There were 128 places to start the FIFA tournament at Emmer Shopping – they’re gone in no time. Why is e-sports becoming increasingly popular?
They dribble and make a shot and are upset about missed chances to score: football is currently played with passion at the Emmen pool in Lucerne. However, not in the grass, but on the virtual pitch.
Esports days are approaching for the fourth time at Emmencenter. Among other things on offer: FIFA football simulation game.
The tournament has not only attracted participants from the region for a long time. A 13-year-old came from Zurich with his uncle. He just swept his opponent 10:0 off the field. It is clear to him: “I want to win a prize.”
Games are becoming more and more popular
A total of 128 places in the FIFA tournament have been sold out at any given time. No wonder e-sports are constantly gaining popularity in Switzerland, according to a study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).
According to the survey, 41.7% of the Swiss population played a video game at least once a week in 2021 – an increase of almost 8% from 2019.
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It’s not just young people who have access to a console: Half of 30- to 44-year-olds play at least once a week, and 16- to 29-year-olds account for 57.7 percent. The popularity of e-sports is also increasing.
Stephen Crocker, esports commentator at SRF, says the fact that professional Fifa, Fortnite or Call of Duty is increasingly being recognized as a sport is primarily due to competition. “As with any hobby, you measure yourself. Ultimately, e-sports is also about who is the best.”
Prize money that changes people’s lives
According to the study, 565,620 Swiss people describe themselves as e-athletes. About 110,000 of them make money with it.
Only a few in this country can make a living out of the game in local esports leagues, Crocker says. “Big money in international tournaments.” A good example of this is the Fortnite shooting game. Prize money in the tens of millions. Amounts that can change lives.
In Brazil, for example, children are pruned at FIFA because if they later win prize money, the whole family benefits from it.
There is no way to beat training
In order to get to the top, the same goes for gaming: no pain, no gain. However, Crocker says, “Fun is the most important factor.” You need a game that satisfies and excites ambition. Then it is: practice, practice, practice.
Fun is the most important factor.
Young players will have a greater chance of being ahead – due to the speed of reaction. “From the age of 30, this is decreasing.” Stamina is also required: because those who train professionally spend hours in front of the screen. “They look at the opponent’s reaction and try to execute the wing more neatly, just like in real football training.”
Finger exercises to warm up
Back to Emin. Again, some leave nothing to chance. About Loric, who is just heating his fingers. He’s also been a part of this last year and just missed the podium. This year he doesn’t want to let victory take him away.
While Loric already dreams of working as a professional player, others eventually prefer playing on real grass. “For me, gaming is not a sport,” says Leon. It lacks movement. “Here you are sitting in front of the screen.” Outside, in the real world, there is more to experience.
“Unapologetic analyst. Infuriatingly humble coffee evangelist. Gamer. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Student. Entrepreneur.”
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