Esports — The future of opportunity

Borneo Post

04-06-2025

Esports today is a dynamic global movement that redefines how young people learn, connect, compete, and dream. — Bernama photo
ESPORTS is the fastest-growing sport globally, with the industry evolving into a multi-billion-dollar global economy over the past few decades.
Though many consider esports a recent phenomenon, its roots trace back to the 1970s through arcade game competitions.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of broadband Internet, propelling esports from local arcades into the global spotlight.
This shift enabled players to transition from casual gamers to international competitors.
Esports' exponential growth has been fuelled by high-speed Internet, advancements in gaming hardware and software, and widespread accessibility – allowing players to compete and fans to watch from virtually anywhere in the world.
Today, esports players compete in local and international tournaments, with prize pools in major events often surpassing those of traditional sports competitions.
Esports has emerged as a powerful cultural force, engaging millions – not only as players, but also as creators, collaborators, and future leaders.
Still, scepticism remains. Many question whether esports qualifies as a 'real' sport due to its lack of physical exertion.
Like chess, esports may not align with traditional definitions that emphasise strength, speed, and endurance.
However, competition is not solely about physicality. Strategy, mental endurance, and skill are also key – traits that define esports and chess alike.
Despite their differences in format, esports and traditional sports share fundamental values: discipline, preparation, focus, teamwork, strategy, and mental resilience.
Professional players often train for hours daily, supported by nutritionists, psychologists, and fitness coaches – leading lifestyles far more structured and intentional than many assume.
Major international events like 'The International' and the 'League of Legends World Championship' draw massive crowds, both in stadiums and online.
These are no longer niche gatherings; they are headline events in a digitally connected world.
Yet, concerns persist, particularly from those who struggle to grasp the scope and impact of esports.
For some, it still conjures outdated stereotypes of kids glued to screens.
But like floppy disks and dial-up modems, those notions are obsolete.
Esports today is a dynamic global movement that redefines how young people learn, connect, compete, and dream.
It is more than playing games – it is a launchpad for opportunity.
One of the most inclusive and accessible platforms, esports transcends borders and backgrounds.
Young people from all walks of life, whether using mobile phones in rural areas or high-end rigs in city centres, can participate and excel.
Rather than isolating youths, gaming connects them.
During the pandemic, it became a social lifeline – keeping families close, providing joy, and fostering belonging when it was needed most.
The esports ecosystem is expansive.
Top-tier players compete in global titles like 'League of Legends', 'Mobile Legends: Bang Bang', and 'Rocket League'.
Behind the scenes are the strategists, production crew members, marketers, and designers working collaboratively.
It is where technical expertise meets creativity, and where passion finds purpose.
In Sarawak, esports is gaining ground thanks to the efforts of the Sarawak Esports Association, led by Afiq Fadhli Narawi.
Though new to the international stage, Sarawak has set its sights high – aiming to lead the esports scene in Southeast Asia.
This ambitious vision was outlined by Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, at the Sarawak Esports Expo last December.
The goal is achievable.
Sarawak has already produced international champions, including Nadrah Saufi of Sibu, a member of the Malaysian Grills Gaming esports team that won gold at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
On the global stage, events like the Pan American Esports Championships, held alongside the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, showcased the scale and excitement of esports.
Over 120 athletes from 25 countries competed in titles like Dota 2 and eFootball 2024, drawing 40,000 fans to the National Stadium Park and millions more online.
An additional 30,000 visitors engaged with the surrounding GEFestival, highlighting the cultural and economic impact of such events.
Even International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach made a special appearance – an acknowledgment of esports' growing significance.
The Global Esports Federation's annual Global Esports Games furthers this momentum, uniting athletes from over 100 countries – not just to compete, but to share stories, cultures, and experiences.
Esports is not only about competition. It is a platform for innovation, creativity, and well-being.
At Unesco's 'Fit For Life Day' during the Pan American Esports Championships, over 400 students joined in celebrating wellness, inclusion and community – joined by Chilean volleyball stars Marco Alfonso Grimalt Krough and Esteban Grimalt Fuster.
Their message: physical and digital lives can – and should – complement one another.
Esports events are economic powerhouses, attracting tourism and global attention while influencing conversations around digital literacy, innovation, wellness, and education.
They help shape what the 'future of youths' looks like.
Esports will not replace traditional sports – it is expanding the field of play.
It gives young people new ways to connect, grow, and thrive on their own terms.
So let's move beyond the myths and outdated assumptions.
The next time someone says esports is 'just kids playing games,' tell them it is 'the young people building future'.
And that they are doing it, together – one game at a time.