E-sports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming at a professional level. It involves organized tournaments and leagues where individuals or teams compete against each other in various video games. E-sports can encompass a wide range of genres, including multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), first-person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), and sports simulation games.
The phenomenon has grown significantly in popularity, with large audiences both in-person at events and through online streaming platforms. Professional players often train rigorously, much like athletes, to enhance their skills, strategies, and teamwork. E-sports events can draw millions of viewers, with top players and teams achieving fame and financial success through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and prize money.
E-sports serves as a cultural platform, fostering communities and fan engagement around competitive gaming, and is recognized by various organizations and media outlets as a legitimate form of sport. The landscape continues to evolve, with increasing amateur participation, collegiate competitions, and potential inclusion in traditional sports frameworks.
T1, reigning world champions, were unexpectedly eliminated in their first playoff match of the LCK Cup 2025 by Hanwha Life Esports. The tournament's controversial new format, featuring a round-robin leading…