So...what are esports?
The modern conception of esports has evolved a lot over the last decade. The term esports refers to competitive video gaming. There are a number of popular competitive games in multiple genres, such as fighting games like Tekken or Smash Bros., first person shooters like Overwatch and Counter Strike, and strategy games like League of Legends and DOTA. Competitive video gaming has become a legitimate sport, and there are now colleges giving scholarships for top esports players.
Don't believe me? Check out this short video produced by CNN from 2016.
Don't believe me? Check out this short video produced by CNN from 2016.
Video games aren't at all like real sports, right?
When most people think of sports, they immediately look to the NFL, NBA, or MLB. Sports are played on a field or court in front of thousands of paying fans, not from behind a computer screen. While it's true that traditional sports will always have a place for its athletes and fans, this does not diminish esports as a legitimate competitive sport.
Some would argue that traditional sports athletes go through much more rigorous training and that esports take little to no physical skill or ability. These detractors might also claim that anyone can play a video game, and it doesn't take much work to be good at them as compared to a physical sport. Video games have been labeled as a lazy hobby, one where its players are engaging in something that is no more than a distraction.
This view is a bit unfair as eSports can foster many of the same skills as in traditional sports:
Some would argue that traditional sports athletes go through much more rigorous training and that esports take little to no physical skill or ability. These detractors might also claim that anyone can play a video game, and it doesn't take much work to be good at them as compared to a physical sport. Video games have been labeled as a lazy hobby, one where its players are engaging in something that is no more than a distraction.
This view is a bit unfair as eSports can foster many of the same skills as in traditional sports:
- Build teamwork & leadership skills
- Develop mental strength and endurance
- Strengthen communication and form a sense of community
- Enhance focus and personal drive