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