Esports, or electronic sports, are competitions where players vie for prizes using video games. These tournaments are held in world-class arenas, watched by millions of fans, and backed by global brands. They’re revolutionizing the way we watch, follow and engage with video games.
ESports are sometimes referred to as “egaming” or “pro gaming.” The International Olympic Committee is considering them for inclusion in the 2027 Olympic Games. These tournaments typically feature team play, and can be viewed live on the internet, on cable or broadcast television, in virtual venues, or in person.
The most popular esports are multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), first-person shooter, fighting, card and real-time strategy games. League of Legends, Dota 2, ARMS, Overwatch and the Valorant series are among the most prominent.
The biggest esports events draw millions of spectators and are often broadcast live around the world. Some have prize pools that rival traditional sports. For example, The International 2024 saw the winning team walk away with $2.6 million. The CSGO scene is dominated by the Danish team Astralis, who have won multiple major championships with their disciplined gameplay.