Electronic sports, or the eSports industry as it’s popularly known, has gained increased popularity since the global Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020.
By next year, gaming analysts predict there will be a marked increase in internet users viewing eSports gaming.
eSports encompass multi-player video game competitions which are viewed by spectators online. Professional gamers can compete as individuals or within a team.
eSport history in focus
One of the first video game competitions is said to have taken place back in the 1970s at Standford University using the game Spacewar.
In 1974, video game giant Sega hosted the All Japan TV Game Championships in the country. It was a country-wide tournament, and the prizes included TVs, radios and cassette tape recorders.
During the early 2000s, amateur gamers would host friendly competitions among themselves, but the advent of live streaming has taken it to the next level.
By 2010, eSports received a massive buy-in from video game developers who chose to pump huge amounts of money into gaming matches and events.
Gaming experts predict that eSport gaming will amass close to $1.79 billion before this year draws to a close.
Who are the best eSports teams?
- Team Liquid
Team Liquid is regarded as the top dog in the eSport arena. The team have been bestowed the title of the most victorious group in the eSporting community.
The team have competed in 2151 championships and gained a huge amount of gaming experience.
Team Liquid’s top 3 earning video games:
- Dota: $23,095,231.10
- Counterstrike:$5,162,591.35
- Starcraft:$1,622,183.25
- OG
Team OG clinches the coveted second spot with a total earned the prize of $35,717,823.59. The team comprises younger people who won most of their revenue via one game title.
The team was originally known as (monkey) Business. A title was given to them by super pro eSport gamer Johan Sundstein.
The team has done exceptionally well with games such as Dota 2. Team OG secured the top spot in the Dota 2 The International Championships for two years in a row.
Team OG’s top 3 earning video games:
- Dota 2: $34,920,626.13
- CS: GO: $737,750.00
- Dota 2 (OG Seed): $52,600.00
- Evil Geniuses
Evil Geniuses are ranked number three in the eSports world rankings. This team has performed impressively at nearly 60 games and won huge prize money while playing a single game: Dota 2.
They have earned $25,589,757.09 by high bets during international tournaments. They fared very well while playing the different Call of Duty titles.
Evil Geniuses’ top 3 earning video games:
- Dota 2: $21,072,070.62
- CS:GO: $1,017,866.99
- Call of Duty: $917,740.10
- Team Spirit
Team Spirit is at number four on the world rankings. The team has competed in fewer games than other teams, but they have managed to clinch $19,913,522.11 in prize money.
Team Spirit won most of their prize money while playing Dota 2.
Team Spirits’ top 3 earning video games:
- Dota 2: $18,864,202.41
- CS: GO: $752,751.21
- Hearthstone: $275,968.49
- Virtus.pro
Team Virtus.pro comes in at fifth place in the rankings. They achieved this feat by consistently performing well in all their games. They have earned a total of $18,206,325.79 in prize money.
The team burst onto the eSports scene in 2012 and has been going strong. They fared well in the Dota 2 and International Championships, ESL One championships and the Massive Online Battle Arena (MOBA) championships.
Team Virtus.pro’s top 3 earning video games:
Dota 2: $11,490,018.54
CS:GO: $4,298,190.63
PUBG: $666,213.93
Top 10 eSport games in 2022
- Apex Legends
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Dota 2
- Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Fortnite
- The King of Fighters XIV
- League of Legends
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Overwatch
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
Viewership numbers
Viewership numbers for eSports have increased exponentially over the last several years, and eSport gaming revenue grew to almost US$1 billion. Chinese gamers accounted for close to 35% of eSport earnings.
The evolution of various live streaming platforms, such as YouTube and Twitch, has played a pivotal role in the growth of the eSport industry.
The breakdown of the demographics of eSport viewers indicates that 85% of men and 15% of women are regular viewers of the games.
To learn more about eSport games and fixtures, visit the popular online betting site, Neds.