How to Get Involved in Esports: A Beginner’s Guide

Imagine a world where the thrill of competition meets the digital age. That’s exactly what’s happening in the booming industry of esports. As traditional sports take a backseat, esports majors are taking the world by storm, capturing the attention of millions.

Let’s explore the rise of this digital phenomenon and the impact it’s making on the global stage.

Defining Esports Major

An Esports Major signifies a high-level, professional esports tournament. Resembling a milestone event in traditional sports, it typifies the epitome of digital competitiveness.

Main Components of an Esports Major

An esports major comprises several integral components. Players from the initial component, hailing from various backgrounds and skill levels. Renowned for their proficiency, they deploy remarkable strategies, reflecting an expert understanding of the game mechanics. Teams stand as another key component. They exhibit collaboration, precision, and synergy, illustrating flawless teamwork.

Next comes the equipment, imperative for any esports major. It includes advanced game systems, high-speed internet connections, and gaming peripherals. Tournament organizers factor after, their role being hosting and managing the events, from scheduling matches to settling disputes and securing sponsors. 

Brief History of Esports Major

The inception of esports majors dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. The growth of internet connectivity paved the way for competitive online gaming. Games like “StarCraft: Brood War”, a prominent early esports title, began organizing world championships. Yet, it was the advent of “Dota 2: The International” in 2011, featuring a prodigious prize pool, that truly heralded the era of esports majors. Today, these events represent a premier spectacle, featuring professionals competing for prestigious titles and sizable cash rewards.

The Growth of Esports Majors

Esports majors have experienced a meteoric rise, becoming a revolutionizing force in the competitive gaming realm.

Timeline of Esports Major Growth

The growth trajectory of esports majors has been phenomenal. Pioneers of esports majors, such as “Dota 2: The International,” launched in 2011, set the stage by featuring a hefty prize pool. This tournament laid the groundwork for a sea change in digital competitiveness.

The esports industry has attracted significant investments from game publishers, media companies, and even traditional sports franchises. Esports has proved to be a lucrative field, enticing more players to turn professional.

Esports Major

This section spotlights three popular esports major titles, all of which have significantly impacted the competitive gaming landscape.

League of Legends

League of Legends, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Riot Games, stands tall among esports majors. Its World Championship, known for drawing in millions of viewers globally, has been held annually since 2011. A strategic team-based game, League of Legends demands sharp decision-making skills, fine-tuned coordination, and in-depth understanding of the different characters or ‘champions’ in the game. 

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, regarded as a key player in the fps (first-person shooter) genre, owes its success to developer Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment. This title has headlined many esports majors with prominent tournaments like the ESL Pro League and the Intel Extreme Masters. Pitting terrorists against counter-terrorists, the game requires intense focus, strategic planning, and accurate shooting skills. Notable for its high-stake tournaments, it hosted the largest prize pool in the fps genre, amounting to $1 million at the 2016 ESL One Cologne Major.

Dota 2

Dota 2, developed and published by Valve Corporation, has maintained its strong presence in the MOBA esports scene. Its annual tournament, The International, represents the pinnacle of Dota 2 esports majors and boasts some of the largest prize pools in the industry. A strategy-based game that continues to evolve with regular updates, Dota 2 witnesses fierce battles between two teams, each striving to destroy the other’s base. 

Yet, the resilience and adaptability of the esports industry suggest that it’s well-equipped to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. As we move forward, it’s clear that esports majors will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gaming.