In recent years, the influence of esports has grown significantly. Today, more and more people are participating in virtual sports, whether it’s playing soccer in video games, playing chess online, or competing on the best mobile poker apps—virtual sports have become a force to be reckoned with.
According to the latest PGB (Pesquisa Game Brasil) report released in 2024, the landscape of esports in Brazil is becoming increasingly clear. Out of over 1,600 respondents, 82.1% stated that they had heard of the term “esports.” Even more notable, 81.2% said they frequently play games online, and 88.3% watch matches or tournaments through virtual platforms.
The study also pointed out that people engaged in esports mostly play at home, using consoles, computers/laptops, and smartphones as their preferred platforms. Most players spend between one to three hours a day gaming. These statistics reflect the widespread participation in esports among Brazilians, and it’s even becoming a cultural phenomenon passed down to the next generation. Just as television once brought families together to watch movies, today many families choose to play virtual games together.
The Diversity of Virtual Sports
Almost all of the most popular sports have found their virtual counterparts: from basketball, skateboarding, volleyball, tennis, soccer, American football, swimming, poker, chess, to baseball, racing, athletics, and boxing. The online environment has provided a new platform for these sports, allowing people to explore and participate in them, especially in cities that lack physical facilities or professional coaches.
The virtual universe has not ignored the innate human need for social interaction. With the ease of connecting around shared interests, many virtual communities have emerged, offering players a common platform for communication and competition.
Esports Olympics
The international recognition and influence of esports have reached new heights. In July this year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously approved the establishment of the Esports Olympics. The inaugural Esports Olympics will be held in 2025 and will take place every two years. This historic move further solidifies the position of virtual sports on the global stage.
