Esports, also known as electronic sports, is a growing industry where professional players compete in organized video gaming tournaments. The roots of competitive gaming can be traced back to the 1970s. In the late 90s, the creation of the Cyberathlete Professional League marked a commercial recognition of esports. Today, leading companies like Nike, Audi, and Coca Cola have invested in esports, and it is estimated that the industry will generate over $1 billion in revenue in 2021. Popular esports games include League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and notable events include The League of Legends World Championship, The International Dota 2 Championship, and the EVO Championship Series.
The Rise of Competitive Gaming: A Look into the World of Esports
Introduction
Esports, also known as electronic sports, has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years. It is a form of competitive video gaming where professional players compete against each other in organized tournaments. It has evolved from casual gaming to being recognized as a legitimate sport, with players training for hours on end just like traditional athletes.
History of Esports
The roots of competitive gaming can be traced back to the early 1970s, when the first video game tournament was held at Stanford University. However, it wasn’t until the late 90s when esports started to gain commercial recognition, with the creation of the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) in 1997. The CPL was the first organization to offer players prize money and attracted thousands of spectators to their events.
Current State of Esports
Esports in the current era has taken on a new dimension and has become one of the fastest-growing industries. Leading companies like global brands including Nike, Audi, and Coca Cola have entered the space, demonstrating their enthusiasm for esports. It is estimated that the esports industry will generate over $1 billion in revenue in 2021, which is a significant growth from $194 million in 2014.
Top Esports Games
There are several games that are popular in the esports industry, some of which include:
League of Legends (LoL)
LoL is a multiplayer online battle arena game and was released in 2009. It has been one of the most popular esports games ever since, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch tournaments.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is another multiplayer online battle arena game and is known for its high-stakes tournaments. It has a massive following and offers one of the biggest prize pools in esports history.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
CS:GO is a first-person shooter game and is known for its strategic gameplay. The game has a competitive scene that has been active since it was first released in 2012, and it continues to be one of the most popular esports games.
Esports Events
Esports events have been organized all around the world, and the industry is beginning to rival traditional sports in terms of attracting crowds. Some popular esports events include:
The League of Legends World Championship
This tournament is held annually and is the biggest event in the LoL esports scene. It attracts millions of viewers and offers a massive prize pool that makes it one of the most lucrative events in esports.
The International Dota 2 Championship
The International is the most significant event in the Dota 2 esports scene and is known for offering one of the biggest prize pools in esports history. Each year, the prize pool is crowdfunded, and fans contribute millions of dollars to the event.
EVO Championship Series
The EVO Championship Series is an annual event that focuses on the fighting game genre. It is one of the most prestigious events in the esports industry and attracts the best fighting game players from around the globe.
Conclusion
Esports has grown significantly over the past few decades and has become a legitimate industry. This growth has created opportunities for players to make significant amounts of money and for companies to invest in a new and emerging industry. Esports has undoubtedly revolutionized the world of gaming, and it will be interesting to watch how it continues to develop in the future.