Computer Game Spectation

So I was wondering after watching the Halo: Reach Ask me anything video if it would ever be possible for online gaming to become a spectator sport. All the spectators I guess 'ghost' around to where they want to be, while the players play. Personally I'm doubtful as it would be difficult to pull off the same atmosphere as a real sports game. However on the other hand, it would be more entertaining that cricket.

I can't stand watching other people play games, but it seems to be popular in some places.

"  However on the other hand, it would be more entertaining that cricket. "

I don't think so because people would rather participate then watch. I'll never be able to dunk a basketball or hit a 450 foot home run in real life.

HLTV provides this quite well for games like Counter-Strike/CS:Source or TF2. You have a small community of people that can actually watch others play, and usually its to improve their gameplay. People watch SC replays, WC3 replays as well as SF4 replays; however I don't think atleast in the USA it will ever become big enough to attract fans of older ages. DirecTV tried it with that PRO League a few years back and it ended up failing hard, CGS or whatever.
 
Maybe not in my lifetime, but I can see it eventually catching on.

Watching someone play a game is different from watching someone play a sport, anyone can play a game, so naturally its less impressive. People can only appreciate high level play if they are competent themselves, by then why not just play it.   

I lost hope during that World Cyber Games show.

In South Korea, Star Craft is pretty much a legitimate sport. Hell the teams can even have sponsorships.

I think a lot of people watch sports to see other people do things they can't do themselves. That probably won't translate too well to video games.

Watching people play online games is about as interesting as watching paint dry. That being said, I do enjoy watching my friends play games as they tend to curse at each other which amuses me.

I think the only way it will ever be popular is amongst people who watch replays and videos to improve their own playstyle. I personally haven't done that since my ill fated return to CSS a good few years ago.