Los Angeles: The eSports Capital of the World

As of August 2023, Los Angeles stands out as the premier eSports capital of the world. Famed for hosting numerous major eSports tournaments, leagues, and events, this vibrant city serves as a hub for professional teams and a thriving community of gamers. From iconic competitions to state-of-the-art infrastructure, Los Angeles has proven itself as a powerhouse in the eSports industry.

Criteria for Choosing the eSports Capital

When determining the eSports capital, several key factors were considered, including proximity to major events, availability of support centers for eSports activities, and the presence of team houses and other eSports services.

The Capital: Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, a cultural hub of eSports companies and activities, is the clear choice for the eSports capital of North America. This city is a melting pot of professional teams, with many League of Legends teams based here. Notable attractions include the Esports Arena and previous events like Worlds 2016 and the League of Legends World Championship.

Major Attractions

Socal Regionals Esports Arena Worlds 2016 Finals League of Legends: World Championship Blizzcon TSM Team House Immortals Team House HCS 2016

While not exhaustive, this list highlights the diverse and vibrant eSports landscape of Los Angeles.

Contender: San Francisco, California

San Francisco also shares many similar properties as Los Angeles. Its proximity to Silicon Valley means that many tech companies related to eSports are based here. However, Los Angeles’s advantages in proximity to Las Vegas, another rising eSports hub, and the presence of numerous team houses influenced the decision.

Honorable Mention: Austin, Texas

Once the front-runner in eSports, Austin now participates in Dreamhack regularly. This city has a rich history of technology and eSports events, making it a strong contender in the eSports capital race.

Rising Contender: Las Vegas, Nevada

A Jewish grandma attending an epileptic simulator might not immediately think of Las Vegas as the home of eSports. But over the years, Las Vegas has become a popular destination for major eSports events. Once famously hosting EVO, Las Vegas continues to evolve, hosting events like MLG, IPL, and Dreamhack. I predict that in a decade, Las Vegas will surpass Los Angeles in terms of eSports amenities and events hosted.

Los Angeles has firmly established itself as the eSports capital of the world. With a vibrant community, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong presence of major teams and events, Los Angeles is well-positioned to maintain its status as a global eSports powerhouse.