Competitive Online Gaming Explained

Competitive gaming, or esports, is a new and foreign concept for many people. We’re going to tell you what competitive gaming is and how it works.

How Competitive Online Gaming Works

Competitive online gaming, often referred to as esports, has recently become a global phenomenon that combines intense gaming competition with the thrill of playing video games. It allows people who love playing video games to be able to properly compete with other like-minded individuals with similar skillsets, for the purpose of both being entertained as well as crowning winners.

This rapidly growing industry has gained immense popularity over recent years, having led to multimillion-dollar tournaments, professional players, and even dedicated fan bases.

But what exactly is competitive gaming – or esports, rather – and how does it work?

What are Esports?

Esports, commonly known as competitive online gaming, involves individuals or teams of players competing against each other at a professional level.

Now, the games encompass a wide range of genres, including both first-person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA), simulations of sports and so much more. The big difference here between recreational gaming and competitive online gaming is that esports put emphasis on strategy and teamwork, as well as mastering skills.

How Does Competitive Online Gaming Work?

One of the cool things about esports is that they cover a broad spectrum of games, each with its very own competitive scene. Some of the most popular and recognised esport games include League of Legends, Counterstrike: Global Offensive, Dota 2 and Overwatch.

Teams and Players

Normally, competitive gaming involves players forming or joining teams – this is one of the most appealing factors for many people. These teams often have coaches, sponsors, analysts and even support staff, depending on how professional the team is, to help the players of all ages improve their skills, navigate the competitive scene, and be successful.

Spectators and Viewership

Much like any other type of sport, esports have gathered a massive following of spectators and fans from around the world who watch live broadcasts of tournaments. Furthermore, several streaming platforms, such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming, have become hubs for esports content – they allow fans to follow their favourite players and teams.

As such, since viewership of esports has increased dramatically over the years, so too has the amount of money – that is, sponsorship and investment – that has been put into the sport. The more viewership, the more money there is.

Tournaments and Leagues

Since it’s all about competitions, the very heart of esports lies in the leagues and tournaments that are played. These events vary quite a lot in scale (just like any sport) – ranging from small, local events to massive, international competitions. Furthermore, the more major competitions often involve some pretty serious prizes, which attracts players and teams from all around the world, which, in turn, increases the viewership. Viewers can also engage in online sports betting, which much like other forms of gambling, such as online pokies real money games, results in the chance to win cash payouts.

Commentators and Broadcasters

Esports have professional broadcasters and commentators who provide play-by-play analysis of the games, as well as expert insight and fun commentary, adding to the entertainment value during live broadcasts. These individuals enhance the viewing experience and help newcomers understand the nuances of the game, which is incredibly helpful.