Soccer Meets Esports For Fandom Frenzy
Football. Futbol. Soccer. Sokker. Calcio. Pediludium.
The fascinating sport of foot and ball captures billions, and it is heading toward redefining its fandom in esports. With many soccer players having to stay and train at home (such as Ronaldo training with his twins), the esports avenue is not to be forgotten. Soccer tournaments are a few buttons away from fans waving their scarves toward the screen, jumping up and down in unison, and wearing jerseys day in and day out.
The latest news on how soccer leagues and tournaments are responding to the current conditions looks promising. Leagues, such as Liga MX and MLS, are adding the “e” to their competition by having current soccer players represent their respective teams on soccer video games EA Sports FIFA 20 and PES2020. Challenges are rising up in this virtual soccer front: the UEFA eEURO 2020 featuring ten nations competing for the cup, the Bundesliga Home Challenge featuring the top two divisions of German soccer as well as a team made entirely of referees, the All at Home Gaming Cup being organized by French Ligue 1’s powerhouse team Paris Saint-Germain F.C., and more.
Similar to various styles in soccer, it’s time to think creatively how we all can score a goal:
1. Workouts and Fandom? Challenge accepted.
Similar to how soccer stars like Ronaldo, Messi, Pulisic, and more are getting crafty with a soccer ball or even a toilet paper roll, people are looking for continued motivation to workout while at home. If a soccer player were to orchestrate a workout with either teammates or on his/her own, soccer players can workout for a cause and create a tighter-knit soccer community. They can interact on a live chat (via Instagram Live, Twitch, TikTok, etc.), have another soccer player (either professional, retired, or casual) join the livestream and do a series of challenges (i.e. a game of HORSE in soccer), and have a Q&A session. It’s the sensation of bringing fans to a “virtual stadium” and to see their favorite player(s) interacting while prepping for the future season.
2. Music “nutmeg” from head to toe.
Part of being a fan is showcasing that fandom, and one of the best ways to do it is through music. Imagine combining music and soccer with esports. This isn’t as crazy as you may think. The idea is to create a tournament bracket of teams composed of the most dedicated fans who will sing their heart out to end up becoming the winners of the tournament. It’s almost like a mixture of The Voice and gamifying the experience. The sport gives to the fans, and the fans give to the sport. This is what makes the sport more about the fans and sharing the authenticity and devotion that fans put into the game.
How would this work? Based on the likes and shares of each team fan entry, the team creates a video compilation of the best of the best of the fans’ entries; that video represents the team. The compilation moves up the ladder against other team video compilations in the bracket and leads to a live version of the finals. The winning team claims the prize pool to donate to a charitable cause, stadium employees, etc. This way, instead of showcasing soccer with a ball and a foot, the fans get to voice their way to fame in the game.
3. Soccer is global. Share it beyond.
Since we are already staying at home, why don’t we have competitions (mentioned in #1 and #2) mixed around with multiple soccer teams? Similar to the UEFA Champions League and the International Champions Cup, it would be quite a sight to see when players represent a team, a league, and/or a nation to play on a more global stage virtually. Additionally, tiered teams get a chance to share the spotlight. During halftimes and in between games, stadium employees are featured in between to share their experiences, media crew describe their stories when being close to the action, and managers reflect on how their team is adjusting to the soccer’s future. The intimacy of the sport revolves around the stadium, the home base. Placing the players and the people behind executing a spectacular soccer match in the forefront is what embodies esports: the community, the competition, and the careers.
For those who are looking toward finding a career path in the sports world, this is your chance to do so. Soccer is one of many traditional sport pathways one can take that can extend the transition to being an esport a reality. Even with the eLiga MX and eMLS competitions in play, branching to audiences in untapped markets is possible when putting the love of the sport in front. Building greater inclusivity is in the heart and soul of soccer, equally to that of esports.
All we need is a net, a ball, and a controller to decide where to kick next. Ready? Golazo.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
