The esports industry has exponentially expanded over the last two decades, and non-gamers may find it incredibly difficult to believe that it is now perfectly plausible to carve out a career in competitive gaming. The number of esports enthusiasts, both viewers and participants, continues to increase year-on-year, and some of the most popular competitions have even been televised on ESPN. Midweek tournaments typically attract over 100,000 viewers, whereas many popular gamers have established themselves as household names. This industry has shown very few signs of slowing down, and its market size is estimated to reach USD 2,396.9 million by the end of 2024.
In addition to tuning in to catch all of the action, it is also possible to place bets on popular tournaments such as DOTA 2, CS:GO, and Fortnite. It is one of a handful of growing trends within the gambling industry, alongside live sports betting, blockchain technology, and the introduction of live game shows. Similar to esports, the popularity of the latter is largely due to the interactive possibilities, and most online operators, including High Roller Casino are now able to showcase an ever-expanding pool of gameshows such as Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, and Crazy Coin Flip.
Is it Easy to Get Started?
If you’re simply planning on watching the experts in action, then it’s incredibly straightforward to join the millions of esports viewers who enjoy absorbing top-quality tournaments every single week. Twitch, a video streaming site that boasts 55 million users, is the best place to start. Here, you’ll also find streams from the next generation of would-be gamers, so you may be able to spot some future stars in the making.
For those who are planning on participating, it should be noted that top-level esports competitors spend several hours each day honing their craft. If you do not have this kind of availability, it can be incredibly difficult to rise to the top. Watching the experts in action is the best way to improve your gaming, and there are also several ways of hosting your very own esports competition where you may be able to showcase your newly developed skills.
Which Games Should I be Playing?
There are several popular titles such as League of Legends and Dota 2 which can be complicated to the uninitiated. Although these games tend to attract the highest number of viewers, they are far from entry-level options. We’ve picked out three games which are far more accessible and could be worth exploring if you’re harbouring ambitions of becoming an esports regular.
Omega Strikers
Created by Odyssey Interactive, this free-to-play action sports video game is based on an incredibly simple concept: to score more goals than your opponents.
It is competitive and fun, and with 15+ colorful characters available for selection, this is a creation that will appeal to players of all ages.
The creators have been busy incorporating Twitch integration into this game and there are several fun multiplayer modes which allow you to team up with your friends and family. Smashing your opponents is the aim of the game and this is a highly enjoyable entry-level esports title.
Apex Legends
If you’re a fan of battle royale games, yet you aren’t ready to hit the high notes of Call of Duty, then Apex Legends offers a slightly gentler entry point.
Its colorful cast of characters is unique, and with a big emphasis on ability, you can easily become accustomed to the quirks and idiosyncrasies of your chosen fighter.
You’ll probably need time to learn the basics and get up to speed. However, once you get started, this immersive title will find a way of dragging you back in.
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game
This game differs from many other esports titles, but with a few hours of dedication, this should be easy to master. The aim is simple: collect more points than your opponent.
Once you have become accustomed to the five different factions, you’ll be able to follow each of the intriguing storylines throughout the game.
Problem-solving is at the heart of this unique free-to-play game, and although you may require a few hours to get up to scratch, Gwent is undoubtedly one of the most absorbing and strategic esports options.
