Image: Two computer players opposite each other with a crowd of cheering fans.
Competitive video gaming has come a long way. What was once just a way to kill time is now to be made a medal sport in the 2022 Asian Games at Hangzhou, China, as announced by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
But before debuting at the Asian Games, esports will be added into the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) this September as a demonstration sport. The tournament will be held at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The inclusion of esports into the Asian Games was made possible through a partnership between The Olympic Council of Asia and Alisports of China.
“We look forward to further collaboration with Alisports in regards to digital sports concepts along with sporting events,” said Zhang Dazhong, CEO and founder of Alisports. “We are sure that the extensive organizing capabilities of Alisports, and their experience in esports, will assist the OCA in developing all sports.”
Participating esports athletes will compete in FIFA 2017, MOBA games such as League of Legends and DOTA 2, as well as real-time attack (RTA) games.
Esports is already making big money across the globe. Gamers even fly to different countries to compete for prestige and cash prizes. To have it included in the Asian Games is a huge leap in recognizing it as a legitimate sporting activity and not just another hobby for geeks. JB
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