, Cloud9, G2 Esports, FaZe Clan, T1, and Evil Geniuses, to name a few.
So what is an eSports team, and is it anywhere similar to a traditional sports team? Yes and no. These organisations not only compete in various games but also have expanded their reach into content creation, merchandise, and sponsorships, just like regular teams. They play a vital role in shaping the esports industry and driving its continued growth.
On the other hand, ESL, Riot Games, Tencent, and Garena are some of the biggest professional eSports tournament organisers in the world.
What is Franchising in eSports?
Professional teams are often franchised in leagues in eSports, usually around a particular game. Franchising is something eSports took from other sports, as we can see the model in leagues and competitions in basketball, football, tennis, Formula 1, etc. being a part of a franchise guarantees a salary for each player and a place in the organised events, as well as stability of remaining in the league.
eSports in Korea
South Korea, often hailed as the birthplace of modern esports, has had an enormous impact on the industry, especially in the 2000s. The Korean government was the first in the world to recognise the market's potential and formed the Korean Esport Association (KeSPA), the regulatory body for video games and eSports.
The country has a robust esports infrastructure, a passionate fan base, and a thriving competitive scene. Korea was reportedly the place where the term eSports was first used at the founding ceremony of the 21st Century Professional Game Association (now Korean eSports Association) in 2000.
Games like StarCraft, Dota 2 and League of Legends have enjoyed immense popularity in Korea, with players achieving celebrity status and eSports becoming a part of mainstream culture. The country's eSports success has paved the way for the global rise of competitive gaming, which is why South Korea is considered one of the most significant
eSports vs Traditional Sports
eSports has become a legitimate rival to traditional sports, challenging preconceived notions of athleticism and competition. While traditional sports rely on physical prowess, esports focuses on mental agility, lightning-fast reflexes, and strategic decision-making.
Traditional sports are usually well-established, with minor changes happening every now and then. Sports change as the athletes change, but the games themselves remain relatively the same. eSports is much more dynamic with its new features, updates, and, ultimately, new releases.
The growing viewership and investments in eSports have compelled sports organisations to take notice and even establish their eSports divisions. Franchises like NFL or NBA have their own eSports leagues, and so does the English Premier League. The eSports industry and traditional sports continue to coexist and learn from each other, exploring new avenues for collaboration and growth.
Even though eSports tournaments don’t require a physical location because players don’t have to be physically present to play against each other, we now have packed eSports arenas during tournaments, and the most expensive gaming facility in the world, built by TSM.
What Is eSports Betting?
eSports betting is another aspect where eSports is becoming like traditional sports. Betting enthusiasts can place their bets on the outcome of eSports events or games at online casinos that allow eSports betting or eSports betting platforms.
eSports betting has gained significant popularity alongside the rise of competitive gaming. Fans and bettors can place various types of wagers, including match winners, tournament winners, and in-game events.
With the rising popularity of eSports betting, platforms and online casinos offer a wide range of markets and odds, allowing enthusiasts to immerse themselves further in the excitement of esports competitions.
Since eSports events are streamed, and fans can tune in anytime and follow all the action in real-time, live betting during the games is even more popular for eSports than traditional sports. Bettors can palace a wager on which player will make the first kill in Counter-Strike, or who will have the most kills. So what is eSports betting? Betting on all eSports games and all game aspects before the event or live during the games is eSports betting.
What Is eSports in College?
eSports in college has emerged as a thriving scene, mirroring traditional collegiate sports. Just like many young people grew up playing basketball, volleyball or football, others grew up playing video games and nurturing their skills in the gaming world.
Universities and colleges have recognised the popularity and impact of eSports on students and their education, and they now offer esports programs and scholarships and form competitive teams and leagues. The National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACE) gathers schools from across the US and works on advancing varsity collegiate eSports.
All these institutions allow aspiring players to develop their skills, compete against other schools, and gain recognition within the eSports community. Collegiate eSports has become a stepping stone for talented players to transition into the professional scene, just like college basketball or football is for professional NBA or NFL players.
What Is the Difference Between eSports and Online Gaming?
Even though people sometimes use the terms eSports and online gaming interchangeably, that is not entirely correct. Online gaming refers to players playing video games over the internet, often casually or recreationally. Players can play with their group of friends who enjoy playing the same game or maybe use games as a way to meet new friends online.
eSports, on the other hand, involves professional players who earn money from playing video games, organised competitive play, and structured tournaments. While online gaming can be solitary or collaborative, depending on personal preferences, esports emphasises the highest level of teamwork, skill, and competition. There are solo players even in eSports, but they compete in different games and events for solo players.
In recent years, crypto gaming has also been finding its way into the eSports world, mainly in the area of eSports betting, but also looking to access other aspects of eSports.
How Can You Get Started in eSports?
As mentioned before, just like with any other sport, getting started in eSports requires dedication, practice, and a strategic approach. Here are some steps to embark on your eSports journey:
- Choose a game: Select a game you enjoy and want to excel at.
- Master the game: Dedicate time to learn the mechanics, strategies, and nuances of the game.
- Practice and improve: Consistently practice to hone your skills and improve your gameplay.
- Join a community: Engage with other players, join online forums, and participate in local events to build connections.
- Compete: Start participating in amateur tournaments and leagues to gain experience and showcase your abilities.
- Seek sponsorship: As you progress, seek sponsorships from organisations or gaming companies to support your growth.
- Stay persistent: Esports can be highly competitive, so remain focused, determined, and open to learning from your experiences.
- Join an eSports team: It is much easier to compete in a team, especially a franchised one.
How Much Can eSports Players Earn?
Earnings in eSports vary greatly depending on the player's skill level, popularity, and the games they compete in. Some eSports tournaments boast millions of dollars in prize pools, with the winning team getting a seven-figure prize.
Top-tier players can earn substantial amounts through tournament winnings, whereas tournament organisers benefit from sponsors and ticket sales. That is another area where eSports can compete with traditional sports, also with selling streaming rights along with TV broadcasting rights.
Teams and players also benefit greatly from lucrative sponsorships, streaming revenue, and merchandise sales. The highest-earning eSports players have amassed millions of dollars through their success, cementing their status as professional athletes in the gaming world. That compares with the traditional sports athletes competing in some of the highest-paid sports.
The Future of eSports
The future of esports appears exceptionally promising. With new technological advancements, increased accessibility, and growing mainstream acceptance, the industry is poised for continued growth.
eSports will likely witness further integration with traditional sports, with many sporting organisations, universities, broadcasters and sponsors already recognising its potential to grow to unforeseen heights.
Even though there are new games, genres and technologies emerging almost daily, some games have remained popular for decades now. They, alongside newcomers, will make the foundation of the eSports future. As eSports continues to captivate the world, it has the potential to become one of the most significant forms of entertainment in the years to come.
eSports has transformed how we perceive gaming, combining competition, skill, and community into a global phenomenon. From its humble beginnings to becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry, eSports has captured the hearts of millions of fans and inspired a new generation of professional players.
As the future unfolds, the boundaries of eSports will continue to be pushed, offering endless possibilities for both players and enthusiasts alike. Even if eSports is just not your cup of tea, you must admit that it is here to stay and take its rightful place right by traditional sports.
