Remember trying to erase your name from the top of the leaderboard on a Pac Man machine at the arcade or battling with a sibling over Street Fighter? The competitive nature that sparked those rivalries is at the heart of esports, which take gaming to the next level by hosting events in a wide range of settings. From a small gaming meetup to a massive international championship, these tournaments are reshaping the gaming world in myriad ways, from business opportunities to cultural shifts.
Esports are the gamer’s equivalent of athletic championships, with teams gathered in an audience-filled arena to compete head-to-head in their video games of choice. The winners walk away with hefty cash prizes that can be used to further their careers, as well as the prestige of winning an elite championship. Esports tournaments also feature commentators who analyze and discuss the game in real time, just like announcers at traditional sports events.
The esports industry is booming and the number of tournaments continues to grow, with some having prize pools in the millions. Whether it’s for League of Legends or Valorant, these events offer a stepping-stone to professional leagues and have become the stage for some of the most dramatic moments in gaming history. Some of these events are even attracting mainstream brands, with Red Bull and Logitech among those sponsoring championships. But despite the popularity of these events, some are worried that they could be used as a vehicle for online bullying.