The countdown to the inaugural Olympic Esports Week has begun

This might seem like I am flogging a dead horse. Still, to all the parents who worry and nag about their kids spending too much time playing video games, we are now living in a very different world and there is actually a bright and lucrative future for those who love video games.

The video game industry is booming and is estimated to reach USD 221.4 billion in 2023, which opens up plenty of job opportunities for aspiring coders, designers, musicians, writers and voice actors. On the other side of the fence, professional gaming is a viable career path for those who prefer the thrill of competition and a chance to not just win a huge purse but also gain global recognition. When it comes to careers in professional gaming, players and teams require managers and events require hosts and shoutcasters. All of which, are ideal for those who love video games.

A visitor trying out one of the VR games during the countdown event. | Olympic Esports Week

There is something for everyone during the countdown event. | Olympic Esports Week

Also, if you have not heard, even the Olympics has officially included esports as a category of its events. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has created the Olympic Esports Week (OEW), a festival of virtual sports and gaming and it will be held from 22 to 25 June at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. One of the highlights is the in-person live finals of the Olympic Esports Series 2023 (OES), which will feature games across nine sports.

So before the actual event, the IOC has organised a 50-day countdown where a roving trailer will be making its way across Singapore to showcase the world of esports and virtual sports. It made its debut at Bugis+ from 5 to 7 May and visitors got a glimpse of what to expect at the inaugural OEW. Part of the experience included playing Gran Turismo and JustDance – both of which will be contested during the live finals.

Brandon Chia (left) and Ng Ming Wei | Olympic Esports Week

Ming Wei (left), Merody (middle) and Bings (right) | Olympic Esports Week

On top of just trying out the games, visitors also had a chance to hear from professional gamers and get a better understanding of what it takes to compete at such a high level. During one of the days, Singapore’s professional Street Fight V player, Brandon Chia, made an appearance and played alongside visitors. Chia was later joined by former national Taekwondo athlete, Ng Ming Wei, and they both discussed the similarities and differences between traditional and virtual sports. The discussion wrapped up with a Street Fighter V battle between both speakers.

Gaming is also no longer just a thing for the boys as the girls are getting their fair share of the spotlight. On 7 May, Merody and Bings, players for the Singapore women’s DOTA 2 team made an appearance and the pair gave the audience insight into the life of an esports professional in Singapore and how esports has progressed over the last few years.

So if you or your child are interested in what the world of professional gaming or esports has to offer, it would be good if you head on over to one of these locations:

Finally, if you are interested to be part of the Olympic Esports Week, tickets are now available for purchase and are priced at SGD10 per day or SGD20 for a three-day pass. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.