Esports Has Arrived at The Big Game

February 29, 2024 - For 36 years, iconic NFL sports agent, Leigh Steinberg, has hosted professional athletes, celebrities, and brands around the biggest game in sports. Attendees network, support meaningful causes, and celebrate the championship game of America's most beloved league. This year, for the 37th event, esports was integrated for the first time, recognizing its growing relevance to players and fans alike.

ESTA had the great privilege of being involved in this inaugural event, alongside association members CESI, LANfest, Sly, and PlayerX. These organizations facilitate competition between collegiate rivals, Michigan and Michigan State in Rocket League. Following the match, traditional and esports professionals, including Juju Smith-Schuster, Hollywood Brown, Tactical Gramma, and others, took the stage to entertain attendees.

Megan and I enjoyed the opportunity to host a broadcast booth and live out our mission of supporting the esports industry. We interviewed a wide variety of participants to highlight their amazing work and perspectives on traditional sports' recent adoption of esports. Members of the Special Olympics shared how gaming bonds people and breaks down physical barriers. Esports team owners excitedly embraced the validation provided by such an iconic event. And collegiate representatives shared the career opportunities beyond the stage that competitive gaming affords aspiring students.

While overly anxious investors have pulled back from investment and some brands have searched for less skeptical audiences, Leigh and his team leaned in. They recognize a simple truth that convinces him esports is the future of entertainment: everyone he interacts with is a gamer.

Young prospective clients, current players, and former athletes are all actively gaming. The gaming audience continues to grow globally, and many players enjoy team-based competitive titles, which form the core of esports. While some groups shrink back due to fear of the unknown, our community pushes forward with excitement for the future!

Make no mistake about it, our appearance at the Super Bowl may be a new development in some aspects, but it is truly the fruit of seeds planted and watered for decades by those who came before us. We are thankful for their work and the opportunity to continue supporting this incredible global community. Some have counted out esports, stating that its game has come to a close, but a closer look reveals that while challenges arise, we are still just getting warmed up and ready to kick off!