Esports is not just the future of play—it’s the future of possibility
- Gabriel Chan
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
By Gabriel Q. Chan, Director, Brand & Communications, Global Esports Federation
Let’s start with the obvious: esports is often misunderstood.
For many, it still conjures images of kids glued to screens. Some question whether it’s even a sport. Others worry about disconnection, or whether esports can lead to anything meaningful. But that stereotype—like floppy disks and dial-up—is long outdated.
Here’s the truth: esports today is a dynamic, fast-growing global movement, redefining how young people learn, connect, compete, and dream. It’s more than playing games—it’s a launchpad for opportunity.
The esports industry has exploded over the past decades, becoming a multi-billion-dollar global economy. But this isn’t just about dollars and downloads. Across continents, esports is emerging as a powerful cultural force, engaging millions not just as players but as creators, collaborators, and future leaders.
Esports is among the most inclusive and accessible ways for young people to build skills and communities, transcending borders and backgrounds. It’s a space where people of different races, genders, and economic situations can participate and excel, whether from mobile phones in rural towns or gaming rigs in city centers.
Far from isolating youth, gaming helps them navigate a connected world. During the pandemic, games became a social lifeline—keeping friends and families close, providing joy, and fostering belonging when it was needed most.
The esports ecosystem is vast. Yes, elite players are competing in major titles like League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, or Rocket League. But behind the scenes are production teams, strategists, marketers, and designers, collaborating to bring it all to life. It’s where creativity meets technical skills—and passion meets purpose.
At international events like the Pan American Esports Championships, held alongside the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, that scale comes to life. Over 120 athletes from 25 countries competed in global titles like Dota 2 and eFootball™ 2024, while 40,000 fans filled the National Stadium Park, and millions more tuned in online. Another 30,000 visitors explored the vibrant GEFestival surrounding the competition. Even Olympic leaders took note, with IOC President Thomas Bach making a special appearance. This is not just cultural relevance—it’s historic momentum.
The Global Esports Federation’s annual flagship Global Esports Games further amplifies this momentum, welcoming athletes from over 100 countries each year—not just to compete, but to share stories, cultures, and experiences.
In Singapore, more than 100 students gained hands-on experience organizing the inaugural Global Esports Games in 2021. Their journey wasn’t just about gaming—it was about leadership, collaboration, and contributing to a global event, preparing for the future. Similar stories have emerged from the Games in Istanbul, Riyadh, and beyond, where young people have shaped esports from behind the scenes.
Major international tournaments like The International and the League of Legends World Championship draw massive stadium crowds and online audiences, proving that esports now rivals traditional sports in scale and passion. These aren’t fringe gatherings—they’re headline acts in a digitally connected world.
And esports isn’t just about competition. It’s a platform for creativity, innovation, and well-being. At the UNESCO “Fit For Life Day” at the Pan American Esports Championships, over 400 students joined a celebration of wellness, inclusion, and community, featuring Chilean volleyball stars Marco Alfonso Grimalt Krough and Esteban Grimalt Fuster. Their message? That physical and digital lives can—and should—complement each other.
Dr. Melita N. Moore, Chair of Global Esports Federation Coordination Commission, highlights this holistic perspective, “Esports has a unique opportunity to blend physical wellness with digital engagement. We want to make sure that players and communities aren’t just successful in the game but thriving in life.” As a pioneering physician who bridges elite sports, esports, and health innovation, Dr. Moore’s insights reinforce how well-being is integral to esports’ future.
Then there are the individual stories—the ones that truly illustrate this movement. Josselyn Abusabal from Peru began as an amateur Dota 2 player and went on to win international medals, represent her country on multiple stages, speak at the United Nations as a Global Esports Federation ambassador, and work with an international brand—proof that gaming sparks real-life success. Or Monik Correa Bisoni from Brazil, who rose from the Global Esports Federation’s Champions Circle to win Best Esports Athlete Award at the Panam Sports Awards 2023.
Still, the question remains: is esports a “real” sport?
While the competition may look different from traditional sports, the fundamentals—discipline, skills, determination, preparation, focus, teamwork, strategy, mental resilience, and many other qualities—are the same. Professional players train for hours daily, often supported by nutritionists, psychologists, and fitness coaches. The lifestyle is far more active, intentional, and structured than most assume.
Esports events are also economic drivers, drawing tourism and global attention to host cities. They’re shaping conversations about digital literacy, wellness, innovation, and the future of education—helping define what the “future of youth” looks like.
This isn’t about replacing traditional sports or redefining competition. It’s about widening the field of play—giving young people more ways to connect, grow, and thrive on their own terms.
So, let’s move beyond the myths and the outdated headlines. The next time someone says esports is “just kids playing games,” tell them it’s young people building futures.
And they’re doing it—together—one game at a time.
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