Washington D.C Making a Huge Push into eSports: Sponsoring Team

Esports is something that most of the non-video game playing world considers to be some what of a joke. They see gamers as lazy, unmotivated people, and don't understand the amount of dedication and skill that goes into playing certain games at a professional level.

Recently, more and more people are realizing how professional video game players are serious athletes. Modern athletes if you will. They put just as much time and dedication into their sport than more common athletes do, possibly even more. Physical therapists are now helping eSports players stay fit, and more parts of society are also starting to take the professional gaming scene more seriously.

Washington D.C is making a big move in an attempt to cash in on the eSports scene, realizing how fast it's growing and how potentially profitable it will be. Max Brown, the chairman of Events DC (via Mashable) is sponsoring NRG eSports, and they have also announced that the new $65 million dollar arena being built for the Washington Mystics will also be "fully tailored and wired for eSports". NRG eSports is a major eSports organization, with teams in the games like Overwatch, Counter-Strike: Global Offense, Hearthstone and more.

"We think it makes a lot of sense for us as a city to plant a flag and ultimately be the capital of esports like we're the capital of the United States," Brown told Mashable.

Washington D.C is attempting to become the hub of eSports events in the United States, and I think it makes sense. I wouldn't be surprised if this move by D.C sparks other states in the US, or even other countries and provinces to get there foot in the door of the eSports industry. It's a great thing for gamers since we'll get more awesome events to go to closer to home and it's also great for the economy since it will attract more tourists. Finally, professional gaming is getting the attention and respect it deserves.