Game on: Esports arrive... - Financial Unions

The Olympic Games are the world's leading sports event. Every four years, they give athletes at the top of their field an opportunity to showcase what they've got. The games also give countries the opportunity to show their love and support for competitors.

And as Team Ireland continues to inspire us in Paris, plans for a new Olympic program next year could bring more opportunities to raise the tricolour above the podium. But these games come with a twist.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a 12-year partnership with Saudi Arabia to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games. That's right. Competitive gaming is becoming a staple part of the Olympic program.

With hosts Saudi Arabia issuing an open invitation for countries to compete, can Ireland seize this new opportunity for Olympic glory? Are our athletes playing on a level playing field? And could you be a future Olympian in the making?

Irish esports and the 'path to pro'

Esports has become an unstoppable, global phenomenon. Across a huge variety of genres, games attract millions of spectators from across the world. Events easily fill the biggest stadiums for consecutive days. Competitions promise exciting storylines, dramatic rivalries, and shock upsets as any other 'traditional' sport can deliver.

Kurt Pittman is the founder and CEO of Dublin esports organisation Nativz Gaming. Working with New Zealand Rugby League, Fulham FC, Shamrock Rovers, and Shelbourne FC, he has a unique perspective on the crossover between the physical and the virtual state of sports.

"Comparing sports and esports from an athlete perspective isn't as far-fetched as some may think," Kurt says.

"Esports teams need to analyse opponents' team selections and game plans. Tasks are undertaken by coaches and analysts. Players are challenged with decision-making under pressure. In team situations, they have to trust their teammates. Personally, their hand speed and hand-eye coordination are exceptional, and stamina to perform under pressure is essential."

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At the highest level, esports clubs will have all the resources and support traditional clubs would have. This includes access to nutritionists, sports psychologists, physiotherapists, and more. They are considered elite athletes in every sense.

However, navigating the industry can be difficult, especially for newcomers, as Kurt says that the pathways in esports "aren't clear." Early involvement in the scene can rely on the passion and dedication of communities to attract attention.

But Nativz Gaming hopes to change this. Two initiatives, including the growing Irish Esports Collegiate series and a brand new talent academy, aim to nurture talent and help players recognise a clear 'path to pro'.

"Historically, collegiate esports has sat on the periphery of the student experience," Kurt says. "The relationship has traditionally been between the organisers and the computer science and engineering societies, with only a few dedicated esports societies. Esports clubs haven't emerged yet."

"One of our objectives is to bring esports into the mainstream of student life, building connections with administrators and educators", he adds.

Already, institutions have put infrastructure in place to support esports development. Kurt notes examples like Queen's University Belfast and SETU, which have launched Gaming Lounges on campus. Others, like Belfast Met, have launched esports degrees, and TU Dublin's Esports Society is working to host collegiate challenges on campus.

As the student scene grows, visibility improves, and the future academy positions itself as a support system for athletes, it's an exciting time for the young competitors. But with the recent announcement of the Esports Olympics in Saudi Arabia, can this have an even bigger effect on the Irish scene in Ireland?

For Kurt, the decision further validates the industry and will help it become a part of the mainstream conversation. In turn, esports can become more commercially sustainable. But it's not without its concerns.

"We've talked about the primary challenge for the Olympics being their choice of game titles to feature. As it stands, games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Call of Duty and the like will struggle to make the cut due to their violent nature," he says.

"It will be interesting to see if games like League of Legends will be given a shot given the fantasy style of the content, even though to win, you need to kill the opposition."

"The fact that the Olympic Committee has partnered with Saudi Arabia will be seen as controversial by some. Like it or not, the Saudis have seen the opportunity esports offers to embrace the younger generation and are investing in it. Their investment in esports follows their sizable investments into golf, boxing and football, so it's not alone."

For the future, Kurt stresses the need for a comprehensive national strategy plan that blends the best of sports development and high performance with the digital innovation of esports. Recognising the industry within the broader sporting context, similar to countries like Sweden, is also key to raising its profile.

"With all of that said, as long as we continue to help ourselves by building awareness of esports, the positive impact it can have, then this type of support will have put Ireland in a unique position as an esports leader," he says.

Representing Ireland on the global esports stage

While the announcement of the Olympic Esports Games event may seem out of the blue for some, it may surprise some to know Irish players have already been competing on an international level for some time.

Ireland Esports is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote esports across all 32 counties, help identify talent, and provide pathways for national and international representation.

"Esports continues to be the fastest-growing spectator sport on the planet, providing an appealing form of entertainment to an incredibly diverse audience," says Michael Smyth, Vice President and Team Manager of Ireland Esports.

"The appeal of esports is multifaceted, drawing interest from diverse segments of the population. One major attraction is the vast array of games available, which cater to various interests and skill levels," he says.

Since 2021, the organisation has sent teams to participate in various international tournaments hosted by the Global Esports Federation and the International Esports Federation. Players have represented Ireland in Istanbul and Romania, as well as the first-ever European Games Esports Championships in Katowice, Poland.

Plans for the future include competing in November's World Esports Championships in Riyadh, as well as building a team for the Global Esports Games in China this coming December. The organisation are also currently working on a National Performance Centre, which will have state-of-the-art facilities where players can practice and compete.

"The esports scene in Ireland is growing steadily, with increasing support from educational institutions and the formation of training programs," Michael says.

"Some colleges, North and South, offer esports courses and modules dedicated to esports, covering topics such as game design, management, and skills strategies and production. This educational support is crucial in developing the skills needed to compete at a high level and in professionalising the industry."

So what does the recent announcement of the Olympic Esports Games mean for the Irish scene going forward?

"This move represents long-awaited recognition and the establishment of a formal structure for competitive gaming", Michael says, but highlights that key aspects such as "the selection of games, tournament formats, and fair play regulations will be crucial to its success".

"Ensuring that the games chosen are representative of the diverse esports landscape and that the competition format is inclusive and transparent will be vital in legitimising esports on this global stage."

With Ireland in mind, Michael says that several initiatives need to be undertaken to support Irish competitors. These include stakeholder support, investment in infrastructure, recognition for talent development, greater media coverage and raising public awareness.

He also notes that several countries worldwide have formally recognised esports as a sport from a legislative perspective. This would be a significant milestone for the industry's growth and scene in Ireland.

"Collaborative efforts between educational institutions, esports organisations, and the private sector can create a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures players from a young age. Scholarships and sponsorships can further incentivise participation and development."

"By addressing these areas, Ireland can enhance its competitive edge and aspire to achieve success on the international esports stage," he adds.

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Game on: Esports arrives at the Olympic Games