InoI don't think LANs are the way to generate interest for the general public in TF2 competitive because most people don't really care for LANs at all. Only those who already have a genuine interest in competitive play do and they will most likely already know all about 6s.
You need online advertisements so even the most casual user at least knows that there is comp and what it looks like. That way you draw in new people. LANs only keep in those already invested in the game, which is obviously also needed.
Wrong.
LANs are always more popular than league games. DHS was a huge success considering past tournaments outside of insomnia weren't as popular.Also, theres enough advertisement and I fully expect i58 to get around 10k average.
Just look at OW, on average the league games get like 2k viewers more than TF2 league matches.
What is really missing is the prize pools. Big e-sports organizations bring in more viewers/players and create a look of "professionalism", which also creates more interest.
Someone (on tftv?) suggested that valve should use a small portion of the TF2 earnings to support tournaments. I think b4nny should talk with them about this, considering they don't listen to his weapon balancing ideas anyway.