HERE in Pembrokeshire we take sport seriously! Whether its supporting local teams as they advance through country leagues or following the ins and outs of national leagues, there’s a real appetite for sports and sports coverage. While disciplines like football and rugby are still upheld as examples of traditional sporting pursuits, a new discipline has emerged in recent years that is bringing into question just what sports are in the digital era. 

eSports, short for electronic sports, is a burgeoning sector of the gaming industry and a hot topic of debate right now. As digital gaming takes centre stage and professional players are participating in elite-level competitive tournaments, the boundaries between physical sporting pursuits and those that are largely mental are becoming increasingly blurred. So, is video gaming really a sport? Let’s find out.  

An Introduction to eSports

The origins of eSports, short for ‘electronic sports’, can actually be traced back to the early days of the video gaming industry. Even before 21st century innovations catapulted the sector to the world’s stage, avid gamers were travelling on a national basis to participate in in-person video gaming tournaments and events. The term itself emerged during the late 1990s and, as gaming tech became more advanced, eSports would quickly gain momentum. 

Several key events have played a pivotal role in shaping the diverse landscape of competitive gaming. The advent of high-speed internet, cutting-edge PC technology and, of course, the constant development of groundbreaking video games since the early 2000s has launched pro gaming into the mainstream. Meanwhile, titles like League of Legends, StarCraft II and Dota 2 have emerged, providing digital realms for elite-level players to showcase their skills to a global audience.

eSports is now worth somewhere in the region of $1.9 billion and it’s an ecosystem that, much like football, encompasses international tournaments, dedicated leagues, live-streamed competitions, star players and big brands keen to sponsor household names. It is worth noting that electronic sports is actually well connected with the more established mindsports sector. Playing mentally challenging games at a professional, competitive level isn’t limited only to the digital landscape, organised mindsports events have been taking place for decades. 

The Mind Sports Olympiad is just one of many international events offering competition in a vast range of “games for mental skill”, such as chess, bridge, draughts, backgammon and Othello. More recently, the classic card game poker has been added to the list of recognised mindsports, possibly in recognition of the fact that it’s now became a lot more accessible to adult gamers thanks to the numerous ways to learn and participate in the game remotely via operators like PokerStars. In fact, the digitalisation of poker has even led many within the gaming industry to unofficially declare it an eSport, particularly since several notable eSports champions are also successful poker players. 

Pro Gamers are Athletes Too 

Speaking of eSports players, it’s all too easy to assume that the life of a pro gamer is a lot less taxing than a Six Nations rugby player or even a professional snooker player. In truth, however, professional-level gamers are athletes and follow training and performance schedules that are just as packed as those competing in physical sports. 

Sure, gamers aren’t exactly sprinting down a football pitch, but  the demands of competitive gaming require a unique skillset that takes discipline to accrue. Professional gamers must maintain mental acuity, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking — all of which are crucial elements of traditional sports, too.

Staying “in shape” for eSports involves rigorous practice schedules, strategic analysis of opponents and maintaining peak cognitive performance. Nutrition, exercise, and mental wellbeing are all integral to a gamer’s success, especially since the top-ranking players regularly need to travel to attend international championships like The International or the League of Legends World Championships. 

Does Categorisation Matter?

While nothing will ever take the place of in-person, physical sports events, we are living in an increasingly digitalised world and the roaring success of eSports proves changing tastes of each new generation. Ultimately, what are the attributes that truly define what’s considered a competitive sport? Is it physically, mental prowess or audience engagement? In an era where virtual arenas can draw in millions of viewers and professional gamers become household names, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate traditional definitions. 

One thing that is certain, however, is that pro gamers deserve the same respect and recognition for their dedication, skill and passion as athletes and sports players. Whether video gaming is truly a sport, or if gamers are considered athletes or not, there’s no denying the cultural impact of the former or the commitment of pro and budding eSports players.