The rise of esports can be traced back to the early days of competitive gaming in the 1970s and 1980s, with events like the Space Invaders Championship in 1980, where players competed for the title of the world's best. This marked the beginning of organized gaming competitions, a trend that grew with advancements in technology and internet accessibility.
The 1990s saw the emergence of multiplayer online games, notably with the launch of Quake in 1996. The game's competitive scene birthed the first professional esports leagues and tournaments, such as the World Cyber Games, established in 2000, which helped legitimize esports on a global scale.
The early 2000s introduced streaming platforms, revolutionizing how audiences engaged with esports. Twitch, launched in 2011, became a significant platform for live streaming esports events, allowing gamers to showcase their skills to a global audience. This accessibility played a crucial role in popularizing competitive gaming, as fans could watch their favorite players and events in real-time.
The growth of mobile gaming has also contributed to the rise of esports. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Arena of Valor have attracted millions of players and viewers, particularly in Asia. The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup exemplifies how mobile esports can draw massive audiences, showcasing the shift in gaming demographics.
Corporate sponsorship and investment have transformed esports into a multi-billion dollar industry. Major companies, including Intel and Red Bull, have invested heavily in esports events and teams, creating lucrative opportunities for players and organizations. The Overwatch League, launched in 2018, is a prime example of how traditional sports franchises have ventured into esports, further bridging the gap between the two worlds.
Esports is now recognized for its potential to offer scholarships, with universities in the U.S. and beyond establishing esports programs. Institutions like Robert Morris University were among the first to offer scholarships for gamers, reflecting the academic legitimacy and career opportunities that esports can provide.
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of esports as traditional sports were halted. Events transitioned online, and viewership surged, with the League of Legends World Championship attracting over 100 million viewers in its 2020 edition. This unprecedented interest has solidified esports as a mainstream entertainment medium, showcasing its evolution from niche pastime to global phenomenon.