Is Esports a Sport? Let’s Consider ALL the Factors

What Defines a Sport?

A ‘traditional sport’ is an activity that requires physical exertion, skill, and structured competition. 

It involves individuals or teams competing for entertainment, often following standardized rules set by governing bodies.

Key components of a sport include:

• Physical activity
• Skill
• Competition
• Entertainment value

How Does Esports Fit into this Equation?

At first glance, playing video games may not seem like a legitimate sport. Traditional sports like football, basketball, and tennis require significant physical exertion (unlike esports).

But if we break down the key components of a sport, competitive gaming (or Esports) checks many of the same boxes.

• Skill ✅ 

Esports players spend years mastering their games, just like athletes in traditional sports. Precision, strategy, and reaction speed play a crucial role.

• Competition ✅  

Esports competitions bring together top professional players worldwide to compete in high-stakes video game tournaments.

• Entertainment ✅ 

Millions of fans tune into esports events like the League of Legends World Championship. Esports leagues and teams have passionate fanbases, just like football clubs. 

• Standardized rules ✅  

Major esports organizations set rules for video game competitions. This ensures fair play across all esports games.

But there’s one big question. 

Does esports' competitive nature make up for the lack of traditional physical demands? 

Some argue that esports competitions don't meet the athletic criteria of a professional sports league. Others say the mental endurance and reflexes required in modern esports rival those of traditional athletes.

So, is esports a real sport? Or is the absence of physical activity the reason why esports is not a sport? 

Let’s look at the supporting arguments as well as the counterarguments. 

Is Esports a Sport? 5 Supporting Arguments

So, why is esports a sport? Here are some of the strongest arguments supporting this idea: 

1. Esports Requires Skill and Strategy (Like Traditional Sports) 

Just like traditional sports, esports athletes need a combination of strategy, reflexes, and precision to succeed. 

Supporters argue that esports is a fast-growing 'non-traditional sport' which requires careful planning, precise timing, and skillful execution.

• Professional gamers train for years to master mechanics, decision-making, and real-time adaptability.
• Competitions involving video games require split-second reactions, coordination, and mental stamina.
• Esports meets the criteria of various definitions of sports (2) due to its competitive nature and organizational structure.

2. Esports Has a Competitive Structure (Similar to Traditional Sports)

Esports tournaments are structured like major sporting events, with professional leagues, team sponsorships, and global audiences.

• Esports often take the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players.
• Many esports titles have associated professional leagues, tournaments, and organized competitions.
• Esports events like the Esports World Cup 2025 will feature tournaments with large prize pools (comparable to traditional sports).
• Franchised esports leagues have emerged with financial backing similar to traditional sports leagues.

3. Esports is Recognized by Institutions and Countries

Many official organizations and countries have started to recognize esports as a legitimate sport.

• In 2016, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) officially launched the National Association of Collegiate eSports. (3)
• Countries like Russia and China have recognized esports as a legitimate sport, with Russia designating 'cybersport' as an official discipline. (4)
• In some countries, esports players can obtain athlete visas similar to traditional athletes.

• The International Olympic Committee has acknowledged the growing popularity of esports and discussed its potential inclusion in the Olympics. (6)
• Several universities in the United States and Canada have begun to recognize esports as a ‘varsity sport’, offering scholarships to players.

4.  Professional Esports Players Follow Detailed Training Regimens

Professional esports players dedicate hours every day to improve their skills. This is similar to traditional sports athletes.

• Professional esports players require rigorous training routines to stay competitive, often practicing for 6 to 12 hours a day (sometimes 16 hours!). (7)
• The majority of professional esports players train to prevent injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.

5. Esports Offers High-Stakes Competitions and Prize Money

Top professional esports players compete for millions of dollars in major tournaments.

• Esports competitions often feature high-stakes tournaments with substantial prize money.
• The average prize pool for esports tournaments can reach millions of dollars, attracting top talent and sponsors.
• Esports players often game in teams (similar to traditional sports teams) and can compete in tournaments for recognition and monetary rewards.
• Professional esports events are often held in dedicated arenas, similar to traditional sports venues.

Why Esports May Not Be Considered a Sport

Here are some reasons why esports is not considered a sport:

1. Lack of Physical Exertion

Unlike traditional sports, esports does not require intense physical fitness or movement. While quick reflexes and mental agility are essential, players do not engage in excessive physical activity.

• Traditional sports focus on physical movement, while esports rely more on strategy and reflexes.
• Esports players spend hours sitting. This differs from the physical demands of sports like football or basketball.
• Some argue that esports is more of a ‘mind sport’ rather than an athletic competition. (10)

2. Stereotypes Around Playing Video Games

Many still view video games as a form of entertainment rather than a competitive sport. This perception affects the recognition of esports as a legitimate sport.

• Stereotypes often associate gamers with being physically unfit and part of nerd culture.
• The perception of gamers as nerds (11) may limit inclusivity in the esports community. 
• Some believe that playing video games competitively is not the same as participating in a physically demanding sport.

3. Health Concerns

Esports has been linked to several health concerns due to extended gaming sessions and a sedentary lifestyle.

• The esports world has faced concerns about physical health. This includes poor posture, vision strain, and repetitive stress injuries.
• Long hours of online gaming can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and burnout. (12)
• The esports industry has faced health concerns linked to sedentary behavior and mental health issues among players.

4. Inconsistent Regulations

Unlike traditional sports, esports lacks a universal governing body. 

This leads to inconsistencies in rules and regulations across different esports leagues and tournaments.

• The esports scene has multiple regulatory organizations. But, no single body governs all competitions.
• Video game publishers often control tournaments, creating different rules across different games.
• Many esports teams and leagues operate independently. This leads to variations in formats and standards.

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Esports vs Sports: Expert Opinions

With the debate catching heat, a panel of esports experts sat down to discuss the evolving relationship between traditional sports and esports. 

The panelists include:

• Oliver de Bono (CEO of Quantum Gaming)
• Robert Dowling (Director of Product at EBET)
• Vladan Blagojevic (Business Development Manager at Oddin.gg)
• Mikhail Zhukov (Head of CPM Department at Adsterra)

Here are 6 key points from their discussion (and you can also view the video below!):

• Traditional sports organizations are investing in esports to reach new audiences.
• Both industries use digital platforms and interactive content to engage fans.
• Esports makes money through in-game purchases and streaming, while sports rely on TV deals and sponsorships.
• Esports attracts a younger, tech-savvy audience compared to traditional sports.
• Merging esports with traditional sports is challenging due to different structures and fan expectations.
• The gap between sports and esports is shrinking, creating new entertainment opportunities.

For the full discussion, here’s the video:

Esports Recognition and Development

Over the years, esports has gained significant recognition. It has moved beyond casual gaming into an organized and competitive industry. Governments, educational institutions, and major sports organizations are increasingly acknowledging its legitimacy. 

Here are 10 major milestones in esports recognition and development:

1. The Korean e-Sports Association was founded in 2000 (13), playing a key role in regulating and promoting esports in South Korea.
2. The International e-Sports Federation was formed in 2008 and now includes over 140 member countries. (14)
3. The rise of online streaming media platforms in the late 2000s helped drive mass participation and viewership in esports tournaments.
4. The Games and Amusements Board of the Philippines began issuing athletic licenses to esports players in July 2017. (15)
5. Academic research has led to esports scholarships. Universities and colleges have formed esports teams and degree programs focused on esports management.
6. ‘Franchise system’ has become popular for structured leagues like the Overwatch League.
7. The promotion and relegation system in esports leagues has allowed teams to move between tiers based on performance.
8. The 2022 Commonwealth Games included esports competitions as a pilot event. (16)
9. The formation of major esports teams such as Team Liquid, Fnatic, Cloud9, and T1 has contributed to the growth of the esports industry.
10. The International Olympic Committee announced the inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Economic Impact of Esports

With the rapid expansion of the video game industry, companies and investors have poured resources into:

• Esports sponsorships
• Esports advertising
• Large-scale esports tournaments

Brands now see professional esports teams as valuable marketing assets. This leads to high-profile sponsorship deals and increased investment in competitive gaming.

The rise of dedicated esports arenas has further fueled industry growth, driving demand for infrastructure and venue development. These large-scale esports events attract massive in-person and online audiences, generating significant revenue through ticket sales and streaming rights. 

Beyond direct revenue, esports has also created thousands of jobs across different fields. 

For instance, job opportunities in the esports industry grew by 185.74% in 2019. (17)

Event organizers, coaches, analysts, marketing professionals, and content creators all contribute to this expanding industry.

Universities have also taken notice, offering esports scholarships and academic programs focused on esports event management and game development. 

With such massive growth, it’s clear that the economic impact of esports is set to double in the future. 

Societal and Cultural Influence of Esports

The rise of competitive gaming has made esports a dominant force among younger generations. Titles like ‘League of Legends’ and other major franchises have created massive international gaming communities.

Online esports tournament platforms have played a key role in this, allowing fans to connect, share strategies, and engage with their favorite teams and players.

Esports in Mainstream Media

Mainstream media has also embraced esports, with growing coverage in news outlets.

The recognition of esports in major competitions (check out esports events 2025!) has helped change the perception of gaming from a casual pastime to a serious competitive field. 

Women in Esports: Changing the Landscape

Despite its popularity, esports still faces challenges regarding diversity. This rings true, especially when it comes to female esports players and influencers.

However, the tide is quickly changing in that regard too.

The number of female gamers increased significantly (by 70%) from 18 million to 30.3 million between 2011 and 2014. (18)

This has led to a massive growth in female esports influencers, who utilize Twitch, Discord, and Youtube to monetize their gaming capabilities. 

Yet, high-level esports competitions still lacked female representation. 

However, that has also changed in recent esports tournaments (like the Esports World Cup 2024), where women were allowed to compete in women-only divisions.

The Career Lifespan of Esports Players

Another unique aspect of esports culture is the career lifespan of players. 

Many video game players retire in their mid-20s due to the intense physical and mental demands of competition. (19)

Sure, esports may not require traditional athleticism. However, several players have started detailed esports training programs to strengthen their mental conditioning and strategic preparation. 

This process has helped notable esports players (like Lee Faker) to stay at the top of their game for a longer time. It also means that the career lifespan of esports players will likely increase in the future. 

Physical and Mental Demands from Esports Athletes

Esports athletes have to cope with various physical and mental demands. Let’s look at the most important ones that help us settle this debate on ‘Is esports a sport?’:

1. Cognitive Challenges of Esports

Esports athletes need high concentration, strategic planning, and the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. 

Unlike casual playing video games, professional esports competitors must process information in milliseconds and react instantly.

Esports training has shown similarities to the mental toughness observed in Olympic athletes (20). This level of mental endurance is what separates top-tier players from the rest.

2. Motor Skills and Precision

Speed and accuracy are key in competitive video gaming. 

Esports athletes must have precise hand-eye coordination and fast reflexes to outplay opponents. Whether it's a fighting game, a strategy-based MOBA, or an FPS game, every action must be calculated and immediate.

3. Physical Health Challenges

Even though electronic sports take place in a digital space, physical health matters. 

Long hours of practice can lead to strain injuries, like wrist and back pain. Many esports teams now include physical fitness routines in their training to stay competitive.

A healthy body supports a sharper mind, leading to better in-game performance.

Future of Esports as a Sport

The future of esports is bright. But getting recognized as a ‘sport’ globally won’t be easy. The challenges will continue, as well as the debate on ‘Is esports a sport?’. 

But some things that we can expect for sure are:

Technology Will Change the Game

The future of electronic sports is evolving fast. Virtual reality and AI-powered analytics are making competitive video gaming (as well as traditional sports) more immersive. 

These innovations might soon blur the line between traditional and digital sports.

Standardized Rules and Player Rights 

As most esports tournaments grow, there’s a push for stronger policies. Organizations are working on standardized rules, better player rights, and ethical guidelines to ensure fair play. 

This will help esports athletes have more structured careers, similar to traditional sports.

Bright Road Ahead

With more investments, better training, and improved regulations, esports athletes have a promising future. 

The industry will continue expanding, bringing new opportunities for players, teams, and fans worldwide.

So, Is Esports a Sport or Not?

Whether esports is a sport or not depends on personal opinion, but it does share many traits of traditional sports.

Esports needs skill, strategy, and competition, just like any other sport. Esports athletes must have quick thinking and fast reactions, similar to traditional athletes.

Furthermore, Esports is recognized by many organizations around the world. It has been part of professional leagues, big tournaments, and has millions of fans. 

The competitions are well-organized, with large prize money on offer and serious training routines.

All of this makes esports a real sport.

So, even though some people might still debate it, esports fits the definition of a sport today.

On a parting note, let’s look at what one of the leading esports authorities has to say regarding this topic:

“Esports is a thing that people should embrace, it's not a childish thing. It's a hobby - a way that people like to spend their free time or express their creative outlets or competitiveness just like with any other hobby.”

• Ralf Reichert (CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation, Former CEO of Electronic Sports League)

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References: 

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Impact of Video Games on Cognitive Development 
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Mental Health in Esports Athletes 
3. Official Launch of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) 
4. Russia Recognizes Esports as an Official Sport
5. P Visa for Esports Professionals – Wikipedia
6. Inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh (2027) – International Olympic Committee (IOC)
7. Health and Wellbeing Guidelines for Esports Athletes – British Esports Association
8. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - The Psychological Impact of Competitive Gaming
9. Esports Earnings – Tournaments Database 
10. Should Esports Be Considered a Sport? – European Esports Association (EUSA)
11. Gamers Shed 'Nerd' Stereotype – NBC News
12. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Mental Health Challenges for Esports Athletes
13. Esports in Korea – International Esports Federation (IESF)
14. About the International Esports Federation (IESF) 
15. The Philippines' New Athletes: Esports Gamers – ABS-CBN
16. Esports in the Commonwealth Games – BBC Sport
17. Esports Jobs Growth (2019) – Esports Insider
18. More Women Play Video Games Than Boys – The Washington Post
19. Esports Age and Retirement – The Washington Post
20. The Impact of Esports on Mental Health – ScienceDaily‍
21. Global Recognition of Esports and Regulations Worldwide – The Law Tree