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When did eSports start in the Olympics?

The topic of eSports in the Olympics has been a hotly debated issue in recent years. While some argue that eSports should be included in the Olympics due to its growing popularity and global appeal, others believe that it is not a true sport and therefore should not be considered for inclusion. However, the question remains: when did eSports start in the Olympics?

To answer this question, we must first understand what eSports is and how it has evolved over the years. eSports, also known as electronic sports, is a form of competitive video gaming that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It involves players competing against each other in various video games, with the goal of winning tournaments and earning prize money.

The origins of eSports can be traced back to the early days of video gaming, when players would compete against each other in arcade games such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders. However, it wasn’t until the advent of online gaming and the rise of multiplayer games such as Starcraft and Counter-Strike that eSports began to gain mainstream recognition.

The first major eSports tournament was held in 1997, when the Red Annihilation tournament was held for the game Quake. The tournament attracted over 2,000 participants and offered a prize pool of $10,000. Since then, eSports has grown exponentially, with tournaments offering prize pools in the millions of dollars and attracting millions of viewers worldwide.

Despite its growing popularity, eSports has yet to be included in the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed interest in including eSports in the Olympics, but has yet to make a final decision. In 2018, eSports was included as a demonstration sport at the Asian Games, which is considered a stepping stone towards inclusion in the Olympics.

One of the main arguments against including eSports in the Olympics is that it is not a true sport. While traditional sports such as basketball and soccer require physical exertion and athleticism, eSports is seen as a mental activity that does not require physical fitness. However, proponents of eSports argue that it requires a high level of skill and strategy, and that it should be considered a sport in its own right.

In conclusion, while eSports has yet to be included in the Olympics, its growing popularity and global appeal make it a strong candidate for inclusion in the future. Whether or not it is considered a true sport remains a topic of debate, but there is no denying that it requires a high level of skill and strategy. As the world of eSports continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it is received by the Olympic community and whether it will eventually be included in the Games.

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