| The world of gaming online is ever changing. From | | | | can earn up to US$ 500,000 per year. Cyber |
| being a hobby it has become a competition where | | | | athlete, Professional League, Game caster, Global |
| money plays a role.Multiplayer games and | | | | gaming League, are some of the organizations |
| tournaments are now offering cash prizes, adding | | | | that host competitions. The first professional |
| to the thrill of competing. To participate, a valid | | | | gaming league was set up in 1997 and today the |
| credit card or paypal account is required. And, a | | | | competitions are not just televised but covered |
| player must live in a state or country that has no | | | | by major publications and newspapers. MTV, |
| laws against online gaming for money. Sites which | | | | CNN,ESPN, USA Network, ABC World News |
| promote such activities are: and leagues are | | | | Today, FOX, WB and others telecast the events |
| becoming professional and organize competitions | | | | live.Gamers from all walks of life train intensely to |
| where cash prizes are worth over US$ 100,000 in | | | | become virtual world champions, winning brings |
| cash. These events are seen as business and | | | | fame, money, as well as recognition. And, since |
| marketing development opportunities. Hardware | | | | 2001 The World Cyber Games are held in a |
| manufacturing giants like Intel sponsor gaming | | | | different country each year. The prize in 2004 |
| clans and see gaming world-wide as a profitable | | | | was worth US$ 400, 000 and competitors played: |
| avenue for promoting their products. High-stake | | | | FIFA Soccer 2004, Need for Speed, Underground, |
| gaming competitions are popular, but the real | | | | Star-Craft, Brood War, and Unreal Tournament |
| fights occur behind the scenes, where companies | | | | 2004, Dawn of war, Dead or Alive Ultimate, and |
| spend millions trying to get their technology | | | | Halo 2.Gaming is serious; it is about quick thinking, |
| directly into the hands of gamersProfessional | | | | intense practice, team work, interaction with |
| gaming has taken the world by storm and, LAN | | | | other players, and understanding technology at its |
| competitions are high-stake tournaments with a | | | | best. Gamers have to be on their toes, keep |
| few gamers earning a living just competing. A | | | | abreast with new launches, changes, patches, |
| professional gamer with a sponsorship plan in place | | | | cheats, and more. |