Is Microsoft Excel the Next Big E-Sport?

When you think of e-sports, games like League of Legends, Overwatch, and Fortnite likely come to mind. These competitive video games have taken the world by storm, with professional players competing for millions of dollars in prize money. But what if I told you that the next big e-sport could be Microsoft Excel?

Yes, you read that right. The software program that is typically used for creating spreadsheets and organizing data could soon be the focus of competitive gaming tournaments. While it may sound absurd at first, there are several reasons why Excel could become a popular e-sport.

First and foremost, Excel requires a high level of skill and strategy to master. Players must be able to quickly navigate through complex spreadsheets, use formulas and functions effectively, and analyze data in real-time. This level of expertise is similar to what is required in traditional e-sports games, where players must have quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and precise execution.

Additionally, Excel has a massive user base around the world. Millions of people use the program in their everyday lives, whether it be for work, school, or personal projects. This built-in audience could help drive interest in Excel e-sports competitions and attract sponsors and viewers.

Furthermore, Microsoft has already started to explore the idea of Excel as an e-sport. In 2016, the company held the first Excel World Championship, where contestants from around the world competed in challenges that tested their proficiency in the program. The success of this event could pave the way for more competitive Excel tournaments in the future.

Of course, there are still obstacles to overcome before Excel becomes a mainstream e-sport. The program may not have the same level of excitement and visual appeal as traditional video games, which could make it less appealing to viewers. Additionally, the competitive scene for Excel is still in its infancy, and it may take time for players to develop the necessary skills and strategies to compete at a high level.

Despite these challenges, there is no denying that Excel has the potential to become a popular e-sport in the future. With its high skill ceiling, large user base, and support from Microsoft, Excel could be the next big thing in competitive gaming. So don’t be surprised if you start seeing Excel tournaments popping up alongside League of Legends and Fortnite in the near future.