In the sports world, a new player is making waves, and it’s not what you might expect—it’s esports. This blend of video gaming and competitive sports has quickly gone from a small hobby to a worldwide event that millions watch and play. As we explore the “Esports vs Sports” debate, we’ll look at how esports has become so popular, why it appeals to so many, and whether it could one day be more popular than traditional sports like football and basketball. Join us as we dive into the exciting showdown between gaming controllers and traditional sports gear answering the question “Will Esports take over sports?.
Contents
What Is Esports?
Esports stands for electronic sports, a form of competition using video games. It typically involves organized, multiplayer video game contests, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. Let’s explore its history.
The Emergence of Esports
Esports has been around for a while, with the Space Invaders competition of 1980 being one of the pioneer events. Many other competitions followed, with the Donkey King and Street Fighter tournaments gaining popularity in the late 80s and 90s.
Thanks to the advancements in video games and the internet, Esport’s popularity continued to soar into the 2000s. Exciting competitions with lucrative prize pools began to emerge, and they only got better. We witnessed the birth of legendary gaming teams like Major FaZe, Team Liquid, Evil Geniuses, and many others.
Understanding the Appeal
Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook have made watching esports convenient. More players can enjoy their favorite tournaments from the comfort of their home, skyrocketing viewership numbers.
Also, Esports is a broad sector, and almost all the top games have official competitions. Therefore, players and fans of these games can watch their favorite players compete for glory, a great source of entertainment.
After enjoying their favorite competitions, fans can join communities like Reddit or other social media platforms to discuss highlights. This engagement drives more fans and adds thrill to following esports.
Esports Vs Traditional Sports
Viewership Statistics
Many people watch esports, but the number of those who watch traditional esports dwarfs it. For instance, Statista projects that around 322.7 million people will occasionally view esports by 2025. This number is impressive, as it has more viewers than expected for all three major traditional sports leagues in the US (NFL, NBA, and MLB).
However, understand that the Esports stats encompass all the major esports games globally, while the traditional sports stats are only for the US. Esports fall short if you add the global stats of soccer, and there are still many other sports. Nonetheless, esports is progressing impressively, and viewership numbers will surely rise in the coming years.
Economic Impact
As of 2022, sponsorships are where esports get the most money, generating a whopping $837 million of its $1.64 Billion market value (51%). Other significant contributions include media rights, publisher fees, merchandise and tickets, digital, and streaming.
As for traditional sports in the US, national revenue is the largest revenue stream for the NFL (66% of 18.7B) and NBA (41% of 10.9B). However, things change for the NHL, MLB, and MLS, all of which ticket sales generate the most money. Nonetheless, sponsorships also contribute massively to the revenue of these leagues and local media.
Accessibility and Global Reach
One of esports’ biggest strengths is how easy it is for anyone to get involved. Unlike traditional sports
, which often require physical presence, specific equipment, or access to certain facilities, esports only requires a digital device and an internet connection. This means that people worldwide can play, watch, and enjoy esports without leaving their homes.
The global reach of esports is impressive. Tournaments and live streams can attract viewers from different countries, all tuning in simultaneously. This international audience is large and diverse, bringing together fans and players from various backgrounds. As a result, esports events can be broadcast globally, reaching millions of fans and making it a truly worldwide phenomenon.
This accessibility and reach are critical factors in the rapid growth and popularity of esports across the globe. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube let you watch top esports tournaments for free.
Driving Factors Behind the Growth of Esports
Technological Advancements
The rise in technology remains one of the most significant contributors to esports growth. Console and PC game quality are at an all-time best, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games seamlessly. Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud, Steam, and NVIDIA GeForce also let players stream games rather than go through the stress of setting up hardware.
The recent popularity of VR gaming also enables fans and players to get a more immersive gaming experience. Players can put on their headsets and enter a whole new world.
Changes in Consumer Behavior
Esports used to be a “kids thing.” Now, many adults understand that some games don’t require fast reflexes and high physical demands. As such, these adults’ interest in these games helps skyrocket the audience numbers and make esports more inclusive.
Now, the family can tune in to watch their favorite players compete in the LCS or Esports World Cup.
Challenges Facing Esports
Legitimacy and Recognition
Even as esports proliferates, it faces several hurdles. One big challenge is gaining full acceptance as a real sport. Many still see video gaming as just entertainment, not an actual sport like football or basketball. This perception makes it challenging for esports to get the same respect and support.
Health Concerns
Health is another concern. Playing games for too long can lead to health problems like eye strain, back pain, and stress. Since esports athletes spend hours training and competing, they’re at risk of these issues. The inherent health risks of esports have even spurred conversations on whether it is a good career.
Rapid Changes
The esports world is constantly changing. New games come out often, which can shift what’s popular very quickly. This constant change can make it challenging for players to have long careers and for fans to stay loyal to one game.
The Professionalization of Esports
Esports Leagues and Tournaments
Esports has its leagues and tournaments, just like traditional sports. These events are organized to look professional and give players a stage to compete on, similar to how football or basketball leagues operate. Major tournaments like the Overwatch League or the League of Legends World Championship attract players worldwide, showcasing their skills in front of live audiences and millions more online. These events are not only about winning; they also help build careers and create stars in the esports world.
Most showcases, like the Overwatch League, Arena of Valor Premier League, ESL Challenger, VCT, and Apex Legends Global Series, are year-round competitions. Champions are crowned at a culminating event held in renowned locations and attracts thousands of fans.
This competitive structure is similar to most other traditional sports, especially in the US. Football is a season-long event that culminates in the Super Bowl, while the NBA culminates in the NBA Finals. The competitive structure of both industries helps keep them more engaged all year round.
Career Opportunities
There are multiple esports career opportunities in 2024. You can be a professional player competing against others in your favorite game. However, your skill level must be exceptional to play professionally, and starting young is also essential.
You can also be a referee/admin for games, events host, team manager, booking agent, esports journalist, or streamer. Identify your area of interest and pursue it diligently, and you might become another big name in esports.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Sponsorships and Betting Markets
- Sponsorships
Esports rivals traditional sports in sponsorship deals. Sportswear giant Adidas is the latest among the 2024 Esports World Cup sponsors. The brand will join others like Sony and KitKat as the tournament’s official sponsors.
Off the Esports World Cup, Samsung, McDonald’s, and Mercedes Benz are popular sponsors of various esports competitions.
- Esports Betting
Esports is also gaining popularity in mainstream culture. A good example is betting platforms. Betting platforms recognize the tremendous esports growth, and all major ones offer esports betting. You can wager on your favorite games and players, enhancing enjoyment.
Community and Cultural Influence
Early gaming was a medium for people to socialize. However, it gradually became more solitary when the internet became powerful, and people could match online. Esports competitions are changing that narrative. Fans don’t just watch the games; they follow their favorite teams and players closely, discuss strategies, and even meet up at big tournaments.
People connect via communities and social media platforms. Esports have turned the gaming world into an avenue for promoting inclusivity and healthy competition.
The Future of Esports and Sports Coexistence
Potential Scenarios for Integration
Esports and traditional sports are similar in some ways, and we have seen some fruitful partnerships. One of those recent breakthroughs is from F1. The F1 Esports Series is a top racing Esports tournament, and it has entered its 7th season. Top real-life esports teams have their digital esports drivers that compete for glory.
Soccer is another sport that has collaborated well with esports. The ePremier League is the esports equivalent of the English Premier League. Esports teams owned by English Premier League clubs compete for the ultimate prize.
In late 2023, the NBA 2K League and the National Basketball Players Association struck a marketing partnership. The NBA 2K League, like the e-Premier League, is the esports equivalent of the NBA. More and more collaborations, rather than divergences, are expected.
Predictions from Industry Experts
Future Market Insights predicts that the esports market will be worth around $5 billion in 2024. However, by 2034, it is expected to reach $34 billion, and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will be around 21%. Therefore, there’s no doubt that the future of esports is bright.
Traditional sports are still going strong as well. Currently, the global sports market is worth nearly $500 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 5,6%. Statistically, the percentage of esports revenue growth per annum shatters that of traditional sports. While esports might not be near traditional sports anytime soon, fans have every reason to be optimistic.
Final Thoughts
Will esports take over sports? The answer is no. However, esports and traditional sports are unique entities; you can enjoy both. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an NBA game after watching FNCS, or vice versa.
Both entertainment mediums have a healthy projection and can only become bigger and better. Top brands from both sides are collaborating, and there’s no doubt that we’ll see more in the future.
Will esports overtake traditional sports, or will we see many more partnerships? Feel free to share your opinion.
