Unlocking Geo-Restrictions: How to Watch Your Esports From Anywhere
Esports has evolved from humble beginnings to become a global phenomenon. The Esports landscape unites worldwide gamers and gaming fans, giving them a platform to share and enjoy some of the biggest gaming titles.
e-sport gaming For the die-hard fans that need their streaming fix traveling worldwide presents a problem. As do the regional restrictions imposed by those not lucky enough to live in a location where favorites such as League of Legends, CS: GO, or Fortnite are unavailable.
But with this guide, you’ll be able to get around the geo-restrictions imposed and enjoy optimal viewing from anywhere.
The Evolution of Esports
Competitive gaming isn’t a new concept the first recorded tournament dates back to 1972 when a Spacewar competition took place at Stanford University.
Then, less than a decade later, we saw crowds gathering in arcades to watch others play Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.
It is unsurprising that once modern online multiplier games came along, 90s LAN parties quickly became organized contests. Seeing the popularity and potential, competitors secured sponsorships, and boom, the competition rose to professional levels.
The real turning point that birthed Esports as we recognize them now came at the turn of the century when platforms like Twitch came along and hosted streams for some of the most popular major tournaments.
Twitch hit a record 3.44 million peak concurrent viewers hosting major events such as League of Legends World Championship and Dota 2’s The International. Streaming platforms made Esports accessible and helped legitimize it as an entertainment form, making Esports a profitable industry.
Most Popular Esports Games to Watch
Whether you enjoy strategic elements, pure rampage, or sports simulations, the world of Esports has something for everyone. Below are the top titles enjoyed on the scene:
- League of Legends: A Multi-Player-Online-Battle-Arena (MOBA) game with intense team battles and strategy required. The game is a firm favorite, with millions of viewers drawn to its events.
- Dota 2: Another MOBA game that is arguably equally as popular, and highly competitive it holds the record for the largest cumulative prize pool in Esports.
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) A first-person shooter that requires precision and strategic teamwork that people love to watch.
- Valorant: A similarly strategic, tactical shooter game that brings the addition of unique character abilities to the table, which has proved very successful for Riot games.
- Fortnite: Another glorious battle royale that offers high stakes in both solo and team options in its World Cup competitions.
- Overwatch: A first-person shooter by Blizzard Entertainment set in an optimistic future, a roster of heroes that keeps things fresh and ever-evolving.
- Rocket League: Rocket League blends two of the most popular things on the planet: Soccer and Cars! The unique competitive result is a fast-paced, action-packed Esports with a broad appeal.
Esports Viewing Choices
When it comes to watching your favorite esports streams, you have two main choices:
Popular Streaming Platforms for Esports
Popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming all host major Esports events and provide extra ways for viewers to interact.
You can engage with the community while watching live or watch replays with live chat repays so you don’t miss out should you miss the stream.
Officially Dedicated Channels
Most of the bigger esports leagues also have a dedicated streaming channel that provides uninterrupted coverage of its events. Riot Games broadcasts League of Legends tournaments, and Valve streams Dota 2 and CS: GO competitions.
Unlocking Geo-Restrictions
The only real thing that can spoil your viewing experience is if a tournament is region-locked by Geo-restrictions. Fortunately, there is a way to bypass location-based streaming restraints and make sure nothing puts a damper on your viewing pleasure.
Why is Some Content Geo-Restricted?
Regional restrictions usually boil down to streaming rights, which obviously can be frustrating if you are based somewhere with limitations.
How to Watch Region-Blocked Esport Content
To bypass regional restrictions, you need to convince platforms you are connecting from elsewhere in the world.
A reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Surfshark VPN will hide your IP and allow you to switch between a variety of server locations. This allows you to unlock restricted access while ensuring your internet connection is secure and encrypted, as a bonus!
Ways to Optimize Esports Viewing Experiences
Now you know how to access the content from anywhere, we will leave you with a couple of tips to make sure your viewing experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Tips For Ensuring Great Video Quality
- Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and aren’t doing anything else demanding.
- To prevent buffering, lower the video quality if necessary and make sure those high-action moments are uninterrupted.
Community Spirit
The esports experience can really be elevated through community engagement, so check in with your fellow fans through chat rooms, forums, and social media.
Conclusion
With the right tools and the right platforms, you can watch all of the world’s most popular esports from anywhere.
Staying in on the action is as simple as knowing where to look and how to overcome any pesky location-based restrictions.
With a decent VPN, all you are missing are your favorite snacks to participate in the global esports phenomenon anytime, anywhere.
Related Pages
- List of Major E-Sport Tournaments
- e-sports at the Olympic Games — will the sport make it to the international pinnacle of sports?
- All About esports
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