Whether you’re looking to get into competitive video gaming or just want to learn more about it, this weekly roundup of esports tournament news has you covered.
Esports (electronic sports) are contested in multiplayer online battle arena, first-person shooter, fighting game, card and real-time strategy games, with popular titles including League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Valorant, Overwatch, and Street Fighter. Esports are professionally run and organized, and players compete one-on-one or in teams based on game rules and strategy. The most successful esports players become known as superstars, earning millions of dollars in prize money and a reputation for excellence.
The most important esports events are the World Championships, which draw huge audiences and showcase jaw-dropping gameplay. LoL’s World Championship has produced some of the most emotional, unforgettable moments in esports history, and will be no different this year as the best teams compete for their shot at immortality.
Other notable esports competitions include the Valorant Champions Tour, a series of high-stakes FPS tournaments that feature some of the most intense action on the circuit. The event has exploded in popularity this season with top eight finishes by teams like Soniqs, DarkZero Esports and Spacestation Gaming already making waves.
In a significant step towards mainstream sports recognition, the Olympic eSports Games will take place in 2025, featuring top-tier competition across several games. The games will be officially backed by the Olympics and could be the beginning of the transition to mainstream sports. The University of North Dakota has taken a leadership position in this field, becoming the first college to offer a Bachelor of Science in esports, with an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes kinesiology, communication and business.
