Is there a Future in eSports?There most certainly is. Still in its infancy, the eSports
industry has made $696 million in 2019 (41.3% growth since last quarter) with an
expected $1.5 billion by 2020 as brand investment doubles.
Like any sporting team, brand development is key to funding
clubs, star players and future developments. Fifty-two companies sponsor the
Brisbane Broncos team currently, all of which are contracted to varied levels
of agreements and input toward the club. One of the sponsors includes the
University of Queensland who are one of the first universities in Queensland to
promote high school eSports.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, in 2018 viewers who
tuned into Channel 7 to witness the AFL grand final featuring the clash of
Collingwood to the West Coast Eagles drew a viewership of 3.38 million people.
Just this year alone, the viewership ratings for the Mid-Season Invitational
for League of Legends attracted a Twitch crowd of 60 million viewers. Much like
conventional sport fans, viewers invested in their favourite teams, barracked
for star players and communicate with other fans, all in the safety of their
own home.
As this lucrative industry develops, perceptions of future
careers and ‘eSport lifestyle’ does also. Australian sporting teams such as the
Essendon Bombers have invested in eSports and their current League of Legends
team, ‘Bombers’ are currently ranked second in the Oceanic Pro League (OPL).
NBA team the Philadelphia 76ers have also invested in eSports purchasing ‘Team
Dignitas’ who are competing in the North American League of Legends
Championship Series (LCS). Other sporting teams such as the ‘Brisbane Roar’
have opted to sponsor FIFA E-League events in 2019 and other sporting legends
such as Mike Tyson and Shaquille O’Neal have invested in purchasing eSports
teams.
These opportunities open a lot of doors for competitors
whose interests and capabilities differ from the conventional sporting
requirements.
The Chisholm CHIEFS are in the top 16 going into the finals
for the QLD High School Championship hosted by the University of Queensland and
the University of Queensland Union and will compete in four more tournaments
before the end of the year.
How are you going to invest your support for our CHIEFS?
Mark Mendez-Cortes
eSports Coordinator