We’ve all experienced it, the shrill cry of a parent or loved one, demanding that we need to put down the controller, or get up from the computer to go and do something that we don’t want to do. Gaming has time and again received a bad wrap, but in the early 2000s, a revolution would start to emerge, which gave hope to a generation. Esports have proven that you can become incredibly successful by mastering the craft of performing well at a particular game.

Esports has experienced more growth than any other professional competitive activity. The demand for esports is worldwide, and wherever you go, you’ll find microchasms (that are growing) of loyal fans that gather to watch the best of the best battle it out.

But how did this almost inconceivable trend appear? Sources show that esports began gaining traction in the early 2000s, as televised competitions began popping up in South Korea, with the rest of the world soon following suit. In countries like Germany, France, the UK and the US, esports began becoming available on television, making the ability to consume different forms of gaming far easier.

By 2011, the industry had already undergone an immense shift, but the emergence of Twitch was what made esports enter the stratosphere. As the streaming service launched, it was reported that it had received 3.2 million unique visitors per month, which eventually grew to 20 million per month. This is indicative of the growth this industry has managed to oversee, and sustain.


What’s been further interesting is the role different sponsors have played through the sharp rise in professional gaming. Companies like Intel, BMW, Coca Cola, as well as big name betting brands such as Betway all have large stakes in this exciting and fast growing industry.

Big sponsorship deals are always indicative of a thriving event. And it’s no wonder that winning esports teams are rewarded with some of the largest amounts in sports. What’s even more interesting is that esports communities contribute to winners by gathering community wide prize pools. The University of New Haven has reported that in 2019, one community prize pool exceeded $30 million.

Part of the sharp growth in esports was the fact that it is so relatable. So many young people are interested in gaming, and the outcomes of different games, and where esports differ from other sports is in the fact that it’s so easy to take part in, and grow a vested interest.

All fans can play the same games that their heroes play in, and while the same argument can be made for the likes of soccer or American football, what isn’t the same is that with gaming, you have access to the same maps, same weapons, and by all means, the same feel.

What feels a lot like a story of triumph regarding esports and gaming, it has become quite clear that if you show natural talent, and are willing to put in years of hard work, you can become immensely successful as a gamer. Esports have only scratched the surface of what’s in store for the future.