REASONS WHY PEOPLE TRAVEL TO PARTICIPATE IN ESPORTS EVENTS: GAMESCOM LATAM 2024

A GAMESCOM LATAM 2024

Abstract

This paper studies the reasons that lead people to travel to participate in eSports events in Brazil, with emphasis on Gamescom Latam 2024. The study's main objective is to investigate the factors that drive these trips and to verify whether participants take advantage of the opportunity to carry out tourist activities at the event venue. The methodology combines bibliographic review, ethnography, semi-structured interviews and iconographic analysis of event images. The results indicate that the in-person experience, the immersive environment and cultural interactions are central aspects in the decision to participate. Despite this, challenges such as long lines and limited integration with local tourism were identified. It is concluded that eSports events have great potential to foster tourism, leisure and promote destinations, as long as there is strategic planning to improve the audience's experience and strengthen the connection with the host city.