It may not sound like much, but this is actually a big step for eSports. League of Legends players have been granted the status of professional athletes, with regards to visa applications to the US of A. Yup, now they can travel for business to the states without the same visa restrictions. Pretty cool.
In an interview with GameSpot, Riot’s eSports manager, Nick Allen, explained that there was a lot of back and forth between the developer and the government.
“So the United States government recognizes League of Legends pro players as professional athletes and award visas to essentially work in the United States under that title. This is groundbreaking for eSports; now we can start looking at international players when they come over. It’s a much easier process because they’re actually recognized by the government. This is a huge thing.”
The LoL Season 3 Championship Finals are happening in October in LA, California. With an expected 10 000 people to attend and $1million prize money for the winning team, it’s good timing for the American government to accept eSports as professional sports. Now, it’s just time for the rest of the games to be recognized. Still, one small step for pro gamers, one giant leap for eSports.
Now, time to start figuring out the rules on doping for eSports. I totally think there should be a limit on energy drinks.
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Last Updated: July 15, 2013
That Dark Twit
July 15, 2013 at 08:00
LOL @ that header.
TiMsTeR1033
July 15, 2013 at 08:03
Scandals can be made easy, esp here in sonny South Africa.
Brady miaau
July 15, 2013 at 09:20
there is an app for that
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
July 15, 2013 at 08:06
So tell me, if you roll with the yellow jersey, do you get a new one, or do you have to wear the old yellow jersey all sweaty and stuff?
😛
Weanerdog
July 15, 2013 at 08:29
New one every day, in fact two new ones. The one they get presented with is a fake jersey it closes at the back.
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
July 15, 2013 at 08:32
Was just trolling XD
John Ambitious
July 15, 2013 at 08:12
Imagine having EA as a sponsor. No support, never keeps in contact with you, but they give you super branded clothing so everyone knows they’re your sponsor.
That Dark Twit
July 15, 2013 at 08:30
And the shirt requires massive patches.
Trevor Davies
July 15, 2013 at 08:46
That you buy for $1 each.
John Ambitious
July 15, 2013 at 09:25
Also, if someone better than you comes along they just ditch you and go with the new guy. Which they do a few times a year.
Thats_how_I_Troll
July 15, 2013 at 12:07
EA sport: Free to Join – Pay to win
John Ambitious
July 15, 2013 at 12:24
Sounds about right
Rainman
July 15, 2013 at 08:19
So if they are recognised as pro athletes, do they also have to have regular test for doping? Remember caffeine is regarded as a stimulant in most sports.( There is your scandal right there, if you considering the amount of coffee just the people on this forum go through on a daily basis.)
Admiral Chief Groot Wors
July 15, 2013 at 08:31
Hahaha, indeed
Guest
July 15, 2013 at 08:34
Someone mention coffee?
That Dark Twit
July 15, 2013 at 08:38
Hate it when Disqus posts my comments as a ‘guest’.
:<
RinceWind
July 15, 2013 at 08:38
COFFEE! I wonder, are cyclists allowed to drink coffee?
DBL_ZA
July 15, 2013 at 09:13
http://assets.diylol.com/hfs/4b9/4c3/0a3/resized/insanity-wolf-meme-generator-replace-sleep-with-coffee-regret-nothing-45181f.jpg
That Dark Twit
July 15, 2013 at 08:37
Someone mentioned coffee?
RinceWind
July 15, 2013 at 08:38
Haha! Nice one 🙂
Trevor Davies
July 15, 2013 at 08:47
Just wait until someone gets nailed for using an unapproved orthopaedic couch.
Warren Ross
July 15, 2013 at 09:50
So it makes things easier for guys taking part in pro tournaments to move around. That’s cool.
Still doesn’t make a gamer anything like an actual athlete IMO…
guest
July 15, 2013 at 10:24
Hey if darts players can be recognised as pro athletes then why not gamers. If you are wondering why then Google image search: “darts world champion”
guest
July 15, 2013 at 17:20
“Pro Athlete”…
Unavengedavo
July 15, 2013 at 12:58
“Pro Athlete”…
Riley
July 15, 2013 at 14:04
“Sport refers to the exercise of skill in a physical activity. Sport is generally recognised as activities based in physical athleticism or physical dexterity.” – Wikipedia
I really wish that people would stop calling it a sport. A sport is a physical activity, not one where you sit on your bum and press buttons for a living. I really don’t understand it – it’s like they are trying to make it seem less ridiculous than what it already is by adding the word Sport into the name. What’s next? Lobbying for Olympic inclusion? Rather call it eCombat or eGames…
bluegoon
July 20, 2013 at 10:41
But LOL is a dirty nab game seriously, cmon man!