Esports has grown into a billion dollar industry. By 2022, it’s expected that 380 million people will be watching esports. Currently, it generates over $1.5 billion in annual revenues. What’s more, schools are recognizing esports as varsity-level sports. There’s even a pipeline from schools to the professional world.
380 million people will watch esports in 2022
Esports has become so popular that there are now a multitude of television channels and websites devoted to it. In fact, some of these channels have more viewers than professional sports leagues like the NFL, which has more than 140 million viewers. And the audience for eSports events is only growing. In fact, in the next decade, eSports will account for 10 percent of all TV viewing. This growth will undoubtedly continue as more companies and brands focus their marketing and advertising dollars into the industry.
The popularity of esports isn’t just because the competition is fierce. Many of these players are also professional athletes. As such, they are required to maintain a high level of fitness to stay competitive. It’s also important to make sure you train with the best players in your field. Moreover, research has shown that continuous gaming can help children deal with psychological problems better. Furthermore, it can help students get ahead in school and be more employable in many fields.
$1.5 billion in revenues in 2017
In the virtual world, esports are competitive games played by teams of gamers who compete against each other. The games require quick reflexes, strategy, coordination, and technical skills. Esports are most popular among young men. The industry makes money through sponsorship and other means, such as ticketing and merchandise.
The esports industry is growing quickly. According to a 2017 report, the industry had revenues of US$696 million, with more than half of the profits coming from North America and China. By 2020, the industry is projected to grow to $1.5 billion.
Schools are recognizing esports as a varsity level sport
With the popularity of video games on the rise, schools are increasingly looking to include esports as a varsity sport. Miami Ohio University, for example, has a varsity esports team. These students get the same benefits as any other varsity athlete, including scholarships and a full athletic transcript. They also take classes geared towards game simulation and emerging technologies. And the program is grounded in the university’s motto, which promotes inclusivity.
In Ohio, where esports are considered a sport with varsity status, more than 3,000 students are participating in competitions. The university’s Associate Athletic Director Kurt Melcher hopes the trend will enhance campus life and attract high-achieving graduates.
esports is a school-to-pro pipeline
While traditional sports have a school-to-pro pipeline, esports does not. While some players are able to make it into the professional ranks, many have been unsuccessful. It’s important to remember that esports is an entirely new and unique game type. As a result, its school-to-pro pipeline has yet to be fully established.
While many people may think that esports is only for players, many students are interested in joining the profession. A high school student can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, and some even support their entire family through esports. As the world of professional gaming grows, esports is expected to surpass the NBA by 2021.
Rules and regulations are similar to traditional sports
Traditional sports and esports are closely related in many ways. Both include human competition, but the rules and regulations for esports differ a great deal. While the rules and regulations for traditional sports are more rigid, those for esports are more fluid.
Both require a governing body to govern them. In the case of traditional sports, the NCAA is the national governing body. Developing a governing body will help ensure that the sport complies with Title IX regulations, including gender equality. Currently, the NCAA has not created a specific governing body for eSports. However, it has set up a Gender Equity Task Force that oversees the compliance of sports with the NCAA’s Title IX rules. This task force helps create emerging sports for women that meet NCAA rules and provide additional opportunities to female student-athletes.
