Michael+B’s+2016+OpEd+Article



Ok. We are going to define a sport. Google defines a sport as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” There are plenty of games that meet these requirements, including online videogames.

Let me explain. Over the past few years, a new topic of discussion has arisen. It is whether Electronic Sports (Esports) are actual “sports”. They are. Obviously. The athletes who play in the international Esport competitions are truly that- athletes. They are in peak physical condition to play their game. They train day after day to tune their reflexes and skills in order to be able to compete on an international level. These individuals may play by themselves or on a team to compete against other individuals and teams. These competitions are broadcasted all over the world. These are the dictionary requirements of a sport.



Let us look at some examples. Esports include many types of video games but the most common would be MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas). These are where a team of five versus another team of five in online battle arena. Two major games that fall into this genre would be League of Legends and DOTA 2. League of Legends is currently the largest game in the world with over 67 million players internationally. Each year the World Championships sell out large sports stadiums and get an online viewing that exceeded the viewership of the NBA Finals (by 3.5 million people in 2014). The 2015 DOTA 2 International had a prize pool of over $18 million. This is not quite the hundreds of millions in “regular” sports, but it is still major. Professional gamers are starting to get salaries of over a million a year.



These videogames are sports. It is clear. People do not see it but they need to. The evidence is there. Recognition is increasing, however. Red Bull sponsors various Esports players as Red Bull athletes. The international competitions are starting to be aired on ESPN. The United States recently made Esports officially sports. The popularity of the games is increasing already. Hopefully, attention to these games will continue to increase.

Now lets venture into the straight up facts. I am right. Anyone who opposes this opinion is wrong. I don't need evidence. I just need the truth. That Esports are sports. People lie and snivel over their petty opinions but these don't compare to the genius that is this report.

Teams are dedicated to their sports. Same for Esports. Regular practice, unity, major sponsors, and big payouts are all aspects off an Esports team. There are many aspects that take them to a tier above normal sporting activities. Teams are well knit powerhouses of intelligence and reflex. The team in Esports are set up in a meritocracy. Companies sponsor teams and then they play through tournaments to get into the official pro leagues. The best teams are who play, not set teams that are the only ones allowed in the leagues (common sports). These games are filled with adrenaline and lightning fast reactions, everything many other sports have.

What am I going to do now? Play a sport. On my computer.



For a wonderfully articulated opinion of this topic, you may watch this - Video. No, really, watch it. It is interesting and informative and really helps to explain this topic. Its a mere 20 minutes that you have to have stashed away somewhere.