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Modern sports and esports are of course incredibly popular all around the world today, from the NFL and English Premier League to upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup and esports tournaments like CSGO Majors and LoL Worlds.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many avid sports and esports fans could not watch their favourite teams play live. This meant that they had to watch them on TV or stream them live.
While many esports matches are on Twitch, a platform owned by Amazon, this unfortunate turn of events led to a mushrooming of online streaming sites. It is critical to note that although most streaming sites are legitimate, some websites out there are a hub for malware and malicious cybercriminals. It is for this reason that sports fans are advised to always use a Virtual Private Network when watching sports or other events online.
What is a VPN, and Why is it Important?
A Virtual Private Network is a safety protocol that helps online users safeguard their online footprints and mask their activities. The primary function of this network is to establish and maintain online anonymity by setting up a secret network online. VPN encrypts your data and hides all your sensitive information from everyone online. Even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) cannot monitor or track your online activity. This means you should be safe from DDoS attacks, swatting and other attacks that have occured in the online gaming/esports world.
The baseline here is a system that masks your identity, hides your habits, and guarantees data security. So why is a VPN critical for sports fans? What value does it add?
Why Use VPN for Watching Sports?
Access to Geo-Restricted Data
Several streaming sites online only grant access to people within their borders. For example, it may block an NFL fan from China from watching the Super Bowl mainly because the streaming sites offering coverage have restricted access. With VPN, you can mask your location and access any sports event anywhere, anytime. This creates a link between your local network connection, data tunnel, and an exit location.
A proper functioning, utility VPN allows you to have a dedicated IP address that you can use to access top-tier streaming sites that don’t offer their services in your country. This access is what gets you the fastest and most reliable streaming sites. In simple terms, a VPN will make it look like you are in a different location.
Faster Connection
A VPN network offers several server options and streaming connections to choose. Unlimited access allows you to select the platform with the best services. High-speed connections also mean you don’t have to reload pages to reboot your network.
Sports streaming sites are infamous for lag and high load time. The reason is the massive amounts of data and the many people who frequent these sites.
Some websites restrict access to maximize user experience. These sites usually block users from other countries to prevent them from flooding the network.
A VPN network allows you to mask your identity and access the best sites online. This perk means you get better services and a good streaming experience overall.
Versatility
A VPN allows you to connect several devices simultaneously. Essentially, you can stream different sports events on the same network at one time. This versatility and flexibility enable you to watch many unique events. Think of a scenario where both champions league semi-final games are kicking off simultaneously. You can connect two devices and watch both games with no fuss.
Reduced Costs
Most high-end sports streaming sites require a subscription for their services. This subscription is if you want full access, coverage, and HD-quality picture. These sites prioritize people who live around their operating area and charge cheaper subscription rates.
With a VPN, you can access elite streaming sites at little cost. You can get access to the best content and front-row seats to exclusive sports events. You can watch the Olympics, the Rugby world cup, or any top-tier sports events. Please bear in mind, some services will require a subscription – you should check the laws in your country and make sure you’re adhering to them when attempting to access content online.
Secure Streaming on Public WiFi Networks
You can use your VPN logins anywhere. You don’t have to be tied to your home network to enjoy sports events. You can tune into live TV, connect to a public WiFi or even use your phone data to stream live sports. Virtual Private Networks provide a utility value that is hard to match.
No more Buffering
Streaming is notorious for taking up a lot of bandwidth. This process causes your network to reduce in speed and causes lag. There are also cases where ISPs lessen a user’s network speed to ease congestion. Fortunately, a VPN masks your online footprints even from your Internet service provider. They have no idea what you are up to and can not interfere with your network.
Thus, a VPN is also a good idea when gaming online to reduce lag.
Verdict
VPN makes sports streaming a fast and thrilling experience for sports and esports lovers. You may not attend the matches physically, but you can follow all the action with a decent VPN network.
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