Exploring Esports: A Guide to Competitive Gaming for Kids

Here on Cultured Athlete, we pride ourselves in being comprehensive about kids sports. This being the year 2024, we would be remiss if we did not at least touch upon the concept of esports. The idea of video games being considered sport might not sit well with some parents, even now, but for many parents nowadays, video games are as much a part of their own youth as playing soccer or doing gymnastics.

The truth is, like it or love it, esports has exploded in popularity in recent years. It has evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon and has, in many ways, forced many people to rethink some of their preconceived notions about what makes a sport, a sport.

Once considered just a way for people to kill time in front of a screen, esports has transformed into a competitive industry with professional athletes, major tournaments, sponsorships, and even college scholarships. As a result, kids today are able to turn their interest in video games into something that can actually be good for them in the long-run.

Esports offer children more than just a fun opportunity to play their favorite games, it can also be a means of connecting with others, boosting their intelligence, honing their hand-eye-coordination, and yes, even paving the way towards a future career. In this guide, we will explore the world of esports for kids, talk about how competitive gaming works, and delve into the various skills involved in the sport itself. Finally, we will teach parents how their young gamers can get started on their esports journey.

What is Esports?

Esports, if you haven’t figured it out by now, is short for “electronic sports.” Esports competitions are organized, multiplayer video game competitions, where professional and semi-professional players play video games individually or as part of a team. Most parents are likely to be familiar with the concept of casual gaming, or playing video games for fun. This is how most children enjpy video games and it’s a perfectly healthy way to do so, within reason, of course.

If you’ll pardon the pun, esports takes gaming to the next level. Those who engage in esports are serious about competition and play for cash prizes, recognition, and sometimes even a spot on a pro team. There are many video games, old and new, that esports players engage with professionally, games like Fortnite, Starcraft, League of Legends, Minecraft, or Rocket League, to name a few.

Before you go and think that esports is basically just kids playing Mario Party at a professional level, it’s important that you understand why esports is so different from the traditional gaming that you are probably used to. Esports is different because it is structured around the esports events themselves; tournaments, leagues, and conventions where players from all over the world compete in front of audiences. These competitions can take place online or in live stadiums, in front of thousands of people!

And certainly, while esports is most commonly associated with video games, a rather “weak” hobby by many misinformed standards, it also incorporates strategy, teamwork, communication, and quick thinking—skills that will actually transfer quite well to other areas of life. In addition, the added competitive element and fairly high stakes mean that a successful esports player might make quite a bit of money and find serious success should they win.

The Growth of Esports

If you aren’t at all familiar with esports, don’t be embarrassed. The truth is that esports has grown rather rapidly over the past decade and wasn’t really even a “thing” before that. The past ten years, however, have attracted millions of viewers and new competitors to the industry. This rapid rise to prominence has meant that esports organizations can offer competitive prizes that sometimes rival those of traditional sports. Here’s a look at the key factors that have contributed to the growth of esports:

Major Tournaments and Prizes

Esports tournaments are now broadcast live on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and ESPN. Many of the largest events feature millions of dollars in prize money, with games like Dota 2, League of Legends, and Fortnite offering multi-million dollar prize pools. If that sounds like an awful lot of money for playing video games, don’t worry, it is, but that’s because esports is essentially a billion dollar industry! The thing is, esports are particularly skill-intensive, and competitors are rewarded for showcasing those skills live in front of millions of viewers, with some events even filling stadiums and arenas worldwide.

Streaming and Online Communities

Big events aren’t the only way that esports has found an audience in the past decade. Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube have given fans the chance to watch their favorite players live as they compete. Platforms like these also provide a way for gamers to build a community, interact with their fans and viewers, and even make money. That’s correct parents, your kid could make money playing video games! Moreover, the accessibility of these platforms has made it easier for anyone and everyone to get involved in esports, whether by watching, participating, or streaming their own games.

College Scholarships

Kids with particularly good gaming skills can even get college scholarships that will allow them to do so! In recent years, esports is becoming a viable path for students looking to pursue their college education. Many universities and colleges offer esports scholarships to students who excel at gaming. These scholarships are no different than those given to other talented athletes who play traditional sports. No matter the reasons behind it, these new educational opportunities give kids a tangible path to both improve their gaming skills and get a higher education.

Types of Esports Games

There are many different types of games played in the esports world, far too many for us to name them all in this one article. They range from action-packed battle royales to strategic multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. Nevertheless, we have added a brief breakdown of some of the most popular types of esports games for kids, in particular:

Battle Royale

• Examples: Fortnite, Apex Legends, PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds)
• Overview: In battle royale games, players usually compete to be the last one standing. These games often feature large maps where players must gather resources, fight against each other, and avoid getting eliminated. This type of gaming is fast-paced and requires players to be able to make quick decision, aim well, and have the ability to adapt to ever-changing situations.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

• Examples: League of Legends, Dota 2, Smite
• Overview: MOBAs are team-based games. In MOBA games, each player controls a character with unique abilities that all work together to destroy the opposing team’s base. At the same time, the team is also defending their own base as well. Since players need to work together to defeat the enemy team, strategy, communication, and teamwork are essential.

First-Person Shooters (FPS)

• Examples: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, Call of Duty
• Overview: Many parents with even a cursory amount of video game experience will know about first person shooters. Modern games are similar to Goldeneye, Doom, and Perfect Dark of our age, and like those old FPS-type games, modern shooters focus on shooting and combat. The reason they are called first person shooters is because players typically viewing the action from a first-person perspective. These games require precise aiming, reflexes, and the ability to think quickly under pressure. FPS games are also versatile, because they can be played individually or in teams, so players who are good at one or another can take advantage of their particular skillset.

Sports Simulation

• Examples: FIFA, NBA 2K, Madden NFL
• Overview: Sports games represent some of the very first popularized video games in the history of gaming. These games simulate real-world sports and allow players to compete in virtual versions of their favorite sports, like soccer, basketball, and football. Just like the traditional sports that they emulate, these games require strategy, team coordination, and a deep understanding of the game mechanics.

Racing Games

• Examples: Mario Kart, Rocket League, F1 2021
• Overview: Even the oldest parents reading this article will know about racing games. These arcade-like games involve players competing in virtual races, either alone or as a team. Speed, precision, and reflexes are critical for those who excel at racing games. Additionally, many racing games feature high-speed tracks, complex obstacles, and multiplayer modes.

Strategy Games

• Examples: StarCraft II, Hearthstone, Age of Empires
• Overview: Finally, we have strategy games, which are focused on resource management, planning, and tactics. These games usually run a bit longer than the previous ones and require a longer view of the game and world as a whole. Players must carefully build their resources and units while managing their forces to defeat the enemy. As such, strategy games require players to gave patience, foresight, and the ability to think several moves ahead or themselves and their competitors.

How Esports Competitions Work

Esports competitions are organized similarly to traditional sports, with players or teams competing against each other in a structured tournament or league format. Players play in Online or LAN tournaments, which can be held entirely online or gathered in the same location and on the same server, respectively. Other competitions have players working together or alone.

Skills Developed Through Esports

While playing video games may seem like trivial fun or non-athletic entertainment, competitive gaming can teach children a variety of important life skills.

Strategic Thinking

Esports requires players to think strategically, plan ahead, and make decisions under pressure. Esports players are often tasked with outsmarting their opponent or making a quick decision during a battle. In either case, esports helps kids develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that they can use in school, other sports, and their professional environment.

Hand-Eye Coordination

Like it or not, playing esports can significantly improve a child’s hand-eye coordination. Gamers need to react quickly to on-screen events, which necessitates excellent coordination between their hands (or controllers) and what they see.

Teamwork and Communication

Though not all games are team-based, there are many that are. In these situations, teamwork is an essential skill. Players must learn to communicate with their teammates, share information, and work together in order to win. This helps children to develop strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Focus and Concentration

To be successful in esports, young players must maintain an intense focus for long periods of time. This one is likely less ideal for parents who are trying to peel their kids away from the screen, but the fact it, this level of concentration has been shown to improves attention span. Therefore, cultivating this skill can help kids become more focused in other aspects of life, like schoolwork.

How to Get Started in Esports

If your child is interested in getting involved in esports, there are several ways that you can help them start their journey. Remember, it’s dangerous for them to go alone, so they should take these tips to get into the world of competitive gaming:

Choose the Right Game

Help your child find a game that they enjoy and are interested in, but also one that you approve of. We understand that many of the games played in esports are not necessarily appropriate for young children, so be sure that whatever you choose meets your scrutiny for content. Beyond that, it’s important to consider the types of games we discussed earlier—battle royale, strategy games, FPS, or sports simulation.

Practice Regularly

Like any sport, esports requires regular practice in order to see improvement. Encourage your child to play often, but remember to set healthy limits on screen time. That said, daily, regular practice will help them build up their skills, improve their game, and work toward competing at higher levels of play.

Join an Esports Team or Club

These days. many schools, community centers, and online platforms have esports teams or clubs for kids to join. Being part of a team is a great way for kids to develop teamwork and communication skills while making new friends and competing against others. Local ones also offer kids a chance for more social interaction beyond the confines of a screen.

Watch and Learn from Pros

As with basketball, football, and other professional sports, there are plenty of professional gamers out there that you and your children catch watch together. Watching professional esports players is a great way for your kid to learn new techniques, strategies, and game tactics. Also, it’s important to note that many pros stream their matches on platforms like Twitch, where aspiring players like your child can learn from seening their gameplay.

Cultured Athlete Says…

We hope that we have given you much to consider on the topic of esports. This rapidly growing world is one where kids can compete, have fun, and develop important life skills, in the same ways they would if they played traditional sports. From improving strategic thinking to building teamwork and communication, the benefits of esports extend far beyond the screen and can lead your child all the way up to the boss level that is their future career!