StarCraft and the origin of modern esports

This real-time strategy game quickly gained a massive following, especially in South Korea, where it sparked a cultural phenomenon that shaped competitive gaming into a professional sport.

At its core, StarCraft’s deep strategic gameplay made it ideal for competitive play due to 3 main features it had:

• quick thinking;

• precise control;

• and long-term planning.

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A national pastime

In South Korea, StarCraft became more than just a pastime, it became a national obsession. Another thing that can become an extraordinary pastime is to try 1xBet virtual games betting as well.

The government and corporations recognized the game’s popularity, leading to the establishment of professional leagues. 2 examples of them are the Korean StarCraft League (KSL) and the OnGameNet StarLeague (OSL).

These 2 leagues featured organized tournaments with 3 big elements: cash prizes, sponsorships, and media coverage. Top players achieved celebrity status, with fans following their matches closely on television and in internet cafes. Besides esports, the virtual games betting available at 1xBet can definitely be a highly entertaining and rewarding option too.

Having the proper infrastructure

The rise of StarCraft esports was also facilitated by the country’s advanced internet infrastructure and widespread PC bangs (gaming cafes), where players could practice and spectate games. When making handicap in betting 1xBet you can also win great prizes besides spectating them too.

This created a vibrant community and a steady pipeline of new talent. Commentators, or “casters,” emerged to narrate matches. They added excitement and helped fans understand the strategies involved, which helped to professionalize the scene further. If you visit 1xBet you can also try handicap in betting in its esports section, which can significantly increase your chances of winning.