ABSTRACT
The rapid development of esports over the last two decades has been in some ways a challenge to the established sporting world. However, esports has largely developed according to the sportification model (Guttman, 1978), over time becoming progressively more organised, specialised, standardised, regimented, and rationalised. Competitive computer gaming is today following a similar trajectory as other sports have done in the past and has gone from being a leisure activity to becoming a competitive activity with organisations, professional players, and international competitions. This chapter gives a closer look at the ongoing sportification of esports in general and, more specifically, how this process has played out in Sweden. Similarities and differences in the sportification of esports and a more traditional sport - cross-country skiing - will be analysed. How have esports worked with organisation, regimentation, rationalisation, and standardisation? Building upon archival sources, earlier research, and interviews with representatives from Swedish esports organisations will conclude the chapter.
