Professional Video Gaming

Professional competitive video gaming, or esports, is booming. More than 530 million global viewers watched players compete in different video games in 2022, and that number is expected to grow. Yet the industry, now in existence for about 25 years, is still experiencing major obstacles. Some analysts say many questions must be answered for esports to become mainstream like other professional sports. Topping the list is whether teams can find a sustainable revenue model, as most are operating at a loss or just starting to break even. While the companies that create the video games are profitable, professional teams rely heavily on corporate sponsorship, which can be unstable. There is also no independent regulatory authority, leading to problems that range from exploitative labor practices and lack of gender diversity to players using performance-enhancing drugs. The result is a volatile environment many say is in need of reform.