Esports, or electronic sports, has exploded in popularity in recent years. This growth has been fueled by a number of factors, including the increasing availability of high-speed internet, the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, and the growing popularity of video games.
Along with the growth of esports, there has been a corresponding increase in the demand for esports data. This data is used by a variety of stakeholders, including game developers, esports teams, sponsors, and media outlets.
Early Days of Esports Data
The early days of esports data were characterised by a lack of standardisation and professionalism. Data was often collected manually, and it was difficult to compare data from different tournaments.
However, there were a few early pioneers who recognised the importance of esports data. One such pioneer was Richard “Lord British” Garriott, who founded the Electronic Sports League (ESL) in 1997. The ESL was one of the first organisations to collect and analyse esports data in a systematic way.
The Rise of Professional Esports
The early 2000s saw the rise of professional esports. Major professional leagues were established, such as Major League Gaming (MLG) and the International Dota 2 Championship (TI).
Professional esports teams began to invest in data analysts and performance coaches.
These professionals used esports data to develop strategies, identify weaknesses in opponents, and track player performance.
The Big Data Era
The rise of big data has had a major impact on the esports industry. Big data is a term used to describe large, complex datasets that are difficult to process with traditional methods.
With the help of big data, esports organizations can now collect and analyze more data than ever before. This data can be used to improve performance, develop new strategies, and create more engaging content for fans.
As the esports industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for data in the years to come.
