Why Esports Deserve To Be Called a Sport

Introduction

In recent years, the question of whether or not esports should be considered a sport has been hotly debated. While some people may think of esports as simply a form of entertainment, there are many reasons why esports should be considered a sport. From the intense competition to the complex strategies and skills involved, esports is a legitimate form of competition that is deserving of the title ‘sport’. In this blog post, we will be exploring why esports should be considered a sport.

What Makes a Sport?

The debate over whether esports should be considered a sport has raged on for some time now. After all, the definition of a ‘sport’ has changed over time and what was once accepted as a sport may no longer fit into the current understanding of the term. So why should esports be considered a sport?

To answer this question, we must first consider what makes something a sport. Generally, most people agree that a sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill. Competing in a sport requires physical training and the development of techniques to better one's performance. A sport is often competitive in nature and involves rules or guidelines that participants must follow.

Esports check off most of these requirements. While there is no physical exertion involved, gamers must hone their skills to stay competitive. Professional gamers often train for hours and must constantly adapt their strategies to remain successful. Additionally, esports tournaments feature rules and regulations which all competitors must follow.

It is also important to consider how esports differs from traditional sports. For example, esports allows players of any age, gender, size, or physical ability to compete. Traditional sports typically exclude those who do not meet certain physical criteria. Esports can also provide more opportunities to people from a variety of backgrounds and economic statuses.

Given all these points, it is clear why esports should be considered a sport. Esports requires just as much skill and effort as traditional sports and offer equal opportunities for all participants regardless of age, gender, size, or physical ability. The growth of esports in recent years has shown that this activity should not be overlooked and should be given its rightful place alongside other traditional sports.

The Benefits of Esports

Esports has long been considered an alternative to traditional sports, but now they are becoming more mainstream. There are numerous reasons why esports should be considered a sport, and the benefits they offer should not be overlooked.

First, esports offers a unique form of competition that traditional sports can't provide. Players compete against each other in virtual worlds instead of on physical fields, allowing them to experience an environment that is uniquely their own. In addition, since esports can be played anywhere, anytime, it allows for more flexibility than traditional sports do. This means that players can still practice and compete even when other commitments prevent them from attending a game or practice.

Second, esports provides a competitive outlet for players of all skill levels. Unlike traditional sports, there are no predetermined teams or predetermined positions. This allows players to find the right level of competition and makes it easier for anyone to get involved and enjoy the thrill of competition without feeling like they are at a disadvantage.

Finally, esports provides an opportunity for players to make money. Professional gamers can compete in tournaments and win cash prizes that can be used to pay for tuition, living expenses, or travel expenses associated with competing in tournaments. This provides an invaluable opportunity to young people who may not otherwise have the means to pursue their dreams.

In summary, esports offers a unique form of competition that is accessible to everyone, provides an opportunity for players of all skill levels to compete, and offers a chance to make money. These are all reasons why esports should be considered a sport, and the benefits they offer should not be overlooked.

The Growth of Esports

The growth of esports is one of the main reasons why it should be considered a sport. In recent years, the esports industry has exploded in size and revenue. According to Newzoo’s 2019 Global Esports Market Report, the total global esports market revenue was expected to reach $1.1 billion in 2019 and grow to over $1.8 billion by 2022. This suggests that the competitive gaming scene is becoming more and more popular among gamers and spectators.

In addition, the prize pools for major tournaments are continuing to rise. For example, the prize pool for Dota 2's International tournament in 2019 was $34 million, compared to $24.8 million in 2018. This demonstrates that more and more money is being invested into esports, further cementing its place as an industry.

Finally, the number of viewers watching these tournaments continues to grow year after year. In 2018, The International had more than 1.2 million peak concurrent viewers across all platforms, up from 2017's peak concurrent viewership of 1.08 million. This shows that the popularity of esports is growing and the audience is increasingly engaging with this form of entertainment.

All these factors together make a strong argument for why esports should be considered a sport. It has a long history, with established rules, regulations, and players, and is continuing to grow in popularity. The increasing prize pools and viewership demonstrate that esports is here to stay, and that it should be taken seriously as a sport.

Conclusion

Esports has come a long way from their humble beginnings, and today they stand as a legitimate form of competition and entertainment. With the surge in viewership and prize money, esports is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. By looking at the history, popularity, and scope of esports, it's clear why esports should be considered a sport. From the skill needed to compete to the amount of investment involved, esports offers an exciting and engaging way for people to interact, compete, and enjoy themselves.