The Calgary eSports League is teaming up with Telus Spark to bring competitive video-game events to Calgary. If successful, the industry can produce revenues of more than $1-billion next year.
Unlike cities including Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary has yet to establish a firm eSports community beyond a few Facebook groups and clubs.
Wes Nelson, spokesman for the Calgary eSports League, said he sees a market for the sport in Calgary.
“Almost all of the elements are in place for a healthy eSports community in Calgary, they just need to be brought together and given a boost in order to thrive,” Nelson added.
eSports offers a platform for the players to interact with the fans. On YouTube, where games are often streamed, five of the top 10 most popular and top-earning YouTubers make their money from video games.
There is a chance that eSports viewership to surpass the National Football League in total viewership by 2022, the Calgary league said.
By Niji Narayan
Niji Narayan has been in the writing industry for well over a decade or so. He prides himself as one of the few survivors left in the world who have actually mastered the impossible art of copy editing. Niji graduated in Physics and obtained his Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism. He has always interested in sports writing and travel writing. He has written for numerous websites and his in-depth analytical articles top sports magazines like Cricket Today and Sports Today. He reports gaming industry headlines from all around the globe.