Esports Boom

Competitive video gaming has evolved far beyond its arcade roots into a global phenomenon in which professional players compete for tournament purses totaling more than $25 million as millions of fans watch in person or online. The rapid growth of esports, based on popular games such as League of Legends and Dota 2, is drawing lucrative corporate sponsorships and major investors, including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who sees the industry's prospects as “incredibly significant.” Meanwhile, at least 110 colleges and universities have established esports programs, and some have built video gaming arenas and even offer scholarships to top players. On the high-stakes, globalized professional side, the rapid rise of competitive gaming has raised concerns about underage gambling, match-fixing, sexism and other issues. The industry has taken steps to police itself, but some experts say an independent body is needed to enforce consistent standards and address corruption as more money flows into esports.