In recent years, the influence of esports has grown significantly. Today, more and more people are participating in virtual sports, whether it’s playing soccer in video games, playing chess online, or competing in the best mobile poker apps—virtual sports have become a force to be reckoned with.
According to the latest report from PGB (Pesquisa Game Brasil) released in 2024, the esports landscape in Brazil is becoming increasingly clear. Out of over 1,600 respondents, 82.1% stated that they have heard the term "esports." Even more notable, 81.2% said they often play online, and 88.3% watch matches or tournaments through virtual platforms.
The study also pointed out that people engaged in esports primarily play at home, using consoles, computers/laptops, and smartphones as their preferred platforms. Most players spend between one to three hours a day gaming. These statistics reflect the broad participation in esports among Brazilians, and it is becoming a cultural phenomenon passed down to the next generation. Just as television once brought families together to watch movies, today many families choose to play virtual games together.
The Diversity of Virtual Sports
Almost all popular sports have found their virtual equivalents: from basketball, skateboarding, volleyball, tennis, soccer, American football, swimming, poker, chess, to baseball, racing, athletics, and boxing. The online environment has provided a new platform for these sports, allowing people to explore and participate in them, especially in cities that lack physical facilities or professional coaches.
The virtual universe has not overlooked the innate human need for social interaction. With the ease of connecting around shared interests, many virtual communities have emerged, offering players a common platform for communication and competition.
Esports Olympics
International recognition and the influence of esports have reached new heights. In July of this year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously approved the creation of the Esports Olympics. The inaugural Esports Olympics will be held in 2025 and will take place every two years. This historic move further solidifies the position of virtual sports on the global stage.
