Hold on to your joysticks: e-sports might soon be an Olympic sport. In an interview with the Associated Press, Tony Estanguet, co-president of the Paris Olympic bid committee, said that he will consider the idea of including video gaming in the 2024 Olympic games. “The youth, yes they are interested in e-sport and this kind of thing,” he said. “Let’s look at it. Let’s meet them. I think it’s interesting to interact with … the e-sports family, to better understand … why it is such a success.” Paris will next month be named the official Olympic hosts for 2024 (its only rival, Los Angeles, agreed to hold the games in 2028).
E-sports have surged in popularity in recent years, and its leagues are beginning to look more and more like something organized by the likes of the NFL. E-sports tournaments are supported by big media deals, merchandising, and sponsorships. Huge cash prizes are on offer for winners. Professional football and soccer teams have even signed up top e-sports players. And Estanguet is correct: the youth do appear to love e-sports, as millions of them regularly tune in to watch professionals play at the gaming tournaments. Sounds like a medal contender to us.
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