The impact of E-Sports on the world of sports

Over the past decade, esports have grown from a niche phenomenon to a multi-billion-dollar industry that rivals traditional sports. What was once considered simply video games is now a competitive discipline that attracts millions of viewers , commands multi-million-dollar contracts , and is part of global youth culture . This transformation has not only changed the way we understand digital entertainment, but it has also reshaped the entire landscape of professional sports .

One of the most surprising factors in the rise of esports is its massive audience . Events like the League of Legends World Championship and Dota 2's The International have surpassed iconic competitions like the NBA Finals and the Super Bowl in viewership in certain regions. According to data from Newzoo , more than 530 million people watched esports events in 2024, and that number is expected to grow exponentially.

Platforms like Twitch , YouTube Gaming , and Kickstart have been instrumental in growth, allowing direct interaction between fans and players . This type of connection has been impossible to replicate in other sports, giving esports a unique advantage.

Today, esports boast leagues, tournaments, coaches, sports psychologists , and even physical and mental training regimes . Teams like Team Liquid , Fnatic , T1 , and G2 Esports are known worldwide and operate as true sports franchises. Their players have contracts, salaries, sponsors, and, in some cases, celebrity status.

Additionally, many universities offer athletic scholarships in E-Sports , and countries such as South Korea , the United States , and China have officially recognized professional gamers as high-performance athletes .

The global esports market is estimated to be worth over $2 billion annually , driven largely by sponsorships, broadcast rights, and merchandising . Traditional sports brands such as Nike , Adidas , and Puma have entered the sector fully, sponsoring teams and creating exclusive clothing lines for professional players.

On the other hand, technology companies such as Intel , Logitech , Razer and Red Bull have found in E-Sports a highly effective marketing channel to connect with young and digitally active audiences.

Although some still see eSports as a threat to conventional sports, reality points to an increasingly natural convergence . Football clubs like Real Madrid , Manchester City , and PSG already have eSports divisions. Furthermore, sports organizations like the NBA and FIFA have created their own video game leagues (NBA 2K League, eFIFA) to reach new generations .

This synergy is leading to a redefinition of the concept of “sport,” in which cognitive performance , strategy , teamwork , and professional discipline carry as much weight as physical fitness.

One of the most significant recent milestones was the inclusion of Esports as an official event at the 2022 Asian Games . Furthermore, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has begun seriously exploring its incorporation into the Olympic program , albeit with some reservations about the titles and content that could be included.

The creation of Olympic Esports Week is a clear sign of interest in integrating these competitions into the Olympic ecosystem, at least in formats that prioritize technical skills, strategy, and sports simulations.

Despite its explosive growth, esports face significant challenges . The mental health of players, subjected to long hours in front of screens and high competitive pressure, is one of the most critical issues. Furthermore, the lack of international regulation , problems with digital doping , online harassment , and unclear labor agreements continue to affect a portion of the ecosystem.

Furthermore, a social stigma persists that discredits eSports as true sports, despite the efforts of thousands of professionals to legitimize their work.

Esports are here to stay. Far from being a passing fad, they represent a new form of global competition that combines technology, entertainment, and sports professionalism. Their impact on the world of sports is undeniable: from changing the way we consume content to reshaping sports and educational structures. With their sustained growth, it's only a matter of time before Esports are fully recognized as an Olympic discipline and a fundamental pillar of 21st-century sport.

Follow us on our X La Verdad Noticias profile and stay up to date with the most important news of the day.