According to Imna news agency, electronic sports, which are called Esports for short, have become one of the most prominent and popular cultural and sports phenomena in the world in the last few decades. This type of sport that competes in games Video It has gone beyond a simple hobby and has become a huge and booming industry with billions of dollars in annual revenue. Electronic sports represent a fascinating combination of technology, creativity and human skills, and every day they are gaining more and more popularity among people, especially the younger generations.
In the definition of electronic sports, it can be said that this field includes professional game competitions Video in which players or teams compete with each other in person or online. These competitions can be held in different types of games such as strategic games, first-person shooters, sports and simulations. Games such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and FIFA are some of the most popular titles in this field that have millions of fans around the world.
One of the key factors in the growth of electronic sports is the development of digital technologies and the expansion of high-speed Internet. In the past, games Video It was mostly a solitary activity or limited to groups of friends, but with the advent of online games and social networks, this pastime has become a global activity. Now players can play with other people from all over the world, form teams and participate in global tournaments. Also, development of platforms Streaming Such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming have made it possible for fans to easily follow matches and stream content themselves.
Electronic sports have also made significant changes from a social point of view. Instead of watching traditional sports such as football or basketball, many young people watch games Video have turned This change in attitude has made electronic sports one of the most important tools in digital entertainment. Holding large tournaments with million-dollar prizes, live broadcasts of matches on television networks, and attracting prestigious sponsors are among the prominent features of this industry, which have made it comparable to traditional sports.
In addition to entertainment aspects, electronic sports also have positive effects in educational and skill fields. Professional players in this field require a high level of concentration, strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination and teamwork. Regular and planned training in electronic sports can help strengthen these skills. Also, participating in these competitions provides opportunities to learn time management skills, endure mental pressure and communicate effectively.
However, eSports also faces challenges. Among these challenges, we can point out problems related to game addiction, psychological pressure on professional players, and lack of sufficient knowledge of this field in some societies. Some people still don’t accept eSports as a real sports activity and consider it just a hobby. Meanwhile, extensive efforts are being made at the global level to recognize this field and resolve these misunderstandings.
In general, electronic sports as an emerging and advanced phenomenon will play an important role in the future of entertainment, sports and technology industry. This area not only creates opportunities for players and fans, but has also become a bridge between different cultures. Due to the rapid growth of this industry, we can expect that in the coming years, electronic sports will become one of the main pillars of digital culture and global sports.
Regarding electronic sports in the world and Iran’s performance, Imna reporter had an interview with Loqman Shavarani, the head of the Electronic Sports Association You can read its details below.
Imna: Give us a general definition of electronic sports.
Shawrani: origin Vocabulary of electronic sports management and changes in games approach Video is In the distant past, this type of entertainment was done with electronic devices such as television and called games Video was known With the advancement of computer game technology and since 25 years ago in the structure Hi Many sports in the world adopted the term electronic games; It means all devices that are made with electronic, computer and mechanical equipment for entertainment, recreation and sports. In 2006, the International Olympic Committee and the Council of Asia recognized electronic sports as a new sport.
robotics, Metaversecomputer games with PC, console, VR games and AR games are defined as electronic sports, and 156 countries are members of the World Electronic Sports Federation located in South Korea. Also, the International Olympic Committee officially announced the holding of the Electronic Sports Olympics separately, hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Imna: What position do you think electronic sports have in Iran?
Shawrani: The electronic sports association was launched in the former physical education organization in 2004 and operated under a sports federation, but this association is now independent. It operates under the championship sports organization of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and is becoming a sports federation. Electronic sports in Iran have a long history and many fans.
Iran in terms of professional player and history Part of There are five leading countries in this field. Also, we have taken the first place in the Middle East and West Asia. In the country, 30 to 35 million men and women use these games for one to three hours at different ages. Therefore, electronic sports in Iran have a suitable and wide space, but the conditions of sanctions and the Internet are shortcomings that may become problematic in the future.
Imna: The difference between electronic sports and games Video What is normal?
Shawrani: Today, games Video They are the same electronic sports and there is no difference. in fact sports Electronics is an industry and sport that includes all these things in its various branches. Therefore, all games played with electronic devices are called electronic sports.
Imna: Is this type of sport recognized as a profession in Iran?
Shawrani: When in the Asian Games Hangzhou China Esport medal was calculated in Iran as well Y The field and professional sports are recognized and entered the Olympics. It goes without saying that becoming a professional is not the first thing in this story and it requires a strong and appropriate structure in matters such as club management. The establishment of an industry in the field of electronic sports, club ownership, professional players and the entry and exit of private collections are the preparations for the professionalization of this sport.
Imna: What is the status of electronic sports players in Iran in terms of level and profession?
Shawrani: Iranian players have a favorable situation in the field of Esport. Iran holds the world, Asian and gold championships in the two FIFA electronic football games and PES electronic football, which is known as efootbal today. We also have a good position in NBA, basketball and Need for speed games. Of course, Iran has a high level of quality in some of the PC team games that are played using the computer, considering the conditions of the game, but due to issues such as game representation, high-speed Internet, and filtering, it cannot positioning lean on
Imna: Do you think that holding electronic sports competitions also face financial challenges?
Shawrani: Holding competitions from the aspect of sponsoring, obtaining financial support is a favorable situation, but the most important point is organizing the financial transfer space in electronic games. The financial matters have taken on a larger scope and dimensions and attract more players, because in the country, according to the number of players, the fees paid for the matches are lower than the population rate.
Imna: Are official electronic sports competitions held in Iran? Matches between international how about Has it ever been held in Iran?
Shawrani: In Iran, two official national and national championship competitions are held every year. Electronic sports league is also held in the country online and in person. In the past, we have been guests of foreign countries, but due to sanctions and lack of foreign sponsors, we did not host international competitions.
Imna: Explain to us the classification of Esport games.
Shawrani: Real time strategy, first person shooter, combat, competitive multiplayer games no oneCivilization, Dota2, Fortnite are among the categories of electronic sports.
Imna: In every team usually multiplayer is there
Shawrani: In team games, five people usually participate and one person is a reserve. Singles games no one is Some games also have two players, which are not considered as a team or individual. Games are usually defined and played individually and as a team.
Imna: Are women active in this field? If they have a weak presence Has there been a decision to create a women’s team or not?
Shawrani: Forum in two years The latter started wider activities in spite of the problems created by the Computer Games Foundation in the field of women. The first women’s CSGO team was launched in Iran and participated in the world championships. The best players from each continent entered the world face-to-face tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia, and five players of the Iranian team participated in this tournament for the first time. According to the experts, the players had an acceptable and excellent performance considering the number of times they participated in the competition, and this was a great event for Iran. Now in Iran, after the corona disease, women are interested and attracted to this field, and it is expected that women along with men will also participate in national and international competitions.
Imna: How do you evaluate the success and future of this field?
Shawrani: The roots of electronic sports in the world are developed and expanded in the software and hardware sector. according to to the entry of the world into the new realm of virtual spaceMetaverse) and new fields of technology are defined as an important part of sports, recreation and entertainment in the field of Esport and we see new events and games every day. according to To local living conditions and the structure that is changing in the world (urban constructions and urbanization), the interest of the audience, the cheapness and the availability of the Iqbal of this field are getting better and more.
Imna: What do you think the current infrastructure of electronic sports is like in Iran?
Shawrani: Regarding the issue of Iran’s infrastructure, it is behind. next to The city of Tehran was supposed to launch a large stadium with different fields in a vast complex, and a part of it was dedicated to electronic sports. Esport has special stadiums in all countries of the world. Our most important concern in the future is having a dedicated stadium to provide services. The association is pursuing this issue through various organizations such as Tehran Municipality, and there is a possibility of succeeding and creating a special space in Tehran for electronic sports.
Imna: What is the biggest success of the country in the field of electronic sports?
Shawrani: The biggest success of the country is to be with the world events. Iran has excelled in various scientific, educational, sports and cultural sectors and the popularity of Iranians is known all over the world. Our most important need is the provision of infrastructure to keep up with our competitors and not to lose specialists and professionals.
Imna: What are the conditions for entering the field of electronic sports for Iranian players?
Shawrani: During the last 17 years, players were introduced through circulars and holding provincial competitions. Today, according to the change and development of mass communication facilities, various information and calls are published monthly through the sub-sets of the forum, and players register and participate in various disciplines. Then, at different stages, the best people are selected and enter the camp and introduce the members of the national team according to different parameters.
Imna: When are the conditions for participation in the national team and the next round of competitions and what games will be played in these competitions?
Shawrani: According to the plans made in Isfand 1403, two rounds of national competitions under the title of Electronic Sports Olympics in Tehran and another under the name of selection of world championships. The fajital It is held in one of the cities of the country. The fajital The new sports activity is Esport. In this field, players play FIFA football and enter the futsal hall immediately after finishing and play for real. Then the results of the two matches are added and divided by two and the winner of the game is determined. Competitions The fajital It will be held in March and the top players will be sent to the Emirates World Championships.