There are several options open to people when it comes to deciding what to do in their free time, and for many, it’s starting to involve eSports.
Whether you enjoy participating or prefer to simply watch live events, eSports has grown to become a near billion-dollar industry. For those that don’t know, it’s essentially people playing their favorite video games in a competitive environment, with tournaments taking place across the planet. A wide range of games are covered, from League of Legends to FIFA, with more becoming available.
Therefore, eSports is in a very healthy position right now, and here we explain why that’s not going to stop any time soon.
Live coverage from the opening day of the league stage at the League of Legends UK Championships is under way and you can follow it all here 👉 https://t.co/dkTA3Jm5Yy #eSports pic.twitter.com/4G7ndmvMNs
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 14, 2020
It’s becoming more mainstream
The platform and reach eSports has is bigger than ever before. One example is how Sky have televised live tournaments before, whilst many will find live events on YouTube and other streaming sites.
Teams such as Faze Clan and Team Liquid have the potential to eventually challenge major soccer teams such as Real Madrid and Barcelona due to their large followings across the globe. These two teams are involved in the La Liga title race as usual, with Real the favorite in the football betting with odds of +120, although Atletico are threatening to cause an upset after a strong start. It will be a while before a matchup between two eSports teams can rival the audience for Clasico matches, though.
The appeal across the globe demonstrates how eSports is becoming more prominent and has allowed the sport to quickly hurdle one of the obstacles that has limited the growth of others such as football and baseball.
Further investment is coming in
This has a positive knock-on effect too, as more businesses and individuals want to be associated with eSports, which brings further finances.
This has been evident with former English soccer star David Beckham becoming the face of an eSports company in a $19m deal. Further famous names have got on board too, with businesses recognizing how big a reach eSports can have. Whilst it has a mixed fan base, there’s no denying that the younger generations are the main target market, so it’s a way of connecting to that group of people.
In terms of eSports, these additional finances on offer can drive the standard up, bring in better players and create larger, more exciting tournaments. So, it’s something that everyone can benefit from.
🎮 Ahead of a new @EAFIFAeSports season, David Beckham’s @guildeSports & @Leno_eSports, owned by the @Arsenal goalkeeper, have been signing new players. We round up the latest transfers ✍️
👉 https://t.co/FCZFnoZOYT pic.twitter.com/YfqKbmIqGC
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 12, 2020
It’s a good concept
Finally, eSports is here to stay because it’s a good concept! Who doesn’t like playing video games? There won’t be many out there.
As stated, eSports events generally cover a wide range of games, and that will only increase moving forward, meaning there is something there for everyone. Even if you aren’t a player, watching professional players play brings excitement and unpredictability that comes with other sporting events.
Of course, the online aspect of gaming means that players can come together from across the planet, which ensures it attracts players and fans from across the globe.
Overall, eSports has grown considerably in the past decade, and a new fan base is emerging that will take it to another level moving forward. It’s regularly attracting new investors, which is why it’s an exciting time to be involved for all connected to eSports.
DC Fanboy! Superman is the greatest comic book character of all time. Favorite movies are Man of Steel, Goonies, Back To the Future