Esports, a sport played in an organized competition, is a popular phenomenon in the United States, Europe, and Asia. It is a lucrative business for players and game developers. In recent years, the industry has evolved, gaining popularity in the digital age. The esports market is expected to grow to $1 billion by 2021.
Video games, which range from popular MOBAs to survival battle royales, are played in teams and individually. Some teams include physical trainers and psychologists. A variety of events are held, including esports tournaments and conferences. Those events are watched by millions of spectators. They can also be broadcast on specialized streaming platforms. Most esports are free to watch, but they can cost more to purchase a subscription.
Typically, the top teams compete in single elimination matches. A match can last anywhere from a few minutes to two hours. Each team features a sponsor on their jerseys. These sponsors may provide financial support, health insurance, and retirement plans. Teams can also sign contracts with players and offer them perks, such as personal trainers and health care.
Professional teams have coaches and analysts. They usually have a minimum salary to pay the players. Players can be traded among teams and may be released as free agents. Those who earn the most may be given contracts or salaries. For a single competition, a player can make up to $15,000.
Unlike traditional sports, esports can be played without traveling. Games can be played over a local area network (LAN). Matches can be paused when they’re affected by high lag. This lag can occur due to a crowded network or distance from a server. High lag can render a game unplayable.
eSports have become a major source of revenue for brands, as they are willing to pay to sponsor a team. Sponsorship money goes directly to team ownership and helps fund competitions. Brands are able to reach a diverse audience and advertise on sponsors’ jerseys.
Many traditional sports teams are now getting involved in esports. Some are hosting esports tournaments and introducing their own esports teams. Major esports tournaments include the North American Major League Gaming league, World Cyber Games, and the League of Legends World Championships.
Besides being a way for athletes to earn money, esports is a way to promote positive social-emotional behavior. In fact, some schools are now using esports as an extracurricular activity. Students participating in this type of competitive event have shown a significant improvement in their academic performance.
Although esports has evolved greatly in the past few years, the legitimacy of esports as a true sporting competition remains a debate. However, esports are a growing industry, and are becoming a tenable career goal for many young people. As a result, grassroots mobilization is increasing around the industry.
Many esports events are televised and can be seen by millions of fans. Major esports tournaments are also broadcast on specialized channels and platforms. Several major esports teams have been established, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends.
