The Growth of Esports: From Gaming to Sport

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Esports, a term for competitive gaming activities using electronic devices, has experienced explosive growth over the past decade. It has evolved from a simple hobby to a recognized professional sport, evolving into a multi-billion dollar industry.

The history of esports dates back to the 1990s. The popularity of StarCraft in Korea gave birth to the profession of professional gamer, and specialized channels like Ongamenet and MBC Game emerged. Since then, various games, including League of Legends, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike, have established themselves as esports events.

The esports market is currently worth approximately $1.5 billion. Various revenue models exist, including sponsorships, broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and merchandise sales. Global companies such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and Mercedes-Benz are participating as sponsors. Traditional sports teams are also entering the market by establishing esports teams.

The life of a professional gamer is more intense than most people imagine. They practice more than 10 hours a day, studying strategies and honing their individual skills under the guidance of coaches. They receive similar care to traditional sports athletes, including physical, mental, and nutritional management, and the tension and pressure before matches are considerable.

Spectator engagement methods are also evolving. Beyond watching live at the stadium, fans can now watch matches live from anywhere in the world via streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and AfreecaTV. There are various ways to participate, including real-time chat, donations, and cheering events.

Esports is also gaining traction in the educational field. Universities are establishing esports departments, offering scholarships, and even high schools are forming esports clubs. The educational value of games, such as their ability to improve strategic thinking, teamwork, and agility, is also recognized .