Can You Major In Esports?
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Can you major in esports? The short answer is yes! There are a growing number of colleges and universities that offer esports programs and scholarships. Here’s everything you need to know about going pro in the world of competitive gaming.
What is esports?
Esports, also known as electronic sports, competitive (video) gaming, or professional (video) gaming, is a form of competition using video games. Most commonly, esports takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players. Although organized online and offline competitions have long been a part of video game culture, these were largely between amateurs until the late 2000s when participation by professional gamers and spectatorship in these events saw a large surge in popularity.
Organized online and offline competitions have long been a part of video game culture. These were mostly between amateurs until the late 2000s when participation by professional gamers and spectatorship witnessed huge popularity. The term “esports” covers a wide range of video games across PCs (personal computers), consoles, and mobile devices. The most common video games in esports are real-time strategy games (such as StarCraft II and League of Legends), first-person shooter games (such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch), and fighting games (such as Super Smash Bros. Melee and Street Fighter V).
The history of esports
While the term “esports” is relatively new, the concept of organized video game competitions is not. The first known esports tournament took place in 1972 at Stanford University for the game Spacewar. More than two dozen students competed for a top prize of a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone magazine.
In 1980, Atari held the Space Invaders Championship, which drew more than 10,000 participants across North America. The 1990s saw the rise of arcade games and console gaming with the release of popular titles such as Street Fighter II, Mortal Kombat and Doom. With the advent of broadband internet in the early 2000s, PC gaming and online multiplayer games became increasingly popular, setting the stage for modern esports.
The early 2000s also saw the formation of several professional esports organizations, including Major League Gaming (MLG) in 2002 and Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) in 1997. esports tournaments began to offer large cash prizes and attract top gamers from around the world. By 2010, MLG was hosting tournaments for Halo 3 with prize pools of up to $100,000.
Today, esports is a global phenomenon with massive multimillion-dollar tournaments hosted around the world. The industry is expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years as more schools begin to offer varsity esports programs and scholarships.
How to get involved in esports
There are a few different ways to get involved in the world of esports. The most common way is to simply participate in tournaments and competitions, either online or in person. However, there are other options available for those who want to get more involved in the industry.
For example, many colleges and universities now offer esports programs and scholarships. This means that you can actually major in esports if you want to! There are also a growing number of professional esports organizations, which means that you can potentially make a career out of playing video games.
Of course, these options are not available to everyone. If you want to get involved in esports but don’t have the time or resources to commit to a full-time program, there are still plenty of options available. There are a number of amateur leagues and tournaments that you can participate in, and you can also stream your gameplay online for others to watch.
Can you make a career out of esports?
Can You Major In Esports?
With the ever-growing popularity of esports, you may be wondering if you can make a career out of it. The answer is yes! While there are not currently any accredited esports programs, many colleges and universities offer gaming clubs and varsity teams. You can also pursue a career in esports through traditional means such as becoming a professional player, coach, or analyst. Keep reading to learn more about the various career paths in esports.
As a professional player, you will need to be skilled at one or more video games. You will also need to be able to work well as part of a team and have excellent hand-eye coordination. If you are interested in becoming a professional player, you should consider joining an esports team in college or through an online gaming community.
Coaches help players improve their skills and strategize for competitions. If you have experience playing competitive video games and want to share your knowledge with others, coaching could be the right career path for you. To become a coach, you will need to have excellent communication skills and be able to motivate players. You can find coaching jobs with esports teams or gaming communities.
Analysts provide insights on opponents and trends in the world of competitive gaming. They use their knowledge of games and statistical analysis to help teams strategize for competitions. If you are interested in becoming an analyst, you should have strong analytical skills and experience playing competitive video games. Many analysts start their careers as volunteers for gaming communities or esports teams.
What are the benefits of playing esports?
Playing esports comes with a number of benefits, including mental, physical, and social benefits. Some of these benefits are:
-Builds confidence and self-esteem
-Can help relieve stress and anxiety
-Can improve problem solving skills
-Can improve hand-eye coordination
-Can improve memory and focus
-Can promote team work and social interaction
What are the risks of playing esports?
While the esports industry is growing rapidly and becoming more mainstream, there are still some risks associated with playing professionally. These include:
-Repetitive strain injuries: Like any other athlete, esports players are at risk of developing repetitive strain injuries from all the repetitive motions they make while playing.
-Mental health issues: The pressure to perform can be intense, and players may suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues as a result.
-Burnout: With the demands of training and competing, players may experience burnout or fatigue. This can lead to reduced performance and may even cause players to retire early.
Despite these risks, many people still enjoy playing esports and find it to be a rewarding experience. If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in esports, be sure to do your research and consult with professionals to ensure you’re taking the necessary precautions.