Final answer:
The establishment of standardized player salaries is an important milestone in professionalizing the esports industry as it provides a structured economic framework and signals the industry's maturity.
Step-by-step explanation:
An important turning point in the professionalization of the esports industry is B) Establishment of standardized player salaries. This development is key because it reflects a structured approach to compensating players, signifying the industry's growth in terms of economic stability and the recognition of players as professional athletes. The introduction of professional contracts, the creation of a players' union, and the recognition as an Olympic sport are all significant, but establishing standardized salaries indicates a foundational economic structure akin to traditional sports, providing a more reliable and professional framework for the industry.
Equally significant are the monetization aspects of the esports industry, which includes prize money, sponsorship, and scholarships. This financial recognition further exemplifies how esports is becoming increasingly akin to traditional professional sports, where athletes can make a living and enjoy economic security through their talents. The professionalization of esports has undoubtedly contributed to it being taken more seriously as a competitive and financially viable industry.