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Esports - A Hoax or Career? Author: Ayaan Parikh Editor: Aditya Joshi “Esport is a hobby, not a career!” “Playing video games will never get you anywhere!” “Do you actually think you can make a career out of esports?!” These are the very words many young, aspirant-gamers have heard from their parents when conveying their sincere passion for playing video games and their desire to pursue esports. Esports, or “competitive gaming,” has exponentially increased in popularity in recent years. The esports audience has had a consistent growth of nearly 25 million people per year, resulting in some 495 million people interacting with esports in one way or another as of 2020. In addition, the overall industry is expected to be worth nearly $1.5 Billion in 2023, up from $776 Million in only 2018 (Takahashi). Although this development of esports seems to be exceedingly consistent and progressive, many people are questioning whether this type of industry will be able to sustain and continue its growth. Numerous people seem to believe this desire for esports will quickly pass and will remain as a temporary fad. Varun Verma explains that this is unlikely due to the fact that those that are most interested in esports are the younger generation. Once these youths grow up and become the individuals that move the overall business industry, an increasing desire for esports will transpire. Verma explains that “as we grow older, we’re not going to be limiting our children to the opportunities we are being limited to now…by our parents [regarding esports],” resulting in perpetual growth of the esports industry. But what makes Esports so attractive to both watch and spectate? Varun Verma describes that this joy of esports is a result of it being so much more accessible than other sports. To play or watch esports, one merely needs a computer and a WiFi connection, whereas in other physical sports, much more is required. In addition, esports is always adapting, changing, and improving itself. Changes to games can be made with the click of an update by players. This evolution results in games being able to ameliorate based on whatever is currently trending and what people are most attracted to. Verma, an avid gamer himself, is the founder and CEO of a company by the name of Collegiate Esports Recruitment Directory (CERD). CERD is an initiative taken by Verma and his friends to provide and spread knowledge regarding various opportunities presented in esports to gamers. CERD has many programs and methods of aiding players in getting such opportunities, including hosting tournaments and posting clips highlighting the best plays made by gamers. In a matter of one year since its establishment, CERD has 294 registered students and 81 registered coaches, not to mention the publicity and scholarships many had received from CERD. Varun describes helping people get into college as “the best feeling out there.” Players and coaches can join by going to the website and signing up there for free. As his journey of being a young CEO continues, Verma says he has overcome each obstacle he has faced by disregarding the aspects of life he cannot change, but remaining steadfast on the things that he has the power of doing something about instead. If each one of us approaches our goals, dreams, and ideas with the same passion and mindset Verma describes, we can all become the best, most self-desired versions of ourselves. Whether it be traditional sports, education, or eSports, the youth are taking the lead across a multitude of industries of the future. You can find out more about Varun's business by heading to CERD.gg and signing yourself up to join the directory! |
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