Imagine a massive stadium roaring with cheers, but instead of a ball in play, spectators watch professional gamers compete online in virtual battles. Welcome to esports (also known as electronic sports or e-sports), a worldwide industry that has grown from basement tournaments into an entertainment powerhouse, attracting millions of viewers both in person and online.
Whether you’re an avid competitor or a casual fan, there is much to learn about the world of competitive gaming. As the esports industry evolves, its leaders must tackle issues like player welfare and business sustainability. This has created an opportunity for high-profile brands to get involved, with some even offering their own teams and events.
Some of the biggest esports tournaments are held in massive arenas and attract tens of thousands of fans. Others are streamed live on platforms like Twitch, YouTube and TikTok, allowing fans around the world to participate in the action and interact with each other.
The most popular esports games include multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), first-person shooter (FPS) and fighting game franchises. Examples include League of Legends, Dota 2’s International and the Evolution Championship Series.
The most successful esports teams have won multiple championship titles and have generated huge sums of money from prize pools and sponsorship deals. Some of the most well-known are Astralis, whose players have won over $1.3 million in prize money, OG and Team Liquid, who have competed for years and earned countless trophies.