Explore the world of esports
Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competitive video gaming where players compete against each other in organized tournaments and leagues.
What is esports?
Leveling up your skills and development.
An esports athlete, like any athlete, requires a combination of physical and mental skills to perform at a high level. Some of the key skills and development areas for an esports athlete include:
Game knowledge
and strategy
Esports athletes require game expertise, including characters, maps, mechanics, competitive scene, and strategies.
Technical Skills
Strong technical skills are required to be able to optimize their equipment settings, troubleshoot technical issues and be able to adapt to new technology.
Hand-eye
coordination
Excellent hand-eye coordination is crucial for players to react quickly to on-screen action and execute complex maneuvers.
Teamwork
Athletes need to be able to work well in a team, being able to coordinate with teammates, and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Mental Toughness
Esports athletes require mental toughness to handle competition pressure and stay focused during long gaming sessions.
Time Management
Good time management skills are a must in order to balance their training and competition schedule with other commitments such as school or work.
Communication
Strong communication skills are a must for esports athletes in order to effectively communicate with teammates and coaches
Physical Health
Athletes need to maintain good physical health in order to perform at a high level. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
To develop these skills, esports athletes typically engage in regular practice, training sessions, and competition. They may also work with coaches, trainers, and other professionals to improve their skills and performance in programs like the Dubuque Esports League.
Structured esports programs connect skills...
"Esports players not only learn about team building, communication, and leadership skills, but studies show that students who are part of structured esports programs connect these skills in other areas of their lives, including their efforts in school and how they value school. Studies have shown an increase in school effort by 74% and school belonging by 61% for those that participate on a team."
Connected Learning Lab, NASEF Report on Student Motivation in League Play
Esports by the numbers
13,000+ high schools have an esports team and 200+ colleges are offering esports scholarships.
Super Bowl LI was watched by 111 million fans as the League of Legends Worlds reached 360 million viewers.
Esports allows youth to explore careers in technology. Approximately 50% of esports athletes go into a STEM-based field.
All military branches have a formal esports program endorsed by the Department of Defense.
Everyone can play esports. There are over 400 million gamers across the world with disabilities.
95% of tweens, teens, and young adults play video games in some capacity.
FAQs
How are esports different from traditional sports?
Esports differ from traditional sports because they are played on electronic devices and don’t involve physical exertion. However, like traditional sports, esports requires skill, strategy, and teamwork and are often played in front of live audiences.
How do players make money in esports?
Players can make money through tournament winnings, sponsorships, and streaming. Some professional players also earn a salary from their team.
Are there any age restrictions in esports?
There are no set age restrictions for esports. However, some tournaments and leagues may have age requirements.
Is esports considered a sport?
Esports has been considered as a sport by many organizations and governing bodies, such as the International Olympic Committee. It requires similar skills, dedication, and training as traditional sports.
Can anyone play esports professionally?
While anyone can play esports, becoming a professional player requires a high level of skill, dedication, and training. It’s a highly competitive field, and only a small percentage of players make it to the professional level.
Is esports safe?
Esports is generally considered to be safe, but players should take breaks and stretch to avoid repetitive stress injuries, and also maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure they perform well.
What are the most popular esports games?
Some of the most popular esports games include League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, and Fortnite.
What are the physcial requirements for esports?
Unlike traditional sports, esports do not require a high level of physical exertion. However, players should maintain good physical health to perform at their best. You will find that some of the best esports athletes have great physical endurance and strength.
How do you spell esports?
The AP indicated for the AP Style Guide, the correct spelling is “esports” due to “industry trends and general usage” and capitalized as “Esports” if used at the beginning of a sentence.
Benefits of Esports
Improved self-esteem.
Better hand-eye coordination.
Enhanced visual-spatial reasoning.
Improved eyesight (with protective lenses).
Meaningful social interaction for students who would otherwise be playing at home.
Increased graduation rates and learning outcomes through participation in extracurricular activities.
Scholarship and travel opportunities.
Career pathways.
and so much more...