Australian eSports Industry Handed Double Boost

Professional video gaming – more commonly known as eSports – is one of the biggest growth industries in Australia.

The nation boasts several organisations who have made their mark in the sector including Team Bliss, who could be set to further enhance their legacy.

Read on as we assess how Team Bliss have been climbing the gaming ladder, before looking at another development which could impact Australian eSports.

Team Bliss May be Ready to Broaden Their Horizons

Team Bliss has risen from regional dominance to international stardom in a meteoric climb culminating in their historic qualification for the coveted Six Invitational 2024.

This achievement marks their first foray into the top-flight competition, a testament to their rapid ascent and undeniable talent.

Team Bliss faced several hurdles in their remarkable journey, including roster and staff changes, which threatened to derail their momentum midway through the season.

However, the Australian roster displayed unwavering resilience, refusing to compromise their pursuit of excellence.

While international viewers repeatedly expressed doubts regarding their performance, the team spirit shone through as they claimed a spot in the Six Invitational.

Team member Mitchell ‘Sageon’ Sage emphasised their unwavering focus on their game plan amidst the scrutiny, highlighting their determination to succeed on their own terms rather than succumb to social media pressure.

This unwavering resolve paved the way for their triumphant Six Invitational qualification, silencing critics and solidifying their place among the global elite.

Team Bliss' journey to the Six Invitational has been one of steady ascent, fuelled by triumphs in the Oceania League and valuable international experience gained at the BLAST R6 Major Copenhagen.

These experiences served as stepping stones for their outstanding growth and improvement, refining their skills and preparing them for the challenges ahead.

Strategic additions to the roster, such as coach Kim ‘MinGoran’ Min-Geun and player Issac ‘Wettables’ Moore, further bolstered Team Bliss' performance and adaptability, sharpening their competitive edge.

Despite a slow start in the second split of the season, they turned things around, flexing their muscles to qualify for the BLAST R6 Major Atlanta and scoring impressive wins against teams like Wolves eSports.

The journey in Atlanta wasn't without its hurdles, with close matches and gut-wrenching defeats testing their resolve.

However, Team Bliss' unwavering determination and motivation kept their aspirations burning bright as they set their sights on the Six Invitational.

The Six Invitational qualification holds historical significance for Team Bliss as they become the first Australian roster to compete at the event since Wildcard Gaming in 2021.

This milestone is a testament to their dedication, commitment and undeniable talent, which cements their status as Australian eSports royalty.

Drawing upon their accumulated experience and growth, they're poised to leave their mark on the international stage and cement their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Team Bliss are building a legacy, having launched Brisbane's first dedicated eSports academy, investing in the sustainable future of gaming through education.

The Australian powerhouse is determined to groom the next generation of eSports gamers, educating emerging prospects to hone their talents.

This move suggests more than just nurturing the next generation of talent - it could point towards ambitions to expand, perhaps with a future foray into Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).

This could have a seismic effect on several other sectors including the online gambling industry, which extensively covers CS:GO events throughout the year.

Team Bliss are already a popular choice among Australian sports bettors due to their remarkable history of success in their current field.

However, they've also enjoyed plenty of success in other gaming genres, so CS:GO betting sites in Australia would be inundated with wagers on Team Bliss if they expand into this sector.

UCI President Reveals Plans for Inaugural Olympic eSports Games in 2025

The president of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), David Lappartient, has revealed that the inaugural Olympic eSports Games will kick off in 2025.

The Games promise a captivating blend of virtual athleticism, featuring not just traditional eSports and sports simulations but also a groundbreaking inclusion - cycling eSports.

While the International Olympic Committee has refrained from directly confirming Lappartient's statement, they did acknowledge their commitment to nurturing the growth of virtual sports.

This development would be welcomed by several nations across the globe, including Australia, which already boasts a burgeoning eSports industry.

The Games would offer enthusiasts Down Under a chance to showcase their skills on the global stage even though the prospect of winning medals remains uncertain.

They would also open doors to increased funding, infrastructure development and wider recognition for Australian eSports.

This would help to attract more players, sponsorships and professional opportunities, potentially nurturing future Olympic champions for Australia.