In a world where roars of triumph echo not from Messi’s last-minute goals but from virtual victories displayed on screens, we step into the dazzling domain of esports. Here, the action is digital, the ‘athletes’ wield controllers, and the ambiance rivals that of a World Cup final.
This captivating phenomenon isn’t drawing in traditional sports enthusiasts; it’s capturing the hearts of primarily 18-27 year olds, a new generation reshaping the entertainment landscape.
The meteoric rise of esports owes much to Gen Z’s embrace of streaming apps like Twitch and Discord. With millions of users playing and spectating on these platforms, esports has swiftly morphed into a multi-billion dollar industry, presenting a lucrative niche for content creators.
Even small businesses are catching the esports wave by selling merchandise, hosting local area network (LAN) gaming nights, and running affiliate marketing sites.
For many, the prospect of getting paid to play video games sounds like a dream come true. But what exactly does this burgeoning industry offer to content creators?
The Evolution Unveiled
Esports, short for electronic sports, entails individuals and teams engaging in competitive video gaming across various genres, including multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), first-person shooter (FPS), sports simulation, and real-time strategy battles.
Gaming tournaments come alive on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, attracting millions of ardent supporters who cheer for their beloved internet celebrity players or teams.
Amateur gamers often flock to LAN events, where they compete side by side, directly connected to a shared network. These events happen everywhere, from student living rooms to concert arenas. Viewers worldwide can tune in through streaming platforms, witnessing the action as friends battle using their gaming avatars.
Console games like Nintendo’s Smash Bros reign supreme at LAN parties. These gatherings often epitomize an intimate affair, with friends converging in a single location, each armed with their gaming gear. Once settled, one person sets up a LAN game, inviting the others to play.
Yet, when it comes to the elite tier of esports, LAN parties transform into epic battlefields. These aren’t merely Friday-night Call of Duty sessions; they’re high-stakes tournaments where the best of the best showcase their prowess.
Here, it’s not just about having a good time and basking in glory. With corporate sponsorships from major brands, winners gain media recognition and walk away with substantial prizes, further elevating their status in the esports community.
Unpacking the Players
The esports realm consists of two kinds of players — competitive pros and lifestyle players. The former, the crème de la crème, play professionally, attending international tournaments and dedicating their lives to gaming.
Lifestyle gamers, like ‘Ninja’ (Tyler Blevins), who skyrocketed to fame through Fortnite, are content creators. The most successful creators monetize their skills and personality online, with Ninja raking in approximately $500k per year from his Twitch subscribers alone.
The Meteoric Rise in Numbers
Esports is on a trajectory to rival traditional sports in terms of viewership and might someday stand shoulder to shoulder with the Champions League or the Super Bowl.
In 2022, the esports industry was already valued at an impressive $1.38 billion, and it’s forecasted to grow even larger, potentially hitting $1.86 billion by 2025. That’s bigger than the entire GDP of Belize.
Remember the days when competitive gaming was confined to nerdy kids in basements? Well, now we’re gazing at a projected 720.8 million users by 2027. In 2023 alone, enthusiasts placed staggering bets worth $2.34 billion on esports games.
With such vast sums in play, it’s no surprise that major businesses like Red Bull, Intel, and Mountain Dew are vying for a slice of the action, sponsoring multiple teams and tournaments.
Riding the Business Wave
Content creators can carve a niche for themselves in the esports realm by wielding the right tools. Here are some pointers on how to kick off a gaming channel on a budget:
– Start a YouTube or Twitch channel, podcast, or blog sharing tips, news, or reviews. Setup costs are minimal, and streaming platforms offer ample monetization opportunities.
– If you’re skilled in a popular game such as League of Legends, offer coaching sessions to less experienced players, utilizing Discord to build a community and charge accordingly.
– Leverage your specialist knowledge by publishing your insights on blog platforms like Medium and earn based on engagement.
– Promote gaming products or platforms, earning a commission on sales through affiliate marketing links.
Authenticity and passion resonate more than insincere social campaigns. So whether it’s esports or any other industry, engaging directly and authentically with followers and offering them real value can help pave the way to profitability.
Shining the Spotlight on Streamers
One notable creator is Justin Nelson Stennett (King Jae), renowned for his prowess in Tekken and Street Fighter. He imparts gaming wisdom to his followers on his YouTube channel and conducts reviews of new products.
King Jae’s journey spans seven years, initially juggling streaming with other jobs before going full-time. Since then, he has become the face of numerous brand deals for Twitch, YouTube, Alienware, and Red Bull.
Elz the Witch garnered recognition by uploading game “play-throughs” on YouTube, featuring titles like Final Fantasy 7 and Zelda Ocarina of Time.
Elz’s expertise led her to co-host the FIFA E-World Cup final at The O2 Arena in London and host the Velo Globals gaming series Discovery Mode! Elz also presents a weekly radio show while running her podcast, Citizen Game.
As streaming platforms continue to evolve, their influence on traditional sports and society at large, particularly on the next generation of entrepreneurs, has become undeniable.
King Jae and Elz the Witch stand as prime examples of fans who have transitioned their passion into a burgeoning career. Remember, it’s never just about the gameplay or service you offer. Successful streamers and businesses make their mark by nurturing a community and forming relationships, whether you share tips on Twitch or serve customers in a store.
Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, content creator, or an individual looking to make a mark in the industry, the esports universe is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. So, while I’m yet to triumph against my colleagues at Call of Duty (COD), I have my sights set on a grander prize than Pizza Friday bragging rights.
