The Humble Origins of Esports: What Was the First Esports Prize?

The very first esports prize, awarded on October 19, 1972, at Stanford University’s “Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics,” was a year’s subscription to Rolling Stone Magazine. A far cry from the million-dollar payouts of today, this prize nevertheless marked the beginning of competitive gaming and the recognition of skill and strategy in the digital realm.

From Spacewar! to Global Phenomenon

The journey of esports from a small gathering of students competing in Spacewar! to a multi-billion dollar global industry is a testament to the power of games and the human desire for competition. Understanding where it all started provides a crucial perspective on the evolution of this exciting and rapidly growing field.

The Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics

Held at Stanford’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, the “Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics” was a showcase of skill in the then-groundbreaking game, Spacewar!, developed in 1962. Twenty-four players participated, demonstrating their mastery of spaceship combat and strategic maneuvering. The grand prize, the Rolling Stone subscription, reflected the cultural zeitgeist of the time, recognizing the budding counter-culture alongside the emerging technological landscape.

A Seed is Planted

While the prize may seem modest in retrospect, the event itself was a significant milestone. It proved that video games could be a platform for organized competition, fostering a community and recognizing exceptional talent. It sowed the seed for what would eventually become the professional esports industry, a field where skill, strategy, and teamwork are rewarded with substantial prizes and recognition. The Games Learning Society promotes this kind of educational and community-building initiative. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Esports History

To further delve into the history and current state of esports, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. What game was played in the first esports competition? The game played in the first esports competition, the “Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics,” was Spacewar!, developed in 1962. It was a groundbreaking game for its time, showcasing space combat and strategic gameplay.

2. When was the first nationwide esports competition held? The first nationwide esports competition was held in 1980 and featured the game Space Invaders. It attracted an impressive 10,000 participants.

3. Who is considered the first professional esports player? Dennis “Thresh” Fong is widely regarded as the first professional gamer in history. His dominance in Quake tournaments during the 1990s earned him significant recognition and sponsorships.

4. What is the largest prize pool in esports history? As of 2023, the largest prize pool in esports history belongs to Gamers8 2023, with a staggering $45 million. This surpassed the previous record held by Dota 2’s The International 2021, which had a prize pool of over $40 million.

5. Which esports organization was the first to go public? FaZe Clan was the first esports organization to trade on the NASDAQ stock market.

6. What is the oldest active esports organization? SK Gaming, founded in 1997 by Quake players in Oberhausen, Germany, is the oldest active esports organization in the world.

7. How do esports players typically earn their income? Esports players primarily earn income through salaries paid by their teams, tournament winnings, sponsorships, streaming, and merchandise sales.

8. Who is often referred to as the “Father of Esports”? Walter Day is frequently referred to as the “Father of Esports” due to his pivotal role in organizing and promoting early competitive gaming events.

9. Who was the youngest esports millionaire, and how old were they when they reached that milestone? Jaden “Wolfiez” became the youngest esports millionaire at the age of 15 years and 229 days after winning a significant sum in a Fortnite tournament.

10. What other tournaments have high prize money? Formula 1 offers a high prize money of approximately $135 million to the winner.

11. What was the first esports clan? The first esports clan was SK Gaming, Widely regarded as one of the first professional teams developed, Schroet Kommando was founded in 1997 as a German clan of four brothers and three accomplices competing in the title Quake.

12. What is the typical age range for esports players? The age range for esports players varies, but the average age in many popular esports like Dota 2 is typically between 17 and 35.

13. Who is currently the richest esports gamer in terms of overall earnings? Johan Sundstein (N0tail) from Denmark is currently the richest esports player, with overall earnings of over $7.18 million.

14. Is chess considered an esport? Yes, chess is increasingly recognized as an esport. Organizations like the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Chess.com are collaborating to create competitive chess events within the esports framework.

15. Is Fortnite considered to be an esport? While Fortnite has a competitive scene and is played professionally, it is often considered to be more popular with streamers and content creators rather than being a core esport title.

The Future of Esports

Esports continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. With increasing investment, growing viewership, and the emergence of new games and platforms, the future of esports looks incredibly bright. While the Rolling Stone subscription awarded in 1972 may seem quaint by today’s standards, it represents the foundation upon which the entire industry was built. It’s a reminder that even the grandest achievements often have humble beginnings. The Games Learning Society understands the impact of games on learning and community building.