The World of E-Sports

The Nation's fastest-growing sports isn't soccer or mixed martial arts. It's not rugby or lacrosse. It might not even be a sport at all. Competitive video gaming, or e-sports, has exploded in the U.S. over the last five years as advances in technology have made the games better and the world smaller. There are teams and uniforms and pro leagues and seven-figure salaries. Nearly 12,000 rapt fans clapped Thunderstix and cheered the action on the big screen at Madison Square Garden in late August as Counter Logic Gaming (CLG) and Team SoloMid (TSM) battled for North American supremacy in League of Legends. In mid-October, gaming enthusiasts filled the stands at the worlds at SSE Arena in London and, in costume, on the streets outside.

The World of E-Sports

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Doublelift and Aphromoo — Team CLG

Courtesy of Riot Games

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Courtesy of Riot Games

Counter Logic Gaming (CLG)

Carl Scheffel/MSG Photos

Counter Logic Gaming (CLG)

Kohjiro Kinno for Sports Illustrated

Counter Logic Gaming (CLG)

Kohjiro Kinno for Sports Illustrated

Counter Logic Gaming (CLG)

Kohjiro Kinno for Sports Illustrated

Courtesy of Riot Games

Courtesy of Riot Games

Courtesy of Riot Games

Courtesy of Riot Games