The world of competitive gaming, also known as esports, is picking up traction and rapidly growing internationally. The fanbase has expanded to be in the millions, with an even higher potential profit.
We’re really excited about the future of esports and want to share what we know about it, so you can get excited too!
What is Esports?
Esports is competitive organized video gaming. Top-level gamers come together to play in leagues and tournaments for high-stake prizes. Some common games used in esports tournaments or leagues are Valorant, Fortnite, League of Legends, Counters-Strike, Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Madden NFL — and that list is constantly growing.
Esports tournaments rack up millions of viewers. Local fans can come watch esports live and in person at the arena, while more fans from around the world can tune in via live stream.
Who watches and plays Esports?
The esports viewership is more vast and diverse than people might think. According to a 2019 report by Newzoo, there were 380 million worldwide viewers last year, with 165 million people described as “frequent viewers.” Most of those frequent viewers are from North America, China, and South Korea, and vary significantly in age and profession.
For those who still aren’t convinced that the esports fanbase is significant, here’s a little statistic for you: the 2017 League of Legends World Championship had more than 80 million viewers. To put that in perspective, the 2019 World Series had just shy of 14 million.
Can people really make a career out of video games?
The answer is an enthusiastic yes! It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but successful esports gamers can go from casual gamers to well-known names who make up to seven figures.
Most esports figures start their careers by perfecting their craft amongst their friends. Then, they build a fanbase on Twitch, a streaming service that allows fans to watch their favorite gamers in action. With a large enough Twitch fanbase and enough personal successes, people can start to join esports leagues or tournaments with high stakes and prizes. If an individual is good enough, they’ll also get endorsed by major gaming brands. Between tournament prize money, endorsements, and sponsorships, esports icons can easily earn over a million dollars.
How do they do it?
You’re probably thinking “Wow, how do they pull off an esports tournament or live stream where they keep everyone connected?”
Esports relies completely on technology, both the technology that allows them to actually play the game as well as the audio and video equipment necessary to run a team tournament and steam it to an audience around the world.
IVCi is so excited to be a part of the esports world by helping provide hardware and services for academic-based esports teams.
