What Does Esports Mean? Understanding the Term and Its Origin
Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to organized competitive video gaming where players and teams compete against each other in various video game titles at a professional level. While many assume it's spelled "eSports" or "e-sports," the officially accepted spelling by the Associated Press and major organizations is "esports."
The term originated in the late 1990s during the rise of competitive gaming but gained widespread usage in the early 2000s. Unlike traditional sports, esports takes place in virtual environments, with players using computers, consoles, or mobile devices to compete.
Here's what each part of the word represents:
'E' - Electronic, referring to the digital nature of the competition 'Sports' - Competitive activities requiring skill, strategy, and coordination
I often explain to people that esports encompasses various genres including:
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends First-Person Shooters (FPS) like Counter-Strike Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games like StarCraft Sports simulations like FIFA Battle Royale games like Fortnite
Today, esports has evolved into a billion-dollar industry with professional leagues, massive tournaments, and dedicated arenas. Professional players train rigorously, often practicing 8-12 hours daily, similar to traditional athletes.
While the etymology is straightforward, the impact of esports extends beyond just competitive gaming. It represents a cultural shift in how we view digital competition and entertainment in the modern age.
The term has become so mainstream that in 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized esports as a legitimate sporting activity, though it remains separate from traditional Olympic events.
Remember, when using the term in writing, "esports" is both singular and plural, and doesn't require capitalization unless it's at the beginning of a sentence.