eSports, also known as electronic sports or competitive gaming, refers to organized video game competitions involving professional players or teams competing against each other for prizes and recognition. These competitions can take place in various genres of video games, attracting large audiences through online streaming platforms and in-person events.
History of eSports:
1970s-1980s:
The earliest forms of competitive gaming emerged with arcade tournaments, such as the Space Invaders Championship in 1980.
1990s:
With the rise of multiplayer games and LAN (local area network) parties, competitive gaming gained popularity in the 1990s. Games like Quake and StarCraft became early examples of eSports titles.
2000s:
The 2000s saw the emergence of professional eSports organizations, online multiplayer games, and the growth of online streaming platforms. Games like Counter-Strike, Warcraft III, and later League of Legends gained traction.
2010s:
eSports experienced exponential growth with the establishment of major leagues and tournaments, significant prize pools, and a global fanbase. The rise of platforms like Twitch and YouTube gaming further fueled its popularity.
Top eSports Teams (As of my last update in September 2021):
Team Liquid:
Known for its presence in a variety of games including League of Legends, Dota 2, CS:GO, and more. It’s one of the most successful and recognizable eSports organizations.
Fnatic:
A European organization with strong teams in games like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Rainbow Six Siege. Fnatic has a long history of success in multiple eSports titles.
OG:
A Dota 2 team that gained fame by winning The International in both 2018 and 2019. They are known for their skilled players and innovative strategies.
Astralis:
A dominant force in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Astralis has consistently been one of the top teams in the world.
Team SoloMid (TSM):
TSM is a well-known organization with successful teams in games like League of Legends, Valorant, and more.
Cloud9:
A North American organization with strong teams in various eSports titles, including League of Legends and CS:GO.
G2 Esports:
Based in Europe, G2 Esports has competitive teams in games like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Rainbow Six Siege.
Evil Geniuses:
A storied organization with a history dating back to the early 2000s, Evil Geniuses is prominent in games like Dota 2 and CS:GO.
FaZe Clan:
Known for its presence in games like Call of Duty, CS:GO, and Fortnite, FaZe Clan has a massive online following.
SK Telecom T1:
A Korean team renowned for their dominance in League of Legends, winning multiple World Championships.
Keep in mind that the popularity and success of eSports teams can change over time due to shifts in player rosters, game releases, and tournament outcomes. Additionally, my information might not cover developments in the eSports landscape beyond September 2021.