Top 10 Tech Behind eSports

Tournaments
Esports is the world of competitive, organized video gaming that encompasses many genres, platforms,
and levels of play. Esports has become a global phenomenon that attracts millions of players and
spectators, as well as sponsors, media, and investors. Esports has also become a lucrative and exciting
career path for many gamers, who can earn fame and fortune by competing in prestigious tournaments
around the world.

But behind the scenes of every esports tournament, there is a complex and sophisticated technology
infrastructure that enables the smooth and seamless operation of the event. From networking to hardware
to broadcasting, esports tournaments rely on various technologies to create immersive and realistic
experiences for the players and the audience. These technologies also help to ensure the fairness and
integrity of the competition, as well as the security and safety of the participants.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 tech behind esports tournaments that have revolutionized the
esports industry and changed the way we watch and enjoy esports. We will also look at some of the
notable tournaments where these technologies were used and how they impacted the esports scene.

10. Facial Recognition Technology

Facial recognition technology is an AI-driven system that identifies and verifies individuals by analyzing and
comparing their unique facial features with stored data. It captures facial characteristics such as the
distance between eyes, nose shape, and jawline to create a biometric profile. Applications range from
unlocking smartphones to enhancing security in public spaces and law enforcement. While it offers
convenience and security, concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential misuse have sparked debates
about regulation and oversight. Despite these challenges, facial recognition technology continues to
advance, offering a powerful tool for identity verification and access control in various sectors.

Facial recognition technology is a biometric technology that uses computer vision and machine learning to
identify or verify a person’s identity based on their facial features. Facial recognition technology can be
used for various purposes, such as authentication, access control, surveillance, or marketing. Facial
recognition technology can also be used for esports tournaments, especially for online or remote events,
where verifying the identity of the players is crucial.
One of the tournaments that used facial recognition technology extensively is the PUBG Mobile Global
Championship (PMGC) 2020, which was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament
featured 24 teams from around the world competing for a prize pool of $2 million. The tournament used
facial recognition technology to ensure that the players were who they claimed to be, and to prevent any
cheating or impersonation. The tournament also used facial recognition technology to monitor the players’
emotions and reactions during the matches, which added more excitement and engagement for the
viewers1.

9. Haptic Feedback Technology

Haptic feedback technology is a tactile technology that uses vibrations or motions to simulate physical
sensations or interactions with virtual objects or environments. Haptic feedback technology can be used to
enhance the immersion and realism of video games, especially for VR or AR games. Haptic feedback
technology can also be used for esports tournaments, especially for VR or AR games, where feeling the
game environment can give an edge to the players.
One of the tournaments that used haptic feedback technology extensively is the VR League (VRL) Season 3,
which was held in 2019. The tournament featured various VR games, such as Echo Arena, Onward, Space
Junkies, and Sprint Vector. The tournament used haptic feedback technology to provide the players with
realistic sensations of movement, impact, recoil, or gravity in their VR games. The tournament also used
haptic feedback technology to create more immersive and interactive experiences for the viewers 2.

8. Cloud Gaming Technology

Cloud gaming technology, also known as game streaming, is a revolutionary gaming approach that
leverages the power of cloud computing to enable gamers to play video games over the internet, without
the need for high-end gaming hardware. In this model, the game is hosted and processed on remote
servers, and the audio and video output are streamed to the player's device in real-time. The player's
inputs, such as controller commands, are sent back to the cloud server for processing. This technology
offers the advantage of playing high-quality games on various devices, even those with limited hardware
capabilities, as the heavy lifting is done in the cloud. Popular platforms like Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce
NOW, and Microsoft's xCloud have embraced cloud gaming, offering access to a wide library of games and
potentially changing the way gamers access and enjoy their favorite titles.

Cloud gaming technology is a streaming technology that allows users to play video games on any device
without downloading or installing them. Cloud gaming technology uses remote servers to run and render
the games, and then streams them to the users’ devices over the internet. Cloud gaming technology can
be used to provide access to a wide range of games without requiring high-end hardware or storage
space. Cloud gaming technology can also be used for esports tournaments, especially for cross-platform or
mobile events, where providing consistent and high-quality performance is essential.
One of the tournaments that used cloud gaming technology extensively is the Red Bull Mobile Esports
Open (M.E.O.) Season 3, which was held in 2020-2021. The tournament featured various mobile games,
such as PUBG Mobile, Hearthstone, Teamfight Tactics, Brawl Stars, and Wild Rift. The tournament used
cloud gaming technology to enable cross-platform play between iOS and Android devices, as well as PC
and console devices. The tournament also used cloud gaming technology to ensure smooth and lag-free
gameplay for all participants3.

7. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is a decentralized, distributed ledger system. It records transactions across multiple
computers in a secure and transparent way, creating an immutable and tamper-proof digital ledger. It's the
underlying technology for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, enabling secure and trustless peer-to-peer
transactions. Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain has diverse applications, from supply chain management
to voting systems and smart contracts. It offers increased security, transparency, and efficiency in various
industries, reducing the need for intermediaries and potentially revolutionizing data management and trust
in the digital age.

Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger technology that uses cryptography and consensus algorithms
to create secure and transparent records of transactions or data. Blockchain technology can be used for
various purposes, such as cryptocurrency, smart contracts, digital identity, or supply chain management.
Blockchain technology can also be used for esports tournaments, especially for creating trustless and
decentralized ecosystems for players, organizers, sponsors, and fans.

One of the tournaments that used blockchain technology extensively is the World Cyber Games (WCG)
2019 Xi’an, which was held in China. The tournament featured various games, such as Dota 2, Clash Royale,
Crossfire, Warcraft III, and Honor of Kings. The tournament used blockchain technology to create a token-
based economy for the event, where participants and spectators could earn and spend tokens for various
activities, such as registration, voting, rewards, or merchandise. The tournament also used blockchain
technology to create a transparent and fair system for the event, where all the data and results were
recorded and verified on the blockchain.

6. Artificial Intelligence Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is a field of computer science that focuses on creating intelligent
machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI systems can process
data, learn from it, make decisions, and solve problems. They encompass various subfields, such as
machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. AI has found applications in a wide
range of industries, from healthcare and finance to self-driving cars and virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.
Its potential to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and revolutionize industries makes it a
prominent area of research and development, promising significant societal and economic impact in the
coming years.

Artificial intelligence technology is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines or systems
that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, or decision
making. Artificial intelligence technology can be used for various purposes, such as natural language
processing, computer vision, machine learning, or robotics. Artificial intelligence technology can also be
used for esports tournaments, especially for creating smart and adaptive opponents, coaches, or
commentators.

One of the tournaments that used artificial intelligence technology extensively is the Dota 2 The
International 2018, which was held in Canada. The tournament featured the best Dota 2 teams from around
the world competing for a prize pool of over $25 million. The tournament also featured a special exhibition
match between a team of professional players and a team of artificial intelligence agents created by
OpenAI, a research organization dedicated to creating artificial intelligence that can benefit humanity. The
artificial intelligence agents, called OpenAI Five, were able to defeat the human team in two out of three
games, demonstrating their superior skills and strategies.

5. Augmented Reality Technology

Augmented Reality (AR) technology enhances the real world with digital elements, typically through
smartphone apps or AR glasses. It overlays computer-generated graphics, text, or 3D objects onto the
user's view of the physical environment, creating an interactive and enriched experience. AR technology is
used in various fields, from gaming (e.g., Pokémon Go) to navigation apps and industrial training. It has the
potential to transform education, healthcare, and remote collaboration. AR differs from Virtual Reality (VR)
in that it doesn't immerse the user in a wholly digital environment; instead, it augments the existing
surroundings with digital information, making it a versatile tool for both entertainment and practical
applications.

Augmented reality technology is a visual technology that overlays digital information or images onto the
real world, creating a mixed reality experience. Augmented reality technology can be used to enhance the
perception and interaction with the physical environment, as well as to provide additional information or
entertainment. Augmented reality technology can also be used for esports tournaments, especially for
creating immersive and interactive experiences for the audience.

One of the tournaments that used augmented reality technology extensively is the League of Legends
World Championship 2017, which was held in China. The tournament featured the best League of Legends
teams from around the world competing for a prize pool of over $4 million. The tournament also featured
an amazing opening ceremony that used augmented reality technology to create stunning visual effects
and animations. The ceremony included a live performance by the band Against The Current, accompanied
by a virtual singer called K/DA Ahri, who was projected onto the stage using augmented reality technology.

4. Virtual Reality Technology

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is an immersive digital experience that simulates a three-dimensional,
computer-generated environment, typically accessed through specialized headsets or goggles. It provides
users with a sensory-rich, interactive, and often lifelike experience, allowing them to explore and interact
with virtual worlds or scenarios. VR has diverse applications, from gaming and entertainment to training
simulations and healthcare. Users can feel as if they're truly inside the virtual environment, with head
tracking and hand controllers enabling them to navigate and manipulate the digital world. VR has the
potential to revolutionize industries such as education, architecture, and healthcare, offering new ways to
learn, design, and provide medical treatment. Its continual evolution and growing accessibility make VR an
exciting frontier for innovation and human-computer interaction.

Virtual reality technology is a visual technology that creates a fully immersive and simulated environment
that users can interact with using special devices, such as headsets, controllers, or gloves. Virtual reality
technology can be used to create realistic or fantastical experiences that can transport users to different
worlds or situations. Virtual reality technology can also be used for esports tournaments, especially for
creating new and innovative genres of games that challenge the players’ skills and senses.

One of the tournaments that used virtual reality technology extensively is the VR Challenger League
Season 2, which was held in 2018-2019. The tournament featured various VR games, such as Echo Combat,
Echo Arena, Onward, and Space Junkies. The tournament used virtual reality technology to create intense
and thrilling matches that required the players to use their whole body and mind to compete. The
tournament also used virtual reality technology to create immersive and engaging experiences for the
viewers.

3. 5G Technology
5G technology is the fifth generation of wireless communication networks. It offers faster data transfer
speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity compared to its predecessors. This high-speed, low-
latency connectivity enables a range of applications, including autonomous vehicles, augmented and
virtual reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT). It's expected to revolutionize industries like healthcare,
manufacturing, and entertainment. However, it also brings challenges such as infrastructure development
and concerns about security and privacy. Overall, 5G promises to significantly enhance our digital
experiences and transform the way we live and work in an increasingly connected world.

5G technology is a wireless communication technology that provides faster speed, lower latency, higher
capacity, and more reliability than previous generations of mobile networks. 5G technology can be used to
enable various applications and services that require high bandwidth and low latency, such as cloud
gaming, video streaming, or IoT devices. 5G technology can also be used for esports tournaments,
especially for mobile or remote events, where providing stable and high-quality connectivity is vital.

One of the tournaments that used 5G technology extensively is the PUBG Mobile World League (PMWL)
Season Zero: East Division Finals 2020 , which was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The
tournament featured 16 teams from Asia competing for a prize pool of $425,000. The tournament used 5G
technology to provide the players with fast and smooth gameplay, as well as to enable live streaming and
broadcasting of the matches. The tournament also used 5G technology to create interactive and immersive
features for the viewers, such as 360-degree cameras, holograms, and VR.

2. Eye Tracking Technology

Eye tracking technology monitors and records the movement and focus of a person's eyes. It utilizes
specialized hardware and software to capture data on where a person looks, the duration of their gaze, and
the path their eyes follow. This technology finds applications in various fields, including market research,
gaming, and accessibility. In market research, it helps analyze consumer behavior by tracking what draws
their attention. In gaming, it enhances the realism of virtual environments by adjusting visual elements
based on where the player is looking. Additionally, eye tracking aids individuals with disabilities by
enabling hands-free control of computers or communication devices. This technology offers valuable
insights and practical solutions in understanding human behavior and enhancing user experiences.

Eye tracking technology is a biometric technology that uses sensors or cameras to measure and record the
movement and position of the eyes. Eye tracking technology can be used to analyze the visual attention,
cognition, or emotion of the users, as well as to provide input or feedback for various applications or
devices. Eye tracking technology can also be used for esports tournaments, especially for providing insights
and analytics for the players, coaches, or commentators.

One of the tournaments that used eye tracking technology extensively is the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM)
Katowice 2019, which was held in Poland. The tournament featured various games, such as Counter-Strike:
Global Offensive (CS:GO), StarCraft II, and Dota 2. The tournament used eye tracking technology to provide
real-time data and statistics on the players’ eye movements, such as where they looked, how long they
looked, or how fast they looked. The tournament also used eye tracking technology to create visual
overlays and heat maps that showed the players’ focus and awareness during the matches.

1. Neural Interface Technology

Neural interface technology is a futuristic technology that connects the brain directly to a computer or
device, allowing communication or control without any physical or verbal input. Neural interface
technology can be used to create mind-controlled or brain-computer interfaces that can enable various
applications or services, such as gaming, education, or health care. Neural interface technology can also be
used for esports tournaments, especially for creating new and innovative genres of games that challenge
the players’ brain power and creativity.

One of the tournaments that used neural interface technology extensively is the Brain-Computer Interface
(BCI) Esports Tournament 2018, which was held in China. The tournament featured a game called Brain
Talker, which is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that uses neural interface technology to
allow the players to control their characters using only their thoughts. The tournament used neural
interface technology to provide the players with a unique and immersive gaming experience, as well as to
test their mental skills and strategies.