The world of eSports has been a game-changer in the world of sports. With the rising number of people subscribed to the gaming community, it is no surprise that more and more people are becoming interested in this phenomenon as well as esports betting.
However, this popularity sometimes makes some people extend their thoughts beyond just games into other areas.
The reality of eSports is much different than what they hear in popular media. Below are some realities of eSports:
All games can be an esports game
There are many games, from fighting to first-person shooters and sports titles. Almost any game can be made into an esports game. While some titles may have more fans than others, there are plenty of matches played by millions worldwide and have dedicated communities.
Esports is growing rapidly
The esports industry is growing exponentially and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. As more people watch games on streaming platforms such as Twitch, more people want to watch them live in person at events across the globe.
This means that more cities will need venues to accommodate large crowds of fans who wish to attend these events.
There is an esports Hall of Fame
The first and only eSports Hall of Fame was created by the eSports Industry Association (ESIA) in September of 2018. The hall of fame honors those who have contributed to esports’ growth, development, and success.
The ESIA is a non-profit trade association representing the interests of publishers, broadcasters, and media companies with a stake in the future of esports.
The ESIA also works with government officials to ensure that esports has legal standing as a sport in all 50 states across the United States.
The inaugural class of inductees includes industry leaders such as Dustin Browder (Blizzard Entertainment), Alex Garfield (Valve), Mark Bolas (PepsiCo), and Jeremy Litchfield (Moxie Interactive).
You can earn serious cash as a pro gamer.
The average salary for an eSports player is $100,000 per year. If you’re a pro gamer, you can earn serious cash due to the games and tournaments you play.
The top players in any game can earn more than $1 million per year. In League of Legends, for example, professional players are paid between $3,000 and $5,000 per month.
In addition to the money you make from tournament participation, other benefits come with being an eSports athlete. For example, many significant companies sponsor teams and pay these athletes salaries.
Companies like Microsoft and Coca-Cola have already signed deals with esports organizations such as ESL and DreamHack to support their teams!
Esports has become a major field of academic study
Esports is a significant field of academic research, with universities across the world offering degrees in video game science, business, and marketing.
The University of California Los Angeles has a dedicated Esports program offering bachelor’s degrees in competitive gaming and professional studies.
The University of Washington has launched its esports program to help students prepare for careers within the industry.
The UW School of Video Games and Interactive Media will offer a bachelor’s degree in game design and an associate degree for students who want to explore the business side.
Some universities have also created scholarships specifically for students who want to pursue a career in esports. The National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACE) offers $1 million in scholarships annually to help students meet their educational goals at participating colleges and universities.
Young people can compete
At barely six years old, the Guinness Book of World Records lists the youngest ever esports professional.
A teenager now holds the record for the most significant single-player tournament payment, which may shock many players. Last year, Kyle Giersdorf, a 17-year-old Fortnite World Cup champion, took home $3 million in prize money for his efforts.
Even youngsters as young as six can participate in esports competitions for entertainment, skill-building, and, in some cases, money.
Common Sense Media has created an excellent handbook for parents who want to get into esports. What a terrific virtual activity, and who knows where it will take your kids’ journeys!