The continued growth of eSports
The growth of eSports, and how they compare to traditional sports
Since the first established eSports competitions were set up some twenty years ago, the games have become a global phenomenon. There are many good reasons for that- with some exceptional prize money being one of the most important.
Back in 2019, the Fortnite World Cup made the headlines with a purse of $30 million dollars on offer. In the same year, The International became the most lucrative tournament with a staggering $34 million up for grabs.
Explosive Growth of eSports
Bigger prize pots have helped to attract the best gamers in the world and they also ensure that more and more players view eSports as a tangible career. The best players subsequently emerge from their homes, blinking into the sunlight, and head for large arenas to compete with the best.
Top level eSports therefore has the personnel to compare with traditional sports and the rewards are there for the top performers. There are also other ways in which we can view eSports in the same category as our more established sports.
Greater Exposure
eSports are now getting some air time among the live broadcasters. From their origins, there is a long way to go in this respect but pro eSports tournaments are starting to enjoy more regular coverage. In the UK as an example, it’s been possible to watch competitions on BT Sport and, especially, Eurosport.
By including this coverage in the first place, it’s easier for us to compare eSports with traditional sporting pastimes. However, for the comparison to be more tangible, the broadcasts need to increase. It’s a developing scenario, but at least it’s a start.
There is, in addition, a dedicated eSports channel called GINX eSports TV. It’s run by Sky so it has some serious backing, although it does mean that the big tournaments don’t make it onto the mainstream Sky channels.
Perfect Partners - eSports become betting friendly
The betting industry is a sector where eSports are embraced and placed alongside the traditional sporting schedules. For those interested in the markets, you can find out more about where you can find the best eSports betting sites over at bettingsites.info- and it’s an extensive list.
In most cases, an established sports betting operator lists eSports along with their traditional sports markets, so it’s all part of the same platform. A smaller set of companies have a separate website where all the eSports betting options can be found.
The similarities between eSports and traditional sports continues with the choice of markets. Options for outright winner are often backed up by handicap odds and the biggest tournaments will switch to the live area of the sportsbook once they are underway.
Some sports betting companies have also looked to provide additional, financial backing to the eSports sector. Top tournaments, teams, and individuals have received welcome sponsorship from a number of sportsbooks and it’s good to see this happening.
Traditional sports have benefited from betting industry sponsorship for some years so this is another area where we can make a direct comparison. The funds involved add much-needed revenue, which helps those clubs and individuals to progress.
Added Realism
There are some clear similarities between eSports and traditional sports, but some work still remains to be done. One area that has seen significant improvement in recent years is that of sound and graphics. The quality of certain titles is incredible and many a casual TV viewer has tuned into live eSports in a belief that they are watching the ‘real thing’.
Even if those thoughts last for just a few seconds, it’s a clear indication that the game producers are getting it right. That is key to getting more exposure from TV companies moving forward; it’s not intended to fool the viewer, but the developers want the audience to watch a product that is close in nature to real life.
Heading Into a Bright Future
Current estimates suggest that around 250 million people watch eSports around the world. Viewing figures for the major finals are expected to reach 70 million and those are impressive numbers.
As a comparison, some 141 million viewers tune in live to watch the Super Bowl each year. eSports has some catching up to do, but it is getting there and the existing numbers dwarf many of the traditional sports that receive more TV coverage.
Increased exposure is one key to building up those numbers. While there is a dedicated TV channel in place, there are no pay per view competitions and the big tournaments are not showcased on the main event programmes as yet.
That’s one step that can be taken to increase viewer numbers. It’s likely that many traditional sports fans have turned on to eSports after casually landing on a competition covered by the regular broadcasters. At the same time, many will be unaware of the presence of a dedicated TV channel such as Ginx, amongst several others .
The backing of the sports betting industry has been welcome, and that’s another area that can be expanded. Corporate sponsorship can shift eSports into the public eye and these comparisons will become even more tangible.
