I’ve watched some here and there, but having to try to catch them when they stream has put me too much in the mind of old tv and catching shows when they air. Watching the recording afterward is maybe good for some white noise, but it’s clearly not the intended experience I think.
I like some sports, but can’t stand game streamers. Athletes train for years to become the best in their sport/position/etc, streamers are usually mediocre at the games at best. I rather just play the game myself. Much more of a personality cult around streamers, and I have no interest in.
But well, people are different. If some people enjoy it, go ahead just explaining from another point of view why I don’t like it
The most popular streamers aren’t popular because they are good at games, it’s because they are entertaining. The game might be used to draw people in, but it’s not really about the game itself.
I would say watching sports is about the game. No one is watching NFL because Madden was casting it (I know he’s gone, but I don’t know any famous sports casters/commentators).
You’ve perhaps compared the wrong niche though. Game streamers are the Harlem Globetrotters; you’re not there to watch excellent gaming, but entertaining gaming. Whereas esports are the equivalent to competitive sports.
That said; I too struggle to care about watching either. Even my old boss Limmy, no care for watching him stream.