By Syamimi Syaza
eSport, a money-making hobby-turned-career is on the rise with global market revenue expected to reach almost 1.6 billion U.S dollars in 2023, at present is one of the dream jobs of many. Loved by most and previously deplored by parents, playing video games is no longer a gainless past time.
Exploding as a billion-dollar industry, eSports first started way back in the late 70s with “Space Invaders Championship” that yielded 10,000 participants and as the 2000s came around, eSport started to gain a serious momentum in securing its place as a promising industry.
eSports and streaming commonly come as a package, for what it seems like nowadays. Frequently dominated by professional players, game streaming is a huge hit among fans all over the world alongside features of giving virtual money to their favoured streamers. Renowned streamers with merchandise and advertising deals are taking eSports to another whole new level as a source of income while majority of locals could make at least RM 1,500 a month from streaming alone.
Twitch is a top gaming streaming hub for gaming aficionados which serves as a marketing tool for influencers and eSports players specifically. The mecca for gamers previously crowned Tyler Blevins, also known as Ninja as the most followed Twitch channel and his past streaming on Fortnite lesson broke the record by attracting an impressive 635 000 spectators.
He previously collaborated with numerous brands such as Uber Eat, Red Bull and so much more which gained him a jaw-dropping 18 million dollars per year. 500 000 dollars a month from YouTube, another 500 000 dollars from Twitch and 3.5 million a year from endorsements, these surely contributed to his current net worth of roughly 25 million dollars.
IIUM has been exhibiting broad support towards eSports with various tournaments being held almost every semester organised by different clubs and even “mahallah”. Cash prizes are offered most often, thus igniting the interest of students into participating, besides whipping up their engagement in healthy indoor activities.
Currently a final year student at IIUM, Amirul Mukminin Bin Abdullah Zahri also known as Yonnyzahri is one of the rising eSport players widely known on TikTok, through his eSport account “yonnyzahri”. His involvement in eSport started way back in 2019 as part-time pursuits that took a turning point when organisers fancy him being a caster for Mobile Legend: Bang Bang and PUBG.
Yonny’s further public exposure commenced upon being a caster for well-known events such as Selangor Xtiv Esports and Level Up KL along with Emi Mohammad and Chuchu Gaming, big names of the local industry. Through his Tiktok account with a massive total of 91k followers, YonnyZahri is known as the esports guru who provides tips and advices revolving around esports mainly.
Being asked on his consideration in making eSports as a full-time career, Yonnyzahri is currently prioritising his academic journey while juggling between both. Focusing to complete his Bachelor degree in Automotive Engineering, he would most likely jump into both industries as long as there is a demand for his skills.
Throughout the years, sports have not changed much. The basics remain the same, to throw one’s hat in the ring and top each category and the addition of Esports has positively widened the viable careers for youths out there.
Scores of careers are attainable such as professional players, the ones netting the glare of publicity accompanied by hosts, coaches, content creators and event managers for this booming industry of skills and commitment. Having people enjoy playing for a living will eventually seal a firm involvement among the next generations to hustle in a slightly different, yet fruitful nature of work.
As long as it is good, there is no wrong in trying new things. Even better when you can get the best of both worlds.***