24 Esports Facts That Will Level Up Your Gaming Knowledge

Esports is a form of competitive gaming that involves professional players competing against each other in organized tournaments. Esports has exploded in popularity in recent years, becoming a global phenomenon with millions of fans and players. From MOBAs to FPS games, sports simulators to strategy titles, the esports industry has a diverse range of games that attract different kinds of players and viewers.

1. The first esports tournament was held in 1972 at Stanford University. The game played was Spacewar, and the grand prize was a year-long subscription to Rolling Stone magazine.
2. The global esports market is expected to generate $5.48 billion in revenue by 2029.
3. Esports is a diverse industry with various game genres that attract different kinds of players and viewers. Among the most popular esports genres are:

• MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) – This genre involves players controlling a single character, called a hero or champion, who has specific skills, abilities, and characteristics. The most popular MOBA game is League of Legends, Dota 2, Heroes of the Storm, and Smite.
• FPS (First-Person Shooter) – These games focus on fast-paced, action-packed gameplay where players take on the role of a soldier or other combatant, usually in a war-like scenario. Some of the most popular FPS esports games include Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, and Call of Duty.
• Strategy – This genre involves players managing resources, building armies, and competing against opponents in a strategic manner. Economic games, the art of city building, and other things like StarCraft fall under this category. Some of the most popular strategy esports games include StarCraft II, Age of Empires II, and Warcraft III.
• Sports Simulators – These games simulate real-world sports like soccer, basketball, and racing. FIFA soccer games are some of the most popular esports games in this category. Other popular sports simulators include NBA 2K, Madden NFL, and Rocket League.

4. The most popular esports game in the world is League of Legends, with over 117 million monthly active players.
5. South Korea is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern esports. The country has a thriving esports scene and is home to some of the world’s best players.
6. The biggest esports event of the year is the League of Legends World Championship, which was watched by 142 million viewers. The 2022 championship had a prize pool of over $6 million.
7. The most successful esports team of all time is Team Liquid. Team Liquid has made a name for itself by participating in over 2445 tournaments and earning over $43.37 million USD in prize money, the highest in esports history. From their early days in StarCraft to their current success in Dota 2 and FIFA, Team Liquid has consistently been a top-performing team.
8. The most successful esports player of all time is Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok. He is a member of SK Telecom T1 and has won three League of Legends World Championships. Since entering the League of Legends scene, Faker has dominated with an impressive six domestic titles, three of which he won consecutively. In addition, he has secured victories in every major international tournament in League, including IEM, All-Stars, the Mid-Season Invitational, and the World Championship, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in esports history.
9. The most-watched esports event of all time was the 2021 Free Fire World Series 2021 Singapore. The event had over 5.41 million concurrent viewers.
10. Esports athletes train just as hard as traditional athletes and have to follow strict diets and exercise routines.
11. The Three Gorgers Harbor arena is currently the largest esports-only arena that has been completed with 6000 seats. However, the upcoming Toronto Esports Arena, set to open in 2025, is expected to surpass it with a capacity of 7000 seats.
12. The esports industry is not just limited to video games. There are also professional players in games such as Magic: The Gathering, chess, and poker.
13. Cybersports are not just for personal computer owners. Today in Asian countries there are championships on iPhones and Android devices.
14. Esports was recognized as an Olympic sport in 2023, but the most popular esports titles were not included due to the IOC’s belief that Olympic sports should promote non-violence.
15. The esports industry has governing bodies, such as the International Esports Federation and the Esports Integrity Commission, responsible for regulating various aspects of the industry, including player conduct, competition rules, and anti-doping measures.
16. The biggest esports organizations in the world include Fnatic, Cloud9, and Evil Geniuses.
17. The esports industry has established several hall of fames to honor and recognize the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field.
18. The most-watched esports game on Twitch in 2021 was Valorant, with over 43 million hours watched. Valorant’s popularity on Twitch has also led to the development of a thriving esports scene, with numerous tournaments and leagues taking place throughout the year.
19. The most successful esports organizations in the world are often multinational, with teams comprised of players from all over the world. This international approach allows esports organizations to access a wider pool of talent and gives them a competitive advantage in the global market.
20. The most expensive transfer in esports occurred in 2019 when the Chinese esports organization Invictus Gaming paid a $5.4 million transfer fee to sign Song “Rookie” Eui-jin from another Chinese team called Edward Gaming.
21. The biggest esports sponsors include companies such as Intel, Coca-Cola, and Red Bull.

• Intel has sponsored several major esports events and tournaments, including the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), one of the most prestigious esports tournaments in the world.
• Coca-Cola has sponsored major events such as the League of Legends World Championship and the Overwatch League.
• Red Bull is another well-known sponsor in the esports industry, with a focus on supporting individual players and smaller teams. The energy drink brand has sponsored many high-profile esports athletes and events, and has also launched its own esports tournament, the Red Bull Player One 1v1 tournament.

22. There have been several celebrities who have endorsed or advertised for cyber sports. Some examples include:

• Michael Jordan, who invested in the esports organization aXiomatic Gaming in 2018.
• Drake, who co-owns the esports organization 100 Thieves.
• Post Malone, who has performed at esports events and collaborated with the esports organization HyperX.
• Gordon Hayward, a professional basketball player, who signed a sponsorship deal with the esports organization FaZe Clan.
• Maisie Williams, who starred in a commercial for the esports organization Dignitas.

23. Pills for cyber athletes have been developed to enhance reaction time and concentration during gaming, with manufacturers claiming the composition includes energy-active supplements and vitamins. Rather than energy drinks, professionals recommend drinking coca-cola, eating chocolate or sugar, and drinking coffee for better brain power.
24. Betting organizations are paying increasing attention to esports, with bookmakers writing lines and increasing odds as more and more players try their hand in the field. As all sports move toward virtual modes, the future of esports is bright.

Sources:

1. Ispo – eSports History: How it all began
2. Research and Markets – Global Esports Market Size
3. Statista – Peak viewers of leading eSports tournaments worldwide
4. Red Bull – What does it take to be an esports athlete?
5. Esports Grizzly – Biggest Esports Arenas Around the World
6. Magic – What is Magic Esports?
7. Esic – Esports Integrity Commission
8. One 37 pm – The 10 Most Valuable Esports Teams
9. Insider Intelligence – The biggest companies sponsoring esports teams and tournaments