With the ongoing pandemic in the world and all the restrictions that come with it, people have found a new way to enjoy their leisure time – sports. While outdoor activities are not always feasible in these times, sports enthusiasts have turned to online platforms to get their daily dose of excitement.
One sport that has gained massive popularity in the last few years is eSports. ESports – also known as electronic sports – is a form of competitive video gaming where players compete against each other. The games can be played individually, in teams, or even as spectators. Fans all over the world tune in to watch these players compete in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch.
ESports has not only become a form of entertainment but also a lucrative profession. Players can earn large sums of money from sponsorships, prize pools, and stream revenue. ESports has produced some of the world’s top-earning professional gamers, such as Johan Sundstein, known as “N0tail,” who has won over $7 million in prize money.
ESports is not just a new trend. It is a growing industry. It is estimated that the industry will be worth over $1 billion by the end of 2021. Advertisers and investors have taken note of this potential and are pouring money into the industry.
The rise of eSports has not gone unnoticed by traditional sports organizations either. Many have started including it in their events to attract a younger audience. For instance, the NBA has launched the NBA 2K League, and FIFA has the eWorld Cup.
The esports industry also faces similar challenges as traditional sports. The issue of doping has been gaining traction in the industry. As various performance-enhancing substances’ use can give players an edge, governing bodies have started to take notice. The inclusion of eSports in the 2022 Asian Games has also raised concerns about doping and the morality of video games as a sport.
In conclusion, we see that while eSports has grown and thrived in recent times, there are good and bad sides to it, like any other sport. If anything, it has opened up new avenues in the sports world and provided opportunities for gamers to build careers.