Read the Original article by Bailey Thomas:
The article is summarized below:
eSports, or competitive, organized video gaming, is rapidly gaining traction and even outpacing traditional sports in viewership and revenue. Unlike traditional sports, eSports attracts a wide range of participants and viewers worldwide. In 2017, the League of Legends World Championship attracted 80 million viewers—more than some major traditional sports events. Overall, 380 million people are expected to watch eSports globally this year, especially in North America, China, and South Korea. Revenues from eSports, mostly from sponsorships, ads, betting, and merchandise, are predicted to rise from $865 million in 2018 to $1.79 billion by 2022. ESports are trumping traditional sports.
The appeal of eSports lies partly in its inclusivity: people of all ages and backgrounds can compete and achieve success, like the 16-year-old Fortnite champion who won $3 million. This inclusive nature draws in diverse fans and players, challenging the stereotype that eSports is mainly for young males. Even older adults are becoming competitive gamers, showing that eSports transcends age barriers.
Celebrity investors, including Michael Jordan and Mark Cuban, are joining the eSports scene, further popularizing it. High-profile investments include Robert Kraft’s $20 million purchase of a Boston-based team in Activision Blizzard’s Overwatch League. This industry growth means eSports viewership in the U.S. could soon surpass every major sports league except the NFL, with projections estimating 84 million U.S. viewers by 2021—more than MLB or NBA.
By 2020, estimates suggested that eSports would account for 10% of all sports viewership, with viewers tuning in for three billion hours of content annually. With its expanding influence and appeal, eSports are trumping traditional sports and is expected to capture even larger advertising budgets. It will challenge traditional sports in both revenue and cultural significance, securing its place in global entertainment.
