An Australian esports star thinks the industry can give traditional sports a run for their money in popularity.
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The bold statement comes as Australian gaming gurus descend on California for one of the biggest video gaming competitions in the world.
BlizzCon, an esports extravaganza run by video game giant Blizzard, will see underdogs from down under battle the best players in the world.
Among the featured games are the global smash-hit World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, with Australians competing in all categories.
Australia's WoW team, Mad Dog, is considered a sneaky chance to take all before them in Anaheim after destroying the opposition in the qualifiers.
Nic Berton, who is juggling his playing with a commerce and law degree, said the growth of esports in Australia had only just begun.
"It is an awesome representation of the growth of esports in Australia (to have so many players heading to BlizzCon)," Nic told AAP.
"I believe in the future esports in Australia could rival traditional mainstream sports."
While his playing days have finished, Andrew Haws has taken the reins as Australia's Overwatch coach and general manager.
He said Australia's contingent in America could spring a few surprises and shock the world.
"You don't have to look far to see how large the industry has become in other regions," Andrew told AAP.
"People in Australia have already been laying the foundation for Australian esports for some time.
"Over the next few years you will see Australians truly catching up to the scale of esports in other regions."
Australian Associated Press
