Spectating Esports 101: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide

Spectating Esports 101: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide

E-sports is a rapidly growing industry that has taken the world by storm. With millions of players and spectators worldwide, it is no longer just a niche hobby, but a mainstream phenomenon that is here to stay. If you’re new to the world of spectating esports and are looking to learn more about it, this guide is for you.

Today, we’ll also explore the history and current state of the e-sports industry, its global reach, and its increasing acceptance as a legitimate form of competitive entertainment. We’ll also discuss its future and what to expect in the coming years.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore gamer, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand and appreciate the world of e-sports. From the exciting competitions to the dedicated communities, e-sports has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of spectating esports.

What is Spectating Esports?

Spectating esports is the act of watching professional gamers compete in video game tournaments. It is a rapidly growing industry, with millions of players and spectators worldwide. As per Newzoo’s Global E-sports & Live Streaming Market Report 2022, the gaming industry is expected to experience a rise in its market size, increasing from $179.1 billion in 2020 to $211.2 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 3.4%. The report also predicts a rise in the number of players to 3.6 billion by the year 2025.

Spectating esports
Global Player Forecast as per The Newzoo Global Games Market Report 2022

E-sports tournaments are organized competitions that feature a variety of games, from first-person shooters to sports simulations. These tournaments can have prize pools in the millions of dollars and are held in various formats, such as leagues, championships, and majors.

The history of e-sports dates back to the 1970s, with early competitions held for games like “Spacewar!” and “Pong”. However, it wasn’t until the internet became widely available in the 1990s that e-sports truly began to take off. With the advent of live-streaming and online platforms, e-sports has become a global phenomenon, with tournaments and events held all over the world.

The format of e-sports tournaments varies depending on the game and the organizer. Some tournaments feature a group stage, where teams or players compete against each other in a round-robin format to determine who advances to the playoffs. Others feature a single-elimination format, where teams or players are eliminated as they lose matches.

Spectating Esports tournaments can be exciting, with high-stakes matches and intense competition. Spectators can enjoy watching the best players in the world compete in a variety of games, and appreciate the skills and strategies used by the players.

Why has Spectating Esports become a Phenomenon?

There are several reasons why spectating esports has become a phenomenon. One is the increasing popularity of esports itself. As more and more people become involved in competitive gaming, the demand for spectating opportunities has also increased. Additionally, the advancement of streaming technology has made it easier for people to watch esports matches from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the rise of esports as people have been staying home and seeking alternative forms of entertainment.

This has opened up new opportunities for sponsorships and advertising. Adding to that, it has also created a community of esports fans and has fostered a sense of belonging among people who share a love for competitive gaming.

Pros of Spectating Esports:

Spectating esports offers a unique and exciting way to experience the world of competitive gaming. Here are some of the benefits of spectating esports:

  • Global reach: E-sports is a global phenomenon, with players and teams from all over the world competing in tournaments and events. This means that as a spectator, you have the opportunity to watch the best players from all over the world compete, regardless of where you live.
  • Accessibility: Thanks to live-streaming and online platforms, spectating esports events is accessible to everyone. You can watch live streams of e-sports tournaments and events, as well as archive footage of past events, from the comfort of your own home.
  • Excitement: E-sports tournaments can be incredibly exciting to watch, with high-stakes matches and intense competition. The fast-paced nature of e-sports games and the strategic decisions made by players during the match can make for an engaging viewing experience.
  • Growing popularity: E-sports is a rapidly growing industry, and its popularity is on the rise. With more and more people tuning in to spectating esports events, the industry is gaining mainstream acceptance and recognition.
  • Variety: There are a wide variety of e-sports games and genres to choose from, such as first-person shooters, multiplayer online battle arenas, sports simulations, fighting games, and many more. This means that there is something for everyone, regardless of your gaming preferences.
  • Community: E-sports has a dedicated and passionate fan base, and as a spectator, you can be a part of this community. You can interact with other fans and enthusiasts through online chat rooms, social media, and forums, and discuss the ongoing matches and events.

Cons of Spectating Esports

While spectating esports has many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the cons of spectating esports:

  • Steep learning curve: If you’re new to spectating esports, it can be overwhelming to understand the rules and strategies of different games. This can make it difficult to fully appreciate and enjoy the matches. However, with time and effort, you can learn more about the games and the strategies used by players, and the experience will become more enjoyable.
  • Technical issues: Online streaming platforms can be prone to lag and buffering, which can affect the quality of your viewing experience. This can be especially frustrating during important matches or events.
  • Lack of physical presence: Spectating esports online or on TV doesn’t quite match the atmosphere of being in the venue and experiencing the emotions of the crowd. The lack of physical presence can make the experience less immersive and exciting.
  • Less physical and more mental: Unlike traditional sports, e-sports is more mentally demanding than physically demanding, which can make it less appealing to some viewers.
  • Limited appeal: Some people may not find e-sports as exciting to watch as traditional sports. This could be due to a lack of understanding or interest in the games themselves, or a preference for traditional sports.
  • Limited coverage: Not all e-sports events or tournaments are broadcasted, and it can be hard to find information about smaller or local tournaments.

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Types of E-sports to Watch

E-sports is a diverse industry, with a wide variety of games and genres to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of e-sports to watch:

  • First-person shooters (FPS): FPS games feature fast-paced action and intense combat, and are some of the most popular e-sports games. Examples of FPS games include “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” and “Overwatch”. These games are known for their high-skilled players and intense competition.
  • Multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA): MOBA games are strategy-based games that feature teams of players competing against each other. Examples of MOBA games include “League of Legends” and “Dota 2”. These games are known for their complex characters and abilities, as well as the high-level of teamwork and coordination required to win.
  • Sports simulations: Sports simulation games, such as “FIFA” and “NBA 2K”, are designed to replicate the experience of playing real-world sports. These games feature realistic graphics and physics, and are popular among fans of traditional sports.
  • Fighting games: Fighting games, such as “Street Fighter” and “Super Smash Bros.”, feature one-on-one battles between players. These games are known for their fast-paced action and precise controls, as well as the high level of skill required to master them.
  • Racing games: Games such as “Forza Motorsport” and “Gran Turismo” are popular in the e-sports scene, these games feature realistic physics and graphics, and require high-level driving skills.
  • Others: There are also other genres of games that have a strong presence in the e-sports scene such as strategy games, card games, etc.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other games and genres that are popular in the e-sports scene. As the industry continues to evolve, new games and genres will emerge and become popular among viewers.

How to Find and Watch E-sports Events

One of the great things about e-sports is the accessibility of events and competitions. There are many different platforms and ways to find and watch e-sports events, both online and in person. Here are some of the most popular ways to find and watch e-sports:

  • Online streaming platforms: The most popular platforms for watching e-sports are Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming. These platforms allow you to watch live streams of e-sports tournaments and events, as well as archive footage of past events. They also have a feature of chat rooms where you can interact with other viewers and discuss the ongoing matches.
  • Streaming services and TV networks: Traditional media companies are increasingly getting involved in e-sports, with streaming services like ESPN+ and Disney+ and TV networks like TBS and NBC broadcasting e-sports events. These platforms offer higher-quality streaming and production value compared to online platforms and also provide a schedule of upcoming matches.
  • Live events: Many e-sports tournaments and events are held in person, at venues around the world. Attending a live event is a great way to experience the excitement and atmosphere of e-sports. You can find information about upcoming live events on the websites of e-sports teams and organizations, or on the websites of venues that host e-sports events.
  • Social Media: Many e-sports teams and players have their own social media pages, where they post updates about upcoming matches and events. By following these pages, you can stay informed about the latest events and matches.
  • E-sports websites: There are many websites dedicated to e-sports, which provide information on upcoming events, live scores, and other useful information. Some of the popular e-sports websites include HLTV, Twitch, and Liquipedia.

When trying to find and spectating esports events, it’s important to keep in mind that different platforms and services may have different schedules and coverage of events. It’s also important to check the schedule of the match you want to watch, as some events may be held in different time zones.

Indian Streamers and their contribution to the popularity of E-sports

India has a rapidly growing spectating esports community and a number of Indian streamers have played a significant role in the popularity of e-sports in the country. Indian streamers have been instrumental in bringing e-sports to the mainstream and promoting it to a wider audience. According to a report by KPMG, the Indian online gaming sector is forecasted to grow significantly by the financial year 2025. It is expected to increase more than twofold to reach a value of Rs 29,000 crore, with the number of gamers rising to 65.7 crore.

One of the most popular Indian streamers is Mortal, who streams on YouTube and has a large following. He is known for his skills in the popular mobile game PUBG Mobile and his streams often feature him playing the game and providing tips and tricks to viewers.

Another notable Indian streamer is Dynamo, who streams on YouTube and has a large following. He is known for his skills in the popular mobile game COD Mobile and his streams often feature him playing the game and providing tips and tricks to viewers.

Streamers like Dynamo and Mortal have helped bring e-sports to the mainstream and attracted a large number of viewers to the scene. They have also helped to create a vibrant e-sports community in India and inspire others to take up e-sports as a hobby or even a profession.

In addition, there are other streamers like ScoutOP, Kronten, and Ghatak who have been streaming for a long time and have a huge following. They have been instrumental in promoting e-sports in India and helping to build the e-sports community in the country.

Spectating esports

Spectating esports

To sum it all up, E-sports is a rapidly growing industry that offers exciting opportunities for spectators. Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore gamer, spectating esports can be a fun and engaging way to experience the world of competitive gaming. With this beginner’s guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge you need to find and enjoy spectating esports events.

It is important to remember that many professional players and teams put in countless hours of practice and dedication to achieve success. As a spectator, you can appreciate the hard work, skill and dedication of the players and teams, and enjoy the matches and tournaments.

In addition, there are many resources available for further reading and learning about e-sports, such as websites, forums, and social media groups, which can help you stay informed about the latest events, matches, and happenings in the e-sports world.


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