eSports Sunday: Yes, eSports are going to be in the Olympics, and probably sooner than you’d think

eSports-in-the-olypmics

I’ve talked about this before and most of the time people tell me that I’m crazy. However as time passes I think I’m looking a little less crazy because whether you’re an eSports fan like me or not, it’s hard to ignore what’s happening in the world of competitive video games.

The eSports market is expected to hit $1.5B:

The coming year will see the Esports Economy grow to $696 million, a year-on-year growth of 41.3%. Brands are expected to spend $517 million, broken down into $155 million on advertising, $266 million on sponsorship, and a further $95 million on media rights. Brand investment will double by 2020, pushing the total market to $1.5 billion. (Source – NewZoo.com)

As the market for competitive video games continues to grow and viewership booms it should come as no surprise that the Olympics are on everyone’s radar. Last year more people watched competitive video games than regular season NFL games so what do all those people want to watch in the Olympics? Uh, duh – eSports.

In fact, competitive video games will be a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games and the Paris bid team is discussing eSports for the 2024 Olympic games according to the BBC:

The Paris bid team said it would discuss introducing esports with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) before being named host in September.
Competitive video gaming will be a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games.
“It won’t be possible to be an official discipline,” said IeSF acting secretary general Leopold Chung.
“But to be a demonstration title within the Paris Olympics.”
(Source – BBC News)

As someone who watches a lot more competitive video games than traditional sports I am excited to see eSports make their way to the Olympics. I also think that once they are included in the Olympics it will open the world to an entirely new kind of sport, one that is becoming increasingly relevant in a world where we all carry computers in are pocket that are more powerful than any electronic device on the planet at the time that any traditional sport was invented.

The times, they are a changing, and IMO this change is great news. Of course, I’m pretty biased so I’d like to hear what you think. Do eSports belong in the Olympics? I want to hear from you, comment and let your voice be heard!

Morgan Linton

Morgan Linton