Competitive video gaming, or eSports, is a global phenomenon that draws millions of fans. Players earn tens of millions of dollars in prize money and brand endorsements.
While you might not recognize names like Faker or Luka Perkovic, these athletes are the face of eSports. Their eSports tournaments fill stadiums worldwide.
Legends of eSports
eSports, or electronic sports, is organized competitive video gaming. It is typically played by teams, and the winners receive a cash prize. In a few cases, individuals can win prizes for playing the game as well. It is an industry that has grown significantly in the past decade, and it is now considered a legitimate sport with a dedicated fan base.
The early eSports games involved one person against another. This was especially true of the arcade game Pong, which allowed two people to play against each other using paddles connected to a television set. The popularity of eSports increased with the advent of consoles that allowed players to compete against each other in games such as Super Mario, Pac-Man, and Tetris. Many of these games were also featured in television shows such as the British game show GamesMaster and Australian game show A*mazing.
In the late 1990s, online gaming became more popular, and tournaments began to attract bigger audiences. This is when the first eSports leagues were founded, such as the Cyberathlete Professional League and the QuakeCon. The leagues often offered large prizes, and corporate sponsorship was common. These developments helped to bring eSports to the attention of a wider audience, and it has continued to grow in popularity ever since.
The most famous eSports athletes have become celebrities in their own right, with their names appearing on T-shirts and other merchandise. Some have even been featured in movies and TV shows. These stars are known to have enormous fan bases, and their salaries can rival those of traditional athletes.
There are also plenty of opportunities for young gamers to pursue careers in the field, and many high schools have begun to offer eSports programs. These programs can help students develop skills and gain experience that will help them in their future careers, whether they are in the technology or sports industries.
While the most famous eSports athletes are those who have made a name for themselves in League of Legends, some have achieved similar success in other games. These players are known as legends of eSports, and they have earned millions of dollars for their achievements.
Rising Stars of eSports
For anyone who loves gaming, the world of eSports is an exciting place to be. With huge competitions and prize pools, players from all over the world are competing to be the best of the best. There are several different video games that are used in eSports, but the most popular include multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), first-person shooter (FPS), fighting, card and real-time strategy (RTS) games.
The world of eSports is growing rapidly, with more and more people becoming involved. As a result, there are now many more opportunities to make a career out of gaming. This means that the best gamers are able to earn a living from their skills, and some have even reached celebrity status. This is largely thanks to the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch, which has given gamers the opportunity to build an audience and become famous for their gaming talents.
One of the most notable stars to emerge from the world of eSports is Johan “n0tail” Sundstein, a Norwegian professional player for OG and the winner of multiple Dota 2 International tournaments. He started his professional gaming career in a different game, Heroes of Newerth, but eventually made the switch to Dota 2. Since then, he has won over $7 million in prize money.
Another well-known eSports figure is Kyle ‘Scump’ Giersdorf, who is the captain of the American esports team OpTic Gaming. He is a two-time Major League Gaming (MLG) X Games gold medalist and has numerous lucrative sponsorship deals with hardware and peripheral brands. He also has more than a million YouTube subscribers and Twitter followers, making him a massively successful pro gamer.
There are a number of eSports tournaments that showcase the most promising rising stars. For example, “CS:GO – Rivalry Rising Stars” is an electrifying tournament that features young CS:GO players. Its thrilling competitions and nail-biting moments will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Streaming Services
The eSports industry is a booming, global phenomenon. Although some may dismiss it as an activity taking place in basements of unemployed twentysomethings, the truth is far different. More than 380 million people worldwide watch eSports events online and in person. And this massive audience makes it a desirable target for marketers. Moreover, coaches have become a big part of eSports such as in games like League of Legends.
In fact, the eSports industry has already made major inroads into traditional media. Streaming services like Twitch have signed deals with eSports teams and influencers to produce content inspired by gaming IP. This trend is likely to continue as streaming services seek out new revenue streams for their rapidly growing audiences.
This has led to a unique and mutually beneficial relationship between game developers, eSports teams, and livestreamers. Streamers and influencers are providing viewers with an authentic, engaging experience that appeals to young adults. In turn, game companies are creating eSports tournaments and content that appeal to the same audience. This convergence of streaming and gaming is changing the way that we consume entertainment and sports.
While most people recognize Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, or Tom Brady as global superstars, gamers like Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, Luka “Perkz” Perkovic, and Kim “Doinb” Tae-sang are becoming global celebrities of their own. These eSports athletes are the faces of their competitions, and they command huge salaries from their sponsors.
The popularity of eSports has also fueled the growth of other related industries. These include betting and item marketplaces, eSports analytics, and coaching and skill-improving tools for aspirant pro gamers. And with its fragmented landscape and digital platform, the eSports industry is perfectly suited for a wide range of monetization opportunities.
For example, in the United States, a franchise model is being established for the popular video game League of Legends. This will allow for ten teams to compete in a regional league, and the top four teams will advance to the national championship. This is similar to the format used by traditional sports, which has also shifted toward franchising and revenue sharing.
Sponsorships
Gaming and eSports have become increasingly popular around the world, making them a lucrative market for both players and sponsors. Sponsorships can help boost a player’s income and provide them with a new platform to promote their brand. However, it is important for companies to carefully consider their sponsorship strategies before entering the eSports arena. This is because the eSports industry is susceptible to a number of risks that can affect its reputation and influence.
Despite the common perception that eSports is just a fad involving unemployed twentysomethings playing video games in their basements, it is actually a legitimate global industry that hosts competitions for a variety of different video games. In 2016, for example, more people watched the eSports finals of the popular League of Legends game than watched the NBA championships. The industry has attracted the attention of a number of big-name brands, including Microsoft, Intel, and Mercedes-Benz, which has sponsored a team of five South Korean eSports players.
In addition to the traditional corporate sponsors, many eSports teams have attracted interest from crowdfunding platforms and cryptocurrency investors. These sources of funding have become especially important as the industry has grown, with investment from these entities accounting for 15% of 2022’s sponsorships according to NewZoo. However, the recent rout in the crypto market and collapse of a crypto exchange has dried up this source of funding for some eSports teams.
Increasingly, sponsors are turning to eSports to boost their image and build relationships with young consumers. While it is still early in the game for this trend, some big-name sponsors have already made their mark, with State Farm sponsoring a League of Legends team and Mercedes-Benz sponsoring an ESL event.
In addition to boosting brand awareness, partnering with eSports athletes can also create unique content that can increase engagement and reach. In turn, this can lead to increased sales and a stronger customer base for the sponsoring company. This is because fans tend to trust the opinions and recommendations of their favorite eSports personalities, which can make them feel closer to the product or service being offered.
