Esports, or electronic sports, refers to organized, multiplayer video game competitions, often between professional players and teams. It encompasses a wide variety of genres, including first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, and multiplayer online battle arenas. The rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming has significantly contributed to its popularity, allowing fans to watch live gameplay and engage with their favorite gamers. This engagement is complemented by robust fan communities that not only cheer for their teams but also participate in discussions and content creation around the games.
Over the years, esports has transformed from a niche hobby into a billion-dollar industry. Major tournaments such as The International for Dota 2 and the League of Legends World Championship attract millions of viewers worldwide and offer substantial prize pools, often exceeding millions of dollars. Sponsorship deals with large brands, merchandise sales, and media rights have further fueled this growth, enabling organizations to invest in talent development and infrastructure. As esports continues to gain recognition—drawing parallels to traditional sports—it has begun to establish itself within educational institutions through scholarships and competitive leagues, solidifying its status as a legitimate form of entertainment.