This weekend, us Americans will be busy doing what we do best – putting on a brash, expensive, over-the-top spectacle. Of course, what's an eSports spectacle without Koreans, by and large the best players in the world? IPL has certainly spared no expense in that department, as nearly forty top-notch Korean players will be in attendance at Las Vegas. On the other hand, Europe will be glancing sideways at their noisy friends across the Atlantic and their enigmatically gifted guests as they hold their own, cozier kinds of celebrations.

There are three major European LANs taking place over the weekend: Copenhagen Games in Denmark, Gamers Assembly in France, and The Gathering in Norway. European LANs have long been standard-bearers of esports, and the tradition has continued in recent years with the inclusion of large Starcraft II tournaments for pro-gamers and amateurs alike. With nearly €30,000 in prizes being awarded over the weekend, business is indeed, serious.

While the Koreans have been entirely distracted by the fanfare of IPL4, many of the best European pro-gamers have chosen to play closer to home. For some it may be a sign of commitment to their local scenes, though for many it's likely to be the result of a shrewd financial decision. Whatever the reason may be, they have made these three tournaments harken back to the days before Starcraft II's wild success led to its inevitable globalization.

Perhaps those days are gone for good, never to return. But at least for one weekend, Europe will relive the past, when one could be king of one's own backyard.