Weekend Engagement - Sports Watching Passion

Hi all, how is your weekend going so far? I just came back from an EA Sports event which I've gotten a few of my friends to join me.

And so happen that one of the prompt that was suggested which is why people are so passionate about watching sports?

Watching Sports
For me, watching sports is a great and enjoyable experience. If we look at how things are, when it is the sporting season, especially those don't happen very frequent, the world can essentially come together whilst for those that happen more frequent, fans also gathered, watch the sport and cheer for the respective teams.

Take a look at Olympics, World Cup, Euro Cup which happen every 4 years. These are big sporting events that connect the world together. Imagine how many pair of eyes were watching the last World Cup Finals between France and Argentina back in 2022 in Dubai, be it over the TV, PC, live in the stadium or even those that gathered in pubs. The emotional rollercoaster that went through hearts of those that supported France or Argentina. While Argentina went ahead with a 2 goal lead, but subsequently, the match ended up at 3-3 because of heroics from French striker Kylian Mbappe. I bet many dare not leave their seat and watched all the way till the end as each penalty kick was taken and finally Argentia lifting the World Cup as world champions.

Emotional Attachment
Why do we watch? And why people whom watch sports called fans?

Fans are essentially a short form for fanatics and telling people that we have this obsession over sports. But what made us obsessed?

We developed strong emotional attachments to teams and athletes and even admire the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming successful in sports. There is also a stronger sense of belonging when you are involved in a larger community. Take for example, the rivalry between English football clubs Liverpool and Manchester United goes a long way even though this two clubs are not the champions. We root for the teams we support, when they win, we cheer, when they lose, we all sigh together. Some even go to the extent of analysing the performance of each player, what players the club should sell or bring in to make the club stronger.

This emotional connection that is brought about by watching sports adds another layer of excitement which can't be found in other forms of entertainment. And this is what I wanna share in the later segment from the event that I just attended a few hours ago.

Watching Football In A Pub

This is the event that I just attended 4 hours ago. Because the Euro 2024 had just started, EA Sports organized a watch party and also to share on the launch of its new game EA FC Tactical. I was pleased to be invited as a guest for this event and I brought 2 of my friends along.

When I arrived at the event venue, I did a quick registration at the entrance and headed to grab some food and drinks prepared by the organizer. Subsequently a presentation was being done by the Technical Director of the EA FC Tactical game that they just launched. Next was an interesting segment where guest are invited to pit their skills against each other in EA FC24 and the match that they are playing are put up on screen for viewing. While it is not a real match, but the whole pub came alive when someone scored.

Next was the Watch Party itself where the Euro 2024 match between Switzerland and Hungary was being screened live. The crowd were divided, some supported Switzerland, some supported Hungary but never the less when the match started, eyes were glued to the screen. And when Switzerland scored, a loud "Goal!!!!!" was being heard within the whole pub.

The match went on with various moments where chances were missed and shots that were marginally off the goal had a "wooooohhhh" moment within the pub which showed how much everyone enjoy watching the match and hanging by the edge of their seats as the match progressed. When the match finally finished with Switzerland winning, there were cheering, clapping or fellow guest giving a beer toast to one another.

I liked every moment of this watch party, having fans within a same place looking at the same screen, cheering their teams on and going through the ups and downs throughout the match was an amazing experience. And this is why for me, watching sports is amazing, the experience is exclusive and is something no other form of entertainment can offer. This is a pub where we stare into the screen to watch, but imagine watching live at the stadium itself, that will be an even more elevated experience. There will be loads of cheering and even singing.

Closing
I love watching sports and I know many of you do as well. That emotional attachment to the team/player and the ups and downs during the match is a superb experience. Being able to be part of a bigger supporter community and also being able to cheer as one is a phenomenal experience especially when watching together at a venue or live at the location of the competition. Hope you liked my sharing and let's finish the Euro 2024 and see which team will be crowned the King of Europe for this year's competition.

Have a great weekend!