eSPORTS: COULD THEY BE THE NEXT OLYMPICS DISCIPLINE?

As the 2018 Olympics finally come to an end, and the 2020 Paris Olympics step into the limelight, the eternal debate over Olympics disciplines rages anew. Everyone is talking about what the next sport should be, Bowling? Baseball? Or maybe even Squash? Well I’ll ask you to shut out those voices in your head for the remainder of the article, because I’m here to tell you why I think the next Olympic event should take place in the digital sphere.

Ever since the invention of the medium in the 90s, Video Games have been struggling to find their place in the media. The Stigma and foul images they have been associated with for decades have plagued them into the 21st century, no matter how hard the industry has tried to shake off these parasites.

The main argument that skeptics would immediately rush to blockade eSports’s entry into its rightful place is physical exertion; however, allow me to raise an objection. Let’s have a quick looksee at Olympic sports we do accept, like dancing. I would like to petition that any Gamer, by the end of a heated match, might be equally as exerted if not more than any Dancer, however, we still tolerate Dancing in the Olympics, but not Video Games? What about Skeet Shooting? Truly a magnificent display of precision and accuracy, but is it truly a sport? In fact I’d argue Shooting is quite similar to eSports in condition. It’s not about strength or physical exertion; it’s about accuracy and skill.

I can clearly hear my opponents already. “It’s not the same, eSports pros don’t even stand up!”, however, Noble reader, I invite you to have a look at other sports that ARE recognized in the Olympics, I’m referring to things like Curling (You let in Olympic Floor Cleaning but not eSports?!), Equestrian Games (I don’t see why they should get excused for not standing up…) or even Dancing (Yea, reaaaaal competitive).

It’s time people, why do we worship these athletes with one hand, all the while backhanding the incredibly skilled players who are out there practicing every single day to perfect and refine their sleight of hand, reflexes and target acquisition. Is it the money? Because eSports bring in prizes, and they do so in spades. No, maybe, perhaps, you’re thinking it’s because of rigorous training? But eSports Pros are constantly practicing to improve themselves, to boost their speed and reflexes to the brink of their ability.

We have to get with the times, this isn’t the 80s-90s, gamers aren’t just nerds with a controller in a basement; they’re trained professionals earning million dollar prizes in the big leagues, no other competition in existence requires as much teamwork and esprit de corps as Pro League E-Sports.


eSports isn’t just silly video games, it’s a Sports Revolution.

Enzo Pereme

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