Esports, once a niche subculture, has exploded onto the global stage over the past decade. What began as a pastime for a select group of gamers has evolved into a billion-dollar industry with a massive following, professional players, and global recognition.
The development of esport has also become possible thanks to related industries, such as betting. It’s hard to deny that the latter seriously influenced the development of the eSports market thanks to constant partner integrations, team sponsorships and tournaments. In addition, the development of computer sports had a huge impact on the emergence of new disciplines, such as VALORANT. Riot’s shooter, by the way, quickly became an object of interest for gamblers, and valorant betting came into common use along with betting on CSGO, Dota 2, and so on.
In this article we will talk about the development of esport and its activities, go through the development of esport over the past decades and talk about the prospects of the industry in the future.
Rise of Iconic Esports Titles
One of the central drivers behind the meteoric rise of esports has been the emergence of iconic esports titles. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), and Overwatch have become synonymous with competitive gaming. These titles not only have massive player bases but also boast dedicated esports scenes with professional players, coaches, and even celebrities.
Take, for example, League of Legends, developed by Riot Games. Since its release in 2009, it has grown into one of the most-watched esports titles globally. The annual League of Legends World Championship consistently draws millions of viewers, rivaling traditional sports events like the Super Bowl. Prize pools for these tournaments have reached staggering figures, often surpassing tens of millions of dollars.
Dota 2, developed by Valve Corporation, has also played a pivotal role in shaping the esports landscape. The International, Dota 2’s premier tournament, consistently breaks records for its prize pool, thanks in large part to crowdfunding from the community. In 2021, it boasted a prize pool of over $40 million.
These iconic titles have not only attracted a massive following but have also generated lucrative sponsorship deals and media rights agreements, further solidifying their place in the esports pantheon.
Professionalization of Esports
The last decade has witnessed the transformation of esports from a casual hobby into a fully-fledged profession. Esports organizations have sprouted up around the world, signing players, coaches, and support staff. These organizations offer contracts, salaries, and benefits similar to traditional sports teams.
For instance, in 2019, Fortnite phenom Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf, at just 16 years old, won $3 million at the Fortnite World Cup. This not only catapulted him to stardom but highlighted the financial opportunities available to esports athletes.
Moreover, professional esports leagues have emerged, modeled after traditional sports leagues. The Overwatch League, the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), and the Call of Duty League are prime examples. Players in these leagues receive salaries, healthcare, and even retirement plans, mirroring the benefits enjoyed by athletes in other sports.
Additionally, colleges and universities now offer esports scholarships, providing student-athletes the chance to combine education with their passion for competitive gaming. This professionalization has elevated the status of esports players, legitimizing their careers and making them role models for aspiring gamers worldwide.
The Streaming Revolution
Another catalyst for the explosive growth of esports has been the streaming revolution. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming have provided a direct line of communication between esports stars and their fans. Professional players, commentators, and content creators can broadcast their gameplay, interact with viewers, and even monetize their channels through advertisements, donations, and subscriptions.
Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, for instance, became a household name by streaming Fortnite on Twitch. His charismatic personality and exceptional gaming skills attracted millions of viewers, and he later signed an exclusive deal with Microsoft’s Mixer for a reported $20-30 million. Although Mixer eventually shut down, Ninja’s story showcased the earning potential for top-tier streamers.
Additionally, esports organizations now have their own dedicated streaming channels, offering behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and in-depth analysis of their teams’ performance. These channels not only engage existing fans but also serve as a powerful tool for recruiting new ones.
Internationalization of Esports
Esports is no longer confined to specific regions or countries. It has transcended borders and is truly international in scope. The rise of global competitions and the proliferation of esports events worldwide have helped foster this internationalization.
The Overwatch League, for example, features teams from North America, Europe, Asia, and more. The League of Legends World Championship includes teams from various regions, with passionate fan bases spanning the globe. Esports has become a universal language, with fans from different cultures and backgrounds coming together to celebrate their shared love for the game.
Furthermore, international esports events like the Olympics and the Asian Games have recognized esports as a legitimate sporting discipline. Although not yet included as official events, their consideration signifies the growing acceptance of esports on the global stage.
Conclusion
In the past decade, esports has evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon, with iconic titles, professionalization, streaming, and internationalization driving its explosive growth. As we look ahead, the future of esports seems even brighter.
With ongoing technological advancements, increased investment, and a growing fan base, the next decade promises to be even more exciting for the world of competitive gaming. Esports is no longer just a trend; it’s a cultural force to be reckoned with, and its evolution shows no signs of slowing down.
