What is mlg?

MLG, short for Major League Gaming, was a North American esports organization. While the original company is largely defunct, the term and its associated aesthetic continue to be influential within internet culture.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Original Organization: Founded in 2002, MLG hosted professional video game tournaments, operated online streaming platforms, and produced related content. It was acquired by Activision Blizzard in 2015 and its streaming platform was shut down in 2016.

  • Tournaments: MLG was well-known for its high-profile tournaments featuring games like Halo, Call of Duty, and StarCraft II. These events attracted top players and large audiences.

  • Streaming: MLG operated its own streaming platform, MLG.tv, which was intended to compete with Twitch. However, it ultimately failed to gain the same level of popularity.

  • MLG Aesthetic/Internet Culture: The term "MLG" and its associated imagery have become a popular meme and internet aesthetic. This usually involves over-the-top editing, loud noises, zooms, quick cuts, and elements like Doritos, Mountain Dew, and characters like Snoop Dogg. This style is often used humorously or satirically.

  • Influence: Despite the demise of the original organization, the MLG aesthetic continues to influence online video content and meme culture. You'll often see it used in gaming montages, parody videos, and other forms of internet humor.