eSports, or "electronic sports" are basically videogame tournaments. The most popular are for games like STARCRAFT II (which is considered the national pastime in South Korea, with their own ranking systems, two channels dedicated to the sport, and even controversy about fixing games, just like real sports!) However, LEAGUE OF LEGENDS and DotA (DEFENSE OF THE ANCIENTS, though no one calls it that) are coming up fast as contenders for most popular, and most watched. But eSports also include fighting tournaments (from STREET FIGHTER 2 to SUPER SMASH, and everything in-between), to PONG. In all honesty, they are no joke. They are extremely popular. In fact:
The top eSports players are as young as 15, and can earn millions of dollars through prize money, endorsements and streaming as the sport has spread to pro leagues and arenas where gameplay is shown on giant screens. The 2015 League of Legends finals had more viewers than the World Series or NBA Finals.
Will Ferrell, in turn, will star as "an anomaly in a sport where players usually retire in their 20s due to slowing hand-eye coordination". Most likely in cocky Ricky Bobby/Chazz Michael Michaels mode.
I for one am very excited for this, if done right. I'm not so sure about Will Ferrell as the leading man (not that I don't think he's funny, but I'm just worried about the tone). Because there is a picture of eSports athletes looking like the "one who has no life" from the SOUTH PARK WORLD OF WARCRAFT episode, which couldn't be farther from the truth. Like hot dog eating championships, most winners are actually usually skinny Asians, or at least people who are fit. You need to be healthy for the fast twitch movements needed for victory. I think a comedy is the way to go, for sure, but just hoping it doesn't become "look how dumb this all is". I'd much prefer something along the lines of how ROLE MODELS portrayed LARPing: acknowledging the ridiculousness, but also the inherent value in it.
But what about you guys? Anyone watch eSports? If so, you excited about the film?