If you are familiar with video games, you have likely heard of esports. These competitions are organized and competitive and often have a physical component, such as teamwork. While some people may think of esports as an unimportant, unlegitimate sport, they have many benefits. Players in esports usually need to have a high level of hand-eye coordination and conceptual thinking skills to be successful. In addition to these skills, esports players are also required to be good sportspeople and to collaborate with teammates.
esports are a video game
Esports, or professional video games, are a fast-growing industry. They have exploded across the globe, and are worth billions of dollars. The first esports tournament was held at Stanford University in 1972, where five students competed in the Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics. The winner was awarded a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone. Today, there are esports events held throughout the world, with millions of viewers tuning in each day.
They are organized
As with any other sport, Esports are organized competitions between teams. Esports can be either online or offline, and many different genres of video games are represented. Some games are team-based, while others are more of a 1v1 battle. Some esports include live broadcasts and cash prizes. Whether the players are from a single country or compete against other teams across the world, they will do whatever it takes to win the game.
They are competitive
Chess is a competitive game that is widely recognized and supported by over 100 countries. Esports players, like traditional athletes, spend many hours a day training, both individually and as a team. Similarly to hockey players, esports broadcasters study other teams’ strategies. Players train for hours a day, often fourteen hours a day, and must travel to different tournaments around the world to participate.
They involve a physical component
While “sports” in its name is important, it doesn’t make sense to call them esports if there’s no physical activity. Most top competitors in League of Legends or Street Fighter sit behind desks and stare at screens, doing absolutely nothing to improve their game. The physical component of traditional sports is also missing from esports, which is not surprising considering the nature of video games.
They are a form of entertainment
Esports are becoming increasingly popular, with a huge following among 18-34 year-olds, with thirty-five percent females and seventy percent males. The demographic is highly engaged, social, and passionate about their favorite games and are willing to spend their money to support their passion. Some of the most popular esports events are held every year, and prize pools can reach 31 million dollars, with 95% of the money coming from individual gamers’ in-game purchases.
They can cause side effects
Several physical and psychological effects can occur from excessive Esports play. These effects can include blurred vision, neck and back pain, tension headache, poor posture and even carpal tunnel syndrome. The prolonged sitting time can lead to metabolic dysregulation and even depression and anxiety. There are even cases of internet gaming disorder, wherein an individual spends excessive time on the computer without getting any physical activity. The study authors also note that 56% of esports participants experience eye fatigue, 42% seek medical treatment, and 40% receive no additional physical activity.
They are international
One of the biggest advantages of esports is their global reach. The World eSports Association was established in 2016 to help regulate the esports industry. The WESA established internal arbitration courts to help players and teams resolve disputes. This is a helpful tool to resolve disputes, and it is open to anyone involved in the Esports industry. However, it is important to note that WESA has only a few member countries.
They are franchised
There are several concerns with esports leagues that are franchised. One is the fact that franchises hurt the esport ecosystem. Franchises can also harm the player development pipeline. A healthy ecosystem is the key to esports success. Franchised leagues can improve competition and player development, but the downside is that these leagues can have a monopoly over a certain game. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of franchised leagues and choose the right one for your team.
They have a global audience
The growing popularity of eSports shows that there’s a huge audience worldwide, especially among young people. More than half of all eSports fans are over the age of 18, and the demographic is made up of 30% men and 70% women. The young people who participate in eSports are highly engaged, social, and have jobs. They spend money on their passion, and that makes them a valuable target audience for advertisers and media brands.
