How did esports come about?

Esports is a phenomenon that attracts millions of viewers worldwide today. From simple tournaments to large-scale championships with multi-million-dollar prizes at stake, esports has become not only a popular form of entertainment, but also a highly competitive industry. In this article, we will delve into the development of esports, explore the key moments that influenced its formation, and highlight the pivotal games in this process.

What is Esports?

Esports, or competitive gaming, involves organized tournaments where players compete against each other for various prizes, ranging from money to prestigious titles. Today, esports encompasses a variety of game genres such as shooters, strategies, MOBAs, and sports simulators.

Early Years: From Amateur Tournaments to the First Championships

1. The Emergence of Esports

The most significant milestone in the history of esports can be traced back to the organization of the first tournaments for arcade games in the 1970s. Local championships were held in the USA and Japan, where players vied for the title of the best in popular games of that time, such as Pong and Space Invaders.

2. The Role of the Internet in Esports Development

The true boom in esports began with the rise of the internet. In the 1990s, as the internet became accessible to a wider audience, the first online tournaments started to emerge. One of the significant events was the creation of the first esports platforms, like B.net (Battle.net) by Blizzard, where players started competing in StarCraft and Warcraft.

3. The First Major Tournaments

In 1997, the first major international esports tournament — Red Annihilation, featuring Quake players, took place. This tournament was a significant moment as the winner received a coveted prize — a Ferrari car. From that point on, regular major tournaments started to be held, attracting the attention of viewers and sponsors.

The Evolution of Esports: 2000s and 2010s

1. Formation of Professional Leagues

Starting from the early 2000s, esports began to develop as a full-fledged industry. Games like Counter-Strike, Warcraft III, and StarCraft formed the basis for the establishment of professional leagues and teams. Tournaments for Counter-Strike became especially popular, evolving into iconic events that drew a huge global audience.

2. Iconic Games for Esports

During this period, some games emerged as symbols of esports, including:

• Dota 2 (2013) — a game that became one of the most popular in esports history, continuously amassing huge prize pools at The International tournament.
• League of Legends (2009) — a MOBA game that became a dominant force in esports, with multi-million prize pools and leagues worldwide.
• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012) — a continuation of the legendary series that also became a cornerstone for many major tournaments like ESL Pro League.

3. Development of Spectatorship and Professionalism

Esports continued to become more professional, attracting larger audiences and higher-caliber organizers. Regular television broadcasts of tournaments began to appear, and major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Intel, and Red Bull started investing in esports events.

Modern Esports: Championships and Global Audience

1. Global Championships

Today, esports is a global industry with championships held worldwide. Some of the most renowned tournaments include:

• The International — a Dota 2 tournament that gathers millions of viewers with record-breaking prize pools.
• League of Legends World Championship — the world championship for League of Legends, one of the most-watched events on YouTube and Twitch.
• CS:GO Major Championships — major tournaments for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, attracting the attention of both professionals and game enthusiasts.

2. Growth of Viewership

The number of viewers for esports tournaments increases each year. In 2023, the League of Legends World Championship final attracted over 100 million viewers worldwide. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and others provide millions of people the opportunity to watch tournaments in real-time, participate in discussions, and voting.

3. Esports as a Profession

Today, many professional players can earn significant incomes by participating in tournaments, securing sponsorship deals, and gaining subscriptions from fans. Esports has also provided opportunities for commentators, analysts, and tournament organizers, who have become key figures in the industry.

The Future of Esports

Esports will continue to evolve, with experts predicting further integration of virtual reality (VR), increased popularity of mobile games, and cross-platform tournaments. In the near future, esports is expected to be included in the Olympic Games program, marking a significant milestone for the entire industry.

FAQ

1. When did esports emerge?

The first video game tournaments were held in the 1970s, but esports as an organized industry began to develop in the 1990s and 2000s.

2. Which games are considered fundamental for esports?

Among the most popular games are Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, StarCraft II, and Fortnite.

3. Which tournaments are the most prestigious?

The most prestigious tournaments include The International for Dota 2, League of Legends World Championship, and CS:GO Major Championships.

4. How can one become a professional esports player?

To become a professional player, one needs to practice extensively, participate in tournaments, and collaborate with teams and coaches.

Conclusions

Esports has come a long way from amateur games to an international industry with multi-million prize pools and professional players. Its development will continue in the future, and the viewer interest will only grow. If you want to be part of this exciting world, start by training and participating in tournaments.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the esports revolution! Start practicing, choose your favorite game, and you might find yourself on the main stage of esports!