Is Cybersport Gradually Shifting Traditional Sports from the Spotlight?

This is one question that has been on the minds of many for a while. With the traction cybersport is getting in this current era and how fast its stocks are rising, it’s a curiosity worth exploring. Let’s give you some context.

According to Statista, the revenue in the global eSports market has been on the rise consistently since 2020. The year in question saw its valuation at $996 million. A year later, it had grown to $1.13 billion. In 2022, that figure had become approximately $1.4 billion. Industry experts are speculating that the figure will reach roughly $2 billion in 2025.

This is impressive but a far cry from the revenue traditional sports are bringing in. However, it’s worth applauding the incredible growth of cybersports. To properly answer the above question, let’s look at the similarities and differences between cybersports and traditional sports.

Cybersports vs Traditional Sports: Similarities

They Encourage Healthy Competitions

Cybersports and traditional sports are competitive because the ultimate goal is winning. They just take place in different settings. They both feature competitions as a single player or in teams of two, three, or more players. Every player is focused on out-competing their opponents and emerging victorious. They help the participants self-improve, stay disciplined, and respect fair play.

There are Rules to Adhere to

Whether it’s a video game played on a console or a game played on the track, field, or ice rink, there are rules to follow. These rules ensure that players win or lose fairly, so there’s no room for cheating. While traditional sports use referees or umpires to keep players in check and ensure there’s fair play, cybersports utilize anti-cheat software.

Both Games Require Skill

This is a strong common ground for eSports and traditional sports. While certain games, such as casino games, require an element of luck combined with skill, most video games are almost entirely skill-based. The same applies to traditional sports. You need a high skill level to be extremely successful in either and rise to the category of superstars.

With great physical condition, cognitive coordination, and a deep understanding of the game, it’s only a matter of time before you distinguish yourself from most players in a particular sport. When it comes to cybersports, the player needs great motor skills, mental alertness, attention to detail, and precision.

It takes a lot of time and practice to get to the level of elite players in traditional sports and eSports.

They’re an Avenue to Earn Real Money

Initially, traditional sports were the main focus of betting platforms that allowed enthusiasts to predict the outcome of sports events worldwide. Customers who correctly predicted the outcome of these fixtures win generous sums of money depending on how much they wagered. Now, eSports are also staked on for similar rewards. GGBet happens to be one of the best places to monetize your passions for your favorite sports or eSports event.

The timeline is similar for sponsorship and endorsement deals. Traditional sports were the sole beneficiaries initially, but eSports is now finding its way to those juicy contracts.

They Have Similar Benefits

There are similar upsides to playing both traditional sports and eSports, including:

1. They train players or participants to be goal-oriented, whether it’s progressing to the next level or winning a trophy
2. They help players develop the skill of strategic thinking because skill alone is not enough to win games
3. Through teamwork in eSports and traditional sports, players have witnessed the power of collaboration and the benefits of working together with others.

Cybersports vs Traditional Sports: Differences

Despite the common grounds cyber sports and traditional sports share, they differ in several aspects. Let’s take a look:

The Process of Gaining Mastery

The rise to the top of the ladder in eSports and traditional sports is not the same. For the former, the player has to coach himself and learn as he plays. Over time, he improves in various aspects of the game and gradually gains mastery. When it comes to real-time sports, the players have the privilege of being coached, tutored, and mentored by a professional trainer. They’re guided on becoming stronger, fitter, faster, and better at various aspects of the game.

Settings

From the name, it is apparent cybersports describes a game or sports event happening in a virtual or digital space. Traditional sports, on the other hand, take place in a real setting. Cybersports require a mobile phone or a PC with a gaming console to create the environment. Traditional sports require stadiums, ice rinks, golf courses, etc, to create the environment.

Their Evolution

Traditional sports have experienced just a minor evolution over time. There have been slight modifications to the rules and an increased interest from investors. For cybersports, the evolution has been massive. Since it is digital in nature, the significant improvements in the technology have reflected in the quality of eSports. This covers the equipment used and the content of the game itself.

The Takeaway

Back to the question – is cybersport gradually shifting traditional sports from the spotlight? The answer is no. Traditional sports represent a value that can not be replaced by eSports. So, while the latter doesn’t take away the shine from real sports, it’s a great complement. This means cybersports and traditional sports can coexist without one being a threat to the other.