An eSports Racer Just Beat a Championship-Winning Driver in a Real-Life Race

Whoever told you eSports wasn't "real" sports was lying to you.

Simulated driving races and real-life driving races are much the same; you sit down and steer a wheel, apply considerable pressure to the acceleration pedal and hit the brakes when necessary.

The main difference? One's behind a computer and the other, as we all know, is not. 

But Enzo Bonito proved to the world that it hardly makes a difference.

During the Race of Champions in Mexico, a competition where racing drivers from all types of racing leagues (Formula One, NASCAR, et cetera) compete against each other, an eSports racer and a Formula E racer were pitted against one another in a physical circuit.

Enzo Bonito, representing the gamers, obliterated his competition, Lucas di Grassi, a Formula E (electric cars) and ex-F1 driver, in a real car to the surprise and joy of everyone. 

Probably real footage of Enzo Bonito smashing his way into first.

Bonito managed to get around the track twice in less time than di Grassi, a professional in this sort of thing, could not.

The internet cheered.

The motorsports paradigm is shifting and lines are becoming more blurry between simulation and reality. https://t.co/XkhYI2J45K

— Jeff Nijsse (@Japple) 20 January 2019

So, next time your unlicenced sibling or friend argues they're a better driver after all those hours they've sunk into racing games, believe them.

Header Image: Universal Pictures