Esports take video games to the next level, rivaling televised sports and drawing millions of fans. These tournaments feature top players competing to win prize money and brand sponsorships in packed arenas or online to massive audiences.
These events may be hosted by gaming companies, broadcast networks, streaming sites or professional organizations established to act as a central hub and public face for esports. They can be viewed live on the Internet through platforms like YouTube and Twitch, over cable or satellite television, in person, and at special events such as sold-out League of Legends World Championship semi-finals in Madison Square Garden.
Popular esports include multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), first-person shooter (FPS), fighting game, card, and real-time strategy (RTS) titles. These games are often played in teams with a variety of skill levels, from novices to veterans.
Major esports tournaments, such as the League of Legends World Championship and Dota 2’s The International, draw millions of in-person and online spectators each year. As esports become increasingly mainstream, brands are scrambling to secure sponsorship deals with players and teams.
The esports industry continues to grow, with new platforms popping up to host tournaments and attract audiences, and more universities offering interdisciplinary degrees tailored to the industry. For example, the University of North Dakota became the first in 2022 to offer a Bachelor of Science in Esports, an interdisciplinary degree program that spans kinesiology, communication, and business.