The Ultimate Guide to Esports

What is Esports?

Overview

Esports, short for electronic sports, has grown into a global phenomenon, gaining popularity across various regions, particularly in East Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It first became widely recognized in East Asia, with South Korea leading the charge by licensing professional players as early as 2000. China quickly followed suit, establishing a strong esports culture. In contrast, Japan’s strict anti-gambling laws have hindered the development of professional gaming tournaments, limiting esports growth in that country.

In Europe and the Americas, esports has flourished, with numerous regional and international events attracting large audiences. These events have helped establish esports as a mainstream entertainment medium, drawing in millions of viewers both online and in live venues.

Popular Esports Genres and Games

The esports landscape is dominated by several video game genres, each with its own set of popular titles and dedicated player communities. The most common genres include:

• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA): Games like League of Legends and Dota 2 lead the MOBA genre, known for their complex strategies and team-based gameplay.
• First-Person Shooter (FPS): Titles such as Counter-Strike, Valorant, and Overwatch are staples in the FPS genre, where quick reflexes and precision are key.
• Fighting Games: Iconic series like Street Fighter and Super Smash Bros. have maintained a strong competitive scene, with tournaments like the Evolution Championship Series (EVO) serving as major events.
• Battle Royale: Games like Fortnite have popularized this genre, featuring large-scale, last-man-standing gameplay.
• Real-Time Strategy (RTS): StarCraft is one of the most renowned RTS games, especially in South Korea, where it has a dedicated following.

Major Tournaments and Leagues

Esports is home to several high-profile tournaments that attract global attention. Among the most well-liked occasions are:

• League of Legends World Championship: One of the most watched esports events, featuring the best teams from around the world.
• The International: Dota 2’s premier tournament, known for its massive prize pools, often reaching tens of millions of dollars.
• Evolution Championship Series (EVO): The largest fighting game tournament, bringing together top players from around the world.
• Intel Extreme Masters: A long-standing series of international tournaments, covering multiple games and genres.

Definition and History of Esports

Esports, or organized competitive video gaming, has rapidly evolved into a phenomenon that parallels traditional sports in structure and appeal. In its simplest form, esports involves professional players and teams competing in video games at the highest level, often in front of massive online and live audiences. The term “esports” is now widely accepted, avoiding alternatives like “e-sports” or “electronic sports” to maintain consistency in the industry.

Early Beginnings

Esports’ inception dates back to the early 1970s. One of the first recognized video game competitions occurred on October 19, 1972, at Stanford University. This event, known as the “Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics,” invited Stanford students to compete in the game Spacewar. The grand prize for this competition was a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. Bruce Baumgart emerged victorious in the individual competition, while Tovar and Robert E. Maas won the team event. This tournament marked the beginning of organized video game competitions, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become esports.

The 1990s: A Decade of Growth

The 1990s were a pivotal decade for esports, as it began to transition from niche gatherings to large-scale tournaments with significant recognition. The Nintendo World Championships in 1990, which toured across the United States and held its finals at Universal Studios Hollywood, is one of the most iconic events of this era. This championship brought competitive gaming to a broader audience, with finalists competing for top honors. In 1994, Nintendo held another major event, the Nintendo PowerFest ’94, specifically for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The competition culminated in San Diego, California, where 132 finalists competed, and Mike Iarossi claimed the first prize.

Another significant tournament of the early 1990s was the Blockbuster World Game Championships, co-hosted by GamePro magazine. This event expanded the competitive gaming scene beyond the United States, with participants from Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Chile. Games featured in the 1994 championships included NBA Jam and Virtua Racing, reflecting the growing diversity of video game genres in esports.

Esports: From Hobby to Professional Sport

As broadband internet became more widespread in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the esports industry experienced explosive growth. The ability to connect with others online and the increasing popularity of competitive gaming genres like first-person shooters and real-time strategy games fueled this expansion. Esports transformed from a casual pastime to a serious, professional pursuit, attracting investments from major media networks and traditional sports leagues.

The rise in viewership and prize money has solidified esports as a legitimate sport, with professional players now enjoying careers akin to those of traditional athletes. The industry continues to grow, with major tournaments offering multi-million dollar prize pools and attracting audiences that rival those of established sports events.

Esports has come a long way since its humble beginnings at Stanford University, evolving into a global spectacle that captivates millions. As the industry continues to innovate and expand, it shows no signs of slowing down, promising even greater heights in the future.

Esports vs. Traditional Sports

Esports and traditional sports have distinct differences, with esports involving competitive video gaming and traditional sports involving physical activities. While traditional sports like football or basketball require physical endurance, strength, and teamwork on the field or court, esports focuses on mental agility, strategy, and quick reflexes within a digital environment.

Esports is a specialized subset of gaming that centers around organized, competitive gameplay, often featuring tournaments where professional players and teams compete for substantial prizes and global recognition. Unlike casual gaming, esports demands a high level of skill, dedication, and practice, similar to that required by traditional athletes. Esports has its own governing bodies, rules, and educational platforms, setting it apart from traditional sports. These governing bodies oversee fair play, regulate competitions, and ensure that the integrity of the sport is maintained.

Additionally, educational platforms dedicated to esports provide training and resources for aspiring players, offering courses that teach everything from game mechanics to team communication and even the business aspects of the industry. This structured environment helps esports continue to grow as a professional field, establishing its own identity within the broader world of sports.

The Esports Industry

Market Size and Growth

The esports industry is rapidly expanding and is projected to surpass $1 billion in revenue, reflecting significant year-over-year growth. This remarkable financial trajectory is fueled by the increasing popularity of competitive gaming, which has transformed esports from a niche market into a mainstream entertainment powerhouse.

As the industry grows, it has generated a wide array of job opportunities across multiple sectors. Broadcasting is a major area of employment, with the rise of dedicated esports channels and streaming platforms that require skilled commentators, producers, and technical staff. Event management has also become a crucial field, as large-scale tournaments and competitions are held in arenas and stadiums, requiring logistics, planning, and coordination to deliver seamless experiences for both live and online audiences. Marketing is another booming sector within esports, with brands and sponsors recognizing the value of connecting with the young, tech-savvy audience that esports attracts. Companies are increasingly investing in sponsorships, advertising, and content creation within the esports ecosystem.

The global reach of esports is one of its most striking aspects. Players and spectators from around the world engage with esports, contributing to a rapidly growing global audience. The accessibility of online platforms has made it possible for fans from different regions to follow their favorite games and players, further driving the industry’s expansion. Major esports events now draw viewership numbers that rival traditional sports, and the fan base continues to grow as more people discover the excitement and community that esports offers.

Esports Teams and Game publishers

The world of esports is driven by the synergy between top-tier teams and influential game publishers. While the teams compete across multiple titles, earning fame and fortune, the publishers and developers create the platforms that make these competitions possible. Here’s an exploration of both sides of this thriving industry.

Top Esports Teams

Esports teams are ranked based on their total earnings across various games, with the most successful organizations amassing significant fortunes through tournament victories and sponsorship deals. Here are the top five esports teams by earnings:

1. Team Liquid
   Earnings: $51,532,244.71
   Tournaments: 2,838Team Liquid stands as one of the most successful organizations in esports history. Founded in 2000 as a Dutch StarCraft: Brood War clan by Victor “Nazgul” Goossens, Team Liquid has evolved into a global powerhouse. The release of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty in 2010 marked the team’s first foray into professional gaming. Two years later, they expanded into multi-genre management by recruiting a North American Dota 2 team.A major turning point came in January 2015 when Team Liquid merged with Team Curse, significantly boosting its roster and staff. Over the years, the organization has expanded into various esports disciplines, maintaining a strong presence in Europe, North America, and Brazil, with growing influence in Latin America and Asia. Key acquisitions, such as STUN.GG in 2024, have helped cement their status.Some of their most notable victories include winning The International 2017 in Dota 2, the Intel Grand Slam Season 2 in CS, and five LCS Splits in League of Legends. Since August 2017, Team Liquid has consistently topped the rankings for highest prize money earnings.
2. OG
   Earnings: $38,552,932.44
   Tournaments: 192OG is renowned for its dominance in Dota 2, particularly for winning The International in both 2018 and 2019, making them the first team to achieve back-to-back victories in the tournament’s history. Their relatively small number of tournaments compared to other teams highlights their focus on high-stakes, high-reward competitions.
3. Team Spirit
   Earnings: $30,791,277.40
   Tournaments: 252Team Spirit, a Russian organization, rose to prominence with their surprise victory at The International 2021 in Dota 2, where they took home a significant portion of their earnings. Their success in this tournament helped solidify their place among the elite esports teams.
4. Evil Geniuses
   Earnings: $28,567,423.99
   Tournaments: 1,019Evil Geniuses is one of the oldest and most well-known esports organizations in North America, with a rich history in games like Dota 2, CS, and StarCraft II. Their consistent performance across a wide range of titles has kept them at the forefront of the esports scene for over a decade.
5. Natus Vincere (Na’Vi)
   Earnings: $22,641,074.99
   Tournaments: 783Natus Vincere, commonly known as Na’Vi, is a Ukrainian esports organization that gained global fame with their victory at The International 2011 in Dota 2. They are also a dominant force in CS, consistently ranking among the top teams in the world.

Game Publishers and Developers

While teams are the stars on the competitive stage, game publishers and developers are the architects behind the scenes. These companies not only create the games that fuel the esports ecosystem but also organize and manage professional leagues and tournaments, ensuring the industry’s continued growth and stability.

1. Riot Games
   Riot Games is a titan in the esports industry, primarily due to their flagship title, League of Legends (LoL). Riot’s management of the League of Legends World Championship and various regional leagues around the globe has set a high standard for esports event organization, making LoL one of the most watched and played games in the world.
2. Valve Corporation
   Valve has played a crucial role in esports with their development of Counter-Strike and Dota 2. These games are cornerstones of competitive gaming, with The International being one of the most prestigious and lucrative tournaments in the esports calendar. Valve’s hands-off approach allows the community to play a significant role in shaping the competitive scene, which has its pros and cons but undeniably contributes to the longevity of their games.
3. Blizzard Entertainment
   Blizzard’s influence on esports began with StarCraft, a game that became a national sport in South Korea and laid the groundwork for modern esports. Blizzard continues to impact the industry with games like Overwatch, for which they established the Overwatch League, a franchised league that mimics traditional sports leagues.
4. Epic Games
   Epic Games, through Fortnite, has revolutionized the esports industry by introducing large-scale tournaments with massive prize pools, such as the Fortnite World Cup. Their innovative approach to game design and monetization has attracted a broad audience, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in esports.
5. Tencent Games
   Tencent is a global giant in the gaming industry, with investments in numerous esports titles. They own Riot Games and have developed popular games like Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile, both of which are major fixtures in the esports world, particularly in Asia. Tencent’s influence extends across multiple regions, making them a key player in the industry’s expansion.
6. Electronic Arts (EA)
   EA’s impact on esports is most visible in their sports titles like FIFA and Madden NFL. These games bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports, drawing in fans who might not typically engage with other types of competitive gaming. EA’s international tournaments have helped popularize esports among mainstream sports audiences.
7. Activision
   After merging with Blizzard, Activision has pushed the Call of Duty franchise to the forefront of esports, especially with the establishment of the Call of Duty League. Their efforts have brought fresh energy into the FPS (First-Person Shooter) genre, attracting both players and viewers to this competitive scene.

Esports Athletes

Who Are Esports Players?

Esports players are professional gamers who compete in tournaments and events for cash prizes. They are often compared to traditional athletes, with similar dedication and skill required to succeed. Esports players can earn significant amounts of money, with some games outclassing traditional sports in terms of viewership. Let’s take a look at the top-ranked eSports athletes today in the world.

1. Johan “NOtail” Sundstein – Denmark

• Total Earnings: $7,184,163.05
• Highest Earnings by a Danish Player
• Largest Prize from a Single Tournament: $3,124,036.20 (The International 2019)

Johan “NOtail” Sundstein is a legendary Danish Dota 2 player, originally starting his career in Heroes of Newerth before transitioning to Dota 2. As the captain of OG, NOtail has cemented his place in esports history, especially with his unprecedented success at The International.

NOtail is currently ranked #1 in the world for overall earnings, making him the highest-paid esports player globally and in Denmark. His career highlights include leading OG to victory at The International 2019, where the team took home over $15 million, with NOtail’s share being more than $3.1 million—43.49% of his total earnings. NOtail crossed the $100,000 earnings milestone in 2014 after winning XMG Captains Draft 2.0, and he has never looked back since.

2. Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka – Finland

• Total Earnings: $6,486,623.98
• Highest Earnings by a Finnish Player
• Largest Prize from a Single Tournament: $3,124,036.20 (The International 2019)

Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka, hailing from Finland, is another Dota 2 superstar, known for his impeccable support play. As a key member of OG alongside NOtail, JerAx has also earned a spot among the top esports players of all time.

JerAx is ranked #2 in overall earnings worldwide and holds the title of the highest-earning player from Finland. His career peaked with OG’s back-to-back victories at The International, particularly in 2019 when he earned over $3.1 million from a single tournament. JerAx surpassed the $100,000 mark in 2016 at The Shanghai Major, where his second-place finish significantly boosted his earnings. His consistent performance across 68 tournaments has made him a formidable figure in the esports community.

3. Anathan “ana” Pham – Australia

• Total Earnings: $6,024,411.96
• Highest Earnings by an Australian Player
• Largest Prize from a Single Tournament: $3,124,036.20 (The International 2019)

Anathan “ana” Pham, an Australian Dota 2 prodigy, has quickly risen to the top ranks of the esports world. Known for his incredible carry play, ana’s contributions to OG’s success have made him one of the most successful players in esports.

Ranked #3 globally and #1 in Australia, ana’s career earnings are nothing short of extraordinary. Before turning 18, ana had already earned over $600,000 from 15 tournaments. His crowning achievement came with his first-place finish at The International 2019, where he took home more than $3.1 million, which accounts for over half of his total earnings. Ana reached the $100,000 milestone in 2016 with his victory at The Boston Major, a sign of the greatness that was yet to come.

Esports Careers and Salaries

The esports industry has rapidly evolved into a multifaceted career landscape, offering a diverse range of opportunities beyond just playing games. From professional gamers to coaches, managers, commentators, and even content creators, the industry caters to various skill sets and interests.

Diverse Career Opportunities

• Professional Gaming: At the core of the esports industry are the professional gamers who compete at the highest levels. These players often specialize in specific games and compete in tournaments around the world. Their success is measured not just in wins but also in the ability to secure sponsorships and endorsements.
• Coaching and Analysis: Just like in traditional sports, coaches in esports play a crucial role in strategizing, training, and guiding teams to victory. Analysts and statisticians also contribute by breaking down gameplay data to optimize team performance.
• Management and Operations: Esports teams and organizations require skilled managers to handle operations, marketing, sponsorships, and player welfare. These roles are essential for ensuring that teams run smoothly and maintain a competitive edge.
• Commentary and Broadcasting: Commentators and broadcasters bring the excitement of esports to fans around the world. Known as “casters,” these professionals provide play-by-play analysis, insights, and entertainment during live events. Their ability to engage audiences is key to the success of esports broadcasts.
• Content Creation: Many esports personalities extend their careers by creating content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Whether it’s streaming gameplay, producing tutorials, or engaging with fans, content creators have the potential to build massive followings and generate significant income.

Salaries and Earnings

Esports salaries and earnings vary widely depending on the role, experience, and level of success. For top-tier professional players, the financial rewards can be staggering:

• Prize Money: The most successful esports players can earn millions of dollars in prize money from major tournaments. Events like The International in Dota 2 or the League of Legends World Championship offer multi-million-dollar prize pools, with winning teams and players taking home significant portions.
• Endorsements and Sponsorships: In addition to prize money, top players often secure lucrative endorsement deals with brands ranging from gaming peripherals to energy drinks. These deals can significantly boost a player’s income, often matching or exceeding their tournament winnings.
• Team Salaries: Esports teams and organizations typically pay their players a base salary, which can vary depending on the team’s resources and the player’s skill level. Top-tier teams in popular games like League of Legends or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive offer competitive salaries, with some players earning six-figure incomes annually.
• Other Roles: For those in coaching, management, or broadcasting, salaries can also be substantial, though they vary based on the organization and the individual’s experience. High-profile coaches and casters can command impressive fees, especially if they are associated with successful teams or popular games.

Support and Resources

Esports organizations recognize the importance of supporting their players and staff, both physically and mentally:

• Training Facilities: Many top esports teams have dedicated training facilities where players can practice in a professional environment. These facilities often include state-of-the-art equipment, strategy rooms, and spaces designed to foster team cohesion.
• Mental Health Support: The pressure to perform at the highest level can be intense, leading to stress and burnout. To address this, many esports organizations provide access to mental health professionals, sports psychologists, and wellness programs to help players maintain a healthy balance between competition and personal well-being.

Esports Tournaments and Events

Types of Esports Tournaments

Esports tournaments can be online or offline, with various formats such as single-elimination and round-robin. They are usually organized by game publishers, esports teams, or third-party organizers.

The Esports World Cup is a premier international tournament that crowns the champions of esports. The inaugural 2024 Esports World Cup, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 3 to August 25, 2024, represents a significant milestone in the esports industry. Replacing the Gamers8 festival, this event is organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation and funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The tournament will showcase 23 events across 22 different video game titles, making it a diverse and expansive competition. With a record-breaking combined prize pool exceeding $60 million, the EWC will not only award individual tournament champions but also recognize the top-performing organizations through the Club Championship, which aggregates results across all games. This event is poised to crown the ultimate champions of esports on a global stage.

Other ongoing races include:

• MDL Indonesia Season 10: The Mobile Legends Development League Indonesia (MDL Indonesia) is a key competition for Mobile Legends in Indonesia. This league plays a significant role in the country’s esports scene, focusing on nurturing local talent and providing a platform for development in Mobile Legends.
• Arena of Glory Winter 2024: The Arena of Glory Winter 2024 tournament is a major event in the Arena of Glory series, taking place in the winter of 2024. This competition aims to offer a top-tier competitive environment and draw attention from players globally, highlighting the game’s strategic depth and high-stakes action.
• Challenger League Season 48: South America: ESL Challenger League Season 48: South America is a leading esports event in the region, centered on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
• ). This season provides South American teams with a prominent stage to display their skills and vie for progression, serving as a crucial step toward higher levels of competitive play.

Esports Prize Pools and Awards

Esports prize pools have become increasingly substantial, with some of the most prestigious tournaments offering prize money that reaches into the millions of dollars. These substantial prize pools reflect the growing popularity and commercial viability of esports, drawing top talent and creating intense competition. For instance, tournaments like The International for Dota 2 and the League of Legends World Championship boast prize pools exceeding $30 million, highlighting the scale and significance of these events within the gaming community.

In addition to the monetary rewards, awards and recognition play a crucial role in celebrating the achievements of top players and teams. Awards such as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) are given to individuals who exhibit exceptional skill, strategic insight, and leadership during the tournament. Championship titles are highly coveted, representing not just victory, but also the culmination of extensive preparation and teamwork. These accolades contribute to the players’ and teams’ reputations and can lead to further opportunities within the esports industry.

Conclusion

Esports is a rapidly expanding industry with abundant opportunities for players, teams, and fans. For players, it provides a pathway to professional success and global recognition. Teams benefit from increased sponsorships, media rights, and merchandise, while fans enjoy dynamic entertainment and a vibrant community. As technology advances and new trends emerge, the industry is set to grow even further, offering something for everyone involved—from competitive gaming to immersive entertainment and community engagement.