E-sports, or electronic sports, have emerged in recent decades as a legitimate form of competition and entertainment. The term refers to professional video game competitions in which individual players or teams face off against each other in a variety of video games. The growth of E-sports has been phenomenal, transforming what was once seen as mere fun into a multi-million dollar industry that attracts fans from all over the world. In this text, we will explore the rise of eSports and its evolution as a legitimate form of sport.

E-sports has its roots in arcades and PC gaming competitions in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the real turning point came with the proliferation of the Internet and the spread of high-speed access, which made online gaming possible. and live broadcasts. Titles like “StarCraft” and “Counter-Strike” were pioneers in this transition, establishing the basis for competitiveness in electronic games.

Popularity

The growing popularity of E-sports is evidenced by the audience that these competitions attract. Events like the “League of Legends World Championship” and “The International” in “Dota 2” sell out entire stadiums and reach millions of viewers online. Additionally, prize money for professional players has increased considerably, rivaling that offered in traditional sports.

E-sports has also benefited from the support of large companies and investors. Sponsors such as Intel, Coca-Cola and Nike began to support teams and events, providing financial resources and increasing the sector's visibility. This helped professionalize the industry and create stronger structures for players, including contracts, salaries and training infrastructure.

The inclusion of E-sports in the 2018 Asian Games and the discussion about its possible addition to the Olympic Games demonstrate the growing legitimacy of this field. E-sports are now recognized by sports and government organizations around the world. This has led to stricter regulations, drug testing and efforts to combat cheating and match-fixing, reinforcing the integrity of competitions.

Professional players in this sport dedicate similar time and effort to athletes in traditional sports. They train for hours, hone their skills, collaborate on teams and maintain rigorous physical and mental fitness regimes. Additionally, many of them have a large fan base and are considered celebrities, participating in autograph signings, live broadcasts, and public events.

The evolution of E-sports as a legitimate form of sport is also evidenced by the development of leagues and organized structures. Blizzard's “Overwatch League” and Riot Games' “League of Legends Championship Series” are examples of competitions with regular seasons, playoffs and finals, similar to traditional sports. This gives fans a consistent, predictable schedule, increasing engagement and emotional investment.

How did E-sports become a legitimate form of sport?

The evolution of E-sports from a mere form of entertainment to a legitimate form of sport is a process that spans several decades. Below, we will explore the main factors that contributed to this transformation. Technology and Connectivity: The rise of E-sports is inextricably linked to the development of technology and the spread of high-speed connectivity.

At first, video game competitions were limited to small gatherings at arcades or LAN parties. However, with the spread of the Internet and the advent of affordable broadband connections, players were able to compete online regardless of their geographic location. This opened the door to global competitions and live broadcasts, allowing Esports to reach an international audience.

Growth of the Gaming Industry: As the gaming industry grew, so did E-sports. Game developers realized the competitive potential of their products and began designing games with competition-specific features, such as balanced multiplayer modes and live streaming support. Titles like “League of Legends,” “Dota 2,” “Overwatch,” and “Counter-Strike” are examples of games that were designed with a focus on competition, attracting an ever-increasing player base and viewer base.

Support from Large Companies and Sponsors: The support of large companies and sponsors has played a fundamental role in the professionalization of E-sports. Companies like Intel, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Nike and many others have invested heavily in teams, events and infrastructure. This not only injected capital into the industry, but also raised the visibility of E-sports, making it more accessible to the general public.

Organization and Structure: The creation of professionally organized leagues and competitions contributed to the legitimacy of E-sports. Leagues such as the “Overwatch League,” the “League of Legends Championship Series,” the “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Pro League,” among others, have established regular seasons, playoffs and finals, similar to traditional sports. This provided fans with consistent programming and storytelling that increased engagement.

Institutional Recognition: The inclusion of E-sports in the 2018 Asian Games and the discussion about its possible addition to the Olympic Games reflect the growing recognition of electronic gaming competitions by sports and government organizations around the world. This has led to the creation of stricter regulations to ensure the integrity of competitions, such as anti-doping tests and anti-cheating measures.

Training and Professionalization: Professional E-sports players now dedicate similar time and effort to traditional sports athletes. They spend hours honing their skills, collaborating on teams, maintaining physical and mental fitness regimens, and following a rigorous competition schedule. Many of these players have professional contracts, salaries and benefits similar to those of traditional athletes.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Toxic Culture and Harassment: Toxic culture and online harassment are persistent problems in Esports. This affects not only players but also spectators. The industry is taking steps to combat this behavior, implementing codes of conduct, reporting systems and penalties for players and teams who do not respect the rules.

Diversity and Inclusion: The lack of gender diversity and minority representation is a legitimate concern. Although there are talented female players and mixed teams, the majority of professional players are men. The industry is starting to take steps to promote diversity and inclusion, supporting initiatives that aim to attract a more diverse base of players and fans.

Regulation and Integrity: As eSports grows, it becomes increasingly important to ensure the integrity of competitions. This includes preventing cheating, use of prohibited substances and match fixing. eSports organizations are collaborating with regulatory agencies and taking strict measures to ensure fairness and transparency in competitions.

Career Development: The professionalization of E-sports also brings challenges for players, such as developing post-competitive careers. Many eSports athletes face the challenge of finding jobs or opportunities outside of competition. However, the industry is starting to address this issue, with mentoring and support programs for retired players.