Electronic sports (esports) are competitive games played on PCs, mobile phones, or consoles. In most cases, participants compete for prizes from game developers or sponsors. Some matches are single-player head-to-head, while others are team-based. A few tournaments are global, but most involve local teams competing against other teams from around the country.
Esports have gained a lot of momentum in recent years. They are growing rapidly, especially in the United States. Companies are investing huge sums in esports venues, and teams are earning considerable income from them. It’s predicted that by 2021, the industry will be worth $1 billion. This is expected to continue to grow as more people become interested in esports.
Players are known as “gamers”. They may have been involved in esports before it became popular, or they may have a background in other sports. But if they are serious about a career in esports, they will have to put in a lot of effort to earn recognition and get noticed.
As with other sports, esports leagues have rules. Teams and players have to abide by these rules, and they must learn the nuances of each game. There are also coaches and analysts on professional teams. These people are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the game and the overall experience of esports.
Players compete for prize money or other incentives, and they often have to earn them through practice and competition. Some esports tournaments feature live streamed events that are available on websites such as YouTube and Twitch. Other tournaments take place on physical venues, such as conference halls and arcades.
Most esports leagues are team-based. Teams will play a number of matches throughout a season, and the team that does the best can be promoted to higher-level leagues. Team members will also receive bonuses for good performance.
Several teams will have sponsors on their jerseys, websites, and social media. Esports media rights will likely be sold to different online streaming services and network streaming services. While esports has grown in popularity in the United States, it is gaining a lot of traction in Europe and Asia.
In addition to the money, esports provides a fulfilling and addictive hobby for many players. They can also help build strong friendships and develop communication and teamwork skills. Even amateurs can benefit from esports.
Many esports games are designed to support a professional environment from the start. Games such as League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive are examples. The League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational had 60 million unique viewers, while Intel Extreme Masters World Championship 2017 had 46 million.
Some esports teams will have a salary and a contract. For example, a team may have a coach, psychologist, and physical trainers. Professional gamers may even have a mentor or team-mate who can guide them. However, most esports players are not professional athletes.
While esports is still considered a fringe form of entertainment, it is becoming a more prominent part of culture and society. Cities are competing to host esports events.
