Video games were popular because they allowed people to live out different lives. Even if they had the most generic unfulfilled realities, video games provided an escape. In the digital world, they were no longer bound by anything. Only the limits of imagination.
They could be tyrants or kings. Heroes or Demons. It was the ultimate freedom. In such worlds most men dreamt of being the strongest being in existence. Who wouldn't? But most could only get this experience playing single player.
Why? Because while most play video games to pass time or escape, there were those the live in them. And these motherfuckers were the ones you never wanted as an enemy. They used skills and meticulous planning most never even heard of.
However, it was awesome to watch these PRO's match again each other. Even more so when it was in large brawls. This was probably the reason why MOBAs became the defining E-sport aside from shooters.