Is Esports a Legitimate (Olympic) Sport?

The world of athletics has a new contender: esports. Growing competitive video gaming with millions of viewers, lightning-fast reflexes, and million-dollar tournaments (Polyakova, Karagiorgos, Anagnostopoulos, & Alexandris, 2024). However, some people question if esports is a true sport and if it could become an Olympic sport. While traditional sports fans might picture teenagers lounging in basements, the reality of esports is more complex. South Korea recognizes esports as part of sports, affiliated with the Korean Olympic Committee, and Finland has a similar stance (Svensson, & Pargman, 2024). Let's explore the arena and weigh the arguments for and against esports' legitimacy.

PRO: The Case for Esports

·         Skill and Strategy: Esports demand exceptional hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and split-second decision-making. Top players train rigorously, honing their reflexes and mastering complex game mechanics. Studies have shown that esports can enhance cognitive skills like problem-solving (Sanchez, & Moore, 2022), decision making (Andersson, 2023) and memory (Imanian, Khatibi, Heydarinejad, Saemi, & Veisia, 2024). Just like traditional athletes, esports competitors dedicate themselves to physical and mental conditioning.

·         Organization and Competition: Esports boasts a sophisticated infrastructure, with organized leagues, professional teams, and international tournaments. The viewership numbers are staggering, with some esports titles rivaling traditional sports in popularity (Scholz, Scholz, & Barlow 2019). Sponsorships and lucrative prize pools make esports a viable career path, attracting dedicated athletes.

·         Mental and Physical Demands: Esports competition strains the body and mind immensely (Mondal, & Nithish, 2024).  Players endure long hours of practice, intense focus, and high-pressure situations. Studies suggest that esports athletes experience physiological responses similar to traditional athletes, including elevated heart rate and cortisol levels (Sanz-Matesanz, Gea-García, & Martínez-Aranda, 2023;.  Pakarinen, 2023; Shen, & Cicchella, 2023). The physical demands of maintaining peak performance shouldn't be underestimated. (Hong, & Connelly, 2022).

CON: The Case Against Esports

·         Lack of Physical Exertion: Traditional sports emphasize physical prowess. While esports require hand-eye coordination and agility, they don't involve the same level of athleticism as running a marathon or throwing a fastball. This is a significant point for purists who define sports by physical exertion (Parry, & Giesbrecht, 2023).  

·         Dependence on Technology: Esports rely on video games, which are intellectual property owned by private companies. This creates a layer of uncertainty compared to traditional sports governed by independent bodies. Additionally, game updates and balance changes can significantly impact the competitive landscape (Nyström, et al.,   2022).  

·         Accessibility and Barriers to Entry: While esports are becoming more inclusive, there are still barriers to entry. High-end equipment can be expensive, and the digital divide excludes those with limited internet access. This contrasts with traditional sports where basic equipment like a ball or jump rope might suffice (Trepanowski, Li, & Hamari, 2024).  

The Verdict: A Blurring of Lines

The debate about esports' legitimacy is ongoing. While it may not perfectly mirror traditional sports, esports share many core principles: competition, dedication, strategy, and mental and physical demands. As esports viewership and participation continue to grow, it's likely to gain further recognition as a legitimate sporting activity. Ultimately, the line between traditional and digital sports is blurring. Perhaps the most important factor is the dedication and passion of the athletes, regardless of the field they compete in.

Could esports become an Olympic event?

For esports to become an Olympic event, several challenges must be addressed. First, esports lacks a global governing body like traditional Olympic sports. Establishing a unified structure with regional and national branches would demonstrate organization and credibility to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Additionally, the selection of games is crucial. The IOC is concerned about violent content, so esports titles that simulate real-life sports (such as racing simulators) or emphasize strategy would be more likely contenders. Furthermore, games with lasting popularity and a proven track record would be favored, avoiding titles that lose popularity quickly and wouldn't fit the four-year Olympic cycle. Ensuring fair play through robust anti-doping measures, like traditional sports, is also important. Finally, captivating the audience, both physically present and virtual, is essential (Parry, & Giesbrecht, 2024). Making the competitive energy of esports an engaging live experience would be a key factor in its successful integration into the Olympic Games. The good news is that the IOC has already begun exploring esports' potential through initiatives like the Olympic Esports Series, suggesting a path toward formal inclusion in the future.

References

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Collis, W. (2020). The book of esports. Rosetta Books. 

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Imanian, M., Khatibi, A., Heydarinejad, S., Saemi, E., & Veisia, E. (2024). Effects of Electronic Sports on the Cognitive Skills of Attention, Working Memory, and Cognitive Flexibility.

Mondal, R., & Nithish, G. S. (2024). Integrated analysis of health dynamics in esports: injury profiles, intervention strategies, and health optimization protocols. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 11(6), 2484. DOI: 10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20241516

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