On The Crosshairs: Can Schools Recognize Electronic Gaming As A Legitimate Sport?

Ask any “traditional” parent and they will scorn at the thought of their children entering the world of esports. In fact, they will even scold them for playing excessively. It's not hard to imagine their reaction if their son or daughter spend eight hours or more in front of the computer.

Times are changing, though. Today, electronic gaming is one of the world's top industries, and it is estimated to hit the $1 billion revenue mark this year. Top players like Saahil Arora, also known as Dota 2's Universe; and Kuro Takhasomi, aka KuroKy; are earning millions of dollars for just playing video games.

With its unlimited potential, esports is now on the verge of a revolution and is slowly – but surely – penetrating colleges. According to an article published by NBC News, around 200 colleges in the United States have offered a whopping $16 million in esports scholarships. It's one of the many lures schools are making to entice teams to enroll with them. By this, the institution will see a boost in the number of enrolled students while at the same time, “keep up with the latest tech-industry trend.”

As an example, the source articulated the experience of Stan Murray. Stan was just one of the many fathers out there who wasn't so sure when his son, Jeremy, joined the Francis Howell Central High School esports club. Back then, Stan regarded esports as a pastime of sorts, and not something that his son would consider doing full-time.

But when Jeremy's Overwatch team was offered $400,000 in scholarships to play in college, it changed his mind completely. From that time on, he was “calling video gaming a sport,” much like basketball, football or athletics.

“Every now and then, I actually make Jeremy play for a couple of hours so he doesn't lose his abilities,” he said, as he described himself to be the “typical sports dad.”

But not all are in favor of having electronic gaming as part of a school's sports list. Athletic associations have recognized its potential, yes, but they still have a lot of questions. Esports companies on the other hand, have a different approach. Some of them have started helping schools in setting up gaming facilities, organize tournaments and “connects students with college recruiters.”

If one looks at it from another perspective, it is one way of developing talents from the grassroots level. They start at the bottom, nurture a player's talent and direct them to the best possible school that could improve his talent more. Eventually, both the player and the school can see themselves on a major tournament.

But the question still remains. Can the education community consider video gaming as a sport?

Missouri sports and activities association associate executive director Stacy Schroeder is not worried about the scholarship that other schools are offering to potential players, but thinks that it is still their priority to instill to kids essential “life skills to become good citizens.”

One also cannot discount the fact that playing video games for hours on end lacks physical effort. This fact alone can be considered as the ultimate stumbling block that hinders electronic gaming from being recognized as a legitimate sport.

Michigan athletics association director for brand management Andy Frushour said that eports may have some similarities as traditional sports like uniforms, representing their school and going to practice, but some people still question if it is “athletics.”

“They see these games that don't look like the ones they grew up playing. With something so new, for an association like ours to move forward takes time,” he said.