Esports is short for electronic sports, which essentially describes using video games to play your favourite sports, often from the comfort of your own home. But the ‘game’ itself has moved on.
As technology has improved, Esports has shifted beyond a fun hobby, and grown into a thriving community sport and a powerful training tool. Many established racing stars are using Esports to sharpen their skills, including high-profile athletes like Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.
What equipment do I need?
The ease of access and relatively low cost-of entry make esports simple to get involved – all you need is a PC or gaming console. And while there are plenty of games that can be successfully played with a hand-held controller, graduating to a steering wheel and pedals setup is probably where you’ll end up for the best experience (ie. fastest time).
Entry-level games include Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport and the mainstream Formula 1 video game series – accessible and forgiving handling for beginners.
If you need more, then Assetto Corsa is a good step up for tarmac racers, and Assetto Corsa Rally for rally enthusiasts.
And if that’s not enough? Fully immerse yourself in the world of esports on platforms such as iRacing or Assetto Corsa Competizione. This is where the elite Esports drivers hang out, many of whom have made the jump to real racing (but don’t worry, they’ll be back).
At this level, the games take time to master. The handling is realistic, the set-up options are endless and the competition is fierce, but on the plus side the skills are transferable to the real world should you follow that pathway.
Esports provides a great bridge to providing an insight into what it’s like behind the wheel of an actual car and with the option alter the difficulty of one’s own Esports experience, you can go at it at your own pace.
And let’s not forget, you can do endless laps without having to pay for tyres or maintenance or entry fees, you can drive all over the world on any surface and in any car, from humble hatchbacks to Formula 1 cars.
Most importantly, if your enthusiasm outruns your talent, repairing the car is as simple as selecting ‘Restart’.
How do I sign up?
Getting a Motorsport Australia Esports Licence allows you to jump into the world of Esports with some great benefits and exclusive opportunities for just $40.
If you already hold an active Motorsport Australia competition licence, you can apply for an Esports licence free of charge.
Head to the Motorsport Australia website for more on how to obtain an Esports Licence.
