The sporting arena has made great efforts to cushion the impact of the COVID-19, many traditional sports are shifting to the virtual world.
Esports and virtual gaming had begun to make inroads to popularity, with games such as FIFA 20, NBA 2K20, and F1 2019 capturing the attention of gaming enthusiasts. Before the pandemics icy cold grip took hold of the world’s sporting arena, esports was gaining momentum and was on the rise to fame, with professional esports tournaments being held globally.
However, there was some friction between sports fans acknowledging esports as a legitimate form of sport given its many physical restrictions. Nevertheless, in the current circumstance sports fans have been left with no choice but to embrace the world of esports for their daily adrenaline fix.
It has been recorded that during the pandemic, streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube and other online gaming services have seen spikes in media consumption. As a result, the sports industry is trying to capitalise on this newfound passion for online gaming by hosting tournaments and challenges with as much of the original teams and players competing so as to make it feel legitimate.
FIFA (the game) has been widely regarded as the world’s most popular sports game ever to have entered the entertainment and leisure industry. It has received critical acclaim as a platform that enables the player to have the most natural football experience in the virtual world. As a result, The FT had reported that the Premier League is currently in talks with its clubs to launch an esports tournament on FIFA 20, while Spain’s La Liga has already done so with the FIFA 20 La Liga Santander challenge.
The NBA have launched an NBA 2K competition with players streaming from their homes as well as hosting live quarantine parties with current and former players to interact with fans around the world. As an additional enticing feature, these virtual tournaments look to invite pop culture icons and celebrities to participate alongside the professionals for some extra fun.
However, the greatest progress being made in this aspect seems to be in the world of motorsports. Formula 1, NASCAR, Moto GP, Indy Car, Formula E and World Rallycross are all currently involved in holding weekly live streamed races both for pleasure and with the intention of raising money for charity.
The e-racing will see the participation of most if not a full grid of professional drivers as well as some other special invitees. The switch from the real-world motorsport experience to the virtual isn’t too difficult, as the physical and mental aspects can be replicated with the installation of a rig setup in one’s own room (albeit an expensive investment).
There have been instances where the world’s greatest virtual racers have progressed to become professional racing drivers by mastering their craft in the virtual world alone. Such is the progress of technology and the virtual motorsport world in the 21st century. Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Alexander Albon, George Russel and Lando Norris (the young guns) are a few of the more familiar names that have amassed a cult following both in real racing and in the virtual world.
The Formula E ABB ‘Race at Home Challenge’ is one of the only series that have announced that they will be continuing their racing season as planned with the tournaments being held on the virtual gaming platform where points from each race will be considered towards the drivers title.
All the drivers were shipped a professional virtual racing rig by Formula E’s sponsors FANATEC to ensure a level playing field. The first practice race was held last weekend on the historic virtual streets of Monaco and made for some thrilling racing.
We were almost spoiled for choice last week (17-19 April), as a plethora of virtual racing in almost every form was on display. To add more excitement to an action-packed weekend, drivers from all prior racing eras and numerous celebrities as well as Pro E-racers were in the mix amongst the professionals battling it out on track for victory. This formula proved to be a great combination for some exceptional and enjoyable racing which has most definitely scratched the itch for racing enthusiasts young and old alike during this time of crisis.
Likewise, in the coming months, more sports will turn to the virtual world to host live tournaments and championships. The World Sailing GP too has commenced an initiative to bring an online form of its Sail GP to the masses with the likes of Sir Ben Ainslie, Tom Slingsby and Nathan Outteridge to make an appearance to compete against gamers.
With the pandemic showing no signs of slowing we shouldn’t lose hope as the world of sports undoubtedly will have exactly what you are looking for to keep you entertained during these trying times.
By Randev Jayasinha