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New Jersey is fast becoming a national hub for esports, and it's happened by design. The state invested over $200,000 in Atlantic City, starting back in 2021, so that it could tap into the competitive video game boom.
Major industry players, like G3 esports—the world's largest independent esports league—and streaming platform Twitch have also invested significant sums into the state. That's no surprise given New Jersey's willingness to accommodate new technologies to grow local sectors. The fact that esports is a multibillion-dollar industry doesn't hurt, either.
Today, the state boasts more infrastructure, events, and economic research which is set to propel the sector's growth in New Jersey and cement its place as a major esports hotspot. This also means that if you live in New Jersey, there are now plenty of opportunities for you to participate in the ever-growing esports boom as well.
So, if you’re interested in taking part in the future of gaming and sports, here are a few things you can try as a New Jersey local:
One of the most straightforward ways you can start participating in esports is to watch your favorite game's major tournaments. Of course, that's easy to do. You just need to head to a streaming platform like Twitch, where you can watch Valorant and other popular titles via a number of live streams.
Fortunately, living in New Jersey, means you can also opt to watch esports tournaments in-person. Atlantic City already hosts various esports events, with Boardwalk Hall being one of the best places to hold tournaments. In fact, it was recently chosen as the venue for a 2024 World Champion Fantasy esports event organized in partnership with DEEM Enterprises, the company behind the online esports platform PlayerX.
With these tournaments chock-full of immersive experiences, live entertainment, and even celebrity appearances, they're definitely more electrifying and a level above simply watching esports online.
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Another great way to participate in the growing esports boom is to mingle with New Jersey's vibrant esports community. If you want to chat with others about your favorite leagues, tournaments, and matches, this is the way to go.
In New Jersey, you can head to venues dedicated to specific titles and sports, with even traditional sports teams like the New Jersey Devils hopping on the esports bandwagon to provide local spots you can frequent. Last March 9—the same day they faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes—the Devils hosted a video game event to commemorate the unveiling of its new Devils Gaming Group Esports Lounge and the launch of the Devils Gaming Group in collaboration with fan engagement platform Rival. Overlooking the ice at the Prudential Center in Newark, it's a place where you can do more than just mingle with other esports enthusiasts. The lounge is the place to be to watch tournament live streams, meeting Team Dignitas and members of other major esports leagues, and even getting to know esports influencers.
New Jersey has allowed esports betting since 2022, which means you can make your viewing experience even more interactive. You can use online platforms to speculate on the outcomes of various matches using statistics and your analytical skills. Esports betting website Thunderpick, for example, provides users interested in betting on Overwatch, a secure platform to bet on one of the most popular titles in esports. Available both on PC and via mobile web app, its software is easily accessible for those who wish to follow teams like the San Francisco Shock as they compete in Overwatch League tournaments, place insured bets in line with the platform's tips and tricks for improved success, and even enjoy additional benefits through VIP club memberships. It's a great way to enhance the esports viewing experiences you can enjoy in New Jersey while putting your analytical skills to the test.
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Why stop at watching and betting on esports events? In New Jersey, you can take it up a notch and play competitively. Organizations passionate about the growth of esports have invested heavily in infrastructure where you game casually, hone your skills, and work your way up to joining dedicated esports leagues later down the line. Stockton University’s Esports Innovation Center was developed in partnership with the non-profit NJ Economic Development Authority, and is open to everyone both within and outside the institution. Aside from being a venue for various esports conferences aimed at boosting the state's economic development, it boasts gaming stations available to esports enthusiasts and professionals alike. The innovation center is also a great place to access the resources you need to further your amateur or professional esports career, so feel free to head over to Atlantic City and check it out.
