eSports: Digital Games and Its Future From the Traditional Athletes’ and eSports Players’ Perspectives

Background Discussions regarding the classification of eSports as a sport are still ongoing, primarily due to the distinctive features that differentiate them from traditional sports. Purpose This study seeks to comparatively explore the perspectives of athletes on digital games and eSports with the goal of shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities of eSports as a professional career. Method This study seeks to comparatively explore the perspectives of athletes on digital games and eSports. To this end, the phenomenology model was employed in a qualitative study involving seven elite eSports players and eight elite basketball players. Focus group interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed to analyze the resulting data. Results Participants’ viewpoints were examined across six themes, including the reasons for initiating their career, familial and environmental support, their perspectives on eSports, society’s perspective on eSports, the impact of eSports on health, and the future of eSports. Discussion and Conclusion The majority of participants viewed eSports as a sport and expressed optimism about its future. Despite acknowledging concerns about the public’s negative perception of eSports due to inadequate knowledge and health concerns, participants remained optimistic about its prospects.