The concept of electronic sports (esports) is the professionalization of video games. What started as a niche within a niche, esports has gained traction over the past 5 to 10 years, now reaching the mainstream, with tournaments broadcasted on major media networks such as ESPN and TBS. Hundreds of thousands to millions of viewers tune in to watch players compete with each other for immense prize pools.
Despite the magnitude of esports, the collegiate scene is relatively new, really picking up pace in the past 3 years. Now, more than 125 universities in the United States and Canada have varsity teams that play against each other for a share of thousands of dollars in scholarships and prestige.
Just like traditional sports, esports have different games and categories. In the past kids dreamt of becoming professional basketball, football or baseball players. Nowadays, children dream of becoming professional Counter-Strike, Rocket League or Overwatch players.