Inaugural eGames held at British House during Rio Olympics

World Today

Inaugural eGames held at British House during Rio Olympics

It is not just the Olympic Games taking place in Rio de Janeiro. Some of the world’s top video gamers have been in Rio to take part in the first eGames.

Unlike most video game competitions, which can involve multi-million dollar prizes, the gamers are this time representing their countries.

CCTV America’s Stephen Gibbs reports.

Inside the official British House at the Rio Olympics, another competition is underway. It’s as keenly fought, and almost as keenly watched as the other games.

Organizers said eSports are the phenomenon of our era. “Last year the stats were 214 million people played eSports,” Chester King, eGames founder said.

The eGames final was between U.S. and Canada.

The skill this game involves should not be underestimated- decisions are being made here in a matter of milliseconds. The Canadian won gold in the end.

The organizers plan to hold an eGames every two years after each summer and winter Olympics, possibly using Olympic infrastructure.

Organizers said the fact that this showcase event is taking place here in the British Olympic house is a sign that eSports are going mainstream.

“The concern was that eSports was becoming a bit too much like poker and it was all about the money, and is that really inspiring children in the right way?” King said. “So by creating this event called eGames it is all about playing for their country and we want to create new national heroes.”

These video game heroes believe that what we are seeing here is just a glimpse of what is to come.