Having initially been dismissed as a passing fad, eSports has defied expectations to become a mainstream entertainment activity in Australia.
Local and international developments are propelling the genre to new heights, creating an exciting landscape within this burgeoning sector.
Olympic Recognition Will Transform eSports
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced the inauguration of the Olympic eSports Games in partnership with the Saudi National Olympic Committee (NOC).
This historic decision is a milestone for the eSports community and the broader sports world as it introduces gaming into the Olympic fold.
The IOC hosted several summits to determine how best to incorporate eSports events with the Olympics in 2017 and 2018.
The journey evolved through several stages, culminating with the Olympic eSports Week in Singapore last year. This showcased the potential of integrating eSports into the Olympic framework.
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and emphasised the importance of this initiative.
“With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Olympic eSports Games, we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution,” he said.
Bach also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s expertise and commitment to Olympic values, including gender equality and youth engagement. The collaboration will ensure the Olympic eSports Games respect and reinforce these values.
President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, believes the Olympic eSports Games represents a new chapter in Olympic history – one that will inspire countless athletes worldwide.
The first edition will take place next year in Saudi Arabia, with planning already underway to ensure the showpiece delivers.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has led the kingdom to explore several avenues for bolstering the economy, and one of its core tenets is international sports, including eSports.
The Middle East nation has invested massively into eSports and hosted several tournaments as it strives to position itself to shape the future of the professional gaming.
Australia Poised to Capitalise on eSports Opportunities
According to Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA), 81 percent of Australians engage in video gaming, with 75% playing to connect with others.
These numbers show the potential of eSports as a cultural, entertainment and sporting phenomenon in Australia. This has naturally attracted interest from big brands.
The local eSports community has benefited from brand sponsorship with giants such as Pepsi, LG and many more. These companies recognise the value eSports holds.
Intriguingly, there have been talks about eSports becoming a medal event at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. The future is bright and exciting, and Australia sits at the centre of this growth.
The rise of eSports in Australia also has crucial implications for the betting industry. With eSports gaining mainstream acceptance, betting companies are eager to get involved.
Numerous Australian betting sites will be buzzing with activity during the eSports Olympics, with punters eager to back their favourite players and teams during the event. This increased engagement from the Aussie betting sector will further boost esports’ visibility and financial viability.
Australian-based Game Focus Consulting will play a crucial role in the blossoming eSports scene, helping to promote the genre to a much wider audience.
Game Focus Consulting was founded by renowned industry expert PJ Russell. The company offers several services, including project management, planning, event execution, market analysis, customer engagement and more.
Initiatives such as Game Focus Consulting and collaborations with traditional sports entities will play a vital role in developing and promoting local talent.
Motorsports & eSports Join Forces
Motorsport Australia recently announced an eSports partnership with The FUSE Cup, Australia’s largest school eSports provider.
This partnership will encourage appreciation of eSports and motorsport while promoting skills such as teamwork, strategy thinking and digital literacy among students. The Chief Operating Officer of The FUSE Cup, Dan Martinez, is excited about the partnership.
“This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to bring together two rapidly growing sectors and inspire the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts and eSports athletes,” he said. “We can offer students an engaging platform that supports both their academic and personal growth.”
Motorsport Australia’s Manager of Growth, Infrastructure and Sports Development, Pravin Sinnan, added. “This partnership will see more people enjoying motorsport, which is our key objective to help grow the sport in the short, medium and long term.
“Esports is proving to be both an important pathway for the sport and a highly successful discipline in its own right. Australia is performing exceptionally well in eSports. With this new partnership, we know we will take motorsport to another level thanks to The FUSE Cup’s support.”
