Multiplayer gaming has transformed into a lucrative industry with esports. Esports are online or in-person competitive gaming tournaments where professional players participate for prize-money. The industry has grown rapidly in recent years, attaining sponsorship from major organizations such as Coca-Cola, Intel, and Red Bull. Esports tournaments can take place in-person in large venues or online, with the biggest tournament being the Dota 2 tournament called The International, with a prize pool of over $30 million. Professional esports players are some of the most skilled gamers in the world and can earn millions of dollars per year. Esports is expected to continue its growth, and it may soon become an official Olympic sport.
Exploring the Competitive Scene of Multiplayer Games: Tournaments and eSports
In recent years, multiplayer gaming has gone beyond just playing with friends for fun. It has become a competitive sport with organized tournaments and professional players. The competitive scene of multiplayer games is known as eSports, and it has grown to become a multi-billion dollar industry.
What is eSports?
eSports stands for electronic sports, and it refers to competitive gaming tournaments. These tournaments can be held online or in-person, and they usually feature professional players competing for prize money. The most popular genres in eSports are first-person shooters, real-time strategy, and multiplayer online battle arena.
The Rise of eSports
The growth of eSports has been staggering. In 2019, the global eSports market was valued at $1.1 billion, and it is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2022. The industry has become so popular that it has attracted major sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Intel, and Red Bull.
In addition to sponsors, eSports has also attracted a large audience. According to a report by Newzoo, there were 443 million eSports viewers in 2019, with 57% of them being male and 43% being female. The report also states that by 2023, there will be over 600 million eSports viewers worldwide.
eSports Tournaments
eSports tournaments can either be online or in-person. In-person tournaments typically take place in large venues, such as sports arenas, and they attract thousands of spectators. These tournaments can last for several days, and they feature multiple matches between professional teams or players.
The prize money for eSports tournaments can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. The biggest eSports tournament is The International, which is a Dota 2 tournament that has a prize pool of over $30 million.
Professional eSports Players
Professional eSports players are some of the most dedicated and skilled gamers in the world. These players train for hours every day, and they analyze their gameplays to find the smallest improvements. The top eSports players can earn millions of dollars a year from prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships.
Some of the most famous eSports players include Lee Sang-hyeok, also known as Faker, who is a professional League of Legends player from South Korea. Faker has won three World Championships and is considered to be one of the best League of Legends players of all time.
The Future of eSports
The future of eSports looks bright. The industry is projected to continue its growth, with more players, more tournaments, and more viewers. According to Newzoo, the global eSports audience is expected to grow to 646 million by 2023.
eSports is also gaining recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC has included eSports in the 2022 Asian Games as a demonstration sport, and it is possible that it may become an official sport in future Olympic Games.
Conclusion
eSports has quickly become a popular and lucrative industry. With millions of viewers, big sponsors, and dedicated professional players, it is clear that eSports is here to stay.