Adding the ‘E’ to Sports

The esports industry is expanding and developing in speedy style, perhaps one day defeating sports in viewership, support and funds. A few sport organisations have realised this incredible growth and are looking to intercept the train rather than getting hit by it. Here is a list of a large number, probably not all, of well-known companies that are putting an ‘e’ to sports.

• VFL Wolfsburg - a top German team in the Bundesliga who saw it fit to sign FIFA players Benedict Slazer along and Dave Bytheway. Both being respectable names in the scene.
• Manchester City - a highly renowned British club have signed FIFA Pro Kieran ‘Kez’ Brown.
• West Ham United - less known British team signed Sean Allen, another FIFA Pro.
• A.S Roma -  partnered with Fnatic, three FIFA professionals make up the roster.
• Ajax - another FIFA signing for Weijland, a competitive player.

Don’t worry; it’s not only FIFA getting the love, even though in most cases it’s only suitable.

• Shalke '04 - the German company have bought a League of Legends roster and four FIFA players.
• Valencia - Rocket League was the esport of choice, so the club bought a RL team.
• Paris Saint-Germain - the club bought a League of Legends team to represent and a couple of FIFA pros too.
• Besiktas - Turkish club which has created a League of Legends team which disbanded late last year.
• Galatasary - a much more known Turkish squad with appearance in the Champions League. Also bought a LoL team.
• Fenerbache - another Turkish squad with an LoL roster.
• FC Copenhagen - the Danish team bought Team Dignitas’ CS:GO squad and renamed to North. They have been doing considerably well

Those are a few, the more popular, of the sport organisations whom have decided to invest in esports.  It is worthy to point out that all these teams are associated with football (soccer) , but don’t be fooled, not just football teams are following this trend. It’s hard to ignore the predicted 600 million audiences of eports for 2020.  Below is a graph taken from ‘blog.wardesports.com’ showcasing the overwhelming statistics;

Times are changing; I can easily bet that most of us 20^th Century boys and girls grew up dreaming of becoming football stars or princesses. Soon enough, kids are going to look to the future and wish to be playing for their favourite esports team.

Header image credit: Dexerto.com