Video games have undergone more cultural transitions than almost any other form of media. Long gone are the days when games were “just for kids,” only for “nerds” and even the “mom’s-basement-dweller” aesthetic has shifted its skin into what we have today: a glossy world of multi-million dollar deals, professional gamers and teenage superstars. Esports has also changed, and its perception in the mainstream media is finally beginning to shift as more and more people realise that yes, gaming can be a sport as legitimate as football.
Epic Games’ Fortnite has played no small part in the massive cultural change which has seen even high schools and colleges lend a hand in encouraging professional gamers. The insanely popular battle royale game has solidified the careers of pro gamers like Ninja, while rocketing the likes of Bugha to superstardom.
There’s still a long way to go in the journey to seeing esports recognised as a formal sport in the same capacity as something like football or basketball. However, the gap between the two is ever-shrinking, and it’s events like the upcoming Twitch Rivals’ Streamer Bowl showdown that are continuing to help bridge that gap.
The Twitch Rivals’ Streamer Bowl final showdown will see some of the best Fortnite players in the world, including 16-year-old world champion Bugha, Tfue, DrLupo, NICKMERCS and TimTheTatMan, buddy up with some of the biggest NFL stars in an effort to scoop a whopping $500,000 USD for a charity of the winners’ choosing.
Taking place just days before the 2020 Super Bowl, the Twitch Rivals Streamer Bowl is poised to blur the lines between sports and esports, paving the way for future professional gamers.
Less than two years ago, Ninja became the first esports pro to land the cover of ESPN magazine, and now we have fully-coached esports leagues and tournaments making their way into schools.
It’s never been a more exciting time to be an esports fan or to be interested in professional gaming. Hopefully, the showdown of the Twitch Rivals Streamer Bowl, which will feature NFL stars including Mike Evans, Eric Ebron and Juju Smith-Schuster, will introduce more football fans to the highs, lows and epic wins of pro gaming.
Watch Twitch Rivals: Streamer Bowl Draft Showdown! from TwitchRivals on www.twitch.tv
Tune in to see who will scoop the win of the year at the Twitch Rivals Streamer Bowl on January 30th. The pre-game will begin at 2pm PT/5pm ET, with the Kickoff starting at 3pm PT/6pm ET.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/Twitch eSports