Esports in a time of crisis: Venezuela’s esports industry

Private sports programmes are too expensive and considered a luxury that families with more than one children cannot afford. Without options, Venezuela’s youth has turned its attention to video games for the past 18 years. Video games are not limited to one group or demographic and are not considered a “nerdy” activity. Arcades and internet cafes are common in areas with one or more high schools. These establishments open hours before the first bell rings and close once all the students are gone. Inside the cafes, students wearing their uniforms are organised into teams and compete against each other. The most popular titles are Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends. More…