{
  "id": 5884929,
  "title": "From pixels to spectacle: How the Esports World Cup is rewriting the rules of fandom",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/from-pixels-to-spectacle-how-the-esports-world-cup-is-rewriting-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T01:30:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/esports-world-cup-rewriting-rules-of-fandom-pixels-to-spectacle-10864959/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Esports World Cup, once dismissed as a niche fad, has evolved into a billion-dollar commercial juggernaut that captivates audiences around the globe. In Paris, the tournament attracted over 175,000 ticketed spectators and reached 850 million viewers worldwide over its seven-week run. The competition showcased a diverse array of esports, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and even chess, with international stars like Faker and Chovy drawing massive crowds. The event's success is evident in the auction of a signed chessboard, which fetched over $20,000, a price that reflects the deep emotional investment of fans in these digital athletes.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}