Esports

Esports, or electronic sports, is a competitive activity in which players compete against each other in video games, often on a professional level.

Origin

United States

Type

Single/ Multiplayer, Team-based

Venue

Gaming Arenas

Supreme Authority

Electronic Sports League

Summary

Esports, or electronic sports, is a competitive activity in which players compete against each other in video games, often on a professional level. Esports includes a wide variety of video games, with players competing individually or as part of a team. The games can be anything from action-packed shooters to complex strategy games, and these competitions are held both online and at live events.

Over the years, esports has gained a massive following, with millions of fans watching the games live via streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. Esports has become an important part of the global video game industry, with major tournaments offering large cash prizes, sponsorships, and professional opportunities for players.

The popularity of esports continues to grow as more people become involved, whether as players, spectators, or enthusiasts. The games involved vary from one-on-one combat games to large team-based strategy games. Esports competitions, which include tournaments like the League of Legends World Championship and The International for Dota 2, can offer prize pools reaching millions of dollars, drawing large audiences both in person and online.

The rise of esports has raised discussions about its legitimacy as a sport, with some questioning whether video games, which are primarily a mental challenge, can be classified alongside traditional physical sports. Nevertheless, esports has become a significant cultural and economic force, with professional leagues, international tournaments, and even recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a potential future Olympic event.

Key Types of Esports

Esports includes a broad range of video game genres, each offering unique competitive experiences. These genres have different rules, strategies, and objectives that shape how they are played and watched.

MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena): In this type of game, players control individual characters, each with specific abilities, and work together in teams to destroy the opposing team's base. League of Legends and Dota 2 are the most popular examples in this genre. Players need to work in unison to plan attacks, defend their base, and take control of various parts of the map. MOBA games are known for their high strategic depth, requiring excellent teamwork, quick decision-making, and precise execution.
FPS (First-Person Shooter): This genre involves games where players control a character from a first-person perspective, aiming to eliminate opponents using a variety of weapons. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), Call of Duty, and Valorant are some well-known FPS games in esports. FPS games focus on reflexes, aiming precision, and tactical team coordination. In games like CS: GO, players also need to work together to plant or defuse bombs, adding extra layers of strategy and teamwork.
RTS (Real-Time Strategy): In RTS games like StarCraft II, players control armies and structures, gathering resources, building defences, and attacking their opponent's base. The key to success in RTS games is multitasking—managing resources, controlling units in combat, and maintaining efficient strategies under pressure. These games test players’ ability to plan and execute complex strategies in real-time.
Fighting Games: Games like Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., and Tekken focus on direct combat between players. Players must learn the unique moves and strategies of various characters and use timing, positioning, and mind games to outplay their opponent. Competitive fighting games are known for their high skill ceilings, with small differences in input timing or character choice often making the difference between winning and losing.
Battle Royale: In this type of game, players are dropped onto a large map and must fight to be the last one standing. Popular games like Fortnite and PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) are prime examples. Players have to gather resources, build defences, and fight other players in an ever-shrinking area. The last player or team remaining wins the match. Battle Royale games are known for their fast pace and high-stakes nature.

Competitions

Individual Competitions: In individual esports competitions, players compete one-on-one in games such as Street Fighter, FIFA, or Counter-Strike. The goal is for players to outsmart and outplay each other using their knowledge of the game, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking. Matches typically have a time limit or a specific number of rounds, and the player with the most points or who achieves the objective first wins.
Team Competitions: Team esports competitions involve groups of players, often between 3 to 6 players per team, depending on the game. Examples include games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch, where teamwork, communication, and coordination are crucial for success. Teams must work together to achieve objectives, whether that’s taking control of in-game objectives, defeating the enemy team, or protecting certain areas. The team that performs the best, whether by eliminating the opposition or completing the objectives first, wins.
Battle Royale Competitions: In these fast-paced competitions, players or teams are dropped into a large map and fight to be the last one standing. Fortnite and PUBG are prime examples of Battle Royale games in esports. Players must scavenge for resources, engage with other players, and survive as the play area continuously shrinks. The last remaining player or team wins the competition. These events often attract large audiences due to the unpredictability and excitement of the gameplay.
Fighting Game Competitions: Fighting games like Super Smash Bros., Street Fighter, and Tekken have their own set of competitions where players compete head-to-head in one-on-one matches. The player who depletes their opponent's health bar first, through a combination of attacks, blocks, and counterattacks, is declared the winner. The Evolution Championship Series (EVO) is one of the most prestigious tournaments in fighting game esports, drawing competitors and viewers from around the world.
Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Competitions: In these competitions, players control armies or resources to outsmart and defeat their opponents. Games like StarCraft II and Warcraft III are known for their strategic depth, where players manage resources, build structures, and command units in real-time. The first player to defeat their opponent’s base or complete the objective wins. These competitions are often high-stakes, requiring precise control and quick decision-making.
Esports League Competitions: Many esports titles have established professional leagues, much like traditional sports. Examples include the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League, where teams compete in a regular season format. These leagues typically have franchise-based models, where teams play a set number of matches each season in hopes of advancing to the playoffs. At the end of the season, the best teams face off for the championship, often with a large prize pool.
Online Competitions: With the rise of the internet and streaming platforms like Twitch, many esports competitions are held online, where players or teams from around the world can compete remotely. Online tournaments are commonly held for games like League of Legends, Hearthstone, and Valorant. These competitions can have both amateur and professional tiers, giving aspiring players a chance to show off their skills in a global arena. Online competitions are often more accessible to a wider audience since participants do not have to be physically present.
LAN (Local Area Network) Competitions: Some esports tournaments are held in person at LAN events, where players compete on-site with high-speed, local internet connections to reduce lag and ensure fair play. Major tournaments like The International for Dota 2 and DreamHack often hold LAN events that gather thousands of fans to witness top-tier competition. These events provide an opportunity for players to connect in person, build relationships, and engage with fans.
Speedrun Competitions: In these unique esports events, players race to complete a game as quickly as possible. Speedrunning requires knowledge of the game’s mechanics and precise execution. Some events focus on particular game titles, while others include a variety of games in one competition. Speedrun events, such as Games Done Quick, are often charity-driven and involve players completing games while raising money for various causes.
College and University Esports Competitions: With the rise of esports, universities around the world have started offering competitive gaming as part of their sports programs. College and university teams compete in various esports leagues, with scholarship opportunities for players. These competitions help foster the next generation of esports talent. Tournaments are held for games like League of Legends, Hearthstone, and Rocket League, and are often part of larger collegiate sports events.
Virtual Reality (VR) Esports Competitions: A newer addition to the esports landscape, VR esports is growing in popularity with the advancement of virtual reality gaming. Competitions in VR games such as Echo Arena and Beat Saber offer immersive and interactive experiences. These events often require players to physically move around, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for both players and spectators.