LUSITANOS LET's GO! from Banal to Joking Nationalism in Portuguese Esports Spectatorship

This study examines the role of national identity, humour, and competition in esports spectatorship, focusing on Portuguese viewers during the Overwatch World Cup 2023 Qualifiers. Using thematic analysis of Twitch chat and a postmatch interview, we explore how nationalism manifests in ironic colonial nostalgia, trash talk, and sportification. Viewers adapted football culture, invoking Cristiano Ronaldo's name and demanding a national anthem moment. Additionally, critiques of nepotism emerged, highlighting community concerns over team selection. Findings suggest that esports spectatorship serves as a space for performative identity negotiation, where historical and cultural references are repurposed for competitive engagement. This study contributes to discussions on digital communities, nationalism in esports, and the intersection of sports culture and gaming, offering insights into how audiences create meaning in competitive gaming environments.