What game started modern esports?

What Game Started Modern Esports?

The modern era of esports, or competitive gaming, has its roots in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the game that is commonly regarded as the first true esports event is the Quake "Red Annihilation" competition. This event took place in 1997 and marked the beginning of modern esports as we know it today.

Early Beginnings

The concept of competitive gaming dates back to the 1970s, when home consoles first became common. In 1980, the first nationwide Space Invaders competition was held, with 10,000 participants. A year later, gamers competed in the inaugural Donkey Kong tournament. These early competitions laid the groundwork for the modern esports scene.

The Rise of LAN Parties

The 1990s saw the rise of LAN (Local Area Network) parties, where gamers would gather at local computer stores, schools, or community centers to compete in multiplayer games. These events allowed gamers to connect their computers and play games together, fostering a sense of community and competition. Quake was one of the first games to popularize LAN parties, with its fast-paced action and multiplayer capabilities.

Quake "Red Annihilation" Competition

In 1997, id Software, the creators of Quake, organized the Quake "Red Annihilation" competition. This event brought together the best Quake players from around the world to compete in a series of matches. The tournament was held at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Atlanta, Georgia, and featured a prize pool of $10,000.

The First True Esports Event

The Quake "Red Annihilation" competition is widely regarded as the first true esports event. It was the first tournament to bring together top gamers from around the world, with a large prize pool and a professional setup. The event marked a turning point in the development of esports, paving the way for future tournaments and competitions.

Key Features of the Quake "Red Annihilation" Competition

• Prize Pool: $10,000
• Participation: Top Quake players from around the world
• Tournament Format: Single-elimination bracket
• Game: Quake
• Location: Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Atlanta, Georgia
• Date: 1997

The Legacy of Quake "Red Annihilation"

The Quake "Red Annihilation" competition laid the foundation for modern esports. It showed that competitive gaming could be a viable and exciting form of entertainment, with a dedicated following and a large prize pool. The event’s success paved the way for future tournaments and competitions, including the Dota 2 International, The International, and The Overwatch League.

Conclusion

The Quake "Red Annihilation" competition is a significant milestone in the history of esports. It marked the beginning of modern esports, with its professional setup, large prize pool, and global participation. The event’s success laid the groundwork for future tournaments and competitions, and its legacy continues to shape the esports industry today.