Esports Players

Citation

Hong HJ & Wünsch D (2024) Esports Players. In: Jenny SE, Bescombes N, Brock T, Cote AC & Scholz TM (eds.) Routledge Handbook of Esports. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003410591-19/esports-players-hee-jung-hong-dario-w%C3%BCnsch

Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the definitions of esports players at different levels, their motivations to engage in esports, the routines of professional players, and the expectations they have from their stakeholders (e.g., professional teams, sponsors, fans, etc.) that need to be managed while competing. The subsections on “Types and Levels of Esports Players,” “Motivation of Esports Players,” and “Support Needed for Esports Players” are based on existing research in the field of esports. The remaining sections, “Lifestyle of Esports Players” and “Expectations for Esports Players from Organizations,” draw upon firsthand experiences of the second author, a former professional esports player, offering in-depth insight into professional players’ careers. Readers of this chapter will gain appreciation for the critical factors in supporting the long-term career development and overall well-being of esports players. Key highlights include: (1) types and levels of esports players are defined, (2) motivations driving esports players’ engagement are explored, (3) routines and lifestyles of professional players are introduced, (4) expectations from stakeholders in the esports industry for professional players are identified, and (5) understanding esports players’ careers, as well as establishing a structured support system, are crucial for fostering player career development and promoting holistic well-being.