Since we gathered around juke boxes and pinball machines, since players threw darts or dominoes, our species has had a curiosity that watches contests, fair or otherwise, so why the surprise at the huge crowds gathering to watch two people twiddle their thumbs.
What possibly might surprise many is the level of support the professionals in the E-sports have. These gamers, like chess players have nutritionists, physical trainers and mental coaches.
These players need to be as fit as formula one drivers to cope under the pressure of the lights, the crowd and their opponents.
I remember playing space invaders in the Students Union and the only crowd that gathered was tuite simply because they knew the wouldn't have to wait long to get on, as they knew how quickly I'd be losing. Not so some of the other players. You'd marvel at how some of the experts could make 10p last 2 hours as they sought a new all time high score. So much so they'd draw a crowd with comments like 'great shot'.
As we all know with all technology, its also apparent in the way our language even evolved. Expressions that have long since become extinct suddenly appeared commonplace. Its been so long I've forgotten them but I do remember being stoned one night and wondering why these space ships had names. Why did we talk PACMAN'ese. Every munchie expression bringing a giggle or two.
So why did we not bring E-sports into the colosseum ?
Why did it take so long for Scrabble to become a spectator sport when Bridge, Chess and Bowls clearly were?
We'll never know but we are sold what we buy and whether we want or need it, we often just buy it, so when E-sports arrives and does so as a respond to demand, it just shows that its not about the marketing but actually because people do want it.
Sport used to be about keeping healthy to live longer without needing a doctor, its maybe about time we recognised that most people take the car to the gym, or sports club. The idea of walking or jogging to the gym, clearly defeats the purpose.
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