As the line between the physical and digital worlds blur, so does the line between real-world and virtual sports. Reframing our understanding of competition, data-driven technologist James Hodge explains how far esports (like virtual Formula 1 race car driving) have come in replicating the conditions of physical sports, making elite competition more accessible than ever before. "This really is the new era for play -- and it's open to everyone," he says.

This week, the TED Audio Collective is releasing a bunch of great episodes about sports, in celebration of the launch of a new podcast: Good Sport with Jody Avirgan. It’s a show that takes sports seriously, as the best way to understand humans and our world. Check it out wherever you’re listening to this.