ARLINGTON, Texas– As society’s love for video games and sports grows, so does another industry—the industry of esports.
Esports is short for “electronic sports” and is a form of competitive video game playing, sometimes in groups of multiple players and other times in teams of one player. The esports industry was first popularized in the early 2000s and has since been a global sensation.
Arlington, Texas is no stranger to the industry.
The city of Arlington hosts North America’s largest esports stadium, Esports Stadium Arlington, as of November 2018. Esports Stadium Arlington is not only famous for its large scale but also for its highly popular conventions.
In addition to Esports Stadium Arlington, the Arlington-Mansfield area YMCA has established esports programs for children and teens ages 9 to 18.
AMAYMCA partners its esports program with STEM It Up Sports. This non-profit science, technology, engineering and math organization aims to incorporate technology into the lives of the nation’s youth, helping to create a better future in a world heavily dependent on STEM. AMAYMCA and STEM It Up Sports work together to benefit teens by boosting strategic thinking, practicing sportsmanship and building confidence.
While esports provide technical skills for some, they provide a sense of community for others. At the University of Texas at Arlington esports program, Freya joins the fun every Friday night for “Mav Mayhem” despite not being a student herself.
“I came back just for fun, just to see some old people,” a woman who identified herself only as Freya said. “It’s always nice to see some old friends and some new people. I’ve made some new friends also.”
Another player of UTA esports, Cory White, said that the community built at UTA has offered a fun and safe space to enjoy video game competitions.
“It’s really easy to get involved and make friends,” White said.
In addition to UTA, many universities have esports clubs, including Texas A&M University and the University of North Texas. These universities come together to hold competitive events where players can compete for cash prizes. These events yield high turnouts of anywhere from 100 to 500 people, all competing for a chance at a prize and a good time.
Many video game conventions can even catch the attention of major esports athletes like MKLeo and Tweak, who are professional Super Smash Bros. players. The expansion of esports has paved the way for popular players whether recreational or professional.
With the increasing popularity of esports, the International Olympic Committee on July 12 announced a partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
The number of fans of esports is steadily growing. As of April 2023, in a report done by Statistica, 26% of individuals 18 years of age or older are casual or avid esports fans. The public interest in esports across the United States has proven profitable, netting revenues of $1.384 million in 2022 that are expected to swell to $1.866 million in 2025.
For an interactive map of Arlington area esports venues, please click here.
