From a humble origin in the backrooms of gaming stores to world-class arenas and multi-million dollar prize pools, esports tournaments have emerged as a remarkable force in our world. Backed by global brands and supported by passionate fans, esports aren’t just an online pastime – they are a genuine industry, powered by merchandising, advertising, sponsorships and media rights.
Whether it’s an in-person competition for competitive video gamers or an international league of professional teams, esports tournaments have grown into massive events that draw huge crowds in person and on the internet spanning every time zone. But what does the future hold for esports? How far will they continue to grow as an entertainment and sports powerhouse?
Esports (or electronic sports) have a long history that spans over 40 years. It all began in 1972, when Stanford University hosted a groundbreaking game-based contest called Spacewar. The winner’s prize may seem modest today – a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine – but this was the first official event that established the foundation for what esports are now.
In the decades that followed, gaming competitions grew as an industry, thanks to the rise of popular titles like StarCraft and Counter-Strike. Today, esports boast professional leagues, millions of fans and massive prize pools that rival some of the world’s biggest traditional sports. And with improved internet connectivity allowing players to compete across continents without worrying about lag or connection drops, esports are poised for even bigger growth in the future.