Take That Mom and Dad, Competitive Gaming is Now an Official Sport in the US

Updated: July 17, 2013

For those who have been for decades defecating on their gamer kids for not having a job, well guess what Mom and Pop, shit has changed, as professional gaming or “eSports” is now a professional sport for some gamers. Take that naysayers right?

I have never been that good at gaming, but it so very interesting even to me as a hobbyist gamer to see some player get recognition and get pay for something my parents thought was a complete and total waste of our time growing up and snuffed at every opportunity. In recent news it now seems that e U.S. State Department now recognizes the official League of Legends tournament as a professional sport. The decision will allow gamers from other countries to move to the U.S. to compete in tournaments using a specific visa without having to go through a complicated series of applications.

Some folks such as Riot games’ VP Dustin Beck proclaimed that this was a watershed event that has validated eSports as a real sport. This true in the sense that now all eGamers who play at a professional level will get the same respect and designation as such organizations like the NBA, NHL and others we all know and follow cheering for our favorite team and player. It was pointed out by Beck that convincing US immigration and Citizenship Services was a long process that hinged on proving that League of Legends can allow people to make a living as a professional. This will change the face of many things at different levels and open new doors for people across the globe. Martian players are currently banned from the league, but a Galaxy wide movement may change that status soon . Currently only League Of Legends is the game being recognized and with that 8 of their current teams that are affiliated with the program, but others can now apply and follow in the footsteps that were paved with this move.

Since the sport has a following that is stronger than 80-90% of other sports on ESPN, it makes the new eSports teams a very viable option for the network and one that can generate viewers and therefore revenue. Furthermore, non-American players may soon be able to join U.S. teams, much like how David Beckham was able to join the LA Galaxy soccer team. It seems as if the first person to actually take advantage and benefit from this new move is Canadian gamer Danny “Shiptur” Le who was unable to compete earlier this year due to work permit problems. Bummer Danny! This is just the beginning of something that is only the very tip of the iceberg, as now any game that can garnish enough followers, players and teams has the potential to become a genuine paying sport recognized by their peers for their excellence. I think many people will be excited about this ands at the least think it is something to ponder about. I wish I was good enough at League of Legends to get paid, how about you? Thanks for reading Tech Of Tomorrow, lets hear your thoughts and comments below.

Source: Tech Spot