What is e-sports? A thorough explanation of the history, competition events, and whether it is a sport | Introducing information on the Olympic and World Cup events and examples of promotional advertisements

Have you ever wondered, "I've been hearing the term 'esports' a lot lately, but what exactly does it mean?"

From the time when the image of "games = play" was strong,今や世界中が注目する本格的なスポーツ競技へと進化e-sports.

Creation of a professional league、Large-scale tournament with total prize money of hundreds of millions of yen、Adoption as an Olympic sportE-sports, etc.“A new type of sport”has achieved rapid growth as a

In this article, we will not only explain the definition and history of esports, but also explain popular game genres, representative titles, professional teams from around the world and Japan, famous players, and more!

Of course, for those who want to learn about e-sports,
It's perfect for people who like games, but are also curious about the competitive aspect.

Furthermore, in the second half of the article, we will talk about the current topic “Oshi Ad®︎ (Birthday/Support Ad)”We also introduce about!

Have you ever thought to yourself, ``I don't often see posters with big Oshii characters on them'' at stations these days?

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What is e-sports?

「最近よく聞くけど、eスポーツってどんなものなの？」と疑問に思っている方は多いはず。

それではまず「eスポーツ」とは何なのか、について詳しく紹介していきましょう！

Esports (“esports” in English) is an abbreviation for “Electronic Sports.”

Simply put"Competition using games"refers to🎮

使われるのはコンピューターゲームやビデオゲーム。

It became widely recognized as a ``sports competition,'' as it felt like playing against each other and competing for scores using these devices was like a sport.

By the way, the term "esports" itself began to be used around 2000, and with the spread of the Internet, attention has rapidly increased.

With the ability to compete against players from all over the world in real time, online tournaments and global leagues are now being held one after another.🌍

For example, the profession of ``professional gamer'' also appeared in this vein.

Now,Corporate sponsors and large-scale tournaments offer prizes exceeding tens of millions of yen.This is not uncommon.

In fact, as of 2018, the esports market isApproximately 906 million dollars (approximately 100 billion yen), and its presence is increasing year by year.📈

The characteristics of e-sports are単にゲームが上手いだけでは勝てない, it is located there.

Of course, it is a prerequisite that you are good at the game itself, such as having good reflexes and strategic thinking.

しかし、複数人とチームを組んで戦うことも多いため、High communication skills, verbalization skills, and good teamworksaidAbilities other than being good at the game itselfis also asked.

Therefore, professional gamers are"Athletes in the digital age"It is something that can be said to be true.

Its high level of attention has even moved the IOC (International Olympic Committee), which organizes the Olympics.

Already in the 2026 Asian GamesE-sports is scheduled to be adopted as an official sportIt is.

E-sports are now competitions where people use their bodies and brains to outdo each other, just like sports such as baseball or soccer.

これが、今世界中を熱狂させているeスポーツの正体です！

Is esports a “sport”? Explaining the background of the discussion and global perspective

“Is e-sports a “sport”?”

Some people may have had such doubts.

In fact, this question has been repeatedly debated around the world, and it touches on the very definition of sports.

There are various interpretations of the definition of sports.

In the Practical Japanese Expression Dictionary, “ Refers to activities in which individuals and groups compete in terms of physical strength and skill through competitions and exercises based on rules to determine the winner.」It says.

Up to this point,

「ならeスポーツはスポーツじゃないのでは？」

I think so.

However, in a broad senseCompetitions such as Go, Shogi, and Chess are also considered sports.Yes.

This can be seen from the fact that chess and bridge are recognized as ``mind sports'' by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Considering this,"Like chess, e-sports are activities that involve moving the body, such as fingers and hands, and involve the mind and spirit, so I think it can be considered a sport."I think so.

In fact, more and more people consider esports to be a sport.

Furthermore, there is an opinion that e-sports have a clear competitive structure, and the level of skill, strategy, concentration, and reflexes of the players is as high as that of traditional sports.

In fact, professional gamers practice for 6 to 12 hours a day and compete in a world that requires superhuman reaction times of 150 milliseconds, so this is by no means a far-fetched opinion.

On the other hand, those who oppose it「体を動かしていない」「ゲーム＝娯楽の延長」「競技規則が統一されていない」For these reasons, he argues that it should be separated from sports.

Certainly, there are some aspects that are difficult to accept from a traditional sports perspective.

In this way, opinions are divided on how to define sports.

そして、それは国によってもバラバラなんです。

As you can see, the current situation is that e-sports are handled differently depending on the country and are not unified.

しかし、着実に「スポーツ」としての認知は広まっています。

In fact, in 2022, the International Esports Federation (IESF) will join the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), gaining recognition as a mind sport.

This isIOCからも承認を受けた信頼ある枠組みの中にeスポーツが入ったIt's a big step in that sense.

Furthermore, the two events that I will be talking about were made because e-sports have come to be recognized as a sport.

We will also introduce you in detail!

2025 “eSports World Cup” to be held

The 2nd eSports World Cup was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 8th to August 24th, 2025!

The event is hosted by the eSports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).

What is noteworthy is the total prize money.Over 70 million dollars (approximately 10 billion yen)!

That's a dream-like amount!

24 titles and 25 events were adopted.

Covering a wide range of topics from FPS, MOBA, fighting games to sports and chess, more than 2000 top players from all over the world will gather together.The largest esports tournament in history in terms of scale, total prize money, and number of participants.It became.

Also, what attracted particular attention at this tournament wasClub championship system。

There are divisions for multiple game titles, points are awarded to the top eight teams in each division, and the team with the highest total points wins, so to speak.Who is the strongest esports team? what determines。

The winner was the e-sports team "Team Falcons" from the host country, Saudi Arabia, and the prize money was 7 million dollars (approximately 1 billion yen)!

In addition, the Japanese players who participated were also very active, especially in Street Fighter 6, where 22 out of 48 players were Japanese players, making their presence felt.

Especially Japanese esports teams.VARRELwill participate in three divisions, and in Overwatch 2First victory in the world tournament for the Japanese teamWe accomplished this feat!

long and painful time
That's why I became stronger
A victory etched in history#VLWIN #EWC2025 #OWCSMSC #Overwatch2 #Overwatch 2 pic.twitter.com/dIawOWxYGk

— DONUTS VARREL (@_VARREL) August 1, 2025

2027 “Olympic eSports Tournament” to be held for the first time

And in 2027, about two years later,The world's first "Olympic e-sports tournament" is heldIt will be done!

This will be announced at the IOC General Assembly in July 2024.When the creation of the "Olympic eSports Games" was unanimously decided,It has been officially announced.

At the time of the announcement, it was scheduled to be held in 2025, but it has been postponed to February 2025.

It has been confirmed that it will be held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in 2027.

In addition to the IOC, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) and the eSports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) also participate in the management of this tournament, creating a highly specialized management system.

What should be noted here is thatA 12-year long-term partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia！

It is expected that the tournament will continue to be held after 2027.Proof that esports becoming an Olympic sport is becoming a realityIt is.

Furthermore, based on a concept called "Road to the Games," qualifying tournaments will begin in each country from 2025.

The elite players who made it through this preliminary round will gather for the main tournament in 2027.

Details of the competition title have not yet been announced, but the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced its cooperation in sim racing, and full-fledged sports simulator titles are also expected to participate.

By the way, June-July 2025.

Cross Marketing Co., Ltd. conducted a ``Survey on Games (2025) eSports Edition'' targeting 1,906 men and women aged 15 to 69 nationwide who play consumer and smartphone games at least once a month and are aware of eSports.

As a result,Awareness of the "Olympic e-sports tournament" is 36% of all survey respondents, 41% of those who intend to watch itIt turned out that it was.

Reference:Survey on games (2025) e-sports edition

In other words, even those who know about e-sports, many do not know that this tournament is being held.

Therefore, the challenge for the future is to make more people aware of it.

Tracing the history of esports

E-sports has now become a hot topic all over the world, but it had an unexpected beginning.

Here, we will introduce the history of esports divided into five eras.🎮✨

What types of esports? Introducing representative games and famous professional teams

“What kind of games are competitive in e-sports?”

“I wonder if my favorite game is also an e-sports event?”

For those who think so!

In fact, in e-sports, there are representative games for each genre, as well as professional teams and players that specialize in them.

Here, we will pick up three major genres that are currently attracting attention, and introduce popular titles and famous teams for each.🎮✨

First person shooter (FPS)

Representative games:VALORANT, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends

FPS is a general term for shooting games where you play from your own perspective = "first person."

Reflexes, judgment, and teamwork determine victory or defeat.A genre that can be called the royal road of esportsIt is.

VALORANT

The title from Riot Games features a year-round VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), with a whopping $2.25 million in prize money available for the 2025 Champions.

From Japan, an e-sports teamDetonatioN FocusMe (DFM)participated in "VCT Pacific 2025" and showed excitement!

VCT Pacific 2025 Stage 2

🗓️7/15(Tue)~8/31(Sun)

Stage 2 will start soon!
DFM's first match will be against ZETA DIVISION.
Don't miss the featured cards👀

🔗https://t.co/xlLub2eN3T#DFMWIN #DFM_VALO pic.twitter.com/NDisVnZocl

— DFM VALORANT (@DFM_VALORANT) July 9, 2025

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)

A traditional FPS that has led the esports scene for many years,Team Vitality, MOUZ, Team Spiritetc. reign as the world's top team.

In Asia, China'sTYLOOand MongoliaThe MongolZAlso worth paying attention to.

Apex Legends

It is a popular FPS title with a battle royale format, and the world tournament Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) is also being held.

held in 2024At “Apex Legends Global Series Year 4 Split 1”,Japanese e-sports team REJECT becomes world champion!

It became a hot topic as it was the first victory from the APAC NORTH region.

We are the champions!!!#RCWIN pic.twitter.com/1MuVval1q9

— REJECT (@RC_REJECT) May 6, 2024

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

Representative games:League of Legends, Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

MOBA is a general term for strategic battle games fought in 5-on-5 teams, and is characterized by deep tactics and breathtaking team play.

League of Legends (LoL)

At the Worlds tournament held at the end of the year, the total prize money will be5 million dollarsIt exceeds!

Also in JapanLeague of Legends Japan Official Tournament “League of Legends Japan League (LJL)”is being held, and in 2025In "LJL 2025 Storm"HaREJECT wins for the second consecutive yearI am doing it!

3-1 WIN
LJL 2025 STROM Winner 🏆
Achieved 2nd consecutive victory!!

Your support really gave me strength.
Thank you very much for your support of IGNITE!!#RCWIN pic.twitter.com/Y4cclvBDyy

— REJECT (@RC_REJECT) May 6, 2025

Dota 2

It is popular all over the world, and in the 2025 Esports World Cup.3 million dollarsPrize money has been set, and high-level competition is taking place.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)

This game, which boasts overwhelming support in Southeast Asia, will also be featured in the Esports World Cup 2025.3 million dollarsIt is one of the hottest titles that is becoming one of the world-famous MOBAs, with prizes of up to 100% available.

fighting games

Representative games:Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Fatal Fury City of the Wolves

Fighting games, which involve direct one-on-one combat, are a genre that requires skill, mutual understanding, and mental strength.

In particular, the strength of the Japanese team is famous around the world, with many top-level players playing active roles.

Street Fighter 6 (Street Fighter 6)

Sponsored by CapcomCapcom Pro Touris the main title of the Esports World Cup in 2025.$1 million prizeIt is a popular competition where

The player famous for this title is a legend in the fighting game world.Umehara (Daigo Umehara)。

In May 2025, he transferred to REJECT and collaborated with Tokido, Fuudo, and LeShar.Street Fighter League: Pro-JP 2025 (SFL2025)”I am participating in.

STREET FIGHTER LEAGUE: Pro-JP 2025 Div.F@tokidoki77@daigothebeastJP@TheFuudo@leshar15

📅9/9 Tue. 18:40～
vs Hiroshima TEAM iXA

📺Official distribution:https://t.co/30lE3iy7PK
📣REJECT PV distribution:https://t.co/Ncg9I8Jj06#RCWIN #SFL2025 #SF League pic.twitter.com/pzCbz8eVri

— REJECT (@RC_REJECT) September 9, 2025

Another person to keep an eye on is a member of REJECT, the same team as Umehara, and is active as an ace.Tokido player。

in 2025ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2025Well thenHe won the 6th strike category and became the world champion!

We can't take our eyes off the Japanese team's strong advance!

tekken 8

It is gaining popularity due to its advanced visuals and rich characters.EVO 2025It has been selected as a major title and is gaining popularity both domestically and internationally.

Fatal Fury City of the Wolves

This is a new title from SNK that just appeared in 2025, but as early asEsports World CupandEVOIt has been officially decided that both will be adopted.

Expectations are high that it will spark a new fighting game boom!

What is the difference between esports and games?

“What is the difference between e-sports and regular games?”

It seems that many people have such doubts.

It is true that both deal with the same “game”, butEach has different definitions and games handled!

First of all, the difference between esports and general games is"How to understand the game"It is located in

Now, let's take a closer look at the difference between the definition of a game in esports and the definition of a general game.🎮✨

Next, let's take a look at the differences in the games that are handled!

💡Games used in e-sports areTitles with clear winners and losers and a well-structured competitionis the center.

Examples: League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Valorant, etc.

Many games place emphasis on factors such as skill level and rankings among users.

🕹️On the other hand, games that are not covered by e-sports areTitles that emphasize player freedom and storyis the center.

Examples: Dragon Quest, Legend of Zelda, Minecraft, etc.

Since the main purpose is to have fun alone, experience a story, and create, it is basically not treated as e-sports.

Until about 20 years ago, the only way to enjoy games was to play them yourself.

But now,"Watching top players play and supporting them"That's calledA new way to enjoyis increasing.

Why not take this opportunity to enjoy a new way of playing games?

Support e-sports with push ads (birthday/support ads)!

Do you know about "Oshii Advertising"?

Many of you may know them by names such as "Birthday Advertisements" and "Support Advertisements."♪

To briefly introduce it, what is Oshii advertising?Advertisements for fans to support their favoritesIt is.

Here we will introduce in detail about such recommended advertising!

What is a push advertisement (birthday/support advertisement)?

As the name suggests, push advertising is"Advertisement for fans to support their favorites"It means.

A birthday advertisement (Birthdayadvertising), also called support advertising.

「I want to support the push!」「I want to celebrate my favorite birthday or anniversary!Fans from all over the world who have this idea are voluntarily placing advertisements for non-commercial purposes.😊

In addition, Oshi advertising has the advantage of not only being able to convey our feelings to Oshi, but also being able to advertise Oshi to a variety of people!

Although it originated in Korea, the recommended genre is not limited to Korean idols and actors!

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「BirthdayJAPAN” supports posting Oshi Advertisements® (birthday/support advertisements).💡

If you are thinking of promoting an e-sports player, please feel free to contact us.🌟

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“Where is everyone advertising their recommendations?”

“What does this medium actually look like?”

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We are posting various recommended advertisement examples regardless of genre, such as idols, artists, actors, YouTubers, etc.

While looking at the photos and information of the recommended advertisements that were actually posted,"There's a place like this!" "This design is wonderful!"Please use this as a reference for ideas.

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We deliver useful information such as new articles and recommended advertisements.💌

Let's run a promotional advertisement together with the e-sports support team!

BirthdayJAPAN has created an "esports support team"!

The e-sports cheering squad is the activities of e-sports players.andFan support activitiesWe are a support team that actively supports📣

This time, we would like to express our fans'ofe-sport playersI want to support more💪”, and we decided to establish it.🌟

Also, we havee-sport playersNot only「 e-sport playersI also want to support the fans who support! ” I have this feeling.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Oshi.”

“I want to convey my feelings to Oshi”

That is,We promote everyone's thoughts and give them shape through advertisements.We will actively support💌

By all meansBirthdayTogether with JAPAN, our favoritee-sport playersWould you like to support us?🙌

If you would like to learn more about the “esports cheering squad”, please check this out!

Examples of promotional e-sports advertisements

From here on, we will support you.e-sport playersWe will introduce examples of Oshii advertising.✍️✨

e-sport playersOshi advertising is carried out in various advertising media, so please take a look at it.💡

REJECT Fifth personality category

📣 REJECT Fifth Personality Division #support advertisement 📣

Please support REJECT's 5th Personality Division in participating in the world tournament.@tomtomnoya will carry out support advertisements.🎮✨

📱2 types of X advertisements
🗓️4/14-4/15
🌏Japan🇯🇵 / Hong Kong🇭🇰

If you see the ad, please spread the word and support us! 🤘🌏✨️#Ganbarijekuto #RCWIN pic.twitter.com/JFDnJR6JME

— BirthdayJAPAN (@birthday_ad_jp) April 12, 2024

REJECT Kurara

💙 #REJECT #kurara #Birthday Advertisement 🧡

To celebrate the birthday of Kurara, who belongs to the e-sports team REJECT, #advertisement will be carried out🎂⭐️

📱YouTube ads
🗓️ 6/28-6/30

Birthday ad will be running on YouTube🎮🎀
If you see it, please share it 🫶🌙#fortnite#Kurabirth Really Congrats pic.twitter.com/1HWf5qb19w

— BirthdayJAPAN (@birthday_ad_jp) June 28, 2024

If you're interested in learning more about e-sports player endorsement advertisements, be sure to check out this article!

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What is Oshikurafan?

「Launched and planned a project where individuals would issue support advertisements for their favorites.A service where supporting people can donate money to support advertising.」

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In fact, &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, and actor Choi Jong Hyub's club fans achieved the target amount and the advertisement was implemented!

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Summary

How was it?

e-sports isNowadays, it is gaining more and more presence as a full-fledged competition that attracts attention all over the world.

Even if you were just a little curious at first, you may now be thinking, ``I might want to know more.''

The power of the competition, the fun of watching it, and above all, the "battle between people who seriously aim to win."That is the charm of e-sports.

The world of e-sports is becoming more and more popular.

Find your favorite team or favorite title and experience the excitement for yourself!

BirthdayLeave it to JAPAN!

Read this article

“I also recommend advertising® (BirthdayI want to run an advertisement/support advertisement! ”

Isn't there a lot of people who thought so?✨

On the other hand, “But,Some people may feel that Oshii Advertising® seems difficult...'' or ``I'm worried about the procedure...''

In such a case, pleaseBirthdayPlease contact JAPAN!

BirthdayWhen you register for JAPAN's official LINE,Auto-response chat will quickly answer any questions you may have regarding Oshii Advertising®!

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In addition to information about Oshii Ads®, we also constantly send out trends related to actors, idols, VTubers, YouTubers, athletes, and information on advantageous campaigns.📱✨

Please follow us and check the latest information.

X (@birthday_ad_jp)

「BirthdayI want to check the information about JAPAN as soon as possible! ”, please follow X (old Twitter)!

In X,

• in progressOshi Advertisement® announcement
• Publication of Oshi Advertising® example photos and videos
• Distribution of blog articles about actors, idols, VTubers, YouTubers, and athletes
• Notice of advantageous campaigns

etc.,BirthdayWe deliver the latest information on JAPAN as soon as possible.

#advertisement If you give it out #BirthdayJAPAN🤗💖
Dedicated personnel such as idols, actors, YouTubers, VTubers, e-sports players, etc. will help you spread the word!

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BirthdayClick here for JAPAN's past achievements🔽… pic.twitter.com/I7uAhioBdp

— BirthdayJAPAN (@birthday_ad_jp) September 12, 2025

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On Instagram, we are introducing examples of Oshii Advertising® that have been implemented!

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「I want to quickly see examples of Oshii Advertising® in my free time! ”, we recommend following us on TikTok!

You can view it in your spare time, such as while getting ready in the morning or commuting to work.♪

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Oshii Ad® examples are also being distributed on YouTube!

Please watch the short video to see the advertisements that interest you.