SINGAPORE: The mass appeal of a sport can often be gauged by the politicians associating themselves with it. Political leaders, especially today, often use the great leveller of competitive sports to connect with people.
By this measure, eSports – the sport of competitive video gaming – is right up there with football, tennis and basketball.
Last December, the White House invited some eSports champions to take part in a tournament that was broadcast live to viewers across the globe.
The political interest in eSports is a direct result of its rapid growth in recent years.
eSports is now a global phenomenon, with its growth unmatched by any other sport. The industry has been growing at 42 per cent per year and is forecast to be worth US$1.9 billion (S$2.7 billion) by next year.
The level of engagement among eSports fans, by minutes spent watching, trounces many traditional sports.
