N0tail On The Esports Industry: ‘Games Are Not Going Anywhere’

As a dedicated esports enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and shine of Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein since his teenage years, I can confidently say that he is not just a prolific player but also a wise industry observer. His insights at ESI Lisbon were insightful and reassuring, reflecting his deep understanding of the esports ecosystem.

Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein has achieved it all – from being the highest-paid esports player ever, to winning some of the most prestigious awards in competitive gaming, and co-founding not one but two successful teams, OG Esports and Team Secret. He was even recognized by Forbes on their 30 Under 30 list, and he began his career at just fifteen years old.

At ESI Lisbon, Sundstein made an appearance for a cozy, informal discussion, sharing insights from his journey within the esports industry and offering his perspective on current events, including recent challenges.

‘It’s Stabilising’

Johan Sundstein might be an ideal person to discuss the esports industry, given his extensive involvement from its rapid growth period when countless fans entered the esports community, and his impact on the industry is substantial compared to many other key figures in this field.

Speaking at ESI Lisbon, Sundstein said:

Currently, there’s been significant growth in esports, leading to numerous investments. However, it’s important to acknowledge that a substantial amount of capital may have been spent unwisely. Now, it seems like things are settling somewhat, with a dip and the impact of COVID-19 being felt. Yet, we’re observing growing interest from various parts of the globe eager to invest in this sector.

Over the past few years, the esports sector has faced difficulties such as financial instability, low viewership, and the necessity for organizations to expand their operations extensively to stay afloat. However, there are some exceptions that buck this trend. For example, the 2021 League of Legends World Championship event shattered previous records, attracting over six million simultaneous viewers at its peak.

N0tail remains optimistic – and more importantly, realistic:

It’s safe to say that games will persist as a constant element of human culture. For millennia, humans have engaged in various physical activities and recreational pursuits, often referred to as sports or games. As long as we exist, I believe that the creation and refinement of games will remain an integral part of our society.
I believe the future leans heavily towards digital, with electronics playing a significant role. While I don’t foresee sports disappearing entirely, I do anticipate that most of our novel forms of entertainment will be based on digital and electronic platforms.

Sundstein expressed that everyone – from fans and spectators, to organizers and team leaders such as himself – are all passengers in the same metaphorical ship. In essence, he stated that we’re all a single group of individuals sharing the same experience and seeking collective enjoyment.

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