Redefining Competition: Why Esports Deserve a Spot on the Podium

The world of competitive gaming, once relegated to dimly lit basements, has exploded into a global phenomenon, captivating millions. Esports have grown to have dedicated leagues, professional players that draw salaries that rival traditional athletes, and multi-million-dollar prize pools. By 2025, there are expected to be over 640 million Esports viewers worldwide and draw over 1.87 billion U.S. dollars globally (Newzoo, 2022). Esports are here to stay, but a lingering debate persists: Do esports really have a case to be considered a traditional sport? 

Beyond the Physical: The Mental Battlefield of Esports

The incredible strength of a powerlifter, a world record marathon champion, and the handling skills of a basketball player – traditional sports celebrate physical accomplishments. Yet, these accomplishments involve just as much mental fortitude as physical ability. Organizing and calling plays under pressure, maintaining focus in a close game, and managing pressure in a championship match – are indicators of a successful athlete. Esports athletes also need these mental qualities: players train their lightning-fast reflexes through thousands of hours of practice. Strategic and decisive decision-making are paramount when split-second decisions can determine victory or defeat. Games like StarCraft demand exceptionally high Actions Per Minute (APM), while games like Counter-Strike depend on team coordination and awareness. Just like traditional athletes, Esports athletes dedicate themselves to intensive training regimens to achieve peak performance. 

From Stadiums to Servers: The Evolving Arena

Traditional sports are identified through iconic venues and electrifying, roaring crowds. Esports are marked as trailblazers of digital realms. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube act as virtual stadiums, with millions tuning in to witness online matchups. In place of referees, there are in-game rules and guidelines that ensure fair play. The pressure, however, remains consistent across arenas. Imagine the weight of countless spectators scrutinizing your every move and analyzing the decisions you make. In recent years, there have been more in-person Esports events that draw real crowds. Venues like the Royal Arena in Copenhagen can hold thousands of spectators who come to watch epic battles on the server, with many more watching simultaneously online (PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024, 2023). Whether it's blocking the noise of fans of the away crowd in a football stadium or brushing off online scrutiny, both traditional and Esports athletes must balance the pressure of competition and adapt to their respective environments to perform their best.

Victory Beyond the Podium: Recognizing Achievement in Esports

The coveted trophy, the symbol of triumph. The cornerstone of sports is to win championships, and Esports are no different. Esports offer tournaments with life-changing prize pools. Tournaments like The International in Dota 2 have surpassed a staggering $40 million in prize money (eSports Earnings, 2023). Beyond the financial gain, winning tournaments creates lucrative opportunities for sponsorships and fame that lead to long careers as content creators or coaches. This mirrors the path of traditional athletes who build careers through sponsorships and post-playing positions.

The Future of Competition: Blurring the Lines

As Esports viewership and participation continue to surge, there is more opportunity for mainstream recognition. Esports have already made their way into the spotlight in major events. The Asian Games have added Esports as a medal event, and over five million people tried to buy tickets because of the booming popularity of the event (Thompson, 2023). Furthermore, the International Olympic Committee has created the Olympic Esports Series (OES) in 2023 and plan to expand in the future (International Olympic Committee, 2023). As technology evolves, we might even see a shift in the types of events. In the future we may see virtual reality involve physical elements to Esports, further blurring the line between the digital and physical realms.

The Core of Competition: A Unifying Thread

While there are undeniable differences between traditional sports and Esports, a core principle is seen in both – competition. The dedication required to succeed, the strategic intricacies, and the thrill of victory resonate throughout both spheres. Just like any traditional athlete, Esports athletes train relentlessly, strategize meticulously, and perform under pressure. As gaming and Esports continue to evolve, one question remains: Will the future contain a world where Esports and traditional sports coexist? The answer lies within the ever-evolving landscape of competition. 

References

eSports Earnings. (November 6, 2023). Dota 2 The International championship prize pool from 2011 to 2023 (in million U.S. dollars) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 04, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/749033/dota-2-championships-prize-pool/

International Olympic Committee. (2023, February 6). FAQS. Olympics.com; International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/en/esports/

Newzoo. (April 19, 2022). eSports audience size worldwide from 2020 to 2025, by type of viewers (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/490480/global-esports-audience-size-viewer-type/

Newzoo. (April 19, 2022). eSports market revenue worldwide from 2020 to 2025 (in million U.S. dollars) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/490522/global-esports-market-revenue/

PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024. (2023, March 28). Royal Arena. https://www.royalarena.dk/news/pgl-cs2-major-copenhagen-2024

Thompson, P. (2023, October 15). Esports made their “tense and exciting” debut at this year’s Asian Games. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/esports-asian-games-debut-video-game-medals-2023-10