From basement tournaments to global entertainment powerhouses, esports, or electronic sports, are changing the world. These competitive gaming competitions have evolved from a pastime into a major industry with professional leagues and dedicated athletes, all while attracting millions of fans online across multiple time zones.

This article explores the many ways esports tournaments are reshaping the gaming world, from business opportunities to cultural shifts.

Video game competitions have existed as far back as 1972, when Stanford University hosted a groundbreaking ‘Spacewar’ tournament that pitted five students against each other. The winner’s prize – a year’s subscription to Rolling Stones magazine – seems modest by today’s standards, but it was a significant milestone that launched the future of esports.

Esports have expanded dramatically since then, as new games and new technology have emerged. For example, better Internet infrastructure — such as 5G networks — has made it possible for players to compete in a global tournament without worrying about lag or connectivity issues.

Some tournaments are also experimenting with Augmented Reality (AR) displays that show game information and player statistics as overlays in the real world. And, of course, the inclusion of esports in the Olympic movement pushed the envelope even further, bringing together physical and digital athleticism in a way that has never been seen before.