E-sport, a global phenomenon

E-sport, or electronic sport, is the competitive practice of video games, where professional and amateur players compete individually or in teams in organised tournaments. Its origins date back to the 1970s, with the first e-sport tournament organised in Oxford : "The Intergalactic Spacewar". However, it was in the 1990s that e-sport really took off, thanks to iconic games such as "StarCraft" and "Counter-Strike". As with traditional sports, e-sport involves leagues, championships and major events broadcast online and in front of a live audience. Professional players train for hours every day, often in dedicated facilities, and are supported by coaches, analysts and sponsors. This global phenomenon attracts millions of spectators, particularly on the Twitch platform, with events such as the League of Legends world championship or The International of Dota 2 offering millions of dollars in prize money and attracting massive audiences, both online and live. E-sport has thus become a veritable industry, combining entertainment, competitiveness and technological innovation.

Bringing people together and raising their profile through e-sport

E-sport differs from gaming in that it includes a competitive dimension. Within the armed forces, this practice consists of organising competitions between military personnel on online games such as "Sim racing", "Rocket League", "Rainbow 6" or "Fifa". Since 2021, several competitions have been organised internally and at inter-allied level via the Air and Space Force Association. The aim is to bring airmen together around video games to strengthen cohesion and encourage team spirit. E-sport is also a way of discovering and developing talent within the armed forces, through high-level competitions organised on an international level.

The formation of the first joint e-sport team

At the heart of this (r)evolution, gamer networks like Discord have played an essential role. With more than 300 members from the armed forces at the start of 2024, the network quickly became a key meeting place for these military video game enthusiasts. At the instigation of gamers, initiatives have emerged within the Air and Space Force and then the Land Forces associations.

An impressive first appearance at #GA2024!

During the competition, this first joint team demonstrated its skills and determination, reaching the 8^th final in the League of Legends tournament. A remarkable performance for a first-time participant, and a testament to the potential of military players in the field of e-sport.

Excellence, competitive spirit and cohesion

Through their commitment to e-sport, military players combine the excellence and high standards of the soldier with a passion for the game. On the pitch as well as in the virtual arena, they embody excellence, the desire to surpass oneself and the spirit of cohesion. And while this first team has already shone on the e-sport scene, there's no doubt that the best is yet to come for army gamers.