Why is esports so popular?

Online gaming has always been popular in the video game industry, being able to play with your friends is fun, but are able to compete with them and many others is what gave esports its fame. Even casual gameplay in an esports title started taking off when people got their hands on better devices and internet connectivity.

Compared to traditional sports, they are much easier and cheaper to get in and players can start from an early age. Multiple factors are working together to bring esports to where it is now, despite esports being present for a long time.

Let’s have a look at some of the main factors and how they helped esports rise to the top:

5. Entertaining

This one might be a no-brainer, but videos as we all know are entertaining. There is something in the vast sea of gaming for everyone. Some people prefer first-person games, while some prefer third-person games, some like puzzle games and others like fighting games. Multiple types of games in a single genre, and the thrill of beating another player remain unmatched.

Apart from playing, esports events are also one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Watching some of the best players compete, pull out intense clutches in an impossible situation, or hit some shots with inhuman reaction fills up people with excitement.

Also Check: What are the top esports games of 2024?

4. Career opportunities

Esports is now considered a viable career path that can provide a stable income for many, all while playing the game you love for a long time. There has been a surge of gamers in the market is looking for the opportunity to make it big. While not particularly easy, talented people can take advantage of this and enjoy their passion.

As a player, esports also opens up new paths for others interested in getting involved, these can include tournament organizers, casters/hosts, game developers, coaches and more depending on the set of skills a person possesses. Esports possibly is much easier to make a career, as players do not need to be in the best shape to be the best among gamers.

Also Check: Why do esports players retire early?

3. Ever-evolving

The best part of esports video games is that they are always evolving and bringing out new and interesting things to the same game. This helps in bringing back audiences again and again for a long time. The ability to roll out an update rather quickly over the internet also allows ease in making these changes.

One of the biggest examples is Fortnite, a game that keeps its core gameplay while introducing new things. The most innovative thing Fortnite introduced was to build your own cover in a Battle Royale game, which was quite effective. Furthermore, the game introduces new mechanics each season to keep players engaged. More games have also added their own mix to the same genre to create unique gameplay.

2. Prize pool

One of the biggest draws of the esports events is its prize pool spanning millions. Each year, top teams compete across multiple games. Top-tier tournaments for these games feature at least $1 million in prize pool, while the qualifiers also allow players to rake in big bucks. While there can only be one winner, teams hoping to see their name on top compete every year.

Some of the esports titles with the biggest prize pool include Dota 2, Fortnite, Counter-Strike, League of Legends and R6 Siege. Other games like Street Fighter and Valorant are also climbing the list fast. Dota 2 alone has distributed over $350 million in prize money. The Esports World Cup starting June 28, 2024, is set to feature a prize pool of $60 million.

1. Accessibility

Probably the most powerful point for esports and online gaming in general is its accessibility. Being able to play games with people across the world is what made esports quite famous. While top esports events are held on LAN with all teams or players gathered in a simple spot, the fame of these esports title games came from millions of casual players.

Another advantage of video games is that it is available for people the most. Esports does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, colour or anything else as everyone is welcome to play the game. Furthermore, anyone can compete in the esports event. There are open qualifiers for all big events that allow players to compete on international level.

Also Check: Why should traditional sports leagues care about esports?