Why is Esports a sport?

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By Esports Tripper
Last Updated: August 14, 2021

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Esports has risen to remarkable success in the past few years. It has also received a lot of love from the community across the globe. Owing to its success, the industry is set to surpass $1 billion in revenue by the end of 2021. Yet, there are still arguments as to why Esports is not a sport. However, the evidence suggests otherwise. And here is some compelling explanation to you why Esports is a sport.

There is no plausible distinction between Esports and “traditional” sports

Of course, it is difficult to define sport uniformly, most sports have a wide variety of properties that qualify them as a sport. In many cases, professional sport is characterised by the virtue of knowledge of the game and handling of sports equipment (football, javelin throwing, skiing) on ​​the part of the athlete. At the same time, not every sport is physically equally demanding since there are already recognised precision sports like shooting, chess, and many more.

Following the definition, Esports is extremely coordinately and mentally demanding. Moreover, at the highest competitive level, the operation of the gaming device whether it is software or hardware is at least as complex as that of a rifle. If you look at how much electronics are now used in most sports (goal-line technology, power meters, target photos), then their use in Esports is hardly a plausible criterion.

If Chess is a sport than Esports is a sport.

One of the main arguments against Esports being a real sport is the physical exertion aspect. Most Esports players are sitting in comfy chairs only using their hands which is very different when you imagine Olympians sweating to get around a race track. But a similar sport to Esports in this regard is Chess, and competitive chess definitely defines itself as a sport. And as the sport of Esports evolves so will the fitness required to compete at the top level. Originally Football matches were played between factory workers between shifts and Esports will follow a similar trajectory of athletes needing to be both physically and mentally fit to train and compete at the highest levels.

From dark basements to sold out arenas

The Esports events are now so far that they fill entire stadiums. The recognition of Esports to be officially classified as a sport is long overdue for the fans. They admire the athletes for their extraordinary skills, risky maneuvers, and talent in the same way that traditional athletes are celebrated. The prize money and salaries of Esports athletes exceed those of the old sports and there is no end in sight.

Classic sports and Esports can learn from each other.

It is becoming increasingly clear to the trainers in traditional sports that it is not just about fitness and strength, but also about cognitive and mental abilities. More and more training methods are being adapted that also train quick comprehension, reaction, and orientation skills. These skills have always been in focus in Esports and were explicitly trained by the players. In Esports, on the other hand, more attention must be paid to the players’ bodies. Breathtaking plays and quick decisions in competitive situations require a healthy mind in a healthy body.

Countries that recognize Esports as a sport

Some of the most developed countries in the world have officially recognized Esports as a sport. The movement was started with Korea and has now circulated to the US, Finland, Nepal, Denmark, Italy, Russia, China, South Africa, Germany, and Ukraine. Esports is also now on its way to be featured in the Olympics.

It is pretty evident that the Esports industry is all set to rise to new heights and is surely a sport in this modern world.

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By Esports Tripper
Last Updated: August 14, 2021