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This is esports (and How to Spell it) – LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK AWARD 2020: An Insider’s Guide to the World of Pro Gaming
LONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK AWARD 2020 'You need this. Trust me, buy it now.' - Weekly GG'a triumph... a must-read for newcomers and veterans alike' – Forbes'Paul Chaloner is a living legend in the esports space.' - Jason Lake, founder and CEO of the esports team Complexity Gaming'Terrific stories and insights from the inside.' - T.L. Taylor, professor of Comparative Media Studies----Award-winning broadcaster Paul 'Redeye' Chaloner brings us the definitive book on esports, the fastest growing entertainment phenomenon in the world today.From slapping coins down on arcade cabinets to the lights of Madison Square Garden, competitive video gaming has come a long way. Today, esports is a billion-dollar industry, the best players becoming stars in their own right, battling for eight-figure prizes in front of a global audience of tens of millions. From Call of Duty to Counter-Strike, FIFA to Fortnite, a generation of players have turned multiplayer video games from a pastime into a profession. But there are questions. How did we get here? What exactly is competitive gaming – is it a sport? How much money do the top stars make? Do you really have to retire at 23? And just what the hell is Dota? This is esports (and How to Spell it) addresses all of this and more, as award-winning broadcaster Paul 'Redeye' Chaloner takes you inside the unstoppable rise of pro gaming to reveal the bitter rivalries, scandals and untold history of esports, from origins to sold-out arenas.With his trademark wit – and unrivalled access – Paul delivers the definitive book on the fastest-growing entertainment phenomenon in the world today.
- GenresNonfictionGaming
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2020
50 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 25, 2020
I started watching competitive Starcraft 2, while it was still in Beta. As my eldest son, who is now 17, showed interest we started to watch together. As the events got bigger, we cheered louder... the whole family started to watch. During IEM Katowice 2012 (I think), as we were memed by the mods playing Gangnam Style EVERY BREAK we achieved ascension. That "moment". The catalyst, the point where esports became household "word". I know you could argue that LoL or DOTA2 smashed the records 1st for prize money and exposure to the public, but the adoption of Gangnam Style as our unofficial anthem (along with Sandstorm by Darude, of course!) and that event was the perfect storm.
Through all of this, there were some voices that were common in all of these streams. ReDeYe (our author and hero), Apollo, TB , Tasteless and Artosis (our team in Korea) and InControl. We laughed with them, we laughed at them. We watched in awe as the players did things we could only dream of doing.
And we cried together when we lost TB and InControl, much too soon. Together, as one worldwide community and industry.
What has this got to do with this book? Well Paul "ReDeYe" Chaloner, as we say on Twitch, "WAS there". He was there from the start, our rock. The English guy in a sea of american casters, commentators and hosts. He's become (by luck and attrition) the guy; "Mr esports" if you will. He has seen the development and explosion of esports from dark rooms with a few sweaty guys playing for fun to the multi-billion dollar industry that it is today. He's covered ALL the games, all the Players that matter... the ups, downs, highs and lows.
If you want to know about esports and pro-gaming, walk a mile in Paul's shoes. Read this book. From the people who play, to the business it has become, he has it all covered. Simply "It's a bloody good read". Even if you have NO idea about it or anything I have written above.
Through all of this, there were some voices that were common in all of these streams. ReDeYe (our author and hero), Apollo, TB , Tasteless and Artosis (our team in Korea) and InControl. We laughed with them, we laughed at them. We watched in awe as the players did things we could only dream of doing.
And we cried together when we lost TB and InControl, much too soon. Together, as one worldwide community and industry.
What has this got to do with this book? Well Paul "ReDeYe" Chaloner, as we say on Twitch, "WAS there". He was there from the start, our rock. The English guy in a sea of american casters, commentators and hosts. He's become (by luck and attrition) the guy; "Mr esports" if you will. He has seen the development and explosion of esports from dark rooms with a few sweaty guys playing for fun to the multi-billion dollar industry that it is today. He's covered ALL the games, all the Players that matter... the ups, downs, highs and lows.
If you want to know about esports and pro-gaming, walk a mile in Paul's shoes. Read this book. From the people who play, to the business it has become, he has it all covered. Simply "It's a bloody good read". Even if you have NO idea about it or anything I have written above.
June 15, 2020
An absolutely brilliant read (or listen as it was in my case)! Probably my best audio book experience yet. The inclusion of the crowd noises in epic esports moments, supplemented by the memorable casting by the likes of Joe Miller and Deman, took me back to my first entry into esports and made me understand why I fell in love with it in the first place. A must read for anybody who is an esports fan or for people who are trying to understand what makes us go crazy when we see someone click the buttons on their keyboard faster than their opponent.
June 4, 2020
Esports is a massive passion of mine, so this is not really a shock for me that I've enjoyed it so much. Paul brings his famous wit and intelligence as well as passion for the subect to the forefront, for a wholly enjoyable Listen. I had the audiobook myself, which was read by Paul himself, that for me, only added to my enjoyment.
Definitely worth a purchase if you love esports, definitely worth a purchase if you want to learn what the hell esports is.
Definitely worth a purchase if you love esports, definitely worth a purchase if you want to learn what the hell esports is.
February 5, 2021
The book itself is a fine introduction to esports if you're unfamiliar - Chaloner has been around since the beginning and covers the history, culture, and money tied to the sport. His writing is personable and he does a great job describing historic plays in a way that makes sense even if you've never seen the game in question.
After reading, though, I learned that Chaloner has since quit the esports industry after several serious, credible allegations of personal assault and workplace bullying. If I had known I wouldn't have picked up the book in the first place.
After reading, though, I learned that Chaloner has since quit the esports industry after several serious, credible allegations of personal assault and workplace bullying. If I had known I wouldn't have picked up the book in the first place.
November 23, 2020
W książce znajdziemy ponad 400 stron anegdotek zza kulis, prawdziwie insiderskich opowieści, do jakich nigdy byśmy nie dotarli, a także wiedzy. Wiedzy na temat historii esportu i gamingu - podanej w taki sposób, że nie znudzą się tym ani laicy, ani ci bardziej rozeznani w temacie.
May 31, 2020
This is the definitive book about esports. A must-read both for existing esports fans, with plenty of behind the scenes stories from Paul's career, and those looking to learn about the space - it is written in a manner which appeals to both alike.
June 2, 2020
(Listened via Audible)
Great to listen to, Recommend to everyone.
Perfect way to help increase Esports as a whole.
Great to listen to, Recommend to everyone.
Perfect way to help increase Esports as a whole.
May 13, 2020
As I am living the covid19 stay at home order, I hear twitch.tv CEO Emmett Shear on PBS Radio saying that traffic to his site has been up 58% LAST MONTH. With TV show and movie productions suspended, we soon run out of stuff to watch. This book could not have been timed better.
This book is about the business of esports. A business, valued already at about $1 Billion (pre-pandemic), which has coined 82 player-millionaires, a business that is growing while most our other professional sports are struggling in current times.
Paul Chaloner is a professional in esports, not as a player, but as a journalist, as a sports caster. In this book, he covers the business of esports from all angles: tournaments, leagues, teams, games, ways to make money, and the life of people in the business. Of course, this is a book for people interested in this line of business, and it helps if you played games before or are interested in the stuff your teenagers at how are doing, but Paul does a good job in explaining key acronyms, describing the different games and playstyles, providing enough background for novices to understand what the fuzz is all about.
I understand now more the stuff my teenagers upstairs are yelling at their friends on Discord while playing Counterstrike or League of Legends. I may try it myself.....
This book is about the business of esports. A business, valued already at about $1 Billion (pre-pandemic), which has coined 82 player-millionaires, a business that is growing while most our other professional sports are struggling in current times.
Paul Chaloner is a professional in esports, not as a player, but as a journalist, as a sports caster. In this book, he covers the business of esports from all angles: tournaments, leagues, teams, games, ways to make money, and the life of people in the business. Of course, this is a book for people interested in this line of business, and it helps if you played games before or are interested in the stuff your teenagers at how are doing, but Paul does a good job in explaining key acronyms, describing the different games and playstyles, providing enough background for novices to understand what the fuzz is all about.
I understand now more the stuff my teenagers upstairs are yelling at their friends on Discord while playing Counterstrike or League of Legends. I may try it myself.....
May 23, 2020
I want to thank the publisher for letting me review this book prior to publication. Although I am thankful for the opportunity to read the book, the following analysis is completely my own.
Paul Chaloner's This is esports (And How to Spell it): An Insider's Guide to the World of Pro Gaming is a new book that looks at the developing world of esports (primarily in the US). Now, you may not know what esports is, well you wouldn't be the only one. However, esports have been overtaking college campuses and civic centers around the country for many years flying under the radar of most people. eSports is basically the competitive (both amateur and professional) playing of video games.
So, I'm a professor of communication studies and one of my areas of research and teaching is computer-mediated communication, so I've been talking about the coming esports revolution for quite some time to students (many of whom think I'm joking). This book is really the first one to give an insiders glance into this unique world. I would encourage anyone who is interested in the academic study of esports or gaming or just anyone in the public who wants to learn more about esports to read this book. I think this book is the definitive guide (and history) of this unique sporting area.
Paul Chaloner's This is esports (And How to Spell it): An Insider's Guide to the World of Pro Gaming is a new book that looks at the developing world of esports (primarily in the US). Now, you may not know what esports is, well you wouldn't be the only one. However, esports have been overtaking college campuses and civic centers around the country for many years flying under the radar of most people. eSports is basically the competitive (both amateur and professional) playing of video games.
So, I'm a professor of communication studies and one of my areas of research and teaching is computer-mediated communication, so I've been talking about the coming esports revolution for quite some time to students (many of whom think I'm joking). This book is really the first one to give an insiders glance into this unique world. I would encourage anyone who is interested in the academic study of esports or gaming or just anyone in the public who wants to learn more about esports to read this book. I think this book is the definitive guide (and history) of this unique sporting area.
August 12, 2020
Read if you: Want an insightful look into the world of esports.
When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of collegiate and professional sporting events, some speculated if this was esports's "moment." If you read Paul Chaloner's book, you'll learn that esports has had their moment, lost it, and has an influence and popularity that those outside the community (especially outside the US) are probably not aware of. Tracing live video gaming back to arcade tournaments in the 1980s, he shows how gaming has not only been a solitary pasttime, but one that has created its own burgeoning community. Even if you'll never watch an esports tournament, you'll come away with a better understanding of what it entails, what top players do (and earn!), and much more.
Librarians and booksellers: Purchase if esports are popular in your community.
Many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of collegiate and professional sporting events, some speculated if this was esports's "moment." If you read Paul Chaloner's book, you'll learn that esports has had their moment, lost it, and has an influence and popularity that those outside the community (especially outside the US) are probably not aware of. Tracing live video gaming back to arcade tournaments in the 1980s, he shows how gaming has not only been a solitary pasttime, but one that has created its own burgeoning community. Even if you'll never watch an esports tournament, you'll come away with a better understanding of what it entails, what top players do (and earn!), and much more.
Librarians and booksellers: Purchase if esports are popular in your community.
Many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
As an avid gamer who mostly plays alone, esports is something I have only ever looked at from afar - only seeing the big wins, the prize money, and the controversies.
This opened my eyes on all of that. I had no idea the history of the industry stretched back so far, from tours of teens around arcades in the 80s, to the sell out stadiums of today.
The meticulous research and laid back tone of voice made it easy for me to get to grips with everything esports is about. Recommended for any gamer, whether you're a fan of esports or not.
This opened my eyes on all of that. I had no idea the history of the industry stretched back so far, from tours of teens around arcades in the 80s, to the sell out stadiums of today.
The meticulous research and laid back tone of voice made it easy for me to get to grips with everything esports is about. Recommended for any gamer, whether you're a fan of esports or not.
July 25, 2020
Chaloner writes in an entertaining fashion, depicting with great detail each piece of esports history that shaped the scene. Esports is a world that is relatively new to me and reading about how it came about showed the dedication each major player had to bring it to life. I particularly enjoyed the ending segments written by various women in the scene that showed how much more the industry needs to grow to not just be a male dominated industry and to ensure that equal opportunities are given all around. Also, highly recommend the audio book narrated by Paul himself!
April 12, 2021
Bought this book pre-RedEye's being cancelled and figured since I'd spent the money anyways I might as well read it. It was okay, not a lot of content that was that new to me beyond some of the personal stories Redeye shared about early eSports tournaments that he'd been directly involved in. Those parts were interesting, but most of his talk about other things that he wasn't present for are well documented elsewhere and he was just re-hashing them to put them in one place. I'd give it a pass unless you're a student of this subject in particular.
July 25, 2020
Fantastic! Don’t hesitate to pick up a copy
I can’t recommend this book enough. Professional esports isn’t a topic I would normally read about, but I was tipped by a friend that I’d find this interesting- and they were not wrong! The stories and insights about this massive billion dollar industry are truly fascinating and really opened my eyes to this world many of us know nothing about. The book is exceptionally well written, and as with all good books, very hard to put down.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Professional esports isn’t a topic I would normally read about, but I was tipped by a friend that I’d find this interesting- and they were not wrong! The stories and insights about this massive billion dollar industry are truly fascinating and really opened my eyes to this world many of us know nothing about. The book is exceptionally well written, and as with all good books, very hard to put down.
July 1, 2020
The wonderful world of esports is massive and daunting to enter.
Luckily, this book exists! It's the perfect gateway into the concept of esports.
Written by one of the longest standing esports commentators and hosts in the field.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who has the slightest interest in esports.
Luckily, this book exists! It's the perfect gateway into the concept of esports.
Written by one of the longest standing esports commentators and hosts in the field.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who has the slightest interest in esports.
November 30, 2021
Great book that sets focus on the industry, the phenomenon, the passion, the players, the teams, the stories, the genres and the history of esports. Paul does an extremely good job of explaining how esports has developed and where it is going.
In 50 years this book will be referred to as the bible of esports.
In 50 years this book will be referred to as the bible of esports.
July 24, 2020
The greatest book on esports ever written
The entire story, told by someone who was there, as a player, coach, and host. Someone who rode all the triumphant rises and catastrophic falls. Someone who is also a damn good writer. Pick up this book. You will enjoy it.
The entire story, told by someone who was there, as a player, coach, and host. Someone who rode all the triumphant rises and catastrophic falls. Someone who is also a damn good writer. Pick up this book. You will enjoy it.
November 24, 2021
An excellent book that details the formation and rise of esports through the years. Written by a veteran in the industry, This is Esports is a good read regardless of how involved or knowledge you have in Esports.
And spoiler: eSports is the wrong spelling
And spoiler: eSports is the wrong spelling
November 30, 2025
Has a lot of great information, but doesn't commit to either being a journalistic account or a proper autobiography. Overall, a bit disappointing, especially with the level of access Chaloner likely had, but still a reasonably fun book.
November 5, 2020
Five word review: The primer I was after
January 10, 2021
Buen libro, habla sobre el origen de todo lo que representan los esports, acciones, primeros torneos, servicios de streaming , etc Obligado para quienes nos gusta esta industria.
March 10, 2022
the wattpad first person chapted was kinda weird but the storytelling of this book is incredibly engaging !! ReDeYe pls come back home
November 12, 2025
Nice to learn about the history of esports, just felt like something was off and I can't put my finger on it !¡
September 24, 2021
A good introduction to the industry
October 12, 2024
I loved it.
An excellent way to get insight into the world of esports, from its humble, rough and tumble beginnings to its current status, cementing itself as a billion dollar industry and with only more to come.
Paul opts to not keep things completely objective and I wouldn't want to have it any other way. He provides a humorous and factual account of the events spanning 30 years, talking about the first ever multiplayer game, the ones that followed, the effects they had on the industry, the race to bring esports forward (the absolute cluster**** that is DotA 1 is a testament to how messy it was early on). He also gives information on the workings of esports teams, the lives of their players, among many other things.
An excellent way to get insight into the world of esports, from its humble, rough and tumble beginnings to its current status, cementing itself as a billion dollar industry and with only more to come.
Paul opts to not keep things completely objective and I wouldn't want to have it any other way. He provides a humorous and factual account of the events spanning 30 years, talking about the first ever multiplayer game, the ones that followed, the effects they had on the industry, the race to bring esports forward (the absolute cluster**** that is DotA 1 is a testament to how messy it was early on). He also gives information on the workings of esports teams, the lives of their players, among many other things.
December 9, 2023
**Disclaimer: I am well aware of Paul’s abuse allegations that caused him to leave the esports scene not long after this book was published**
This is esports is a great book for both people totally unaware of the industry, or people who are already interested but want to learn more about the wider context their game lies within.
Despite being an esports nerd myself, I still learned a fair bit about other parts of the industry. I didn’t even know that StarCraft was as massive as it was, admittedly I thought it was something tacked onto IEM Katowice as a warm-up…
This is esports is a great book for both people totally unaware of the industry, or people who are already interested but want to learn more about the wider context their game lies within.
Despite being an esports nerd myself, I still learned a fair bit about other parts of the industry. I didn’t even know that StarCraft was as massive as it was, admittedly I thought it was something tacked onto IEM Katowice as a warm-up…
December 5, 2021
A fantastic reference book that gives you great insight into the Esports landscape. It is well thought out, educational and an enjoyable read. For esports fans I can highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews