Over the last few years there has been a new player emerge in mainstream sports if you want to call it that. I am talking about esports, video game where teams play against each other for titles, trophies, and cash prizes. While it may not boast as great of a physical strain as traditional sports, by definition, it is a sport.

If it is not a sport, then why have universities have been handing out scholarships and forming their own esports teams? The University of Toronto was the first Canadian university to offer an eSports scholarship in 2018. The Victor Xin Scholarship was offered to students who showed a passion for esports and who maintained a 3.5 GPA. These teams act like regular varsity sports and require just as many hours of practice per week and the ability to balance school and sport. They travel and compete against other universities in leagues of their own in order to bring attention to the university. 

Esports is a $950 million industry bringing in sponsors and team owners from all over the world. Big Names such as Michael Jordan have even invested into the industry further legitimizing their stance in the world of sports. Many companies have also taken to sponsoring esports teams and tournaments where teams play for massive amounts of prize money. 

So, all those video games you may have played as a child might not have been a waste of time like everyone told you. Now, there are opportunities everywhere if you are skilled enough and, who knows, you could be the next big name in esports? 

Hunter Shaw

Featured image: Red Bull eSports Competition hosted in a massive packed stadium (Helena Kristiansson)