The Computer Game that Became a National Sport

In a large stadium, over 100,000 audience members sit earnestly in front of a stage. These players all paid a fine fee to be there and are excitedly waiting for their long time idols to compete with other pros in the league.

Two professional commentators are setting the scene, introducing the background and importance of this match in the overall context of the season, and what it would mean for each opposing player and their careers. They’re speculating on the odds for each player based on their strengths, weaknesses, style of play, and possible innovations that will be revealed during this pivotal match, all while popping in a few jokes here and there.

Simultaneously, over a million people are watching the stage on TV and all over the Internet, with the logos of some of the biggest sponsors in the world prominently displayed.

This is a typical setting for any professional athletic sport. The only difference is, on the stage,...