Fatal Hero: I’m sure you’ve already heard that ESPN top-dog John Skipper denies that eSports are any type of sport. He says this just after his own channel televised DOTA 2’s The International and amid rumors that League of Legends was looking to follow suit. He instead suggests that the whole thing is just “a competition” and how he’s “mostly interested in doing real sports.” It’s sad to see because unfortunately, Skipper seems to miss what makes eSports its own legitimate field.
Starting Patch 26.5, severe toxicity gets you removed from games, not just muted. Riot says DMs will count next. League of Legends Patch 26.5 bans will get a level up. Riot Games has revealed plans to punish people who are abusive in chat with huge bans. Starting in Patch 26.5, gameplay bans will be given for players who are “severely disruptive” in comms, rather than just chat bans.
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A total of 21 categories have been named, with the ceremony set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 19th, 2025.
I enjoyed your observation about the parents cheering. I myself have not had a chance to see a live event nor attend one of those "eSport bars" but plan on doing so to get a better grasp.
Because they're stupid.
I view "eSports" more as competitions of mental skill not on of physical skill which is what I consider to "sports" to be. Its a subtle difference but to me "sports" entails a level of physical strength and/or endurance along with physical coordination. eSports is more mental skill and hand / eye coordination than anything. Just my personal take.
And it also should be noted that while I may not consider "eSports" to be a "sport" I certainly think its worthy of being watched and rooted for. Saying its not a sport to me doesn't diminish it as a competition.
They aren't wrong. It isn't a sport... As they don't require any physical competition... But they do require skill.
I think people felt insulted by his comments, even though they weren't offensive in any way. ESPN cover a number of competitive events that aren't sports; poker, chess, billards, and now esport.
Yes people, please do not confuse talent or skill as only being associated with atheletes. Painters are really talented and skillful but they do not belong on ESPN. Any event that can be done naked in your room while eating cheetos, is not a sport and doesnt belong on ESPN.