Competitive video gaming, or esports, is a burgeoning industry with an estimated worth of $1.87bn by 2025. Euan Ingram is just one of millions of gamers who have managed to make some decent money playing competitively in esports tournaments. Despite initially only winning £250 when he first started playing Rocket League, Ingram ended up earning roughly £40,000, although his financial struggles at times impacted his mental health.
Now head of performance at Resolve, an esports brand, Ingram coaches professional video gamers to ensure they are physically and mentally fit, take sufficient time for rest and relaxation, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ingram believes the esports industry in Wales has a bright future, with potential for a global audience.
John Jackson, CEO of Esports Wales, is keen to see a major esports event held in Wales, potentially at Swansea Arena or Wrexham’s stadium. Recent informal talks have taken place about hosting the eChampions League final or the European Championships. With Esports Wales now a full member of the European Esports Federation, the esports industry in Wales looks set to grow considerably.
Esports is becoming increasingly popular in schools and colleges. Schools across Wales have begun incorporating esports into their curricula, while Marcus Rashford has even thrown his support behind the Sport England-backed initiative to help fund A-level courses in esports. As the industry grows, there is a range of careers available, from event management, branding, and marketing, to video editing and streaming.
For gamers like Lowri, esports provides a sense of community and a competitive outlet. She discovered it during the pandemic and has competed in several tournaments. Esports lecturer Kiran Jones insists it is more than just gaming, and ensures his students maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced approach to their gaming careers. As the esports industry continues to flourish, Wales is positioning itself to be a major player in this burgeoning industry
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More