Gym and nutritionists: inside South Korea’s T1 eSports empire

Gamers during their training session at the T1 building, one of the world’s top eSports organisations where dozens of professional and budding gamers train, in Seoul. — AFP

SEOUL: A Nike-sponsored gym, support staff including nutritionists and English language classes are all part of the set-up at T1, one of the world’s top eSports organisations, where around 70 gamers are looking to emulate its highest-profile member, League Of Legends giant Faker.

Explosive growth has turned competitive video gaming into an increasingly professional sport, with a youthful, ever-growing fan base that appeals to sponsors and advertisers.