Esports’ Dark Side: The High Cost of Staying on Top

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Asad Kashif

At Tech4Gamers, I work as a guides expert. My role involves writing about solving different gaming and tech-related topics that pique my interest and that I believe more people should know about. This position allows me to share my insights and discoveries with a broader audience, enriching their gaming experiences with the unique perspectives I bring.

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Esports which was once just a pass-time has now become a global phenomenon. The multi-million-dollar industry has professional gamers that have achieved celebrity level status and lucrative sponsorships through competitive gaming.

However, despite all the glitz and glamor behind it all lies a grueling and often unforgiving world only those in the business would know. The way to the top is full of relentless competition, physical and mental exhaustion, and constant pressure to perform.

It all may seem like they have it easy, I mean playing games for a living who doesn’t want that? But it’s not as easy as it seems. Let’s dive straight into the struggles that esports athletes face and the sacrifices they have to make to stay on top. 

Mental and Physical Strain

The esports industry with a net worth of over 1.8 billion is a hellscape for gamers. While gaming is often considered a fun activity, professional esports players endure intense mental and physical demands. 

Hours of practice lead to issues such as the carpel tunnel syndrome, eyestrains and chronic fatigue. To add to this, the pressure to perform in high-stakes tournaments can result in anxiety, burnout and even depression. The need to stay ahead forces players into intense practice schedules which often come at the cost of their own well-being.

Toxicity and Burnout

The esports community while passionate can also sometimes be toxic. Online harassment, cyber bullying and criticism from fans as well as fellow competitors is common. This creates the breeding ground for stress and negativity. All these factors combined can take a toll on mental well-being making it difficult for players to stay focused and motivated.

Burnout is a serious issue in esports with many players experiencing fatigue, anxiety and even early retirement as a result of the overwhelming demands of the industry. A single misplay can cost players an entire tournament and the fear of failure weighs heavily on players.

People argue that the high levels of competition that exists in esports has killed the fun of casual gameplay. It’s obvious that without proper support systems and work to life balance the dream of gaming professionally can quickly become a nightmare. 

The Short-Lived Career and Financial Instability

The average career span of esports players is shockingly short, often just around three to five years. As players age their reflexes slow down and its harder for them to keep up with younger players. The highest earning players in the esports are 24-year old’s who together generated around $49,721,728.81 as of March 2021. 

Unlike traditional sports players who have retirement plans and post career opportunities, esports players struggle with finances after their career ends. The average retirement age being 25 years old is also a reason why players find difficulty in future cash inflows from the industry.

Only a small percentage of the retiree’s secure sponsorship deals or transition into coaching, streaming or content creation. For the majority however, the dream of making it big in the industry ends with financial uncertainty and feel the need to restart their careers in a different field. 

Doping and Performance Enhancers

The desire to stay on top has led some players to use performance enhancing drugs, such as Adderall which is commonly used to enhance focus and boost reaction time. While organizations of the industry have started implementing anti-doping policies, enforcement remains inconsistent.

The temptation of using these substances still remains high, especially when the difference between winning and losing can mean millions of dollars. Many players fold under the desire to be victorious and succumb to such methods for better success, leading to long term addiction and unease. 

The Future of Esports: A Call for Change

Despite all challenges the esports industry continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. However, the industry must accept these stark realities and address them to ensure the wellbeing of its players. Only if managed correctly and if all similar issues are cleared only then esports can be a truly sustainable and rewarding career path.

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Asad Kashif

Heya, I’m Asad (Irre) Kashif! I’ve been writing about anything and everything since as far back as I can remember. Professionally, I started writing five years ago, working both as a ghostwriter and writing under my own name. As a published author and a council member in Orpheus, my journey in the world of writing has been fulfilling and dynamic.

I still cherish the essays I wrote about my favorite PS2 games, and I’m thrilled to have transformed my passion for game journalism into a career. I’m a theory crafter for Genshin Impact (and now Wuthering Waves)  and have a deep love for roguelites and roguelikes. While I prefer indie games for their distinct aesthetic and vibes, I do enjoy triple-A games occasionally. I’ve also been playing League since season 6, and I main Akali! I have a keen interest in discovering and playing more obscure games, as well as researching forgotten titles. Additionally, I am a front-end programmer who dabbles a bit in gamedev occasionally.