Explore the transformative impact of esports on the entertainment landscape in this 35-minute SXSW 2021 conference talk. Delve into the unique platform that esports provides, combining sports, entertainment, music, and fashion, while attracting a young, diverse, and affluent audience. Examine the significant developments in the esports industry during 2020 and look ahead to future trends in virtual events, social connectivity, brand advertising, and fan engagement. Discover how esports is poised to influence not only traditional sports but also the broader cultural sphere, potentially becoming a leading medium for direct connections between peers, artists and fans, and brands and consumers. Gain insights into the industry's growth, global footprint, sponsorship opportunities, and future-proof properties as experts discuss the evolving virtual world and the untapped potential of esports.