Esports is the competitive gaming arena where gamers battle each other in world-class arenas to win huge prizes. Sponsored by the largest video game companies and watched by millions, esports tournaments can even attract mainstream advertisers. But despite the popularity of the games themselves, many people still don’t know what esports is or how it works.
For those new to the scene, esports is high-stakes multiplayer video gaming competitions – with teams earning lucrative prize pools for their wins. Some tournaments are dedicated to specific games, like the League of Legends Champions Series (OWCS), while others feature a variety of genres and titles, including some popular multiplayer titles, such as Call of Duty and Dota 2.
One example of the increasing value placed on esports is Tiger Woods’ $3 million paycheck at The Masters, but it’s far from the only case of an individual eSports player winning a big payday. The top five earners in eSports – according to Forbes – are all professional gamers who make well over $200,000 per year.
The eSports industry continues to grow, and the University of North Dakota (UND) has positioned itself as an educational leader in the space by becoming the first institution to offer a Bachelor of Science in Esports degree. The interdisciplinary program spans kinesiology, communication, business, and computer science, and is designed to prepare students to be successful in the ever-growing gaming industry. In addition, UND has already launched an internship program to provide its students with hands-on experience in the field of eSports.