The Possibility of Olympic eSports

The growth of esports has been astounding for the past 10 years. From small basement and game store tournaments to selling out historic venues like Madison Square Garden, Staples Center, and more, esports has made its mark on the world. Fans worldwide has expressed their interests for integrating esports in the Olympic games. There are a plethora of titles that could be considered for Olympic status. However, all the hype is also met by many arguments against adding esports to the Olympics.

The question about whether esports reflect the same values of the Olympics. There is a clause that is against the display of violence, and most esports include that aspect. Another is the competitiveness of the games and the effort their players put in. Do players train as hard as athletes of traditional sports or not? This question has answered over the years as players who are mediocre at the beginning of their careers show dominance over the scene and maintain their status. Injuries are also as serious as wrist and hand injuries can prove to be as fatal as breaking a leg or pulling a muscle in traditional sports.

However, just because the some argue against esports in the Olympics, the countries of Asia have already integrated it into the Asia Games. In 2022, the Olympic Council of Asia plans to involve esports. Games like League of Legends, PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS, and DOTA 2 have already taken the youth by storm. The most promising esport that may join the games is League of Legends. With the right mix of skill, fun, mild violence, and accessibility, League of Legends is playable and enjoyed by people of all ages throughout Asia.

This step for the Asia Games can prove to be the breakthrough esports needs to finally validate itself as something for people to pursue, to love, and to share just as traditional sports are. The 2020 Olympic games in Japan won’t see esports, however the 2024 Olympics may be the opportunity for esports.