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Competitive gaming is the digital sibling of the traditional sport. Even though it is comparatively younger, esports is quickly gaining legitimacy for itself. With competitive video games rivalling player-bases and viewerships of traditional sports, it's not long before we see professional gamers compete in prestigious events such as the Olympics.
In fact, the process for inclusion of esports has already begun. With Intel bagging the title sponsor spot of the Olympics, the traditional sports authority has begun viewing competitive from a fresh perspective. Case in point is the Intel Extreme Masters PyeongChang 2018, which is scheduled to take place in the month of February. For a start, competitions will be organised for the legendary Blizzard title, StarCraft II.
Coincidentally, the IEM PyeongChang 2018 will be organised ahead of the Winter Olympics in the same venue, in the South Korean city of PyeongChang. A panel representing the International Olympics Committee will be observing this tournament and judge its viability as a medal event.
However, it should be noted that this historic chapter in the realms of traditional and digital sports will boast of an Indian touch. Representing the country at the IEM PyeongChang will be the Indian player, Varun "Demi" Immanuel Eddy. Varun has been playing the game professionally for a long time now and is ranked as one of the top players in the region. Demi qualified for the IEM PyeongChang 2018 through the West Asia qualifiers. It was not an easy task as the player had to face competition from 25 countries in order to bag a slot. However, Varun triumphed, despite the tough competition and will go on to represent the country's colours at this historic event.
We will be able to watch Varun live from 3rd to 5th February battling the top 18 players of the world in order to secure a strong ranking for India at Olympics.
Varun's participation in the IEM PyeongChang 2018 will pave the roadmap for a blossoming Indian esports scene. He will also inspire a new set of players who will pursue gaming competitively and professionally in a bid to one day wear the Indian colours and make the country proud!
