the defuse

Has the validity of any other pastime been questioned as much as watching esports?

“Esports is not a real sport.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that one. I think out of all the ridicule I’ve faced for being an enjoyer of esports, this statement is the most ludicrous. No one has ever sat down and claimed that esports is the same as basketball or football.

That being said — esports are a lot more similar to physical sports than one might think.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a sport as “a game, competition, or activity needing physical effort and skill that is played or done according to rules for enjoyment and/or as a job.”

The key components to a sport are as following: the requirement of physical skill or prowess, competition, rules and structure, and organization.

You could argue that esports are digital and thus not much physical ability is required. I’d argue that reaction time, hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, dexterity stamina, and endurance are all physical factors and required for esports. Esport players put their bodies on the line like any other athlete. Perhaps not to the same extent, but tendinitis, RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis, etc. are all common conditions that esports players suffer from.

“But that’s not the same thing!” Of course it’s not, just as sports and esports aren’t the same. However, it is said that the word “sport” comes from the Old French word “disport” or “desporter” which means to divert or carry away the mind from serious matters. The original term applied to any form of entertainment or amusement, which is exactly what esports is.

But I’m not here to debate on the validity of esports being a sport or whether the name is appropriate — I am simply tired of having to defend my interest and passion.

“Why not just play the game yourself?”

Well, I do. But I simply don’t have the time, the dedication, nor the physicality to play the game at such a high level. The skill ceiling for certain titles can be so high that even the top 1% of the player base cannot compete on the same level as professionals. And with rotating meta and team roster changes, something familiar can still become something new and exciting.

I can cook but I still enjoy eating at restaurants. I can draw but I still purchase art from other artists. Sometimes you accept that there is a level of mastery that is unobtainable, especially for the average person. And sometimes you simply enjoy watching someone be better than you.

The level of skill expression, dedication, and teamwork is entertaining, in the same way one might find football or basketball entertaining.

“But why spend money on it when you can watch online for free?”

The simple answer is that I believe people should be paid for their services and entertainment is just as valid as any other. The players, casters, analysts, hosts, etc all contribute to making the broadcast exciting and enjoyable to watch — not to mention all the staff behind the scenes. All of them deserve to get compensated. The other reason is because there is so much joy in participation in a community, regardless if it is financial contribution or otherwise. Just as any sports fan might want to wear a jersey to show support for the team, I also enjoy wearing mine. Same goes with other merchandise, or spending money on tickets to live events. Is it cringe? Maybe. Is it capitalistic consumption? Most definitely. But in a world where AI and automation is on the rise, esports is one of the remaining industries that cannot be outdone by robots. There are real players behind the screens — real human beings that deserve pay just like anyone else.

Maybe one day I’ll grow out of it, but nothing will erase the places I’ve been, the friends I’ve met, and the memories I’ve made all thanks to esports. Yes, esports is that serious to me, and I hope every person in this world finds a passion they can be equally excited about as I am mine.