The world of esports is rapidly growing, with millions of fans around the globe tuning in to watch their favorite teams compete in highly skilled and exciting games. In an effort to further expand its reach and engage its audience, the Chicago Bulls have announced that they will be hosting the 2022 LCS Championship at their home arena, the United Center. This collaboration between one of the most popular NBA teams and a major esports event promises to deliver a highly engaging and exciting experience for fans of both sports.
Esports has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with an estimated 450 million people worldwide tuning in to watch competitive gaming events in 2019 (Newzoo, 2019). This number is expected to continue growing as more people become aware of the sport and its appeal. The rise of esports can be attributed to a number of factors, including advancements in technology that have made it possible to create highly immersive and realistic gaming experiences. Additionally, the increasing availability of high-speed internet has made it easier for gamers to connect with one another and play games from anywhere in the world. Esports also benefits from its ability to engage a wide range of fans, regardless of their age or interests. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just someone who enjoys watching exciting sports competitions, esports has something for everyone.
The Chicago Bulls have recognized the potential of esports to engage their audience and attract new fans. In 2018, they launched the first ever NBA 2K League team, the Chicago Bulls Esports Club (CBESC), in partnership with Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite (Bulls, 2018). This marked the first time that an NBA team had formed an esports team and signaled a major commitment to the growing sport. The CBESC was a huge success, with the Bulls winning the inaugural championship in 2018. In addition to their on-field success, the team also engaged with fans through social media and other online channels, helping to build a dedicated fan base for esports within the Chicago area. The CBESC also hosted several events and tournaments, further increasing the team’s visibility and appeal to fans of all ages.
The 2022 LCS Championship marks the first time that an NBA team will host a major esports event at their home arena. The LCS is one of the most popular and high-profile esports leagues in the world, featuring some of the best players and teams from North America and South Korea (Riot Games, 2021). The Chicago Bulls are excited about the opportunity to host the 2022 LCS Championship at the United Center. "We’re thrilled to be hosting this incredible event," said Jerry Reinsdorf, CEO of the Chicago Bulls and the CBESC (Reinsdorf, 2021). "The LCS is one of the most exciting and dynamic esports leagues in the world, and we’re looking forward to showcasing it to our fans and the wider gaming community."
The event will feature a range of activities and experiences designed to engage fans and attract new audiences, including interactive gaming stations, live music performances, and special guest appearances (Riot Games, 2021). The Bulls are also planning to integrate esports into their marketing and promotional efforts, further expanding the reach and appeal of both sports.
The impact on esports fans will be significant. For many fans, attending a live event like this is a dream come true, as they get to see their favorite teams and players in action up close and personal (Esports Insider, 2021). The Bulls are expecting a large number of fans to attend the event, with tickets selling out quickly after their release. The 2022 LCS Championship represents an opportunity for esports to further integrate with traditional sports and entertainment. The event will feature a range of activities and experiences designed to engage fans and attract new audiences, including interactive gaming stations, live music performances, and special guest appearances (Riot Games, 2021). This integration has the potential to bring together fans of both esports and traditional sports, creating a more inclusive and diverse community.
This collaboration is also expected to have a positive impact on the growth of esports in North America. The United States is currently one of the largest markets for competitive gaming, with millions of fans tuning in to watch Major League Soccer (MLS), NBA 2K League, and other esports events (Esports Business Report, 2021). By hosting the LCS Championship at their home arena, the Bulls are helping to further legitimize esports as a mainstream form of entertainment and athletics.