The global e-sports audience reached 443 million people with $1.1bn revenues in 2019, according to a report by Newzoo. Some of the world’s best-known brands, including Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz, have invested in e-sports, but the sector is still criticised for lacking the athleticism and physicality of traditional sports or being a waste of time. However, some gamers and e-sports enthusiasts are challenging stereotypes and promoting the benefits of gaming. Justine Channel, Reece ‘Sabrewoif’ Riley and Alex ‘Goldenboy’ Mendez are breaking down barriers and building communities, educating others and encouraging a wider acceptance of e-sports.
Meet the Gamers Changing the Perception of E-Sports
The Rise of E-Sports
E-sports, or competitive video gaming, have experienced a meteoric rise over the past few years. Once considered a niche hobby, a recent report by Newzoo estimated that in 2019, the global e-sports audience reached 443 million people, with revenues of $1.1 billion. E-sports events now draw enormous crowds, and some of the world’s best-known brands, such as Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz, have invested in the industry.
However, despite its success, e-sports still faces criticism from some quarters. Some commentators argue that it is not a ‘real’ sport and lacks the athleticism and physicality of traditional sports. Others suggest that it is little more than a waste of time, with players spending countless hours in front of screens rather than engaging in more productive activities.
Challenging Stereotypes
However, a growing number of gamers and e-sports enthusiasts are working to change these perceptions. These individuals are challenging stereotypes and demonstrating that e-sports are more than just mindless entertainment.
One such individual is Justine Channel, a 25-year-old Korean-American gamer who is breaking down barriers in the male-dominated world of e-sports. Justine, who goes by the online name ‘iGXc,’ has competed in numerous e-sports tournaments and has built a following on Twitch, a popular streaming platform.
Justine believes that e-sports have the potential to become a mainstream activity, with teams and players becoming household names. She argues that, like any other sport or profession, e-sports require dedication, hard work, and discipline. “People think that e-sports are just a bunch of kids playing video games, but it’s so much more than that,” she says.
Building Communities
Another gamer changing perceptions is Reece ‘Sabrewoif’ Riley, an Australian gamer who has used e-sports to build a community of like-minded individuals. Reece, who is deaf, has been playing video games since he was a child and feels that e-sports have given him a sense of purpose and belonging.
Reece has competed in numerous e-sports tournaments and has even represented Australia in the Deaflympics, an international multi-sport event for deaf athletes. However, he sees his greatest achievement as the community he has built around his gaming. “E-sports have given me the chance to connect with people from all over the world who share my passion,” he says.
Educational Benefits
E-sports may also have educational benefits, according to Alex ‘Goldenboy’ Mendez, a prominent e-sports commentator and host. Alex argues that e-sports can teach valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking.
“These are skills that are highly valued in the workplace,” he says. “And because e-sports are such a rapidly growing industry, there are opportunities for young people to turn their passion into a career.”
Alex believes that the negative perceptions of e-sports are slowly changing as more people become aware of the benefits it can offer. “The more people that engage in e-sports and see the positive impact it can have, the more it will become accepted by society.”
The Future of E-Sports
With its rapidly growing audience and increasing revenues, it’s clear that e-sports are here to stay. However, to ensure its continued success, the industry needs to work to change negative perceptions and promote the positive benefits of gaming.
Fortunately, individuals like Justine, Reece, and Alex are leading the way, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating the potential of e-sports to change lives. As they and others continue to build communities, educate others, and promote the benefits of e-sports, it’s likely that perceptions will continue to shift, and e-sports will become more mainstream than ever before.