During Covid lots of sorts were broadcast without any spectators. I found that it increased my viewing pleasure. No screaming crowds trying to make the most noise with drums (soccer), no altercations, no people throwing things or making annoying noices (MMA), no crazy people next to the road pushing cyclists.
Just the people doing the sport, I can hear them shout, swear and get punched. I can see bike racing without fear a crazy fan will jump in front of the pack for a photo for their grandma.
I don’t need an audience to get hyped or to distract everybody with jeers and racist shouting. For me the fans are the worst part of the sport. I don’t enjoy watching them, I want to see the athletes doing their thing.
Fair enough, I mean that’s not the common opinion, my significant other is like that, too.
I wouldn’t call myself a fan in any sense of the word, but I like to see people compete, I can get excited by that, if it’s good. But I don’t support a team, I enjoy it if there’s a good fight so I tend to root for the underdog.
i enjoy competition but not “organized” competition - unless you count war/wargaming. that’s super neat.
Whist I think that war/wargaming is all about organization, I do get your point. Go for what you like! Theres some esports I do enjoy watching, even though I don’t play the games myself.