Episode 11: Inside the eSports Boom

Twitch has been one of the great technology success stories in recent years, and Nathan Lindberg, the company's Director of eSports sales, drops into our studio this week to give us the latest on Twitch's role in the eSports boom.

Nathan tells us why Knights and Jesters are central to the massive growth in online audiences for eSports, explains how and why gamers earn tips, and why you shouldn’t necessarily listen when your parents say that you can’t make a living from video games.

He tells us why strategy games and shooters are more popular than FIFA, Madden and NBA Live among Twitch users - and why that might be about to change.

And he tells us why companies like Geico and Coca Cola, companies we usually see in more traditional sporting arenas, are rapidly moving their sponsorship dollars into eSports.

Follow Nathan on Twitter @TheRealNate and check out his channel on Twitch.

The Facts

The CUSP Show is a production by the faculty of Sports Management at Columbia University. You can get in touch with the program on Twitter @CUSportsBiz.

Our presenters are Joe Favorito and Tom Richardson.