Esports Tournament News
Esports, or competitive gaming, are leagues or tournaments where individuals or teams play video games, often in front of a live audience, for entertainment and prizes. This form of gaming has grown from its humble beginnings in the early 1970s with the release of the Magnavox Odyssey and Atari 2600.
Since then, video game competitions have grown into multi-million dollar industries with a global following and sponsorships from companies like Microsoft and Red Bull. These events are a gamer’s version of an athletic championship and can be watched by millions on streaming platforms such as YouTube and Twitch, in packed arenas, or on traditional broadcast and cable television networks.
Some of the most popular esports include Dota 2, Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Overwatch. The largest events feature huge prize pools and are held in sold-out stadiums such as Madison Square Garden (pictured). These competitions may be contested on consoles, or on PCs with specialized graphics cards.
In addition to the large tournaments, there are also a series of smaller competitions that are part of a larger league structure. These competitions allow lower-tier teams to compete against each other and earn a spot in the top division of the league. This system is similar to the promotion and relegation used in professional sports leagues.
As a result, the esports industry has quickly become a modern day gold rush. Major media networks such as ESPN and TBS host esports competitions, the owners of NHL and NBA franchises have added ownership stakes in esports teams, and over 600 colleges have incorporated varsity esports programs. However, esports are not immune to the same scandals that have plagued traditional athletic competitions – cheating, drug use, and discriminatory language have all been reported in esports competitions.