As a sport, esports (also known as e-Sports, e-games, or electronic sports) are organized competitive video gaming tournaments. They’re the gamer’s version of athletic championships — teams face off in large, audience-filled arenas, commentators analyze and discuss the action live in real time, and the winner walks away with a hefty cash prize.
Esports tournaments feature competitions in a wide variety of video games, from multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends and Dota 2 to fighting game, card, and real-time strategy franchises. Many of these events are televised, allowing fans from around the world to watch live in a venue filled with excited spectators. Some of the biggest esports tournaments draw audiences that rival those of traditional sporting events, with some championships attracting stadium-sized crowds and featuring sold-out ticket sales.
While esports are still in their infancy as a formalized, professional sport, the phenomenon has already taken off: it’s quickly approaching $1 billion in revenue, with major tournaments broadcast on dozens of channels and watched by millions of fans worldwide. It’s a growth that many believe will only continue, and even see the potential for esports to make their way into the Olympic Games.
This month, notable esports tournaments include RLCS 2025 and the VALORANT Stage 2 international leagues. In addition, September features an iconic fighting game tournament at EVO 2025, featuring popular games such as Street Fighter, Tekken and Guilty Gear. It’s a busy ecosystem, but there are always new opportunities to be found!