header-logo header-logo

10 September 2020 / Theo Barclay , Harry Burley
Issue: 7901 / Categories: Features , Sports litigation
printer mail-detail

The rise (& rise) of e-sports

27153
Theo Barclay & Harry Burley report on the next frontier for sports litigation
  • What are e-sports?
  • Opportunities and challenges for sports litigators.
  • The future.


In September 2019, the Vancouver Titans faced off against the San Francisco Shock. 20,000 spectators had paid up to US$299 for a ticket and millions more watched online. The event was the Overwatch League Grand Final—a leading computer gaming tournament. This was one of a series of live professional video gaming events that are drawing in more viewers than many traditional sports.

As a fast-expanding industry generating worth over US$1.5bn a year, e-sports has begun to dominate the work of many commercial lawyers who also specialise in traditional sports. Litigation specialists are next in line.

The courts in England and Wales are yet to deal with substantive e-sports claims, but the fast-growing nature of the industry and the commercial naivety of many participants means that this will not be the case for long.

What are e-sports?

The most popular games played

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James expands national Serious Injury team with two new Partners

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW continues Paris office growth with public law Partner hire

NEWS
The Court of Appeal's decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has lifted months of uncertainty for Chartered Legal Executives while prompting a rethink of regulation and supervision
The assisted dying debate returns to Westminster as Lauren Edwards MP reintroduces legislation that stalled in the House of Lords last session despite clearing the Commons
A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
back-to-top-scroll