Whether you’re an aspiring high-stakes tournament winner or just a fan cheering from the sidelines, esports has something for everyone. It’s an industry that continues to grow, and as internet connectivity speeds increase across the world, it won’t be long before esports breaks past the billion-people-gaming-and-spectating mark. Its unstoppable momentum has big-name brands vying for sponsorship deals with the best teams, and streaming platforms and social media networks fighting to broadcast events.
A burgeoning global industry, esports has come a long way since the first televised event in 2006. The first major championship took place in 2011 with the League of Legends World Championship, which sold out Madison Square Garden in Los Angeles within minutes of tickets going on sale. Today, major tournaments regularly draw in millions of viewers, and the competition for top spots is fierce.
Teams represent organizations, sponsors, or cities, and play in a variety of games in organized leagues and tournaments. Players and teams can compete for millions of dollars in prize money. The competition is regulated with standardized rules and rankings that help determine future matchups.
From the high-stakes matches of the LoL World Championship to the tense encounters of the CSGO Major series, esports players showcase incredible skill and determination. The prestigious competitions attract some of the world’s most passionate fans. Some of the biggest names in esports include Faker (League of Legends) and s1mple (Counter-Strike). Other iconic players like Daigo Umehara (Street Fighter) and Bugha (Fortnite) have skyrocketed their profile with their impressive performances.