E-sports, or virtual sports, are environments in which highly competitive video games which can encompass many different genres, ranging from multiplayer platforms and single-player shooters to survival games and realistic virtual recreations of mainstream sports games. Although e-sports have been around for several decades, they have only recently become widely popular.
A video game that set the precedent for what are now known as e-sports tournaments was Spacewar!, created in 1962 by computer engineer Steve Russell and some of his colleagues, including Martin Graetz and Wayne Wiitanen. In this game, two players faced off against each other, each controlling a spaceship. The spaceships had a limited supply of fuel and ammunition, and had to contend with a planet’s gravitational field.
It is regarded as the world’s first digital computer game, which is why *The New York Times* named it one of the most important of all time. It was not until 1972 that the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Stanford University organised the world’s first e-sports tournament, the Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics. On that day, 24 players gathered to compete in Spacewar!, which would serve as a prelude to the organisation of further similar tournaments that would give rise to today’s e-sports.
Is e-sports really a sport?
Although they do not involve physical activity in the traditional sense, they do require cognitive and strategic skills similar to those in conventional sports. If the International Olympic Committee recognised some time ago that the chess as a sport Given its competitive nature, why would it do the same with e-sports?
In some places, e-sports have been officially recognised as a sport, whilst in others this classification is disputed. The countries that have recognised and placed e-sports on an equal footing with traditional sports are South Korea, China, Russia and France.
The growing popularity and professionalisation of e-sports have contributed to their acceptance as a legitimate form of competition, but there remains a social and political debate as to whether e-sports should be classified as a sport or simply as competitive gaming.
Most popular e-sports
There are hundreds of virtual sports today, but there are a few that account for a large share of the market. Below, we’ll tell you about the most popular e-sports around the world:
League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game in which two teams of five players each compete to destroy the opposing team’s base. With an extensive roster of champions, each with unique abilities, and a strategic map, LoL has established itself as one of the most popular esports.
It’s esports and the most-played video game in history Currently, thanks to its addictive nature, the variety of strategies that can be employed, the wide range of battle options and the large community of players it has built up over the years. The League of Legends World Championship It attracts millions of viewers and players from all over the world, making it a global phenomenon.
Dota 2
Dota 2, another MOBA, features gameplay similar to LoL but with a greater emphasis on complexity and strategy. In this video game, two teams of five heroes compete on a map to defeat the opposing team. The complexity lies in the wide range of heroes available, each with unique abilities and the option to purchase items to enhance their capabilities. Developed by Valve, its main event, The International, is one of the most lucrative tournaments in e-sports.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
CS:GO is a tactical shooter in which two teams – terrorists and counter-terrorists – compete in rounds to complete objectives or eliminate the opposing team. The game’s economy adds a key strategic element, as players must to invest the money they earn from each round in a measured way earned to buy weapons and equipment. Valve organises regular events and the prestigious annual CS:GO championship, also known as a major.
Valorant
Developed by Riot Games, Valorant combines elements of tactical first-person shooters with unique character abilities. Although it is relatively new, its popularity has grown rapidly in the competitive arena, capturing the attention of esports fans on a massive scale. Two teams – attackers and defenders – compete in rounds with the aim of planting or defusing a bomb. The characters, known as agents, each have special abilities that can be combined to create very powerful teams.
Apex Legends
As a team-based battle royale, Apex Legends stands out for its unique character designs, each with special abilities. Although it is more recent than some of its competitors, it has gained popularity in esports thanks to its innovations in the Battle Royale genre. Players choose from a selection of Legends, each with their own tactical abilities, passive skills and ultimate abilities. To survive in this game, it is essential for team members to communicate and adapt to the mechanics of the play area, which gradually shrinks in size.
Hearthstone
Developed by Blizzard, Hearthstone is a collectable card game based on the Warcraft universe and in which players build decks and compete against one another. Turns consist of drawing cards, playing them tactically and attacking the opponent. Its accessibility and strategic depth have seen its popularity skyrocket in the world of e-sports, with the Hearthstone World Championship as a flagship event.
Rocket League
Rocket League takes football to a whole new level by combining it with vehicles. Players control cars capable of jumping and flying to hit a ball in an attempt to score goals in the opposing team’s net. Developed by Psyonix, this video game features a series of annual competitions with the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) also attracting thousands of spectators and players keen to compete.
Clash Royale
Supercell created Clash Royale, a real-time strategy game for mobile devices. It combines real-time strategy with collectable card elements, in which players build decks of cards and deploy units to destroy the enemy towers. Its competitive format is hugely popular in mobile esports, with tournaments and competitions held all over the world.
Fortnite
Fortnite, a battle royale game developed by Epic Games, has transcended the screen to become a cultural phenomenon. Players land on a map, gather resources and battle it out until only one player or team remains. The Fortnite World Cup It has consolidated its position in e-sports, attracting players of all ages. It is particularly popular amongst younger people.
Overwatch
Overwatch, a first-person shooter (FPS) from Blizzard, stands out – like other e-sports – for its focus on heroes with unique abilities. The game is structured around matches between teams of six players who compete to fulfil specific objectives, such as escorting a payload across the map, capturing control points, or defending and attacking in different game modes. The Overwatch League, a professional competition featuring teams representing different cities, has contributed to its popularity in e-sports, offering fiercely contested and thrilling matches at an international level.
How do you join an esports team?
Are you thinking about getting into the world of e-sports? We should warn you that there aren’t always places available on teams for everyone. That’s why we’re giving you some tips to help you find a place in your favourite e-sport.
Getting started in the world of e-sports begins with choose the video game you’re going to throw yourself into. Amongst standout titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2 and Overwatch, it is crucial to focus on one in order to master the gameplay mechanics, familiarise yourself with all its features, devise and test different strategies, and build self-confidence when competing against other players. Dedicating time and effort to improving your tactics and skills will help you gain recognition in esports.
Once you’ve chosen your game, get involved taking part in smaller leagues and competitions. This way, you’ll be able to showcase your skills and climb the rankings. To stand out even more, if you take part in official tournaments organised by bodies such as the Professional Video Game League (LVP), you’ll be able to attract the attention of other team players.
Having a ergonomic and suitable equipment, such as peripherals and adjustable monitors, is essential for performing at your best in top-level competitions. It is also essential to be in the right place at the right time to find out about any vacancies that become available in esports teams, so we recommend that you stay connected on social media and platforms such as Twitch or YouTube to keep up to date with recruitment opportunities.
Furthermore, it is essential develop interpersonal skills such as discipline, perseverance and commitment to training every day, coping with stressful situations and developing as a player. At the same time, the essential quality that all esports teams look for is team spirit.
Español 
English (UK) 
Français