What are e-sports?

E-sports, or electronic sports, refers specifically to organized, competitive gaming where players and teams compete in professional tournaments, typically featuring popular video games, many of which are sports-themed or have elements of competition built into them. The nature of e-sports involves formalized leagues, sponsorships, and substantial prize pools, akin to traditional sports environments.

In contrast, amateur video game competitions do not have the level of professional organization or resources seen in established e-sports. While online gaming can include various elements, not all of it is competitive; some may be casual play with no defined competition. Additionally, the mention of board games in a digital format does not align with e-sports, as these typically do not involve the structured competitive aspect that defines the e-sports genre. Hence, the best description of e-sports is professional competition in sports-themed video games, emphasizing the organized, competitive nature that characterizes this rapidly growing field.