Esports tournament news is all about competitions where teams and individuals play video games for spectators. The events can be broadcast online via streaming services, cable and broadcast networks, and in person. They have become extremely popular around the world, especially in East Asia, where China and South Korea first licensed professional gamers in 2000, but are less common in Japan due to its broad anti-gambling laws.
There are several different governing bodies that oversee esports tournaments on a local, regional or global basis. Some, such as the Electronic Sports League, are a standalone organization that is independent from game publishers. Others are more integrated with the video game industry, acting as a trade group and public face for the sport.
Some of the most prominent esports tournaments take place in world-class arenas and attract millions of viewers. Some, such as the The International, are synonymous with grandeur and feature prize pools that can exceed $40 million. While the sport still has a long way to go before it is considered mainstream, esports are making an impact that goes beyond the millions of fans who watch the events on live video or in person. They are affecting economic growth, demographics, social engagement, job creation, and education. They are also revolutionizing the way people perceive video games as creative works worthy of copyright and intellectual property rights protection.